National and Labour lose support in latest political poll
The latest 1News Verian poll shows both National and Labour have lost support. Meanwhile, New Zealand First, the Greens, and Te Pāti Māori have seen increases. If an election were held today, the National, ACT, and New Zealand First bloc would have enough seats to form a coalition.
+26 outlets · Chris Bishop refuses to apologise for music awards comments
Minister Chris Bishop will not apologise after calling a Stan Walker performance "crap" at the Aotearoa Music Awards in Auckland. Bishop stated he was frustrated by the politicisation of the performance, which included Toitū Te Tiriti banners. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon responded that Bishop should have kept his thoughts to himself.
+26 outlets · Man charged with murder after Tokoroa man dies in hospital
A 21-year-old man has appeared in Rotorua District Court charged with the murder of Rapana Heretini. Mr Heretini died in hospital following an incident at an Abercorn Place property in Tokoroa on 27 May. The accused has been granted interim name suppression and the case will be heard in the High Court.
+15 outlets · Wellington police report spike in card skimming incidents
Wellington police have received approximately 12 reports of card skimming in the past week. These incidents have cost local residents thousands of dollars, with some victims losing more than $5,000. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant following the increase in offending.
4 outlets · Government launches road cone hotline as WorkSafe undergoes reforms
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden has launched a hotline for reporting excessive road cone use. This initiative is part of a broader WorkSafe overhaul intended to shift the agency from strict enforcement toward a more collaborative and supportive role for businesses and individuals.
+26 outlets · Court reserves decision on media injunction regarding Jevon McSkimming investigation
A High Court judge has reserved her decision on whether the media can report the nature of allegedly objectionable material found on former deputy police commissioner Jevon McSkimming's work computer. McSkimming resigned last month during an investigation by the Independent Police Conduct Authority.
+26 outlets · Steven Joyce appointed as new NZME chairperson
Former National Party minister Steven Joyce has been named the new chair of NZME, replacing Barbara Chapman. Shareholders also approved a compromise deal that includes Jim Grenon as a new director. The appointments follow a corporate battle for control of the media company.
3 outlets · Auckland man sentenced for issuing 677 fraudulent warrants of fitness
Imroz Taki, owner of Newmarket Automotive Repairs, has been sentenced to 10 months and two weeks of home detention. Between December 2022 and June 2023, Taki used a former employee's appointment to issue 677 unauthorised warrants of fitness. He earned more than $40,000 by charging customers $60 per certificate.
4 outlets · Petition to ban public fireworks sales presented to Parliament
The Pawprint Petition, which seeks to ban the public sale of fireworks, was presented to Parliament and received by National MP Greg Fleming. The petition includes over 90,000 human signatures and nearly 80,000 symbolic pet marks. Supporters argue the ban is necessary to protect animals from the effects of fireworks.
3 outlets · Woman injured in dog attack at Auckland Botanic Gardens
A woman was treated for puncture wounds after being attacked by an off-leash dog at the Auckland Botanic Gardens on Monday morning. The victim's daughter alleges the dog's owners fled the scene. Auckland Council is investigating the incident and has requested that witnesses provide information.
3 outlets · Young man charged after Kumeū rugby club fields damaged
A 19-year-old man from Hobsonville has been charged with intentional damage and driving offences after a vehicle allegedly tore up the Kumeū Rugby Club fields. Police have impounded the man's recently purchased vehicle. He is expected to appear in Waitākere District Court.
3 outlets · Man faces 18 charges after alleged North Shore crime spree
A 42-year-old man is in custody following his arrest near Takapuna last week. He faces at least 18 charges related to alleged burglaries and thefts targeting businesses and commuters. The alleged spree included the theft of scooters and a defibrillator worth thousands of dollars.
3 outlets · Four players receive first Black Caps central contracts for 2025/26 season
New Zealand Cricket has awarded maiden central contracts to Mitch Hay, Muhammad Abbas, Zak Foulkes, and Adi Ashok. The new contract list for the 2025/26 season sees two veteran spinners miss out on selection.
3 outlets · Waikato share milker fined $40,000 for polluting waterway
Daniel Warren Lund has been convicted in Hamilton District Court for allowing dairy effluent to flow into a tributary of the Puniu River near Te Awamutu. A judge described his actions as highly careless. Lund was ordered to pay a $40,000 fine and complete 140 hours of community work.
3 outlets · Body found next to burnt-out car in Muriwai
Police are investigating after a body was discovered next to a burnt-out vehicle near a Muriwai Beach campground. A witness reported an overpowering smell of fuel and an explosion following sightings of a man pacing near the car on Tuesday morning.
3 outlets · No charges laid in violent death of four-year-old Ashton Cresswell
Four-year-old Ashton Cresswell died from violence and neglect. Despite the circumstances surrounding his death, police have not charged anyone with causing his death.
+15 outlets · Government shifts WorkSafe focus from enforcement to guidance
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden is changing how WorkSafe operates to prioritise advice over punishment. The overhaul aims to address underfunding and a culture of fear. Initial steps include updating over 50 guidance documents and launching a hotline for reporting road cones.
3 outlets · Wellington average asking price rises nearly $95,000 in one year
Wellington's average property asking price has increased by 12.9% over the past year, according to realestate.co.nz data. This rise comes as new listings in the capital fell by 32.1 per cent compared to the same month last year.
3 outlets · Air New Zealand adds new aircraft and new Adelaide service
Air New Zealand has added two Airbus A321neo aircraft to its fleet, providing 70,000 additional annual seats for Pacific and Australian routes. The airline will also introduce a seasonal twice-weekly service between Christchurch and Adelaide starting 27 October. Additionally, larger aircraft will be used on select domestic routes from late June.
2 outlets · Hamilton Airport prepares for return of international flights
Hamilton Airport's refurbished international terminal has been blessed ahead of its first overseas flights since 2012. Jetstar is expected to begin operating three weekly return flights from Sydney starting on 16 June.
2 outlets · Auckland woman upset by $300 menopause consultation fee
An Auckland woman says she feels denied necessary medical care after being charged $300 for a menopause consultation. The fee was requested after she asked her GP about hormone replacement therapy. She was told she would need to pay or book multiple appointments to discuss the treatment.
3 outlets · Lawyer struck off after misusing client funds to escape abuse
A lawyer has been struck off after taking at least $200,000 from clients. She told a disciplinary tribunal that the funds were partly used to escape an abusive relationship in which she feared for her life.
3 outlets · Dunedin man loses Salvation Army flat after threatening neighbours
Quinton Rihari has lost his central Dunedin tenancy after the Salvation Army sought to terminate his lease. The action follows an incident where Rihari allegedly threw chairs at neighbours and released a gas bottle in a shared hallway while making death threats.
3 outlets · Christchurch man killed in Ukraine while rescuing wounded comrades
Shan-Le Kearns, a 26-year-old from Christchurch, was killed in Ukraine at the start of April. He reportedly died after a drone dropped a grenade on him while he was assisting wounded comrades. He is the fourth New Zealander known to have died in the conflict.
3 outlets · Work continues on Wellington Town Hall redevelopment project
The $329 million redevelopment of the Wellington Town Hall is progressing ahead of a scheduled 2027 reopening. The Government has provided an additional $2 million in funding for the National Music Centre currently being constructed in the building's basement. The site has been closed since 2013 due to earthquake concerns.
2 outlets · Woman pleads not guilty to theft after mistaken bank transfer
A 38-year-old West Auckland woman has pleaded not guilty to theft charges following a mistaken $158,000 bank transfer. The funds belonged to an Auckland pensioner, Andrew Che Sit Bong. The woman has been granted interim name suppression.
2 outlets · Scientists warn government that new methane targets jeopardise agreements
More than 25 international climate scientists have written an open letter to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon regarding proposed agriculture methane targets. The scientists warn these plans could jeopardise existing agreements, though the Prime Minister has dismissed their concerns.
2 outlets · New Pint of Order bar opens inside Parliament House
Parliament has opened a new bar called Pint of Order on the ground floor of Parliament House. The space was created by repurposing three previously underutilised and leaking rooms. The project was completed under budget and uses existing furniture and artwork from the precinct.
2 outlets · IT professionals face pressure in New Zealand job market
Information technology workers are experiencing increased difficulty finding employment due to economic uncertainty and the expansion of artificial intelligence. While there are early signs of recovery, employers remain highly selective in their hiring processes.
2 outlets · Whakatāne Mayor warns against Matatā housing growth due to weather risks
Whakatāne Mayor Victor Luca has advised against building more homes in Matatā due to the risk of "rain bombs" and worsening weather. This follows a March event where sediment and debris-laden water overtopped Moore's Bridge, closing State Highway 2 and entering private properties.
2 outlets · Man charged after military-style shotgun found in Auckland vehicle
A 34-year-old man is due in court after police discovered an unloaded military-style shotgun in a guitar case. The weapon, along with cannabis and shotgun shells, was found during a traffic stop on Penrose Road in Mt Wellington early Tuesday morning.
2 outlets · Jacinda Ardern releases memoir and documentary
Former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is returning to the international spotlight with two new projects. Her memoir, A Different Kind of Power, was released on 3 June, followed by a documentary titled Prime Minister on 13 June.
2 outlets · Heavy rain and wind warnings issued for Taranaki and Tongariro
An orange heavy rain warning is in place for Taranaki this Wednesday between 7am and 7pm. Strong winds and heavy rain are also expected in Tongariro National Park, while Whanganui faces a wet week with a cold snap arriving over the weekend.
2 outlets · Magic defeat Stars in Hamilton to keep season alive
The Magic secured their first victory of the season by beating the Stars 72-51 in Hamilton on Monday. This win in round four of the ANZ Premiership keeps the Magic's season alive.
2 outlets · Havelock North residents consider legal action over proposed crematorium
A group of Havelock North residents are considering legal action to prevent a crematorium from being built in the village. Residents find the location distasteful, and lawyers suggest the only option is to overturn 2024 resource consents issued by the Hastings District Council and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.
3 outlets · Heavy rain and strong winds forecast across New Zealand
MetService has issued various weather watches and warnings, including orange heavy rain warnings, as a deep flow moves across the country. The system is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and plunging temperatures from Wednesday into Thursday. Northland is among the regions facing potential impacts from the weather system.
2 outlets · Aviary doors stripped over unpaid $245,000 bill at wildlife centre
BK Engineering has removed the doors from a shore plover aviary at Pūkaha Mt Bruce National Wildlife Centre following an unpaid bill of nearly $245,000. The sanctuary, located on the Tararua and Wairarapa border, has issued an urgent plea for financial assistance to avoid imminent closure.
3 outlets · Man pleads guilty to shooting person with crossbow in Dunedin
Shaun Michael Hartstone appeared in the Dunedin High Court after pleading guilty to shooting a man with a crossbow during a motorbike dispute. The 38cm arrow lodged in the victim's abdomen on 23 April but missed vital organs. The 54-year-old victim was discharged from hospital the same day.
2 outlets · Trade Me to acquire 50 per cent stake in Stuff Digital
Trade Me and Stuff Digital have announced a deal for Trade Me to take a 50 per cent stake in the digital publisher. The transaction, which is expected to close within a few months, will link news with property and automotive listings. The value of the stake has not been disclosed.
+15 outlets · Motorcyclists protest new parking fees in Wellington
A small group of motorcyclists held a sit-in outside the Wellington City Council on Tuesday morning. The protest opposes new parking charges for motorbikes, which include a rate of $1 per hour and a $6 daily cap.
2 outlets · Universities warn STEM funding boost will not increase enrolments
Universities say next year's increased funding for science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects will not drive up student enrolments. Experts suggest the decision to prioritise STEM over other fields results in a net zero change, as a previous emergency funding boost was allowed to lapse.
2 outlets · Ways to reduce household electricity costs
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority has suggested seven methods to help reduce electricity bills. These measures are intended to assist households during the middle months of the year, which are often the most expensive for power consumption.
2 outlets · Wintry weather and falling temperatures forecast for New Zealand
MetService predicts a cold change will bring rain and wind across the country this week. Snow is expected in parts of Canterbury and Southland, while a heavy rain watch has been issued for Fiordland.
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