Elderly man dies in Trentham house fire
An elderly man has died after a house on Tararua Street in Trentham caught fire early Tuesday morning. Emergency services arrived to find the property fully ablaze. A fire investigator is expected to attend the scene to examine the incident.
+26 outlets · Mental health patient sentenced to life for Christchurch axe murder
Elliot Cameron, 76, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 10 years for the murder of 83-year-old Frances Phelps. The attack occurred at her Mt Pleasant home last October. Cameron, a Hillmorton Hospital patient, told the High Court he does not recall the event.
+37 outlets · Kayaker found safe after empty kayak discovered on Lake Te Anau
A kayaker has been located safe and well after their red and white kayak was found floating upside down on Lake Te Anau on Tuesday afternoon. Police had previously appealed for information after finding the unattended vessel alongside a paddle, fishing tackle, and a stainless-steel flask.
+26 outlets · Severe thunderstorm watch issued for parts of the upper North Island
MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Taranaki, and the Coromandel Peninsula. The weather system may bring downpours of 25 to 40mm per hour, with the possibility of flash flooding. Auckland commuters also experienced significant motorway delays due to the storms and related incidents.
4 outlets · Auckland residential property valuations drop by an average of 9 per cent
Auckland Council has released new rating valuations based on market trends from May 2024. While regional residential values fell by approximately 9%, properties near the city centre saw declines of about 14%. Ratepayers can check valuations online now, with formal notices being sent from Friday.
4 outlets · Private investigators search for missing US aviation student in Palmerston North
William Henry Johnson, a 24-year-old Massey University student from the US, has been missing for at least nine days. He was last seen by friends in the Takaro area between 30 May and 1 June. Private investigators are currently searching for the aviation student.
+15 outlets · Man charged with murder over Northland death
A 73-year-old man has been charged with the murder of 77-year-old Daniel Hepehi, also known as Danny Whiston. Hepehi was found with critical injuries at a Waikerikeri Road property in Horeke on 22 May. The accused is due to appear in Kaikohe District Court on Tuesday.
4 outlets · Government warned of increasing corruption and insider threats
A Ministerial Advisory Group has warned that corruption and insider threats from organised crime are growing in New Zealand. The report states the country lacks a national anti-corruption strategy and recommends law changes to prosecute bribery. Police Commissioner Richard Chambers described the nation as being complacent regarding these risks.
4 outlets · Auckland residential property valuations decrease by average of 9 per cent
Auckland Council has released new capital valuations for approximately 630,000 homes, showing an average residential decrease of 9 per cent. These values are based on market trends from May 2024. While valuations have dropped, property experts note that rates are expected to increase by an average of 5.8 per cent.
4 outlets · Two charges dropped against soldier accused of filming sexual videos
A military panel has dismissed two charges against Corporal Manu Smith, a Christchurch soldier. He was facing a Court Martial on three counts of making intimate visual recordings without consent. The judge stated the charges were dropped for legal reasons.
+26 outlets · Failed asylum seeker sentenced to eight years for sex crimes
Amir Mohebbi has been sentenced in the Auckland District Court following his conviction on five charges, including rape and threatening to kill. Mohebbi, whose asylum claims have been rejected for nearly three decades, committed the offences against an intoxicated woman while on parole.
3 outlets · Hamilton shoplifter jailed for 21 months after repeated offending
Bianca Thomas has been sentenced to 21 months in prison for 42 charges, including theft of groceries, clothing and petrol. The 23-year-old is estimated to have stolen $10,000 worth of goods over six months. A judge stated that imprisonment was the only way to stop her chronic offending.
3 outlets · Dubstep musician Oliver Hayes found dead in Wellington
Oliver Hayes, a 40-year-old dubstep musician known as Olie Bassweight, was found dead at a property on Mansfield Street in Newtown on Saturday night. Police were called to the scene around 7.15pm and are currently conducting a post-mortem to investigate the unexplained death.
4 outlets · Man pleads guilty to murder of baby in Hamilton
A man appeared in the Hamilton High Court on Tuesday, admitting to the murder of a baby and two counts of attempted murder. The charges relate to a New Year's Day attack in Hamilton that also targeted a woman and another child.
4 outlets · Nelson councillor condemns AI-generated video of him using a firearm
Campbell Rollo has condemned a deepfake video posted to a Nelson community Facebook page that depicted him shooting a military-style firearm. The councillor, who says he has never handled a gun, has warned voters to check for genuine content. The video was subsequently removed from social media.
3 outlets · Police seek help to identify suspect in Papakura stabbing
Police have released images of a suspect following an unprovoked stabbing in Papakura on 16 May. A man in his 70s was walking alone on Settlement Road near Papakura Intermediate School when he was approached and stabbed. Authorities are now appealing for public information to assist with the investigation.
3 outlets · Dunedin mother pleads not guilty to charge involving son's death
Sangita Prasad, 47, appeared in Dunedin District Court following a single-vehicle crash in Owaka Valley on 23 March. She is charged with careless driving causing death while under the influence of drink or drugs. Prasad has pleaded not guilty to the charge.
+15 outlets · Motu Move national ticketing programme delayed for the third time
The rollout of the $1.3 billion Motu Move national public transport ticketing system has been delayed again. Transport officials are expected to announce a new rollout plan in August. The project aims to replace various transit cards with a single national card for buses, trains, and ferries.
3 outlets · Erin Patterson disputes witness testimony in mushroom murder trial
Accused triple-murderer Erin Patterson has disputed evidence from several witnesses, including her estranged husband and a lunch survivor, during her trial. Prosecutors have also questioned her regarding the origin of mushrooms used in a beef Wellington and whether she lied about feeding leftovers to her children.
2 outlets · Kaipara mayor Craig Jepson will not seek re-election
Kaipara Mayor Craig Jepson has confirmed he will not stand for a second term in the October local elections. The 67-year-old Mangawhai resident is instead backing Deputy Mayor Jonathan Larsen for the position.
3 outlets · Magic defeat Stars in Auckland to secure second win in a week
The Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic defeated the Go Media Stars 71-54 in Auckland on Monday night. This result follows a previous victory by the Magic over the Stars last week. The Stars currently sit at the bottom of the ANZ Premiership ladder.
2 outlets · Bay of Plenty man becomes first Kiwi to win Alone
Shay Williamson has become the first New Zealander to win the survival show Alone. The Bay of Plenty possum-trapper survived 76 days in the Tasmanian wilderness, claiming a prize of A$250,000.
3 outlets · New Plymouth District Council considers renaming Manutahi Park
The New Plymouth District Council is considering adding a British military settler's name to a planned green space in Lepperton. This follows concerns that the name Manutahi Park might be confused with another Manutahi located an hour's drive away.
4 outlets · Tauranga council seeks feedback on Baypark speedway lease extension
The Tauranga council is asking for public input regarding a proposal to extend the Baypark Speedway lease until 2039. The speedway has operated at the Mount Maunganui stadium since 2001 and currently holds a lease until 2029.
4 outlets · Minister intends to uphold promise to unlock KiwiSaver for farm purchases
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says he intends to fulfil a pre-election promise to allow KiwiSaver to be used for buying farms, livestock, or herds. Currently, the scheme is primarily used for first-home purchases.
2 outlets · International scientists meet in Wānaka to improve earthquake forecasting
Researchers from New Zealand, Australia, Japan and China have gathered in Wānaka to address challenges in seismology. The group aims to improve how the size of impending earthquakes is estimated by combining statistical models with seismic data and faultline research.
2 outlets · Abuse survivor told to remove gypsy wagon tribute to grandson
Robyn Dandy, a survivor of abuse at Lake Alice, has been ordered by Kāinga Ora to remove a gypsy wagon from her property. Dandy purchased the wagon with compensation to honour a promise made to her late grandson, Kahn Petch.
2 outlets · One person dies in Northcote single-vehicle crash
A person died at the scene after their vehicle collided with a power pole in Northcote, Auckland, on Tuesday afternoon. The crash occurred shortly after 4.30pm at the corner of Onewa Road and Seaview Avenue. Police are attending the incident.
2 outlets · Police warn of scammers impersonating officers to steal personal details
New Zealand police are warning the public about cold callers posing as officers. These scammers use various investigation stories to attempt to extract personal information from victims.
2 outlets · Australian man dies after winning $22 million Lotto in New Zealand
Josh Winslet, an Australian man, has died after winning $22 million in Lotto Powerball while living in New Zealand. Following his win, he reportedly became involved in drug-related crime.
2 outlets · Police seek information after aggravated robbery in Christchurch
Three hooded and masked males threatened a staff member during an aggravated robbery at an Oxford Terrace store on Wednesday, 4 June. The suspects stole several items and fled the scene in a stolen vehicle. Police are now appealing for public assistance to identify those involved.
2 outlets · Third traffic chicane removed by vandals in Tamahere
Vandals have anonymously removed a third traffic-calming chicane from Birchwood Lane near Hamilton. Residents had previously expressed concerns that the Waikato District Council installations were dangerous. The council reportedly installed the chicanes without consulting the local community.
+15 outlets · Awanui Labs scraps plan to send Auckland blood tests to Wellington
Awanui Labs has decided not to proceed with a proposal to permanently send blood samples from its Auckland community laboratory to Wellington for processing. The company had previously been couriering samples due to machinery breakdowns. A worker warned the immunology service is at a breaking point due to staff resignations and low morale.
2 outlets · QEII National Trust to reduce new land conservation work
The QEII National Trust is facing a funding shortage and expects to significantly decrease the number of new covenants it protects across the country. From next month, landowners requesting assistance with native land conservation may experience delays due to a shrinking budget.
2 outlets · Three arrested after Nelson police raids recover drugs and weapons
Three people have been arrested following investigations into burglaries and vehicle thefts in the Richmond and Stoke areas. During several recent search warrants, Nelson Police recovered drugs, two firearms, and stolen goods. Police credited public reports for assisting with the arrests.
3 outlets · Man identified following fatal single-vehicle crash in Waipā District
Police have named Shaun Timothy Rich, 30, who died in a crash on Waikoha Road in Karamu. The incident occurred on 30 May when his vehicle left the road and rolled into a paddock. Rich was from Te Pahu.
2 outlets · Council must fix Shotover wastewater treatment plant, court rules
The Environment Court has ordered the Queenstown Lakes District Council to address issues at the Shotover wastewater treatment plant. The Otago Regional Council welcomed the decision, stating it provides clear direction on the necessary repairs for the facility.
2 outlets · Impatient drivers risking emergency worker safety at accident scenes
Fire and Emergency New Zealand is warning of dangerous driver behaviour at accident sites. Otago group manager Bobby Lamont reported a vehicle recently sped through a scene near Clyde, showing no regard for personnel. Officials say such near misses are occurring across the country, particularly in the Te Kei region.
2 outlets · Auckland circus theatre company loses equipment in Penrose warehouse fire
The Dust Palace circus theatre company has suffered an immense loss after a warehouse fire in Penrose over the weekend. The blaze destroyed the company's aerial equipment, props, and bespoke costumes. Chairman Grae Burton described the destruction of the essential theatre gear as devastating.
2 outlets · Auckland rates to rise despite average property valuations falling
Auckland property valuations have dropped by an average of 9 per cent, though Aotea Great Barrier Island saw a 38 per cent increase. Despite these lower values, the council is implementing a 5.8 per cent rates increase. Mayor Wayne Brown stated this increase is the lowest among major New Zealand cities.
2 outlets · Ngani Laumape signs two-year deal with Moana Pasifika
Former All Blacks midfielder Ngani Laumape has signed a two-year contract with Moana Pasifika. The 32-year-old joins the Auckland-based Super Rugby Pacific team from Japan starting next season. This signing follows the departure of 15 players from the franchise.
2 outlets · ACT leader introduces Regulatory Standards Bill to change legislation drafting
ACT Party leader David Seymour has introduced the Regulatory Standards Bill, which proposes significant changes to how New Zealand legislation is drafted. The bill has faced considerable criticism as it progresses through Parliament. The public has been invited to provide feedback on the proposal this month.
3 outlets · Regional data shows varying economic performance across New Zealand
Recent data reveals that economic downturns have affected New Zealand regions differently. Wellington remains strong in income and housing affordability, while the top of the South Island reports the best credit scores.
4 outlets · Parents appeal for information following death of Kaea Karauria
Ren Karauria and Kym Baker are seeking help to find information regarding the death of their son, Kaea Karauria. The teenager was fatally stabbed at a birthday party in Hawke's Bay just weeks before his 16th birthday.
2 outlets · Scientists respond to Prime Minister calling them worthies
Oxford University professor Paul Behrens has expressed concern after Prime Minister Christopher Luxon dismissed climate scientists as "worthies". The comments followed scientists raising objections to government plans to reduce New Zealand's methane emissions targets.
2 outlets · Wellington Les Mills gym linked to Michael Forbes photo allegations
Women members at a Wellington Les Mills gym have reported feeling anxious after a sex worker revealed that former government press secretary Michael Forbes took photos of women exercising. The gym stated that member safety is a priority, while the sex worker described the gym's response as insufficient.
3 outlets · Fog causes flight cancellations and delays at Auckland Airport
Thick fog at Auckland Airport resulted in nine domestic flight cancellations and 23 delays on Tuesday morning. Fog restrictions were lifted at 7.14am as storms moved towards the upper North Island.
3 outlets · Elderly man fears police are framing him for West Coast murder
An 84-year-old pensioner believes he is being treated as the prime suspect in the 1998 killing of David Robinson. Robinson's body was discovered on a West Coast beach near Ross. The man claims he is being framed for the decades-old cold case.
4 outlets · Oil spill on State Highway 6 in Westland District
Fire and Emergency crews are cleaning up approximately 1000 litres of oil spilled on State Highway 6. The spill occurred at the intersection of Serpentine Road and was reportedly caused by a truck. The incident was reported early on Sunday morning.
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