Aratere ferry passengers stuck overnight after propulsion issue
Passengers on the Aratere ferry were stuck on board for several hours overnight after the vessel experienced a propulsion drive issue while sailing from Picton to Wellington. The electrical fault was resolved around 1am, allowing the ferry to resume its trip.
+48 outlets · Two homes evacuated in Lyttelton after landslide damages property
A landslide on Ticehurst Road damaged at least one home in Lyttelton on Thursday night. Two properties have been evacuated as a result of the slip. Geotechnical engineers are working with emergency services to assess the situation.
4 outlets · Nicola Willis criticises Reserve Bank over Adrian Orr resignation handling
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has criticised the Reserve Bank for its communication regarding former governor Adrian Orr's sudden resignation in March. Released documents reveal Orr resigned due to a funding dispute with the bank's board and the Government. Willis told the Reserve Bank chairman the organisation should have been more transparent.
+15 outlets · Northland landlord ordered to pay $5900 for renting uninhabitable property
A Northland landlord has agreed to pay $5900 in exemplary damages after admitting he rented an unfit property to his sister-in-law. The dwelling was described as uninhabitable, featuring holes in the walls and ceiling, mould, and a lack of underfloor insulation.
4 outlets · Heavy rain and thunderstorms expected across much of New Zealand
MetService has issued a heavy rain watch for North Otago as a slow-moving front brings persistent downpours. Much of the country faces heavy rain, with a risk of thunderstorms and hail. Additionally, road snowfall warnings are in place for parts of the South Island.
4 outlets · Soldier sentenced for filming woman during sex without consent
Corporal Manu Anthony Smith has been sentenced to two months in a military prison following a court martial at Burnham Military Camp. The 41-year-old soldier filmed his former girlfriend during sex in 2020. He was also ordered to pay $2,000 in compensation to the woman.
4 outlets · TAIC calls for stricter drone rules after Auckland Airport near-miss
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission is seeking tighter drone registration rules and standards. This follows an investigation into a near-collision between an Air New Zealand flight and what was likely a drone at 2,000 feet in April 2024.
4 outlets · Missing New Plymouth woman has been found safe
A woman named Jan, who had been missing since Tuesday, has been located and is safe. Police confirmed she was found on Friday morning following a search involving volunteers and Land Search and Rescue around Lake Mangamahoe.
3 outlets · Nelson man jailed for 20 months after detaining meter reader
Paul Hogarty, a man in his 70s, has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for kidnapping a power meter reader. The incident occurred at a rural property near Nelson in June 2023. The victim, a woman in her 60s, was left terrified by the ordeal.
4 outlets · Erin Patterson completes eight days of testimony in murder trial
Erin Patterson has finished giving evidence in Morwell regarding allegations that she murdered three lunch guests. During cross-examination, she denied prosecution claims that she deliberately sourced death cap mushrooms or performed factory resets on her mobile phones to deceive police.
3 outlets · Manurewa High School closes early due to staff illness
Manurewa High School in South Auckland closed at 2pm on Thursday. The school cited ongoing staff absences and a lack of available relievers as reasons for being unable to cover all classes. All students were sent home as a result.
3 outlets · Central Wellington roads closed after Kāinga Ora apartment fire
Two streets in central Wellington were closed on Thursday afternoon following a second alarm fire at a Kāinga Ora apartment building. One person was taken to an ambulance after being located on the second floor of the building at the corner of Church and Boulcott Streets.
3 outlets · Auckland woman charged for allegedly providing illegal personal loans
Ilaisaane Malupo, trading as Nane Easy Loan Finance Services NZ, faces criminal charges in the Auckland District Court. The Commerce Commission alleges she provided unregistered and uncertified loans to members of the Tongan community in South Auckland from March 2024.
3 outlets · Labour overtakes National in latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia poll
The Labour Party has surpassed National in the most recent Taxpayers’ Union-Curia poll. While Labour is now the most supported party, it would still struggle to form a government. The survey also indicates that the economy has replaced the cost of living as the primary concern for voters.
3 outlets · Three people charged after alleged Pukekohe jewellery store robbery
Three people, aged 15, 17 and 20, are due in court following an alleged aggravated robbery at a Michael Hill Jewellers in Pukekohe last Friday. They have been charged with aggravated robbery and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle after a group allegedly entered the King Street store.
3 outlets · Trump administration reviewing AUKUS submarine pact with Australia and UK
The US administration has launched a review of the AUKUS security pact to align it with the America First agenda. Defence Minister Judith Collins stated there is no reason for New Zealand to comment on the review, noting that New Zealand was never part of the first pillar.
3 outlets · Eleven sunscreens sold in New Zealand failed to meet SPF claims
An Australian study by Choice found that 16 out of 20 tested sunscreens, including several sold in New Zealand, did not meet their labelled SPF ratings. One product marked as SPF50+ measured only SPF 4. Consumer NZ has called for more regular and transparent testing of these products.
3 outlets · Unusual items left behind in Ubers across New Zealand
Uber's annual Lost and Found Index reveals various items forgotten by passengers over the past year. While phones and wallets are most common, New Zealanders have also left behind items such as a Christmas ham, a Crusaders jersey, and a single tooth denture.
3 outlets · Fund manager warns of social media hacks to falsely access KiwiSaver
A fund manager has raised concerns over social media videos providing tips on how to falsely claim KiwiSaver hardship withdrawals. These videos have appeared following a year in which a record number of hardship withdrawals were made from the retirement fund.
3 outlets · Kent Street to become official State Highway 1 through Picton
Waka Kotahi has announced that Kent Street will officially become State Highway 1. The route, which has functioned as a de facto highway during ferry terminal works since 2023, will bypass central Picton and the Nelson Square roundabout. Some local residents expressed surprise at the decision.
+15 outlets · Calls for more rural psychologists to support farmer mental health
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford has called for more psychologists in rural areas to address mental health issues. Despite high meat and dairy prices, suicide statistics remain disproportionately high in rural communities.
2 outlets · State Highway 3 closed in Taranaki after large mudslide
A significant mudslide has blocked State Highway 3 south of Awakau Road at Awakino in Taranaki. NZTA says the highway will remain closed overnight, and motorists are advised to use State Highway 1 as an alternative route.
2 outlets · Four vehicles involved in State Highway 1 crash in Wellington
A crash involving four vehicles occurred on the northbound section of State Highway 1 in Ngauranga around 5pm on Thursday. Dashcam footage shows an orange ute entering the highway from an off-ramp and colliding with a white sedan. The incident blocked the right-hand lane and caused traffic delays.
2 outlets · Pharmac explores extending free meningococcal B vaccination programme
Pharmac is investigating ways to extend the free meningococcal B vaccine programme for children under one year old. The current programme is scheduled to end on 31 August, while an estimated 100,000 eligible pre-schoolers remain unprotected.
2 outlets · Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park to host Everest biopic filming
The Department of Conservation has approved filming at Malte Brun Pass within Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. The movie will depict Sherpa Tenzing Norgay's historic first ascent of Mount Everest alongside Sir Edmund Hillary.
2 outlets · Experts raise concerns over Mark Lundy's parole conditions
Experts are concerned that parole conditions banning Mark Lundy from social media and media interviews infringe on freedom of speech. The Parole Board states that Lundy agreed to these restrictions following his release from prison last month.
+15 outlets · Westpac NZ reduces fixed home loan interest rates
Westpac NZ is lowering its six-month and one-year fixed home loan rates starting this Friday. This follows recent rate cuts by Kiwibank, ANZ, and ASB after the official cash rate fell to 3.25%.
2 outlets · Auckland and New Plymouth face thunderstorms and cold weekend temperatures
MetService has warned that Auckland and New Plymouth should prepare for heavy rain, hail, and fierce thunderstorms. These weather conditions are expected to precede a period of colder temperatures over the upcoming weekend.
2 outlets · Former council chair disputes claims that smoke photos show fog
Rex Graham, the former Hawke’s Bay Regional Council chairman, has criticised suggestions that his photographs of orchard burnoff smoke are actually fog. Graham aims to prevent orchardists from covering the Heretaunga Plains in smoke during the winter months.
2 outlets · National Library to dispose of 500,000 books from overseas collection
The National Library is beginning to pulp 500,000 books from its foreign collection to create space for New Zealand items. While the library states most books have not been borrowed in decades, a large second-hand book dealer is attempting to save the collection.
2 outlets · Kayakers navigate rapids on swollen Water of Leith in Dunedin
Following several days of persistent rainfall, the Water of Leith surged through the University of Otago campus. A group of kayakers took advantage of the rising water levels to paddle through the makeshift rapids on Thursday.
2 outlets · Labour overtakes National in latest Taxpayers' Union-Curia poll
The latest Taxpayers' Union-Curia poll shows Labour has moved ahead of National in popularity. While Labour would become the largest party in Parliament, the current coalition would retain power. Both Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins experienced declines in their leadership numbers.
2 outlets · Man found unfit to stand trial for scientist's murder
A man accused of fatally stabbing entomologist Stephen Thorpe outside a Blockhouse Bay tennis club has been found unfit to stand trial. The defendant, whose identity is suppressed, remains at the Mason Clinic. Justice Graham Lang ruled that the accused caused the scientist's death in August 2024.
2 outlets · RunIt competition final moved from Auckland to Dubai
The final of the controversial RunIt competition has been relocated from Auckland to the United Arab Emirates. Organisers announced the move following calls to ban the activity and criticism from brain health experts. The winner in Dubai will receive a $200,000 prize.
2 outlets · Prison population projected to increase by 36 percent over next decade
The Ministry of Justice forecasts that New Zealand's prison population will rise by 36 percent by June 2035. This increase, representing approximately 4,000 people, is expected due to more offenders receiving longer sentences under government sentence reforms.
2 outlets · Trump says US-China trade truce deal is done
US President Donald Trump announced a framework agreement with China following high-level talks in London. The deal covers tariff rates, removes Chinese export restrictions on rare earth minerals, and allows Chinese students access to American universities. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon welcomed the news but noted the importance of seeing the finer details.
2 outlets · Truck hits Tamahere overbridge causing traffic delays
A truck struck an overbridge on Airport Road in Tamahere around 10.15am on Thursday. The incident caused southbound lane closures near the Tauwhare Road roundabout, resulting in further traffic delays for motorists already travelling toward Fieldays.
2 outlets · Kāinga Ora to install wool carpets in new state homes
Kāinga Ora will begin installing woollen carpets in new state homes from July. This follows a government directive for agencies to prefer wool for building construction and refurbishment.
2 outlets · Waiouru Defence Force housing project fails to break ground
The New Zealand Defence Force's project to build 50 houses at Waiouru has stalled two years after receiving funding. Sources indicate that construction has not started because a deal with Ngāti Rangi reportedly fell through at the last minute.
2 outlets · Farmers may adopt emission-cutting technologies as methane science advances
The Prime Minister's chief science adviser believes farmers will eventually adopt technologies designed to reduce emissions. While some farming groups currently oppose developments such as methane vaccines, John Roche suggests producers need to see these products in action.
2 outlets · Tourism New Zealand launches new global brand campaign
Tourism New Zealand has introduced a new global campaign inviting travellers to find their own 100% Pure New Zealand. This marks the first major brand campaign since 2022. The initiative uses images of iconic landscapes and experiences to encourage international visitors to book trips.
2 outlets · Whanganui school programme uses sport and culture to boost engagement
The He Ara Hauora initiative uses mentors to support students across five Whanganui primary schools. The programme aims to improve child wellbeing and classroom engagement through sport and cultural connections. While supporters say the model is working, more funding is required to sustain the project.
2 outlets · Rotorua Lakes Council hearing paused due to lack of quorum
A Rotorua Lakes Council submission hearing was forced to pause on 16 May after the meeting lost its quorum. The loss of quorum occurred after councillor Trevor Maxwell left and five other members were absent for various reasons.
2 outlets · Marlborough Boys' College faces eligibility claims over Year 14 rugby players
Marlborough Boys' College is facing claims from rivals regarding the eligibility of its first XV rugby team. The school reportedly has five Year 14 students playing in the team this season.
+26 outlets · Three Auckland club rugby players suspended after on-field assault allegation
Three Auckland club rugby players have been suspended following an incident where an opposing player was allegedly coward-punched while on the ground. The victim reportedly suffered a seizure during the incident, and one player has been charged with assault.
2 outlets · Rural Advocacy Hub returns to Fieldays 2025
The Rural Advocacy Hub has returned to the Fieldays event to amplify the concerns of farmers. Spearheaded by Federated Farmers NZ and Fieldays, the initiative follows a highly successful inaugural year.
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