Severe thunderstorm and possible tornado warnings issued for Auckland and Coromandel
MetService issued warnings for severe thunderstorms and possible tornadoes in Franklin and parts of Auckland on Saturday. Funnel-shaped cloud formations were observed in East Auckland as the weather moved towards the northern Firth of Thames. A severe thunderstorm watch has also been issued for the Coromandel Peninsula for Sunday morning.
3 outlets · Former Auckland couple killed in Air India plane crash
Rachna and Rozar Christian were among 242 people on board an Air India Boeing 787 that crashed near Ahmedabad. Investigators have recovered a black box from the wreckage to help determine the cause of the accident.
3 outlets · Mother avoids jail for relationship with friend's 15-year-old son
A mother of three has been sentenced to nine months of home detention for having a relationship with a friend's 15-year-old son. The Christchurch District Court also referred the woman to a sex offender programme following the discovery of her relationship with the teenager.
3 outlets · Two homes damaged in Lyttelton hillside fire
Two houses on Brittan Terrace in Lyttelton were damaged or destroyed during a fire on Friday evening. Fire and Emergency NZ responded to the blaze, which spread between neighbouring properties. Residents reported that neighbours helped protect nearby homes and rescued a dog during the incident.
3 outlets · Chiefs advance to Super Rugby Pacific final after defeating Brumbies
The Chiefs secured a 37-17 semi-final victory over the ACT Brumbies at FMG Stadium Waikato. Damian McKenzie contributed 22 points through penalties and conversions to help secure the win. The Chiefs will face the Crusaders in next weekend's final in Christchurch.
2 outlets · Bird rehabilitation founder to keep security licence despite assault convictions
Craig Shepherd, the founder of the Wellington Bird Rehabilitation Trust, will retain his security licence. This follows his 2023 guilty pleas to four assault charges involving three women, including two employees of the trust.
2 outlets · One person dead after single-vehicle crash in Dargaville
A person died at the scene following a single-vehicle crash on Jervois Street in Dargaville on Saturday evening. Police believe a suspected medical event caused the accident. Emergency services have completed a scene examination and the road has since reopened.
2 outlets · Two people injured after vehicle crashes down bank near Paeroa
Two people, including one person in critical condition, were injured after a vehicle crashed down a bank in Tirohia on Saturday. Emergency services, including two helicopters, responded to the incident at the intersection of State Highway 26 and Paeroa-Tahuna Road around 5pm.
2 outlets · Wellington sports centre evacuated due to mysterious odour
The Ākau Tangi Sports Centre in Wellington was evacuated and all games were cancelled on Saturday afternoon following reports of a slight odour. Fire crews investigated the building, which reopened to the public at 4pm. The cause of the odour remains unknown.
2 outlets · Union considers legal action over cuts to resource teaching roles
The NZEI union is considering legal action following the government's decision to defund 174 full-time literacy and Māori resource teaching roles. Education Minister Erica Stanford has stated the current system is inequitable, noting that 349 structured literacy roles have been funded as part of Budget 2025.
2 outlets · Mayor and candidates defend Napier City Council staff Christmas breakfast cost
Napier City Council spent nearly $30,000 on a staff Christmas breakfast and morning tea. Mayor Kirsten Wise and mayoral candidates are defending the expenditure, stating it aligns with internal staff recognition policies.
3 outlets · Scientists fear declining numbers of native moths and butterflies
Lepidopterists are concerned that New Zealand's moth and butterfly populations are decreasing. These species play a vital role in pollinating local flowers and grasses.
2 outlets · Puanga and Matariki celebrations to mark the Māori New Year
The Māori New Year has begun as the Matariki star cluster becomes visible. This year's theme, Matariki mā Puanga, holds particular significance for the Whanganui and Ruapehu regions. For Kāi Tahu, following the signs of the rising cluster has been a generational practice.
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