Teenager faces court after allegedly driving nearly 200km/h on Auckland motorway
An 18-year-old man is facing charges after being detected driving at nearly double the speed limit on Auckland's Southern Motorway on Sunday night. The vehicle was spotted near Mt Wellington around 11pm. The driver's licence has been suspended for 28 days and his vehicle has been impounded.
+15 outlets · Customs seizes 25kg of methamphetamine at Auckland Airport
Customs officers intercepted approximately 25kg of methamphetamine hidden in an unaccompanied backpack at Auckland International Airport. The bag arrived on a flight from San Francisco and was flagged after border partners detected inconsistencies in X-ray images.
4 outlets · Man sentenced for Christchurch pensioner murder had killed his brother previously
Elliot Cameron has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the axe murder of Faye Phelps at her Christchurch home. Records reveal Cameron also killed his brother in 1975 after having part of his brain removed due to a tumour.
+26 outlets · International flights return to Hamilton Airport after 13 years
Jetstar has resumed international services at Hamilton Airport, marking the first trans-Tasman flights since 2012. A flight from Sydney landed at the airport just after 11am on Monday, with the first outbound service to Australia scheduled for midday. The airline is launching four new services connecting New Zealand and Australia.
+26 outlets · Matariki public holiday falls on Friday 20 June
The Matariki public holiday, which celebrates the Māori New Year, takes place this Friday. The holiday first became official in 2022 and serves as a time for gathering and honouring the dead.
4 outlets · Prime Minister Christopher Luxon departs for official visit to China
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is travelling to China this week to meet President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. This marks his first official visit to the country as prime minister. He will also lead a senior business delegation during the trip.
3 outlets · Paramedic loses medical registration following domestic violence convictions
A paramedic has been stripped of his medical licence for at least two years after being convicted of family violence. The man, who has name suppression, bit his partner's nose, pulled her hair and strangled her. He also reportedly attempted to take a police officer's Taser before being restrained.
3 outlets · Auckland's top 100 iconic dishes for 2025 revealed
The 2025 Iconic Auckland Eats list has been released, featuring a record 3,109 public nominations. The top 100 dishes include items such as strawberry lamingtons, peanut butter mousse pie, and crayfish eclairs. This year's list saw a 67% increase in nominations compared to 2024.
3 outlets · Winston Peters to address media regarding Israel and Iran conflict
Foreign Minister Winston Peters is set to speak in Wellington as tensions rise between Israel and Iran. Peters stated that New Zealand was aware of discussions regarding a potential Israeli attack on Iran before it occurred.
3 outlets · Pharmac to fund two brands of menopause patches from December
Pharmac has reversed its previous decision and will fund both Estradot and Estradiol TDP Mylan oestradiol patches starting in December. The change follows public backlash regarding the earlier decision to fund only one brand. Patients will be able to access either brand, subject to availability.
3 outlets · Two people killed after boat capsizes off South Taranaki coast
Two people, including a six-year-old child, died after a boat capsized off Pātea on Sunday morning. Three people were on board the vessel when the incident occurred. A third person was taken to hospital, and nearby boaters helped bring the victims to shore.
3 outlets · Government considers changes to sick leave entitlements
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has indicated the government is not ruling out changes to sick leave. Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says there is no plan to halve entitlements, but officials are considering making leave proportionate to the number of hours worked.
+26 outlets · New regulations banning disposable vapes and advertising take effect
The manufacture, sale, supply and distribution of disposable vapes are prohibited from Tuesday, 17 June. New rules also introduce strict restrictions on how vape retailers can advertise and display products both online and in stores.
4 outlets · High Court to hear challenge over glyphosate reassessment refusal
The Environmental Law Initiative is launching a judicial review in the High Court to challenge the Environmental Protection Authority's 2024 decision. The group is contesting the regulator's refusal to reassess glyphosate and other glyphosate-based substances. The hearing is expected to last two days.
+15 outlets · Three racing greyhounds die within 72 hours
Three racing greyhounds died in a three-day period, including one dog that collapsed at Addington Raceway in Christchurch. An animal rights organisation described the deaths as a damning indictment of the industry, while the industry body defended itself against critics.
4 outlets · Motorists warned of black ice and freezing temperatures in Mackenzie Basin
Waka Kotahi is warning drivers about fog, hoar frost, and black ice on State Highways 8 and 80 in inland Canterbury. Speed limits near Lake Tekapo have been reduced to 50km/h, and authorities say some roads may close if conditions worsen.
2 outlets · Dunedin liquor store urged to reduce operating hours
The medical officer of health delegate has opposed an off-licence renewal for Leith Liquorland in Dunedin's student quarter. Opponents suggest the store should close earlier to help decrease alcohol-fuelled violence, hospital admissions, and broken glass in the area.
2 outlets · Methven resident calls for stricter rules on holiday rentals
A Methven resident is urging the council to implement tighter regulations on short-term holiday rentals. Paul Dixey expressed concerns that Airbnb owners may flout existing rules and overrun residential areas in the Canterbury town.
2 outlets · Plant-based dairy manufacturer Little Island enters liquidation
Little Island Creamery has been placed into liquidation following a special resolution by shareholders on 13 June. The New Zealand-based company produces dairy-free and organic products, including ice cream, milk, and yoghurt.
2 outlets · Christchurch detective investigated over relationship with rape complainant
Detective Luke Fazackerley is under investigation following allegations of an intimate relationship with a woman he met while managing her rape complaint. The Queensland Police Service has withdrawn a job offer to the Christchurch detective while the matter is being looked into.
2 outlets · Ministry of Education to regulate asbestos removal in schools
The Ministry of Education is developing a list of accredited contractors to manage asbestos assessments and clean-ups. This new system aims to prevent substandard repairs and ensure only quality operators are used. The changes are expected to be implemented by September.
2 outlets · Liam Lawson fails to finish Canadian Grand Prix
New Zealand driver Liam Lawson failed to complete the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal. After starting from the pit lane due to power unit changes, Lawson was unable to finish the race. George Russell secured his first Formula One win of the season.
2 outlets · Commissioner finds breach after disabled woman had socks taped to hands
The Health and Disability Commissioner has found a breach after carers taped socks to a severely disabled woman's hands. The practice was used to prevent her from putting them in her mouth. Deputy Commissioner Rose Hall criticised the method, which carers acknowledged was not an ideal option.
2 outlets · Maximum weekly paid parental leave payments to increase from July 1
New Zealand's maximum weekly paid parental leave payment will rise from $754.87 to $788.66. Minister Brooke van Velden announced the change, which also includes an increase in the minimum rate for self-employed parents to $235 per week.
2 outlets · Forté Hospital to undergo $60 million expansion in Christchurch
Groundwork has commenced on a major expansion of the Forté Health private hospital in central Christchurch. The project will cost at least $60 million and aims to triple bed capacity and increase operating theatres from five to nine. Full construction is expected to begin in November.
3 outlets · Man charged after stolen van is found in Whitianga
A 34-year-old man faces charges after police located a stolen van in Whitianga. Officers allegedly discovered a firearm, ammunition, methamphetamine and a significant amount of cash inside the vehicle. The van had been taken from a property in Manaia between 20 April and an unspecified date.
2 outlets · Lenny Kravitz to perform first New Zealand concert in Auckland
Rock musician Lenny Kravitz has announced his first New Zealand performance, scheduled for 15 November at Auckland's Spark Arena. The concert is part of his world tour for the album Blue Electric Light. A previous attempt at a New Zealand debut was cancelled five years ago due to Covid restrictions.
2 outlets · Children waiting up to a year for dental surgery
Children as young as 18 months are waiting a year for dental surgery to treat advanced tooth decay. A paediatric dentist described the situation as alarming, noting that the number of children waiting for surgery has increased by 1,500 over the last two years.
+26 outlets · Shane van Gisbergen wins NASCAR debut in Mexico City
New Zealand driver Shane van Gisbergen won the inaugural Viva Mexico 250 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. Competing in NASCAR's first road-course race in the Mexican capital, he navigated rain and chaos to secure the victory.
2 outlets · Man charged after alleged armed robbery at North Shore bar
A 28-year-old man is appearing in the North Shore District Court following an aggravated robbery on Lake Road on Saturday night. Police say a sole offender allegedly entered the bar with a weapon and threatened a staff member around 7.30pm.
2 outlets · Tributes follow death of New Zealand novelist Maurice Gee
New Zealanders are paying tribute to respected novelist Maurice Gee, who has died aged 93. His literary career spanned over 50 years and included works such as Plumb and Under the Mountain. He was widely regarded as one of the country's greatest writers.
2 outlets · Mangawhai sandspit faces economic risk after significant sand loss
Community leaders and experts have warned that the Mangawhai sandspit faces a potential $100 million economic disaster. Recent findings confirm the area has lost more than 420,000 tonnes of its unique, non-replenishing sand, raising fears regarding the future of the coastal settlement.
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