Labour MPs apologise for swearing during select committee hearing
Labour MPs Deborah Russell and Duncan Webb apologised after swearing during a tense select committee hearing at Parliament. The session involved Regulation Minister and acting Prime Minister David Seymour answering questions regarding his ministry's regulatory reviews as part of Scrutiny Week.
+26 outlets · Large fire breaks out at Auckland supermarket in Freemans Bay
A major fire occurred at the New World Victoria Park supermarket in central Auckland on Monday morning. Fire and Emergency crews worked to contain the blaze, which at its peak involved up to 20 fire engines. While the fire has been contained, it has not yet been fully extinguished.
+15 outlets · Teenager charged with perverting justice in Kaea Karauria murder case
A teenage girl has been charged with wilfully attempting to pervert the course of justice following the stabbing death of 15-year-old Kaea Karauria in Napier. Police say the teen allegedly threatened a witness after the May incident. She is scheduled to appear in the Hastings Youth Court.
+15 outlets · Former ACT Party president appeals sexual abuse conviction and sentence
Tim Jago is appealing his convictions for sexually abusing two teenage boys in the 1990s. The Court of Appeal heard his case on Tuesday following a jury trial last year. One survivor has stated they forgive Jago despite the legal proceedings.
+15 outlets · Police seek motorcyclist after hit-and-run leaves Rotorua man critically injured
A 24-year-old man with sight and hearing impairments is in critical condition at Waikato Hospital following an alleged hit-and-run on Edmund Rd in Rotorua. Police say a motorcyclist overtook a stationary vehicle and struck the pedestrian at a crossing on Sunday afternoon before fleeing. An image of the rider has been released to assist investigations.
4 outlets · Gordon Wilson Flats to lose heritage protection in Wellington
The derelict Gordon Wilson Flats on The Terrace may be demolished after the Government removes their protected heritage status. The social housing block has sat empty since 2012 after being deemed unsafe. While heritage advocates oppose the decision, the change is expected to occur through an amendment to the Resource Management Act.
+37 outlets · RNZ seeks voluntary redundancies following government budget cuts
Public broadcaster RNZ has opened a voluntary redundancy scheme for its staff. This follows a government decision to reduce the organisation's funding by approximately $4.6 million annually. Chief executive Paul Thompson stated the news would be unsettling for employees.
4 outlets · Ardie Savea to take 2026 sabbatical in Japan
Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea will miss the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season to play for the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in Japan. New Zealand Rugby confirmed the sabbatical, noting that Savea remains available for the All Blacks' 2025 international campaign and is contracted through 2027.
3 outlets · Finding homes for retired farming dogs is becoming more difficult
The charity Retired Working Dogs has rehomed approximately 18,000 farming canines over the last ten years. However, a decline in adoptions this year means the organisation may soon have to stop accepting retired dogs.
3 outlets · Forest & Bird demands answers after hundreds of seabirds killed by trawler
More than 200 adult tītī were accidentally caught and killed by a fishing trawler in Te Waewae Bay, Southland, in February. Forest & Bird is seeking further information from the Ministry of Primary Industries following the release of a quarterly bycatch report. The group expressed devastation, noting the deaths could leave chicks to starve.
3 outlets · Largest South Island Pak’nSave to open early in Rolleston
The new 8,100sq m Pak’nSave in Rolleston is scheduled to open on 14 October, two months ahead of schedule. The supermarket cost between $40 million and $50 million to develop and is expected to create approximately 250 jobs.
3 outlets · Iran calls for US intervention as Israeli strikes hit key sites
Iran has urged US President Donald Trump to force Israel to agree to a ceasefire. Recent Israeli strikes have hit Iran's state broadcaster and caused extensive damage to a major uranium enrichment plant. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated the country is on a path to victory.
3 outlets · New survey shows changing views on Asia and US trust
An annual Asia New Zealand Foundation poll of 2,300 people shows more New Zealanders view Southeast Asian countries as friendly. While China is seen as the most important Asian partner, a growing number of respondents perceive China as a threat and trust in the United States has reached a record low.
+15 outlets · Two teenagers charged after alleged carjacking in Birkenhead
Two teenagers, aged 16 and 17, have been arrested following an alleged carjacking on Auckland's North Shore. Police say a man was assaulted and pulled from his vehicle on Waratah Street in Birkenhead early Tuesday morning. Officers also located items stolen during other vehicle break-ins in the Albany area.
3 outlets · Media Council upholds complaint against RNZ over heatwave headline
The New Zealand Media Council has upheld complaints regarding an RNZ article from February 2025 about a heatwave in Hamilton. The complaints, filed by Catriona Atkinson and Ian Wishart, alleged breaches of journalistic standards including accuracy and misleading headlines.
3 outlets · Inquiry sought after mental health patient's axe attack went unreported
The Chief Victims Adviser has called for an inquiry into the forensic mental health system following the murder of Faye Phelps. Elliot Cameron was sentenced to life imprisonment after a coding error meant police did not respond to his self-reported axe attack, leaving the victim undiscovered for three days.
4 outlets · Trump calls for Iran's unconditional surrender as air war continues
US President Donald Trump has demanded Iran's unconditional surrender as the conflict between Israel and Iran enters its sixth day. While Trump urged the evacuation of Tehran and noted US patience is wearing thin, he stated there is no immediate intention to kill Iran's leader.
2 outlets · Fire at New World supermarket in Auckland's Freeman's Bay
A fire broke out at the New World supermarket on College Hill while it was undergoing renovations. Customers were evacuated from the building as thick smoke filled the Auckland CBD. Fire crews are working to contain the blaze, which reportedly started in a rebuild area.
2 outlets · Panthers to field depleted side against Warriors due to Origin commitments
The Penrith Panthers will travel to Auckland this Saturday without several key players due to State of Origin commitments. Meanwhile, the Warriors face an injury crisis, with Moala Graham-Taufa called up to cover for injured centres Rocco Berry and Ali Leiataua.
2 outlets · Government launches five-year suicide prevention action plan
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey has released a targeted five-year plan to address New Zealand's high suicide rates. The whole-of-government approach was developed using contributions from 400 individuals and organisations. Last year, more than 600 New Zealanders died by suspected suicide.
+15 outlets · Waimakariri District Council adopts 4.98% average rates rise
Waimakariri councillors have approved an annual plan featuring an average rates increase of 4.98%. The council responded to online critics who suggested the organisation should be run more like a business.
2 outlets · Scientists may have discovered a carbon sink in the South Island
NIWA scientists have identified a potential carbon sink located in the South Island. Researchers suggest that native forests may be capturing more carbon than expected, though further study is required to confirm the discovery.
+26 outlets · Expert explains why mobile phones may fail to ring during calls
Auckland-based communications expert Jairo Gutierrez explains why 4G and 5G phones sometimes fail to ring even when calls are missed. He notes that as cellular networks have become faster and more complex, new potential points of failure have emerged.
2 outlets · Matariki celebrations include Puanga star this year
The theme for this year's Māori New Year celebrations is Matariki mā Puanga. Both Matariki and Puanga, a bright star associated with weather and food, will rise in the eastern sky before sunrise. People across the country will gather to celebrate as the stars rise this Friday.
2 outlets · Application submitted to rename St Arnaud village to Rotoiti
The New Zealand Geographic Board has received an application to change the name of the South Island village St Arnaud back to Rotoiti. Proponents of the change argue the village should not be named after a man described as a rogue. The village is located at the northern end of Lake Rotoiti.
2 outlets · Findings of Michael Forbes investigation to be released in August
The Prime Minister's investigation into former deputy chief press secretary Michael Forbes is expected to conclude in August. Forbes resigned following revelations that he made unconsented audio recordings and took footage of women. The government is currently considering which details of the findings can be made public.
2 outlets · Nelson paramedics call for new ambulance station
Hato Hone St John staff in Nelson are currently split across four different sites. Paramedics say a new station is needed to improve services and provide space for debriefing after traumatic calls. The organisation has purchased land in Richmond but requires hundreds of thousands of dollars to begin construction.
2 outlets · Napier pharmacy owner considers closing after third raid in 10 weeks
The owner of Life Pharmacy in Napier is contemplating closing his business following a third burglary in 10 weeks. Police responded to a 2.30am raid on Monday where thieves smashed through the front doors seeking expensive perfumes. The owner has spent an estimated $30,000 replacing the store's doors.
2 outlets · Interior bike racks to be trialled on Auckland Harbour Bridge buses
Auckland Transport will trial interior bike racks on fifteen double-decker buses on the NX1 route starting in July. The 12-month trial aims to provide cyclists with a public transport option across the Harbour Bridge. Currently, the ferry is the only public transport method for those travelling with bicycles.
2 outlets · Christchurch man charged with importing methamphetamine in household items
A 26-year-old Christchurch man faces four charges after methamphetamine was found hidden in a chess set, air fryers, and an e-bike battery. Customs investigations linked the man to multiple international mail seizures arriving from the United States since early 2024. He is due to appear in the Christchurch District Court on Tuesday.
3 outlets · Part of Christchurch civic building identified as earthquake risk
An engineering report has found that the Christchurch City Council's civic building annex does not meet earthquake strengthening standards. The section facing Worcester Boulevard was closed last month and is expected to remain shut for up to six months for repairs.
2 outlets · Black Sticks secure comeback victory against Malaysia in Nations Cup
New Zealand completed a 4-3 comeback win against Malaysia in the Nations Cup after trailing 3-0. Otago player Finn Ward scored two goals during the match, which faced a 40-minute delay due to weather conditions.
2 outlets · Northland experiences multiple weather extremes this year
Northland has faced a series of extreme weather events, including a tornado in Mangawhai, drought, and Cyclone Tam. These events have caused significant damage and challenges across the region.
2 outlets · Minister describes polytechnic staff numbers as abysmal
Tertiary Education Minister Penny Simmonds has described staff numbers at some polytechnics as abysmal. Speaking to the Education and Workforce Select Committee, she noted that staff-to-student ratios at these institutions remain a concern.
2 outlets · Walter & Wild acquires Hansells Masterton out of receivership
Walter & Wild has purchased the manufacturing operations of Hansells Masterton following its recent receivership. The acquisition ensures the factory and brand will remain in Masterton. The company linked to the Hart family previously played a role in the business entering receivership.
2 outlets · New vaping regulations take effect with ban on disposable vapes
New laws banning the manufacture, sale, and distribution of disposable vapes came into effect on Tuesday. Associate Health Minister Casey Costello confirmed an increase in enforcement officers to manage the changes. Meanwhile, retailer Shosha has faced criticism for allegedly exploiting a loophole in the new advertising and product regulations.
4 outlets · Ministerial advisory group to review early childhood education funding
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has announced a review of the $2.7 billion early childhood education budget. A new advisory group of business and early learning experts will consider how to prioritise funding and potential trade-offs between quality and accessibility.
4 outlets · Ria Bond joins Invercargill mayoral race as Nobby Clark retires
Councillor Ria Bond has entered the race for the Invercargill mayoralty. This follows Nobby Clark's confirmation that he will be retiring at the end of his current term. A new mayor is expected to be welcomed in October.
2 outlets · Sophie Devine to retire from ODIs after upcoming World Cup
White Ferns captain Sophie Devine will retire from one day internationals following the conclusion of the upcoming Women's World Cup. The all-rounder will move to a casual playing contract for the 2025-26 season.
2 outlets · Prime Minister Christopher Luxon travels to China for official meetings
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is beginning a three-day trip to Shanghai and Beijing to meet with President Xi Jinping. The visit aims to discuss trade, education, and tourism. Luxon has pledged to maintain a considered approach to the bilateral relationship despite international complexities and criticism from former political leaders.
2 outlets · Murdered woman's body not found for three days due to coding error
The body of 83-year-old Frances Anne Phelps was not located for three days after an emergency call from Hillmorton Hospital was incorrectly coded. Elliot Cameron was sentenced at the High Court in Christchurch to life imprisonment for her murder, which occurred in October last year.
2 outlets · Health NZ directed to give private hospitals 10-year outsourcing contracts
Health Minister Simeon Brown has directed Health New Zealand to provide private hospitals with 10-year contracts to perform elective surgeries. The request, made in a Letter of Expectations, aims to improve the cost effectiveness of service delivery.
3 outlets · Innovators showcase agricultural technology at Fieldays
Dozens of New Zealand inventors displayed new technologies at the Fieldays rural expo. The Innovation Hub featured various advancements, including waterway-mapping robots and leather produced from kiwifruit, highlighting the future of agricultural technology.
+26 outlets · Bill to bar high earners from unjustified dismissal claims introduced
The Employment Relations Amendment Bill is being introduced to Parliament today. The legislation would prevent individuals earning $180,000 or more from claiming unjustified dismissal and aims to reduce personal grievance payouts when an employee is at fault.
2 outlets · Leaky home compensation dispute reaches the Court of Appeal
A legal battle over nearly $1 million in compensation has moved to the Court of Appeal. The case involves a businessman and a couple who claim they were deceived into purchasing a rot-infested home in South Auckland. The businessman has indicated he may take the matter to the Supreme Court.
2 outlets · National house values show slight increase in May quarter
New Zealand's residential property market showed signs of stabilisation in May, according to the latest QV House Price Index. The national average home value rose by 0.1% over the three months to May, reaching $913,772.
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