KiwiRail charged following Aratere ferry grounding near Picton
Maritime NZ has filed two health and safety charges against KiwiRail after an investigation into the Aratere ferry grounding in June 2024. The vessel ran aground north of Picton with 47 people on board, though no injuries were reported. KiwiRail could face fines of up to $2 million.
+48 outlets · Traditional five-yearly census to be replaced from 2030
Statistics Minister Shane Reti has announced that New Zealand's traditional nationwide census will be scrapped in 2030. The current system will be replaced by a combination of smaller annual surveys and existing administrative data from government agencies. Additionally, monthly inflation reporting is expected to begin in 2027.
+26 outlets · Police release CCTV in search for missing Christchurch woman
Police have released CCTV footage of 79-year-old Elisabeth Nicholls to assist in finding her. Ms Nicholls, who has dementia, was last seen at the Chateau on the Park in Riccarton on 4 June. Authorities are also deploying a drone over Riccarton and Hagley Park to aid search efforts.
+26 outlets · Fire investigators probe cause of Auckland supermarket blaze
A major fire caused extensive damage to the New World Victoria Park supermarket in Freemans Bay on Tuesday. Firefighters have confirmed there are no remaining hotspots, and investigators are looking into a construction area at the rear of the building. Foodstuffs is currently assessing the site following the incident.
4 outlets · Melatonin to be sold over the counter and psilocybin to be prescribed
The Government has signalled that melatonin will soon be available at pharmacies without a prescription. Additionally, Medsafe has approved the prescription of medicinal psilocybin for patients with treatment-resistant depression. No specific date has been set for when these changes will take effect.
+48 outlets · Christopher Luxon rejects visa waivers for Chinese travellers
During his first trip to China, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon dismissed proposals for complete visa waivers or extended visas for premium travellers. While in Shanghai, he visited Trip.com headquarters to witness an agreement with Tourism New Zealand aimed at boosting the country's tourism profile.
+15 outlets · Government to gain powers to override local council plans
Housing and RMA reform minister Chris Bishop has announced that Cabinet will insert new regulation powers into the Resource Management Act. These powers will allow the government to modify council plans if they negatively impact economic growth, development, or employment.
+37 outlets · France coach defends weakened squad for All Blacks series
Fabien Galthié has defended his decision to name a second-string squad for the upcoming three-test series against the All Blacks in New Zealand. The coach cited greater player workloads for the French side as the reason for the selection.
4 outlets · Truck crash blocks Waikato Expressway lanes at Tamahere
A northbound truck and trailer tipped on the Waikato Expressway south of Cambridge Road on Wednesday. The incident closed one northbound and one southbound lane, with reports indicating the vehicle was carrying contaminated asbestos. Motorists are advised to use detours via SH 26 and SH 1B.
4 outlets · Seven injured in five-vehicle crash on State Highway 8
Seven people were injured in a crash involving at least five vehicles on State Highway 8 between Lake Tekapo and Lake Pūkaki. One person is being treated for moderate injuries, while six others sustained minor injuries. The incident occurred on icy roads and has caused delays and road closures.
4 outlets · Coroner calls for compulsory lifejacket use after fatal Manukau Harbour capsize
A coroner has recommended nationwide compulsory lifejacket laws for small vessels following the 2022 deaths of Gemma Ferregel and her son, Ryder. The pair drowned after their boat capsized in Manukau Harbour during a scalloping trip. The coroner found that wearing lifejackets would have significantly increased their chances of survival.
4 outlets · Iwi files court action over Ruapehu ski field concessions
Te Patutokotoko has launched legal proceedings against the Minister of Conservation and the Department of Conservation. The hapū alleges the Crown breached Treaty of Waitangi obligations by failing to consult them regarding concessions granted to commercial operators at the Whakapapa and Tūroa ski fields.
4 outlets · Cowbells banned from Super Rugby Pacific final in Christchurch
The Crusaders have banned cowbells from Christchurch Stadium for Saturday's Super Rugby Pacific final against the Chiefs. To address the restriction, the Chiefs have developed a digital workaround for supporters who wish to use the traditional items.
3 outlets · Police investigate after body found in Riccarton car park
Police are investigating the circumstances of a death after a body was discovered in a car park on Leslie Hills Drive in Riccarton, Christchurch. Officers were notified of the discovery at approximately 4.40pm on Wednesday. A cordon was established at the scene, where multiple officers and photographers were present.
4 outlets · Young girl seriously injured after moped hits pram in Christchurch
A four-year-old girl was taken to hospital in serious condition after a moped reportedly ran a red light at a Christchurch intersection. The incident occurred on Wednesday at the corner of Riccarton and Clarence streets, where the moped hit a woman pushing a pram.
3 outlets · Air New Zealand cancels Bali flights following volcanic eruption
Air New Zealand has cancelled all flights to Bali after Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted in eastern Indonesia. The volcano spewed an ash tower 11km high, prompting authorities to raise the alert level to the highest tier. Some New Zealanders are currently stranded due to the disruption.
3 outlets · Person dies after being run over by their own vehicle
A person has died following a crash in Blenheim's Redwoodtown suburb on Wednesday morning. Emergency services were called to Lewis Street at approximately 10.45am after the individual ended up under their own car. The Serious Crash Unit is currently investigating the circumstances of the incident.
3 outlets · One person arrested after burglary at Napier pharmacy
Police have arrested one person following a burglary at Life Pharmacy on Emerson Street in Napier early Monday morning. Two alleged offenders used a weapon to smash a glass door to steal several items, including fragrances. The stolen goods have since been returned to the store.
3 outlets · Dan Hooker to host female backyard brawl for $50,000 prize
UFC fighter Dan Hooker is bringing back his controversial backyard brawls with an all-female tournament. He has invited 32 women to compete in the event for a $50,000 prize.
+37 outlets · Search underway for missing 15-year-old in West Auckland
Police and search and rescue teams are searching the Waiatarua area for Alexander, a 15-year-old who went missing on Monday. After skipping school, he reportedly collected camping gear before failing to return home. A possible sighting of the teenager was recently reported in Henderson.
2 outlets · Oldest missing Phillips child turns 12 while in the bush
Jayda Phillips celebrates her 12th birthday today while remaining missing in the bush. She and her siblings, Ember and Maverick, have been missing since December 2021 after being taken by their father, Tom Phillips. An experienced bushman suggests the family is likely moving regularly through cold conditions.
4 outlets · Icy conditions cause multiple vehicle crashes in central Dunedin
Frosty conditions in Dunedin led to several vehicle accidents and the closure of Heriot Row on Wednesday morning. Police reported multiple crashes, including one involving at least three cars near London Street, while pedestrians also experienced slips on icy footpaths.
2 outlets · Funding boost for long-tailed bat conservation in Hunua Ranges
The Finding Franklin Bats project has received $45,300 to support pest control and monitoring of native long-tailed bats. This initiative is one of 64 conservation projects funded by Auckland Council to protect the natural environment in the Franklin district.
2 outlets · Hamilton Airport welcomes first international flights in 13 years
Hamilton Airport has resumed international services for the first time since 2012. Jetstar has commenced flights to destinations including Sydney and the Gold Coast.
2 outlets · Queensland defeats New South Wales in second State of Origin match
Queensland has maintained its lead over New South Wales in the second State of Origin clash. The match took place at Optus Stadium in Perth.
2 outlets · Police consider options for adopting body cameras
New Zealand Police are evaluating options to introduce body-worn cameras for officers. The police union suggests the technology will help prevent the doctoring of mobile phone footage during interactions. The organisation has been considering the pros and cons of the equipment for at least five years.
2 outlets · Lower Hutt woman's death caused by unrelated medical condition
A judge at the Hutt Valley District Court heard that 53-year-old Lillian Wharton died from pancreatitis. Although she died in hospital a few days after being assaulted while intoxicated, the court acknowledged the assaults were not the cause of her death.
2 outlets · Chinese travellers to use electronic travel authority for New Zealand transit
From November, Chinese passport holders transiting through New Zealand airports will no longer require transit visas. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford announced that travellers can instead use the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority, which offers faster processing and lower costs.
2 outlets · Fire service hands Auckland supermarket ruins back to Foodstuffs
Fire crews have returned the remains of New World Victoria Park to its owners, Foodstuffs, following a massive blaze in central Auckland. The fire took more than 10 hours to extinguish on Wednesday. The pathway to reopening the supermarket remains unclear.
2 outlets · Student seriously injured after being struck by car in Nelson
A student was seriously injured on Wednesday afternoon after being hit by a car outside the main gate of Nelson College for Girls. Witnesses reported that a reversing vehicle struck the girl on the Trafalgar Street footpath, pinning her against a wall.
2 outlets · Father and daughter face burglary charges over Hamilton ATM theft
James Lindsay Ranford and his daughter, Jessie-Lee Daniela-Ranford, appeared in Hamilton District Court following an ATM burglary. The former Armourguard employee allegedly used company codes to take nearly $200,000. Sentencing for the pair has been adjourned.
4 outlets · Tauranga City Council job cuts raise workload concerns
Tauranga City Council has cut 98 positions and is currently reviewing its leadership and organisational structure. A union representative says staff will be expected to do more with less despite the city's growing population. Further job cuts may occur as the review continues.
2 outlets · Man jailed for four years after machete attack at hospital
Fuatai Iona has been sentenced to four years in prison for attacking a 72-year-old man at Wairarapa Hospital. Iona smuggled a machete into the facility and used it to fracture the victim's skull and injure his shoulder. The attack occurred while the victim was a companion of Iona's wife.
2 outlets · National and Labour MPs clash over state care redress system
National Minister Erica Stanford faced questioning from two Labour MPs during a scrutiny hearing at Parliament on Wednesday. The political disagreement focused on the government's redress system for survivors who were abused while in state care.
2 outlets · Police raid Greazy Dogs gang in Tauranga drug bust
Police executed 35 search warrants across Tauranga to target the Greazy Dogs MC. Several gang members and associates were arrested for alleged methamphetamine supply. Authorities also restrained more than $1.5 million in assets during the raids.
2 outlets · BNZ reduces some short-term mortgage rates
BNZ has lowered several of its fixed-term home loan interest rates. The bank's six-month rate has decreased to 5.29 percent, while the one-year rate has fallen to 4.89 percent. These changes apply to both new and existing customers, effective from Wednesday.
2 outlets · Inmate receives second life sentence for killing fellow prisoner
Donovan Michael Duff has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the December 2023 fatal stabbing of Brian George. Duff, who was already serving a life sentence for the 2016 murder of his daughter, used a prison kitchen knife to kill the inmate inside a prison kitchen.
2 outlets · Christopher Luxon arrives in Shanghai for China trade mission
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has arrived in Shanghai to begin a trade mission. Accompanied by a delegation of chief executives and exporters, the visit aims to boost education trade and tourism. The mission will also focus on sectors including dairy, meat, and skincare.
3 outlets · Accessory charge dropped in Texas Jack Doctor murder case
The Crown has withdrawn an accessory after the fact charge against Malio Soakimi. Soakimi was alleged to have acted as a getaway driver following the July 2024 shooting of Rebels MC member Texas Jack Doctor in Mt Wellington. Sione Tupou has admitted to the murder.
2 outlets · Dairy prices in New Zealand driven by overseas demand
New Zealanders are facing high costs for milk, butter and cheese due to international market prices. Fonterra's chief executive stated that offshore buyer willingness to pay influences local prices. Recent data indicates milk prices have increased by 15.1 per cent annually.
+26 outlets · Police seek help finding missing 17-year-old from North Shore
Police are searching for 17-year-old Mya, who has been missing from Auckland's North Shore for over 24 hours. She was last seen in the Takapuna area at approximately 1.45am on 17 June. Enquiries are currently underway in areas she is known to frequent.
2 outlets · South Island regions lead ASB regional economic rankings
South Island regions have taken the lead in ASB’s Q1 Regional Economic Scoreboard. Canterbury is currently the best performing region in New Zealand, driven by strong farm prices and export volumes. Auckland has fallen to tenth place in the rankings.
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