Luxon meets President Xi Jinping in Beijing
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People. The meeting occurred during the final day of Luxon's three-day visit to China. Discussions were expected to cover economic collaboration and China's influence in the Pacific.
Cook Islands Prime Minister criticises New Zealand over development aid pause
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has called New Zealand's decision to pause $18.2 million in development assistance "patronising". Foreign Minister Winston Peters paused the funding following a lack of consultation regarding deals signed with China. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon noted that officials are working through security and sovereignty risks related to the Cook Islands' strategic deal with Beijing.
Missing 77-year-old man found safe and well in Dunedin
A 77-year-old man named Peter has been located safe and well after being reported missing from Kenmure. He was last seen at approximately 10.30pm on Thursday. Police provided an update on Friday afternoon confirming he had been found.
Police seek help after woman assaulted on Porirua walking track
Wellington Police are investigating an assault that occurred around 3.30pm on Wednesday, 18 June. The incident took place halfway up the stairs of the Rangituhi/Colonial Knob track in Porirua. Officers will carry out re-assurance patrols and are seeking information regarding the attacker.
Speed limit increase for Nelson highway section reversed
A 1.8-kilometre stretch of State Highway 6 north of Nelson will remain at 60km/h. Waka Kotahi agreed to consult on the proposed increase to 80km/h following a community campaign. Local residents and parents welcomed the decision to maintain the lower limit.
One person hospitalised with serious stab wounds after Flaxmere disorder
Emergency services responded to a disorder at a property on Folkestone Drive in Flaxmere around 9am on Friday. One person was taken to hospital in serious condition with suspected stab wounds, while another person was taken into custody at the scene. Police say those involved were known to each other.
Man arrested following homicide investigation in Tūrangi
Police have arrested a 27-year-old man after a woman was found dead at a Hinerangi Street property on Friday morning. The man is due to appear in Rotorua District Court today charged with breaching a protection order. Police are considering further charges and are seeking witnesses or video footage.
New rules for turtle owners in Bay of Plenty pest plan
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has amended its pest management plan to include new rules for turtles, wallabies, and certain invasive seaweed and clams. Turtle owners must now securely house their pets to prevent escapes that could harm native species and local ecosystems.
One person dead after vehicle rolls on Central Otago farm
One person died and three others were injured after an all-terrain vehicle rolled on a farm near Millers Flat on Thursday night. Emergency services were called to the property around 10pm. St John responded to the scene with an ambulance, a first response unit, and a helicopter.
Employment process underway for officer who hit children with belt
A senior police officer, referred to as Officer A, is facing a new employment process. The officer previously admitted to using a belt to physically discipline his children, leading to investigations by police and the Independent Police Conduct Authority following allegations in July 2023.
Kāinga Ora to scrap thousands of planned state housing builds
Kāinga Ora has cancelled 212 projects involving 3,479 houses due to financial sustainability reasons. The agency expects to save up to $220 million and will sell a fifth of its vacant land. Labour spokesperson Kieran McAnulty criticised the decision, noting that homelessness is currently rising.
Communities across New Zealand celebrate Matariki
People nationwide gathered to mark the Māori New Year by watching the Matariki star cluster rise. Celebrations included a Hautapu ceremony on Mauao with over 400 attendees and cultural events during Whānau Day at Te Puia in Rotorua.
Missing West Auckland teenager found safe after five-day search
A 15-year-old boy who went missing in the Waiatarua area on Monday has been found safe and well. Police and search and rescue teams had been searching for the teenager in the West Auckland bush for five days.
Air New Zealand flight lands safely after maintenance alert
Fire and Emergency crews were on standby at Hawke's Bay Airport on Friday morning following a maintenance alert on an inbound flight. The Air New Zealand service from Auckland to Napier landed safely around 8am.
Kiwi explorer says he tried to prevent Titan submersible disaster
New Zealander Rob McCallum claims he warned OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush that the Titan submersible was dangerously flawed years before its fatal dive. The deep-sea explorer and founder of EYOS Expeditions stated the vessel should never have been commissioned.
Truckers express frustration over condition of Pekatahi Bridge
Transportation operators in the eastern Bay of Plenty say the surface of the 100-year-old Pekatahi Bridge has reached a critical state. The single-lane bridge on State Highway 2 is reportedly damaging loads despite drivers travelling slowly. The structure serves as a main route between the Port of Tauranga and the East Coast.
Person hospitalised in critical condition after alleged assault in Māngere Bridge
A person was critically injured following an alleged assault on Coronation Road in Māngere Bridge shortly after 6pm on Thursday. Emergency services attended the scene, and police are currently searching for a suspected assailant.
Four people injured in Tasman two-vehicle crash
Two people are in critical condition and two others have sustained moderate to serious injuries following a two-vehicle collision on Lightband Road in Hope. The crash occurred near the Clover Road intersection on Thursday night. Police are currently appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
Homicide investigation launched after woman dies in Tūrangi
Police have launched a homicide investigation following the death of a woman in Tūrangi. Emergency services were called to a serious family harm incident approximately 50km southwest of Taupō around 6.30am on Friday. A scene guard remains at the property while inquiries continue.
One person airlifted to hospital after Karitane car fire
A person was flown to Dunedin Hospital in critical condition following a car fire in Karitane this morning. Fire and Emergency crews arrived at the scene shortly after 6am to find the vehicle well alight. The blaze was subsequently extinguished by crews from Waikouaiti.
Cowbell ban adds interest to Super Rugby Pacific final
The upcoming Super Rugby Pacific grand final between the Crusaders and Chiefs has gained attention following a ban on cowbells. The match is scheduled to take place this Saturday at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch.
Christchurch homeowner loses house in Lyttelton fire
A 26-year-old woman watched her first home burn down on Brittan Terrace in Lyttelton last Friday. The fire destroyed one of two houses in the area. The homeowner had purchased the property just under a year ago.
East Coast regions may have clearest skies for Matariki viewing
People looking to view the Matariki star cluster may have the best chance on the East Coast. Forecasts suggest clearer skies for the lower North Island, Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa, and parts of the South Island. The stars are expected to be visible on the eastern horizon just before dawn.
Mosgiel businessman Malcolm Burns declared bankrupt
Associate Judge Dale Lester declared Malcolm Burns bankrupt in the Dunedin High Court on 12 June. Mr Burns, who was involved with the collapsed Burns Group 2018 Ltd, owes millions to creditors. The decision followed a failed attempt to delay the ruling for a fourth time.


















