Dr Dale Bramley appointed as Health NZ chief executive
Dr Dale Bramley has been officially appointed as the chief executive of Health NZ for a three-year term. Bramley, a Māori public health specialist, has been serving as the interim leader since Margie Apa resigned in February.
+15 outlets · Man charged with manslaughter after fatal Rotorua hit-and-run
A 31-year-old Hamilton man has been arrested and charged with manslaughter and failing to stop following a hit-and-run in Rotorua. The incident occurred on 15 June when 24-year-old Paige Johnson was allegedly struck by a motorcycle while crossing Edmund Road. Mr Johnson later died in hospital from his injuries.
+15 outlets · Auckland City draw 1-1 with Boca Juniors at Club World Cup
Auckland City FC secured a 1-1 draw against Boca Juniors during the FIFA Club World Cup in Nashville. Christian Gray scored a header in the 52nd minute to equaliser for the New Zealand side. The result follows two heavy defeats for Auckland City in the tournament.
3 outlets · Christopher Luxon misses meeting with Donald Trump at Nato summit
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has concluded his attendance at the Nato summit in The Hague without meeting US President Donald Trump due to scheduling issues. During the summit, Luxon held discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding military equipment investments and met with the Canadian Prime Minister.
3 outlets · Winston Peters apologises for calling Te Pāti Māori MP a dickhead
NZ First leader Winston Peters has apologised after being caught on a hot mic calling Te Pāti Māori MP Tākuta Ferris a "dickhead" in Parliament. The remark occurred during questioning regarding fishing practices. Peters has since argued that the comment did not constitute profanity.
3 outlets · Court hears of unusual actions by murder-accused Julia DeLuney
Julia DeLuney is on trial in Wellington for the murder of her mother, Helen Gregory, in her Khandallah home. A detective testified that it was unusual for DeLuney to drive to Kāpiti for her husband instead of calling an ambulance. The trial is expected to last four to five weeks.
+15 outlets · Draft national infrastructure plan challenges government to improve planning
The infrastructure commission, Te Waihanga, has released a draft National Infrastructure Plan outlining priorities for the next 30 years. The strategy criticises current planning as short-term and reactive, urging the government to improve its approach. The draft will undergo consultation before a final version is published by the end of the year.
4 outlets · Severe weather warnings issued for South Island
An active front is bringing heavy rain and strong gales across the South Island. While temperatures are expected to reach between 8C and 17C, MetService has issued orange heavy rain warnings and severe gale watches. Heavy rainfall and strong winds are also expected to hit Auckland on Friday morning.
3 outlets · Former accounts manager jailed for stealing from charitable health trust
Sarah-Lee Turnbull, 48, has been sentenced to more than two years in prison for stealing $212,000 from a community health provider. She also defrauded a builder of $24,000 to fund a cocaine addiction. The theft nearly caused the charity to close down.
4 outlets · New Zealanders in Israel not using government evacuation options
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade says no New Zealanders in Israel have taken up the opportunity to leave the country. While officials have advised citizens to find safe routes to depart, the ministry has not received any requests for assistance. A Defence Hercules aircraft has been sent to the Middle East to assist.
3 outlets · Government mandates taller buildings near selected Auckland train stations
The Government has instructed Auckland Council to allow apartment buildings of at least 15 storeys near certain train stations. This change targets areas around Maungawhau, Kingsland, and Morningside to prepare for increased demand as the City Rail Link nears completion.
3 outlets · Advocates call for end to colony-cage egg farming
The Open Wing Alliance has launched an international campaign calling for the end of colony-cage egg farms. Advocates claim these conditions harm chicken welfare and increase disease risks. Meanwhile, the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee plans to review the Code of Welfare for layer hens.
3 outlets · Two players claim $15 million Lotto Powerball prizes
An Invercargill woman and a Wellington man have each claimed $15,083,333 from the recent Lotto Powerball draw. The Invercargill winner plans to pay off her daughter's mortgage and travel the world, while both winners described the experience as surreal.
+15 outlets · Woman killed in Millers Flat farmland crash named
Police have identified 41-year-old Kirsty Marie Hall as the woman who died following a single-vehicle accident on farmland near Millers Flat. The incident occurred on 19 June, and three other people were taken to hospital. Investigations into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
3 outlets · Treasury advised against buying rail-enabled Cook Strait ferries
Treasury advised the government not to purchase rail-enabled Cook Strait ferries three weeks before the decision was announced. The government plans to buy two new Interislander ferries to replace the ageing fleet by 2029.
3 outlets · Police hunt burglars after ram raids in Christchurch
Police are searching for a gang of four after two overnight incidents in Christchurch. The group first triggered a fog cannon at an Avonhead business before ram-raiding the Kwik Kiwi Diner in Wigram, where they stole a cigarette cabinet.
3 outlets · Teen driver arrested after crashing into two cars while fleeing police
A 19-year-old was arrested on Tuesday after allegedly stealing a car and crashing into two motorists near Ōhaupō while evading police. The pursuit began following reports of dangerous driving near Huntly. Multiple 111 calls helped officers track the vehicle, and the driver is due to appear in Hamilton District Court on Friday.
4 outlets · Twenty-three properties near Christchurch prison cannot use bore water
Corrections has confirmed that 23 properties near Christchurch Men's Prison are unable to drink from private bores. This follows a leak of approximately 14,000 litres of diesel into the ground last month, which occurred after a fuel tank hatch was left open.
3 outlets · Faulty Watercare smart meters cause billing issues for Aucklanders
More than 13,000 of Watercare's approximately 70,000 smart meters in Auckland are not working correctly. This has resulted in some customers receiving bills showing zero water usage, while others claim they are being overcharged.
3 outlets · Retirement Commissioner questions NZ Super eligibility for high earners
Data from the 2023 Census shows over 9,000 people aged 65 and older earn more than $200,000 annually. Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson says it is fair to question if these high earners should receive NZ Super. Another 33,000 people in this age group earn between $100,000 and $200,000.
+15 outlets · Tauranga funeral directors criticise council burial and cremation fee increases
Tauranga funeral directors have expressed disappointment regarding Tauranga City Council's decision to increase burial and cremation fees. Starting 1 July, new charges include a $200 same-day cremation fee and a $1030 non-resident burial fee at Pyes Pā cemetery. Industry professionals say these hikes will increase costs for customers.
3 outlets · Coroner recommends avoiding tinted visors after fatal teenage motorcycle crash
A coroner has recommended that motorcyclists avoid using tinted visors at night following the death of 17-year-old Phoenix Boltar. The teenager died in October 2024 in Dairy Flat after his motorcycle hit an embankment and a power pole. The crash occurred while the rider was speeding on a North Auckland road.
3 outlets · New Plymouth District Council votes to oppose seabed mining
The New Plymouth District Council has voted to oppose seabed mining in the South Taranaki Bight. The decision specifically targets Trans-Tasman Resources' proposal currently undergoing the Fast Track consenting process. The council joins Whanganui and South Taranaki district councils in its opposition to the project.
3 outlets · James Parker's prison sentence extended after new victim comes forward
Former school deputy principal James Parker has received an increased sentence after a new victim came forward. A judge described his recent offending as having a sadistic flavour. The convicted paedophile was reportedly close to being released from prison before the sentence was extended.
3 outlets · New youth panel formed for children with incarcerated parents
A new advisory panel, Ngā Rangatira Mō Apōpō, has been established by young people impacted by whānau incarceration. The group met with Children's Minister Karen Chhour at Parliament to present an open letter. They are seeking more support to ensure children are not penalised for their family members' crimes.
2 outlets · Pak’nSave Takapuna receives consent for $100m supermarket development
Foodstuffs North Island has been granted resource consent to build a $100 million Pak’nSave in Takapuna. The new supermarket, located off Fred Thomas Drive, will cover more than half a hectare and is expected to be New Zealand’s largest new supermarket.
2 outlets · Minister seeks urgent advice over Whānau Ora advertisement
Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka has requested urgent advice from officials regarding a Whānau Ora advertisement. The 30-minute video encourages Māori to sign up for the Māori roll, raising concerns about potential electioneering.
3 outlets · New Zealand leaves international coalition to phase out fossil fuels
The government has withdrawn from a global alliance aimed at phasing out oil and gas production. Climate Change Minister Simon Watts stated the decision follows the repeal of the ban on new offshore exploration. The Green Party has expressed concerns regarding the potential reputational risks of this move.
3 outlets · Xero to acquire US payments platform Melio for $4.1b
Wellington-based software company Xero plans to purchase US business-to-business bill paying platform Melio. The US$2.5 billion deal involves cash, debt, and a new share issue. The acquisition is intended to expand Xero's earnings and market share within the United States.
2 outlets · Nine Texan aircraft to perform formation flyover in Manawatū
Nine T-6C Texan II aircraft are scheduled to fly in a "diamond nine" formation over the Manawatū and Whanganui regions on Thursday morning. Departing from Base Ohakea at approximately 9.30am, the aircraft will be piloted by Air Force instructors.
2 outlets · Napier boy dies after routine flu leads to organ failure
Mateo Deveraturda, aged 11, has died at Starship Hospital in Auckland. The Napier boy was admitted two weeks ago after a routine flu escalated into a serious illness involving organ failure. His school and family are now mourning his death.
2 outlets · Leaders honoured at the Primary Industries New Zealand Awards
Bridie Virbickas has been named the 2025 Emerging Leader at the Primary Industries New Zealand Awards. Additionally, the late Mid Canterbury farmer Chris Allen was posthumously recognised as a Rural Hero for his leadership and service as a Federated Farmers board member.
2 outlets · Chalton Lawson found not guilty of murder on grounds of insanity
Chalton Lawson has been found not guilty of the murder of Patrick Reweti due to insanity. Reweti was killed in a vehicle near Flaxmere last year. Lawson will be held in a secure forensic facility until medical authorities deem it appropriate.
2 outlets · New Zealand childhood vaccination rates among lowest in high-income countries
New research shows New Zealand has some of the lowest childhood vaccination coverage among 36 high-income nations. Between 2010 and 2019, vaccination progress stalled or reversed in 21 of these countries. Only Canada, San Marino, Ireland, Austria and Argentina reported worse coverage than New Zealand.
3 outlets · Māngere families face difficult decisions following Auckland anniversary floods
Two Tongan residents in Māngere are facing a choice regarding a voluntary buy-out scheme. Their homes were rated category three following the Auckland Anniversary floods that occurred two and a half years ago.
2 outlets · Injured homeless woman sleeps in car on Rotorua hospital grounds
A homeless woman named Nicola has been sleeping in her car at Rotorua Hospital after being discharged. She was treated for a broken ankle following an attack on 13 June. Nicola has had nowhere to go since her discharge nearly two weeks ago.
2 outlets · Former Dunedin teacher sentenced for indecent assault of former student
Former Otago Boys’ High School maths teacher David Bond has been sentenced to home detention. He was found guilty of indecently assaulting a boy during a school camp. This marks Bond's 26th indecency involving former pupils.
3 outlets · Two couches discovered dumped in Hawke’s Bay stream
Canoeists discovered two couches dumped in the Karamū Stream near Havelock North. Authorities say managing such illegal dumping in the stream is a constant battle.
3 outlets · Pou whenua unveiling marks milestone for Rangatira Marae rebuild
A Tairāwhiti hapū unveiled a pou whenua over the Matariki weekend to symbolise the relocation and rebuilding of Rangatira Marae. The marae was destroyed by Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023, which saw floodwaters reach three metres up the wharenui wall.
2 outlets · Skateboarder arrested after allegedly assaulting pedestrian in Dunedin
A 26-year-old skateboarder has been arrested following an incident in central Dunedin. Police say the man allegedly collided with a pedestrian on Rattray Street before striking them multiple times with his skateboard.
2 outlets · Veteran sports broadcaster Garry Ahern has died aged 75
Veteran radio journalist Garry Ahern has passed away at the age of 75. He joined Radio New Zealand in 1969 and specialised in golf reporting before retiring in 2015. Ahern also presented sports bulletins on Morning Report for twenty years.
2 outlets · First Jetstar flight from Gold Coast lands in Dunedin
Dunedin Airport welcomed its first direct international flight from the Gold Coast on Tuesday. The inaugural Jetstar service arrived to celebrations from staff and passengers, marking the return of international flights to the region after a five-year hiatus.
2 outlets · Northbound lane of Woburn Road closed after car rolls
Emergency services were called to Woburn Road in Lower Hutt at approximately 7:30am on Wednesday after a car rolled. The northbound lane is currently closed with diversions in place. It is not yet known if anyone was injured in the incident.
2 outlets · One person critically injured in Papakura house fire
A person was hospitalised with critical burns following a house fire on Duckworth Road in Papakura early Wednesday morning. Two other people were treated for minor burns after evacuating the property. Emergency services responded to the blaze shortly before 3am.
2 outlets · Christchurch and Tauranga to host Black Caps home season matches
New Zealand Cricket has announced the 2025/26 home international schedule, featuring three test matches. Hagley Oval and Bay Oval will host fixtures, including visits from Australia, England, and the West Indies. The season is set to begin on 1 October.
2 outlets · Conflicting economic data suggests slow recovery for New Zealand
New Zealand is attempting to recover from a deep recession, though recent quarterly figures have provided mixed signals. While some data showed signs of hope, a strong dairy sector is currently failing to lift the wider economy, and recent global instability has complicated the outlook.
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