Te Pāti Māori MP Takutai Tarsh Kemp dies aged 50
Tāmaki Makaurau MP Takutai Tarsh Kemp has died in Auckland after battling kidney disease. Flags at Parliament are flying at half mast, and the House will gather to pay tribute to the politician. Her death has triggered a by-election for the Māori electorate.
+26 outlets · Second person charged in fatal Rotorua hit-and-run investigation
A 55-year-old man has been charged in relation to the death of Paige Johnson, who was allegedly struck by a motorcycle in Mangakakahi on 15 June. Riki Lum appeared in Hamilton District Court on Thursday facing a manslaughter charge. Johnson, who was sight- and hearing-impaired, died in hospital on 19 June.
+15 outlets · Eighteen arrested in Auckland Airport drug smuggling investigation
Police and Customs have arrested 18 people, including nine baggage handlers and an airport staff member, following a joint investigation into drug smuggling. The operation resulted in the seizure of 64kg of methamphetamine and 3.4kg of cocaine. Raids were carried out at nearly two dozen properties across Auckland on Wednesday.
+15 outlets · MPs pay tribute to Te Pāti Māori MP Takutai Tarsh Kemp
Te Pāti Māori MP Takutai Tarsh Kemp died on Thursday morning aged 50 after battling kidney disease. Parliament members held tributes for the Tāmaki Makaurau representative, and her life will be celebrated with a lying in state at Ōpaea Marae.
4 outlets · Adult orca found dead on Christchurch beach
An adult orca was discovered by a member of the public in the shallows north of Waimairi on Thursday afternoon. Department of Conservation staff, local iwi, and Project Jonah members are at the scene to secure the body.
+15 outlets · Coroner finds musician Hamish Kilgour overwhelmed by life challenges before death
A coroner's report has found that musician Hamish Kilgour was struggling with depression and low mood before his death in November 2022. The former member of The Clean died by suicide in Christchurch after failing to return to a mental health unit following overnight leave.
+26 outlets · Details revealed in Julia DeLuney murder trial
A jury in Wellington has heard how police shifted their investigation from accidental death to murder following inconsistencies in Julia DeLuney's account. DeLuney is accused of murdering her mother, Helen Gregory, at her Khandallah home in January 2024. The trial is expected to last at least four weeks.
4 outlets · Four men fined for illegal seafood sales in Southland
Three commercial fishers and another man have been fined nearly $37,000 for selling black market seafood. The group was sentenced in the Invercargill District Court after pleading guilty to charges under the Fisheries Act involving pāua, kina, blue cod and crayfish.
4 outlets · Weight loss medication Wegovy to be available in New Zealand from Tuesday
The weight loss drug Wegovy, also known as Ozempic, will be available on prescription in New Zealand from Tuesday. The once-a-week injection is not funded by Pharmac and could cost up to $600 per month. It is intended for weight loss and maintenance alongside diet and exercise.
+26 outlets · Local state of emergency declared in Marlborough due to heavy rain
A local state of emergency has been declared for parts of Marlborough following heavy rain. Approximately 60 households in Spring Creek were ordered to evacuate by Friday morning due to concerns regarding cracks in stopbanks protecting the area from the Wairau River. Flooding has also been reported in Richmond and Motueka.
4 outlets · Police appeal for sightings of missing Māngere woman
Police are renewing appeals for information regarding 57-year-old Ella Davenport, who has been missing since last Friday. She was last seen near Woolworths Māngere East on 20 June wearing a dark blue top and maroon pants. Authorities are concerned for her safety.
3 outlets · Second person charged in Kaikohe toddler death investigation
A 31-year-old woman has been charged with neglect and fraud offences following the death of a three-year-old in Kaikohe. This follows the earlier charge of 45-year-old Drummond Augustine Leaf with the murder of Catalya Remana Tangimetua-Pepene. The child was found unresponsive at her home on 21 May.
3 outlets · Vehicles and cash seized during Gisborne drug supply investigation
Gisborne Police and the Hastings Asset Recovery Unit executed three search warrants related to the local methamphetamine supply chain. Officers seized approximately $81,000 in cash, two vehicles, and four motorbikes. The operation targeted property allegedly obtained through illicit funds.
3 outlets · One person critically injured in Karaka vehicle crash
A two-car collision on State Highway 22 in Karaka left one person in critical condition and three others injured on Thursday afternoon. Emergency services extricated four people from the vehicles, and Karaka Road has been closed between Blackbridge Road and the Glenbrook roundabout.
3 outlets · Defence Force Hercules arrives in Middle East for contingency operations
A Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J Hercules has landed in the Middle East as part of contingency plans to assist New Zealanders wishing to leave Iran and Israel. The aircraft and personnel are positioned in the region to provide assistance if required.
+15 outlets · Parliament passes bill regarding sex offender name suppression
The Victims of Sexual Violence Bill has unanimously passed its third reading. The new law prevents courts from issuing permanent name suppression for adult sex offenders unless victims agree. Additionally, children under 12 can no longer be questioned about sexual consent in court.
+37 outlets · Wairoa residents continue to struggle one year after devastating floods
One year after the Wairoa River burst its banks and caused $40 million in damage to over 400 properties, residents are still facing housing challenges and emotional trauma. An investigation suggested the impact might have been reduced if the river bar crest had been lowered prior to the event.
3 outlets · Auckland Museum Māori and Pacific galleries closed due to asbestos
The Auckland War Memorial Museum has indefinitely closed its Te Marae Atea Māori Court and Pacific galleries following the discovery of asbestos in May. These popular attractions may remain closed until 2029, complicating planned redevelopment works intended for the museum's centenary.
3 outlets · Severe weather warnings issued for much of the South Island
An active weather front is bringing heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gales across the South Island. Canterbury experienced wind gusts of 250km/h, while a slip has closed Haast Pass. Residents in the Tasman District have been warned to prepare for potential flooding.
+26 outlets · New regulations change access to melatonin, ADHD medication and psilocybin
The government has updated regulations for several medications over the past fortnight. Melatonin will soon be available over the counter in pharmacies, though it remains prescription-only for children. Changes have also been made regarding ADHD treatment and medicinal psilocybin access.
2 outlets · Northland man jailed for reckless high-speed pursuit through Auckland
Blade Herbert has been sentenced following a citywide police chase on 28 January. The 32-year-old was driving while high on methamphetamine when he led up to 20 police vehicles on a pursuit that ended in a mall carpark.
2 outlets · Families booking overseas holidays a year in advance to save money
Families are booking overseas trips up to a year in advance to find affordable prices. A travel agent noted that airlines and accommodation providers are making early bargains harder to find by adjusting for holiday timing.
2 outlets · Music licenser seeking fees from hundreds of businesses weekly
A music licensing organisation is contacting hundreds of businesses every week to collect fees for music played in commercial settings. These requirements apply to various workplaces, including offices, factories, and hairdressers, to ensure artists receive payments for non-personal use.
2 outlets · Queenstown Lakes District Council proposes new freedom camping plan
The Queenstown Lakes District Council has drafted a new bylaw to manage freedom camping. The proposal includes designating 158 free car parks across 14 locations for certified self-contained motor vehicles. This plan follows the High Court quashing previous rules last year.
2 outlets · Tauranga City Council approves 9.9 per cent rates increase
Tauranga councillors have adopted the 2025/26 annual plan, confirming a 9.9 per cent rates rise. Approximately 60 protesters gathered outside the council building to voice concerns regarding the cost. Homeowners are expected to pay between $180 and $1,124 more in rates for the upcoming year.
2 outlets · Customs intercepts more than 1.6 tonnes of illicit drugs so far in 2025
Customs has seized over 1600kg of methamphetamine, cocaine, and MDMA at the border during the first five months of the year. The intercepted drugs include 976kg of methamphetamine, 503kg of cocaine, and 141kg of MDMA. These figures do not include offshore interceptions or seizures from June.
2 outlets · Wallace Sititi ruled out of All Blacks series against France
All Blacks loose forward Wallace Sititi will miss next month's three-test series against France due to an ankle injury. The 22-year-old requires surgery to address the issue. Christian Lio-Willie has been called into the squad to replace him.
2 outlets · Auckland Harbour Bridge may close due to high winds
The New Zealand Transport Agency has warned that lanes on the Auckland Harbour Bridge may close on Friday morning. Wind gusts of up to 90km/h are forecast during peak commuting times as severe weather moves north.
2 outlets · Ngātiwai iwi encourages Māori to take pride in moko
Northland iwi Ngātiwai is urging Māori to wear their moko with pride. Kaumātua Taipari Munro made the comments following remarks by Winston Peters, who referred to Rawiri Waititi's mataora as "scribbles". Munro stated that moko represents the mana of ancestors and serves as a symbol of unity.
2 outlets · South Wairarapa and Auckland councils confirm rates increases
The South Wairarapa District Council has unanimously adopted a 4.3% rates rise as part of its long-term plan. Meanwhile, Auckland Council has confirmed a 5.8% increase for the 2025/2026 period, which equates to approximately $223 per year for an average residential property.
2 outlets · Spring Creek residents urged to prepare for possible evacuation
Residents north of Blenheim have been asked to prepare for evacuation as heavy rain warnings are in place for the Marlborough region. Forecasts suggest the Wairau River could rise significantly by Friday morning. An orange heavy rain warning and strong wind watches are currently in effect for parts of the South and lower North Islands.
2 outlets · Te Pūkenga reports first surplus of $16.6m amid disestablishment
The New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, Te Pūkenga, finished the last financial year with a $16.6 million surplus and $382 million in the bank. Despite this profit, the organisation is being disestablished and is expected to cease existing by the end of next year.
+15 outlets · Napier family mourns 11-year-old boy who died from flu complications
Mateo Deveraturda died at Starship Hospital after a two-week struggle following what was initially thought to be a routine flu. His family is returning to Napier to mourn his loss and has thanked the public for their support and prayers.
2 outlets · Two people charged after Auckland jewellery store burglary
A man and a woman have been arrested in connection with a May 30 burglary of a High Street jewellery store in Auckland. Police tracked the suspects using a rented getaway vehicle. Seventeen pieces of jewellery were reportedly stolen during the incident.
2 outlets · Navy divers neutralise five World War II mines near Auckland
Navy divers have safely neutralised five Second World War-era mines found on the seafloor in the Hauraki Gulf. The mines were part of a defensive field laid in the early 1940s to protect the area from German and Japanese naval threats.
3 outlets · Officer cleared after intoxicated man died during Auckland City Mission incident
The police watchdog has found an officer was not at fault following the death of an aggressive, intoxicated man in Grafton. The man died after falling and hitting his head while being escorted by the officer in November 2024. The death has been deemed an accident.
2 outlets · Police seek footage after stabbing at Pakuranga night markets
Police are asking for video footage of a violent assault at the Pakuranga Night Markets on Saturday evening. Two people remain in critical condition at Middlemore Hospital following the stabbing. A 23-year-old man has been arrested and is due to appear in court in July.
2 outlets · University of Otago staff member resigns amid fraud investigation
A long-serving and award-winning staff member at the University of Otago has resigned. The individual was under investigation for fraud at the Dunedin campus. A university spokesperson confirmed the person is no longer employed but declined to provide further details due to privacy reasons.
2 outlets · Government to enable higher housing density near Auckland rail stations
The Government will require higher housing density around key City Rail Link stations to future-proof Auckland. Housing Minister Chris Bishop stated that central intensification aims to utilise existing infrastructure. The Auckland Council reportedly broadly agrees with the directive for high-rise apartments alongside the rail upgrade.
2 outlets · Increased poverty affecting students in Canterbury and Whanganui
Charity KidsCan has launched an urgent appeal following a 15% rise in food demand. Canterbury principals report students are arriving at school hungry and cold, while a Whanganui school is urging community support to help those in need.
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