NZ First MP Tanya Unkovich resigns from Parliament
New Zealand First list MP Tanya Unkovich has resigned from Parliament to focus on coaching, consultancy, and other private sector roles. The Auckland-based MP, who entered Parliament following the 2023 election, stated she believes she can be of more service to New Zealanders through these various avenues.
+26 outlets · One dead and one critical after suspicious crash in Manurewa
A person has died and another is in critical condition following a suspicious crash in South Auckland early this morning. Police observed an Isuzu allegedly chasing a Mitsubishi along Roscommon Road before the incident occurred. One person has been arrested in connection with the crash.
+15 outlets · Four injured after car crashes into Kumeū house
Four people were injured after a car crashed into a home on the Coatesville-Riverhead Highway on Friday night. Two people are in critical condition and two have sustained serious injuries. All four victims were taken to Auckland City Hospital following the incident.
4 outlets · Two men caught with large illegal pāua haul in Wellington
Fishery officers confiscated 1,863 shucked pāua from a vessel at Titahi Bay on Tuesday. The illegal catch is estimated to be worth approximately $25,000. Two men are likely to face charges following the seizure.
4 outlets · Tainui announced as hosts for Te Matatini 2027
Tainui will host the 2027 Te Matatini kapa haka festival at Hopuhopu, near Ngāruawāhia. The Waikato-based event follows the decision in May to remove Nelson as the host due to concerns regarding regional capacity. This marks the competition's first return to the Waikato region since 2000.
+26 outlets · Severe weather causes flooding and evacuations across New Zealand
Heavy rain and thunderstorms have triggered states of emergency in Marlborough and Nelson, where dozens of homes have been evacuated. Nelson recorded over 300mm of rain in 24 hours, causing flooding and school closures. Meanwhile, Auckland has experienced strong winds that caused a building to collapse and disrupted flights.
3 outlets · Spring Creek residents evacuated following Wairau River flooding
Several Spring Creek residents were asked to evacuate as a precaution on Friday after the Wairau River burst its banks. Evacuees expressed frustration with the Marlborough District Council, citing a lack of action regarding flood protection work in the area.
3 outlets · Trevor Mallard sued by child over 2022 Parliament protest tactics
A child is taking legal action against former Speaker Trevor Mallard regarding his use of sprinklers and loud music to deter protesters during the 2022 Parliament occupation. The High Court case seeks damages for mental anguish and a declaration that the child's rights were breached.
4 outlets · Man remanded after alleged Tauranga road rage incident involving a knife
A 52-year-old man has appeared in court following reports of reckless driving and a knife being brandished at another motorist in Tauranga. The incident allegedly occurred on 20 May involving a utility vehicle. The man has been remanded in custody.
3 outlets · Two brothers arrested at Auckland hotel for alleged cocaine importation
Two Chilean brothers were arrested at an Auckland hotel following an investigation by the National Organised Crime Group. The men are charged with allegedly importing approximately 6kg of cocaine into New Zealand on 21 June. One brother is 34 and the other is 26.
3 outlets · Construction begins on new mental health centre in Lower Hutt
Work has started on the $88 million Sir Mark Dunajtschik Mental Health Centre at Hutt Hospital. Supported by a $50 million donation, the facility will provide 34 adult acute inpatient beds. The new centre is expected to open in 2027.
3 outlets · Former MP Brendan Horan to contest Whakatāne District Council seat
Former MP and TVNZ weather presenter Brendan Horan plans to stand for the Whakatāne District Council in the upcoming local body elections. Although he currently lives in Papamoa, the former New Zealand First MP intends to run to support the mayoral candidate.
3 outlets · Youth charged after restaurant burglary in Pukete
A 16-year-old has been charged following a burglary at The Lookout Bar and Kitchen in Pukete. Two youths allegedly used a stolen vehicle to smash a glass door and steal approximately 35 bottles of alcohol and 17 electronic tablets. Police are currently searching for a second youth.
3 outlets · Maintenance machine derailment in Auckland tunnel was preventable
A KiwiRail maintenance machine derailed in Auckland's Purewa Tunnel after running off a missing section of track. The Transport Accident Investigation Commission found the accident was preventable, noting that staff were overworked and that communication failures left workers unaware of the gap in the rails.
3 outlets · Former Loafers Lodge manager charged with manslaughter following 2023 fire
Marie Louise Murphy, 70, has been named as one of four people charged with manslaughter following the 2023 Loafers Lodge fire in Wellington. Murphy, who was involved in the hostel's management, pleaded not guilty in the High Court. Police allege the accused were responsible for aspects of the building's fire safety systems.
+26 outlets · Invercargill mayor blames risk aversion for high consultancy spending
Mayor Nobby Clark has criticised the Invercargill council for spending more than $7.3 million on consultants between July 2022 and December 2024. Clark suggested the high costs stem from a low tolerance for risk and proposed that staff reduce spending on advice while councillors accept more risk.
2 outlets · Police search for Auckland man wanted for serious violent incident
Auckland City Police are searching for 41-year-old Solomon Kapua Apihai, who is wanted for wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He is known to frequent the Auckland CBD and Mt Roskill areas. Police have warned the public not to approach him.
2 outlets · Investigation launched into alleged misuse of Whānau Ora public funding
Te Puni Kōkiri and Māori policy advisers have started an independent review into allegations of inappropriate use of public money. The probe examines whether Whānau Ora commissioning services used funds for electioneering and if contractual obligations were met. It is reported that Moana Pasifika may have received $770,000 annually through a Pasifika Medical Association contract.
3 outlets · Opera singer performs inside earthquake-damaged Christchurch Cathedral
Australian-Italian soprano Elena Perroni performed an aria inside the partially restored Christ Church Cathedral on Thursday. The performance took place ahead of New Zealand Opera's shows at the Isaac Theatre Royal. Dean Ben Truman stated that despite construction work being paused last year, the plan remains to reinstate the building.
2 outlets · Tributes for Upper Hutt teacher Paula Bloomfield following her death
Heretaunga College teacher Paula Bloomfield died on Wednesday. Described as a community champion, she was known for her dedication to her students, even continuing to mark their work while in hospice care.
3 outlets · Hurricanes plea for donations after partner's cancer diagnosis
The Hurricanes Super Rugby franchise is seeking donations to support Mereana, the partner of wider training squad member Nui Muriwai. Mereana has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of ovarian cancer known as SCCOHT.
2 outlets · Woman arrested after allegedly stealing courier van near Napier police station
A 27-year-old woman was arrested within 10 minutes of allegedly stealing a courier van on Station Street. The incident occurred on Friday morning when a driver left the vehicle running while delivering a parcel opposite the Napier police station.
2 outlets · Police officer charged with assaulting 13-year-old boy in Auckland
Brendan Scott Munster, a 32-year-old police officer, has been charged with assaulting a 13-year-old boy on 6 February. The alleged assault occurred following an incident involving a fleeing driver. His court appearance has been adjourned until August to allow police to consider diversion.
2 outlets · Agency drops Māori name for family and sexual violence prevention body
The Executive Board for the Elimination of Family Violence and Sexual Violence will no longer use its Māori name, Te Puna Aonui. Minister Karen Chhour announced the change and reforms to the advisory board, stating the agency should reflect all New Zealanders.
2 outlets · Tauranga City Council approves 9.9 per cent rates increase
Tauranga City Council has adopted its 2025/26 Annual Plan, resulting in a 9.9 per cent rates hike. Homeowners will face additional costs between $180 and $1,124. Approximately 60 people gathered outside the council building to protest the decision on Thursday morning.
2 outlets · Taiawa Harawira jailed for historical child sex abuse
Taiawa Harawira has been sentenced to almost six years in prison by the Auckland District Court. The 67-year-old was found guilty of six sexual charges, including rape, involving a girl decades ago. Harawira maintains his innocence.
2 outlets · Road blocked by debris after roof collapses in Auckland
A section of a commercial building's roof blew off during intense wind gusts in Blockhouse Bay. The incident has blocked the intersection of Crayford Road and Blockhouse Bay Road. Fire and Emergency services are working to clear the debris from the area.
2 outlets · Ngāti Tūwharetoa Trust proposes geothermal baths with silica terraces in Kawerau
The Ngāti Tūwharetoa Bay of Plenty Settlement Trust has proposed creating geothermal hot baths in Kawerau. The plan includes using prefabricated silica sinter terraces to mimic natural formations, similar to those found near Taupō.
2 outlets · Hawke’s Bay councils set rates for 2025-26
Hawke’s Bay councils have determined rates for the 2025-26 period. Hastings District Council has announced a 15% increase, partly to fund Cyclone Gabrielle recovery, while Wairoa has the lowest increase at 5.2%.
2 outlets · Devon Conway omitted from Black Caps T20 tri-series squad
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter has named a 15-man squad for next month's T20I tri-series in Zimbabwe. Devon Conway is not included in the selection, while Auckland Aces batter Bevon Jacobs is set to make his debut. The tournament features South Africa alongside the hosts.
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