Twelve more arrested following antisocial boy racer event in Levin
Police have arrested a further 12 people following a King's Birthday weekend gathering in Levin, bringing the total number of arrests to 22. The May 30 event involved approximately 1,000 people and resulted in injuries to police officers and members of the public, as well as damage to police vehicles.
+26 outlets · Driver jailed for manslaughter after hitting pregnant woman in Auckland
A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to two years and four months in prison for manslaughter. The driver hit a pregnant woman during an illegal street racing event in East Tamaki in May 2023, resulting in the death of her unborn baby.
+15 outlets · Police officer caught driving 154km/h without lights or sirens
An Eastern District officer was clocked travelling at 154km/h in a 100km/h zone while not responding to an emergency. The officer, who was caught by another officer using radar, claimed they were testing the speed of the patrol vehicle. The Independent Police Conduct Authority investigated the incident.
+15 outlets · Teenager dies after high-speed crash in Kumeū
A teenager has died in hospital following a serious crash on the Coatesville-Riverhead Highway in Kumeū. The incident occurred on Friday night when a vehicle containing four teenagers failed to stop for police and crashed into a property. Police investigations into the crash are ongoing.
+15 outlets · North Island detectives to reinvestigate death of Gore toddler
Two North Island detectives have been appointed to lead a new investigation into the 2019 death of three-year-old Lachie Jones. The boy was found in a Gore wastewater pond, and the fresh inquiry follows a coroner's criticism of previous police investigations.
+15 outlets · Taxpayer-funded MethaneSAT satellite likely irrecoverable after losing contact
The MethaneSAT climate satellite, which received $29 million from the New Zealand government, has lost contact with the ground. The Environmental Defence Fund stated the satellite is likely not recoverable. Space Minister Judith Collins has declined to answer questions regarding the loss.
+37 outlets · Nelson-Tasman prepares for another storm following heavy flooding
Civil Defence is preparing for a significant storm expected to hit the Nelson-Tasman region on Thursday morning. This follows recent heavy rain that flooded hundreds of homes and destroyed farmland. Residents whose properties were previously inundated are being warned to prepare for further potential flooding.
4 outlets · Pensioners rationing electricity due to rising costs
Some pensioners are resorting to extreme power rationing to manage increasing electricity costs. According to Age Concern, some individuals are turning off hot water cylinders for days and eating cold food to save money. Stats New Zealand figures show electricity costs have risen nearly 9 per cent since June last year.
+15 outlets · Woman kills motorist while chasing partner's wife in car
Sharanjit Kaur caused a fatal crash after chasing her partner's wife in a vehicle. The incident occurred on 27 June last year after Kaur became enraged by a family photograph. An innocent man was killed during the pursuit.
3 outlets · Invercargill mayor Nobby Clark recovering from minor stroke
Invercargill Mayor Nobby Clark is recovering after suffering a minor stroke following a fall at home. He spent two nights in hospital for observation. The mayor intends to return to work next week.
3 outlets · Hilary Barry takes leave for medical procedure
TVNZ presenter Hilary Barry is off-air for a number of weeks to undergo a medical procedure. A spokesperson stated she is recuperating well and is expected to return to her Seven Sharp hosting duties next month.
3 outlets · Copper cable and bells stolen from Hawke's Bay railway crossings
Police say more than 750 metres of copper cable and four level crossing bells were stolen from Hawke's Bay railway infrastructure. The thefts occurred between April and June, creating a significant public safety risk. Authorities warned that the missing equipment could lead to fatal accidents.
3 outlets · Ikea's first New Zealand store expected to open around Christmas
Kiwi Property Group chairman Simon Shakesheff has indicated that the new Ikea store at Auckland's Sylvia Park is likely to open around the Christmas trading period. The company is currently in discussions with Auckland Transport to manage potential congestion and visitor influx in Mt Wellington.
3 outlets · Noble false widow spider establishes presence in New Zealand
The noble false widow spider has been confirmed as living in New Zealand. First spotted in Porirua last year, the invasive species has since been seen in Christchurch, Nelson, and Waikato. Ecologists are asking the public to report sightings of the spider.
3 outlets · Southland vet finds fulfilment in rural practice
Holly Gardyne has moved to a rural practice in Southland after graduating from Massey University. She currently manages a variety of farm work, including treating sick livestock and working dogs.
3 outlets · Woolworths recalls beef mince due to potential plastic contamination
Woolworths is recalling 500g and 1kg packs of its branded 18% fat beef mince. The affected products were sold at Woolworths and Countdown stores across the North Island and have a best before date of 5 July 2025.
3 outlets · Government to fund 21,000 additional elective surgeries over next year
The Government is expanding its Elective Boost programme to deliver 21,000 more procedures over the coming year. Health Minister Simeon Brown says the initiative aims to reduce waiting times by using both public and private hospitals for surgeries such as cataract removals and hip or knee replacements.
4 outlets · Pedestrian seriously injured in Rotorua truck crash
A pedestrian sustained serious injuries after being hit by a truck on Amohau Street in central Rotorua around 6am on Wednesday. Emergency services attended the scene near the Ranolf Street intersection. A section of Amohau Street was closed between Pukuatua and Ranolf Streets following the incident.
3 outlets · Auckland oyster farmers seek government help over sewage overflows
Ten marine farms in north Auckland are calling for government intervention following a seven-year dispute with Watercare. Sewage overflowing into Mahurangi Harbour is contaminating oyster crops, leading at least one farmer to close their business.
3 outlets · Homicide investigation launched after body found in Auckland's Freemans Bay
Police have launched a homicide investigation after a newborn baby's body was found in a wheelie bin on Renall Street around 10pm Tuesday. A woman is currently in custody, and authorities stated they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
2 outlets · One person airlifted to hospital after Southbridge incident
A person was flown to Christchurch hospital in serious condition following an incident in Southbridge on Wednesday evening. Emergency services, including an ambulance and a helicopter, responded to the scene on Hastings Street just before 8.30pm.
3 outlets · Dog rescued after being trapped in a Nelson drain for 24 hours
An eight-year-old dog named Shiva was rescued after spending 24 hours stuck in a drainpipe in the Nelson area. The dog became trapped while chasing a tennis ball during a game in Brightwater. The pipe was filled with water following recent severe flooding.
3 outlets · Motorists frustrated by delayed road works on Paerata Road
Drivers are expressing frustration over road works north of Pukekohe that are expected to continue for nearly two years. The delays affect Paerata Road, where an upgraded culvert is being installed to future-proof the stormwater network ahead of local housing developments.
4 outlets · The Warehouse apologises for TV advertisement containing gender stereotypes
The Warehouse Group has apologised for an unacceptable television advertisement that was ordered to be removed by the Advertising Standards Authority. The ad featured a pink background with text suggesting a child could not perform long division, which critics argued perpetuated the stereotype that girls are not good at mathematics.
2 outlets · Copper cable and safety equipment stolen from Hawke’s Bay railways
More than 750 metres of copper cable and four crossing bells were stolen from a railway bridge north of Clive. Hawke’s Bay Police say the theft poses a safety risk and are asking the public to report any suspicious activity near bridges or crossings.
2 outlets · New Ecoreef being built to protect Te Awanga coastline
Work is progressing on an Ecoreef in front of the Te Awanga lagoon to combat coastal erosion. The structure uses interlocking concrete modules to protect the shoreline and the local stormwater system.
2 outlets · Lincoln University campus to host new Bioeconomy Science Institute headquarters
The board for the new Bioeconomy Science Institute has selected AgResearch’s Tuhiraki building at Lincoln University in Canterbury as its headquarters. The institute, which merges public research organisations, is led by Plant and Food Research chief executive Mark Piper.
2 outlets · Homicide investigation launched after baby found in Auckland wheelie bin
Police have launched a homicide investigation after a newborn baby's body was discovered in a wheelie bin on Renall Street in Freemans Bay. The body was found around 10pm last night. A woman is currently in police custody as investigations continue.
2 outlets · Homicide investigation launched after body found in Freeman's Bay
Police discovered a body at a house on Renall Street in the Auckland suburb of Freeman's Bay at 10pm on Tuesday. Local residents expressed shock at the homicide investigation occurring in their typically quiet neighbourhood.
2 outlets · Te Puke woman dies following Tauranga Eastern Link crash
Lily Arabin, 34, has died following a two-vehicle collision on State Highway 2. The crash occurred on the Tauranga Eastern Link between Pāpāmoa and Paengaroa on 26 June.
2 outlets · Heavy rain and snow expected across South Island
MetService has issued a heavy rain watch for Dunedin and North Otago, with periods of heavy rain expected tomorrow afternoon. A heavy snow watch is also in place for Central Otago and the Queenstown Lakes District. Meanwhile, Nelson and Tasman prepare for more rain following recent flooding.
2 outlets · Auckland church and representative fined for illegal building work
The Samoan Congregational Christian Church of New Zealand Māngere Trust and its representative, Sean Palala, have been convicted of 15 breaches of building and resource management laws. The Auckland District Court issued fines exceeding $82,000 following unlawful construction and use of the Māngere church and community centre.
3 outlets · Minister calls school lunch programme a success in term two
Education Minister David Seymour has described the school lunch programme as a success, noting improved delivery times and fewer complaints. However, some principals have expressed concerns that students are losing interest in the meals. New menu options are scheduled to be introduced for term three.
3 outlets · Man named after name suppression lapses in South Auckland homicide case
Mukesh Prashad, 37, can now be named following the lapse of name suppression. He is accused of smothering his five-year-old daughter before taking her body to the Manukau Police Station in January. Prashad has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.
2 outlets · Ethan Blackadder extends Crusaders and New Zealand Rugby contracts until 2026
Former All Black Ethan Blackadder has re-signed with the Crusaders and New Zealand Rugby. The 30-year-old has committed to staying with the team until 2026, despite being omitted from the All Blacks squad selected to play France.
2 outlets · Police cordon off street in Ponsonby following incident on private property
Police cordoned off Renall Street in Ponsonby on Wednesday morning. Officers were seen examining a property near the intersection with Ponsonby Road following an incident on private property.
2 outlets · Commerce Commission warns Foodstuffs North Island over likely law breach
The Commerce Commission has issued a warning to Foodstuffs North Island for likely breaching the Grocery Industry Competition Act 2023. The regulator believes the company failed to deal with a supplier in good faith, violating a fundamental aspect of the Supply Code.
3 outlets · Brad Callaghan to be released on parole this month
Brad Callaghan, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for the 2010 murder of Carmen Thomas, is due to be released this month. Callaghan killed his former partner with a baseball bat and dismembered her body in Auckland. He previously received a six-year sentence for perverting the course of justice.
2 outlets · Clinical trial results show improved survival after stem cell transplants
A major clinical trial involving New Zealand cancer patients has shown that survival and health rates have tripled three years after a stem cell transplant. The study included patients such as Gladys Borgueta at Auckland and other hospitals.
2 outlets · Kainga Ora scales back new builds amid housing crisis
Kainga Ora is reducing new housing developments as the housing crisis continues. In Onehunga, Auckland, a planned 186-apartment project has been cancelled, leaving the site empty after former tenants moved out.
2 outlets ·
