Commemorations held for 40th anniversary of Rainbow Warrior bombing
People gathered in Auckland to mark 40 years since French agents bombed the Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior in 1985. The attack at Marsden Wharf killed photographer Fernando Pereira and sank the vessel. Advocates are using the anniversary to warn about increasing nuclearism in the Pacific.
+15 outlets · Project aims to revive extinct South Island giant moa
Colossal Biosciences, Ngāi Tahu, and Sir Peter Jackson have partnered on a $50 million project to de-extinct the South Island giant moa. The initiative intends to use gene editing and DNA from preserved remains to produce hatchlings within a decade. While some experts express doubt, the Canterbury Museum is supporting the collaboration.
+48 outlets · Police allege Kiri Allan was abusive during 2023 drink-driving arrest
New documents released under the Official Information Act detail the 2023 arrest of former Justice Minister Kiri Allan after she crashed into a parked car. Police allege Allan was verbally abusive, physically resistant, and claimed her charges were a political stunt while being arrested for suspected drink-driving.
+15 outlets · Foodstuffs disestablishes 180 roles at fire-damaged New World Victoria Park
Approximately 180 staff members at the Auckland supermarket have been informed that their roles will be disestablished following a fire three weeks ago. Foodstuffs has extended the redundancy timeframe to support employees in finding new work. First Union stated that staff will now be paid until 4 August.
+15 outlets · Reserve Bank holds official cash rate at 3.25%
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has held the official cash rate at 3.25%, ending a series of six consecutive cuts. The central bank cited a need for more clarity regarding inflation, the economy, and US trade policy, though it noted further cuts remain possible.
+15 outlets · Hamilton intersection closed following serious two-vehicle crash
A serious crash involving a car and a motorcycle occurred at the intersection of Willoughby and Mill streets on Wednesday afternoon. Police were called to the scene around 3.30pm and have advised motorists to avoid the area while emergency services attend.
4 outlets · Tramper and dog winched to safety from Tararua Ranges
David Graham and his dog, Winnie, were rescued from freezing conditions in the Tararua Ranges on Tuesday morning. A Royal New Zealand Air Force helicopter winched the near-hypothermic pair to safety after a personal locator beacon was activated.
4 outlets · Hastings camera car issued over 5000 parking tickets in five months
The Hastings District Council's Mobile Licence Plate Recognition system issued 5,326 parking infringement tickets between 1 January and 1 June 2025. The camera-equipped vehicle recorded the violations across Hastings and Havelock North. During this same period, foot-based parking officers issued 3,926 tickets.
+15 outlets · Plans to revive extinct South Island giant moa spark debate
Colossal Biosciences and a University of Canterbury research centre aim to genetically engineer birds to resemble the extinct South Island giant moa by 2035. The proposal has faced criticism from the Greens and a Dunedin paleontologist, while Ngāi Tahu says it will consider the morality and viability of the project.
+15 outlets · Three measles cases confirmed in Wairarapa linked to overseas travel
Three people in the Wairarapa have tested positive for measles following recent overseas travel. The individuals visited a supermarket twice and a library once. Health NZ says the affected people and their close contacts are currently isolating to prevent further spread.
+15 outlets · Six youths in custody after shoplifting incident in South Auckland
Six youths are in custody following an alleged shoplifting incident at a Clover Park superette. During the confrontation, a man sustained a minor stab wound from a screwdriver. The group allegedly used weapons, including knives, while stealing items from the shop.
3 outlets · Erin Patterson found guilty of triple murder in Australia
Erin Patterson has been found guilty of murdering her former in-laws during a family lunch involving a beef Wellington. Following a two-month trial, the 50-year-old faces a potential life sentence. A legal expert suggests the convictions may be difficult to appeal.
3 outlets · Woman found dead in Auckland home following ambulance delay
Barbara Rose McGee died in her Auckland home on Christmas Eve 2022 after waiting over four hours for an ambulance. An emergency crew arrived around 7am to find her deceased in her bed. A coroner has highlighted failures regarding the ambulance call-taker process.
3 outlets · Heavy rain forecast for upper North and South Islands
A weather front is expected to bring heavy rain to the top of the North and South Islands starting Wednesday afternoon. MetService has issued yellow heavy rain watches, including for the Tasman District. Some areas may face an upgraded orange warning on Thursday morning.
3 outlets · Waitākere district nurse finished shift after fracturing ankle at work
A West Auckland district nurse completed her shift despite suffering a fractured ankle because no replacement was available. Approximately 16 Waitākere district nurses have written to the Health New Zealand CEO, requesting urgent action to address severe staffing shortages.
3 outlets · Auckland man facing charges after allegedly ramming police car
A 44-year-old man is facing multiple serious driving charges after allegedly using a stolen 4WD to repeatedly ram a police vehicle. The incident occurred during a traffic stop in Mt Wellington early Tuesday morning after the vehicle ran a red light.
3 outlets · Experts recommend no future climate change buy-outs for homeowners
A panel of experts has advised the government that homeowners should not expect buy-outs for houses damaged by weather events. The group recommended that individuals be responsible for understanding flood and storm risks and deciding whether to move from high-risk areas.
+15 outlets · Timaru lumberyard and director fined after worker's death
Point Lumber and its sole director have been ordered to pay more than $450,000 in fines and reparations. The penalties follow the 2022 workplace accident in Timaru where 23-year-old Ethyn McTier was crushed to death.
2 outlets · Coroner rules 10-year-old girl's drowning in Fiordland was accidental
A coroner has ruled that 10-year-old Tegan Chen died after accidentally slipping into Marian Creek in Fiordland National Park in January 2024. The New South Wales tourist was swept downstream by the fast-flowing water. Following the incident, the Department of Conservation implemented safety upgrades to the walking track.
+26 outlets · British ship wreck discovered at Canterbury river mouth
The remains of the Thames, a British trading ship built in 1826, have been found at the mouth of the Ashley River near Christchurch. The vessel ran aground in 1865 while delivering telegraph poles to North Canterbury. The discovery process began in 2023 after remains were flagged.
2 outlets · Woman arrested after alleged strangling incident at Waikato Hospital
A 46-year-old woman has been arrested and charged with impeding breathing by strangulation following an incident at Waikato Hospital on Tuesday. Police were called to the hospital around midday and reported that the victim sustained minor injuries.
2 outlets · Porirua woman remembered after fatal elephant attack in Zambia
Alison Jean Taylor, 67, was killed by a female elephant during a safari in South Luangwa National Park last week. Taylor, who was from Porirua, was travelling with 68-year-old Easton Janet Taylor when the attack occurred. Family members have described the deceased as a cheerful and compassionate person.
3 outlets · Doctors warn of rising violence and abuse in New Zealand hospitals
Health workers are reporting an increase in physical and verbal abuse within hospitals. An advocate for junior doctors expressed concerns that such violence could lead to a fatality. Following incidents at Palmerston North Hospital, there are calls to increase police presence or the powers of security officers.
+26 outlets · French rugby team to train in Auckland instead of Hamilton
The French rugby team has decided to stay in Auckland to train before their third test match against the All Blacks on 19 July. Hamilton residents and business owners expressed disappointment regarding the decision to bypass the city.
2 outlets · Police search for offender after firearms incident in Hamilton
Emergency services responded to a serious firearms incident on Bellmont Avenue in Chartwell on Wednesday evening. Police were called at approximately 6.40pm after a gun was discharged. An Eagle helicopter is being used to assist in the search for the alleged offender.
2 outlets · Dame Jacinda Ardern to provide evidence to Covid-19 inquiry
Former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern has confirmed she will provide evidence to the second stage of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Covid-19 response. Her statement follows speculation regarding whether she would appear before the commission.
3 outlets · Wellington woman killed by elephant in Zambia remembered by community
Alison Taylor, 67, died alongside a relative after being charged by an elephant in a Zambian national park. Taylor was a prominent volunteer at the Porirua Citizens Advice Bureau and is being remembered as a dedicated community leader.
3 outlets · Reward increased for information regarding sea lion deaths in the Catlins
The New Zealand Sea Lion Trust has increased the reward to $12,000 for information leading to a conviction. The reward follows the deaths of three sea lions in the Catlins, including a mother and her pup. Organisers hope the increased amount will help identify those responsible.
4 outlets · Seal filmed riding waves at Te Awanga surf spot
A photographer captured footage of a seal riding waves at Te Awanga beach in Hawke's Bay. Michael Farr recorded the animal playing in the surf on Tuesday afternoon, noting that he initially mistook the seal for a surfer.
2 outlets · Auckland restaurant denies allegations of mistreatment by former MP
Atelier restaurant on Karangahape Road has rejected accusations of hostility made by former Green Party MP Golriz Ghahraman. Ghahraman alleged her group was poorly treated when staff suddenly cancelled their booking last weekend. The restaurant has denied the claims made in her social media posts and Google review.
2 outlets · Police search for three youths who fled Auckland remand home
Police are searching for three young people who absconded from a secure community-based remand home in Auckland. Oranga Tamariki was alerted to the incident by one of its contracted providers. The agency is currently working with police to locate the trio.
3 outlets · Queenstown named in Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards
Queenstown is the only New Zealand destination to be included in the Travel + Leisure magazine’s annual World’s Best Awards. The rankings are based on an annual reader survey and represent a significant recognition for the South Island tourist capital.
2 outlets · Pharmac to change access for asthma inhalers and IUDs
From 1 August 2025, Pharmac will implement rule changes to improve access to certain asthma inhalers and long-acting contraceptives. These updates include providing three-month prescriptions for specific strengths of budesonide with eformoterol inhalers. Associate Health Minister David Seymour has welcomed the changes, stating they are sensible and cost nothing.
2 outlets · South Auckland water treatment plants to be upgraded and expanded
Watercare plans to upgrade the Clarks Beach and Waiuku treatment plants over the next three years to support a growing population. The project involves an investment of more than $500 million. Options for servicing the area include connecting to Kingseat.
2 outlets · New KiwiRail director linked to NZ First donation
Newly appointed KiwiRail board director Scott O'Donnell is associated with Dynes Transport Tapanui. The company, of which O'Donnell is a director, donated $20,000 to NZ First in July 2024 and is involved in a project that recently received a government regional infrastructure loan.
4 outlets · Waikato farming company fined $49,000 for unlawful effluent discharge
Apex Farming Limited has been fined $49,000 after allowing dairy effluent to overflow from storage ponds into a Waikato waterway. The company was convicted of an offence under the Resource Management Act following a compliance inspection in early 2024. A judge described the company's management of the ponds as highly careless.
2 outlets · Broadcaster Mel Homer diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia
Radio host and television personality Mel Homer has been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia following routine blood tests. The Breeze host is expected to begin treatment next week and will likely spend a month in hospital.
2 outlets · Speculation grows over potential Lorde tour dates in New Zealand
A deleted article suggests Lorde may perform in Auckland and Christchurch in 2026. The singer had previously omitted New Zealand from her Ultrasound world tour dates. There is speculation regarding whether she might perform at Christchurch's new stadium.
2 outlets · Pita Tipene to contest Northland Regional Council seat
Māori leader Pita Tipene has announced his candidacy for the Northland Regional Council in the upcoming local elections. He is standing in the Te Raki Māori constituency and has suggested that Northlanders should hold a poll to retain this seat during the October elections.
2 outlets · Auckland engineer jailed for Watercare fraud exceeding $1m
Shyamal Shah, a 27-year-old engineer at Auckland Council's Watercare, has been jailed for committing fraud worth more than $1 million. The scheme was discovered after Shah resigned from his position and prepared to move to Australia.
2 outlets · Queensland look to make history in State of Origin decider
Queensland captain Cameron Munster will lead his team against New South Wales in the State of Origin series decider at Accor Stadium. The Maroons are seeking a series title as Munster plays following the recent death of his father.
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