Two critically injured after car crashes into Hamilton house
Two people are in critical condition following a car crash into a home on Marshall Street in Fairfield on Thursday night. One occupant of the house was critically injured in the collision, while the driver was allegedly assaulted by neighbours following the incident. Police have launched an investigation.
Ray Chung faces backlash over email containing rumours about mayor
Wellington mayoral candidate Ray Chung is facing scrutiny after sending an email to councillors in 2023 containing unsubstantiated sexual rumours about Mayor Tory Whanau. Whanau is seeking legal advice regarding the claims, while donor Sir Mark Dunajtschik has withdrawn his support for Chung's campaign.
Teen jailed for manslaughter in Dunedin bus hub stabbing
A 14-year-old boy has been sentenced to three years and three months in prison for the manslaughter of 16-year-old Enere McLaren-Taana. The victim was stabbed with a kitchen knife during a confrontation at the Dunedin bus hub in May 2024. The boy's name remains suppressed.
State Highway 3 closed following serious two-vehicle crash
State Highway 3 has been closed north of Pukenui Road near Mapara following a serious two-vehicle crash on Friday. Police report that one person has died in the incident, which also involved a boat. Motorists are advised to avoid the area due to expected delays.
Nurses and health workers vote for 24-hour strike at end of July
More than 36,000 nurses, midwives, and healthcare assistants have voted to strike for 24 hours over staffing and safety concerns. Te Whatu Ora warned that the industrial action could result in approximately 4,300 surgeries and specialist appointments needing to be rescheduled.
Search continues for missing Whanganui man after car found in river
Police are searching for 20-year-old Kahukura Gill, who has been missing since 27 June. A vehicle matching his description was recovered from the Whanganui River on 2 July. Authorities believe he may have been inside the car when it crashed into the river during flooding.
Body found near Paratutae Island in search for missing diver
Search crews have located a body near Paratutae Island in West Auckland. Police believe the body belongs to the diver reported missing from Whatipū Beach early Thursday morning, though formal identification has not yet occurred.
Witness claims murder accused asked about hidden money at funeral
During a Wellington High Court trial, Peter Wilson testified that Julia DeLuney allegedly asked him about hidden money at his mother's funeral. DeLuney is accused of murdering Helen Gregory in Khandallah in January 2024, a charge she denies. The witness also claimed the accused previously lied about seeking help after a fall.
Lorde announces New Zealand tour dates for February 2026
The Kiwi singer has confirmed stops in Auckland and Christchurch as part of her Ultrasound World Tour. The performances are scheduled for February 2026 at Spark Arena and Wolfbrook Arena. The tour will also include dates across Australia.
Fourth measles case confirmed in Wairarapa
A fourth measles case has been identified in Wairarapa, linked to overseas travel. Health NZ stated the latest individual is isolating to prevent further spread. Authorities are urging local residents to ensure they are fully immunised against the virus.
Migration to Australia reaches highest level since 2012
Just under 30,000 New Zealanders moved to Australia in 2024, marking the highest emigration rate to the country since 2012. A Massey University professor noted that the loss of workers and graduates is concerning for the national mentality.
One person dead and two injured in Kaitaia vehicle crash
A passenger died at the scene following a single-vehicle crash on Allen Bell Drive in Kaitaia around 2.10am. Two other people were taken to hospital with moderate to serious injuries. Police are investigating the incident.
Red heavy rain warning issued for parts of Tasman
A red heavy rain warning has been issued for parts of the Tasman District, including areas around Motueka and north of Lake Rotoroa. Emergency services are assisting evacuations from homes threatened by flooding at Lower Moutere. The region is under a second state of emergency in three weeks.
First session of Covid-19 response inquiry hearings concludes in Auckland
The Royal Commission of Inquiry into the government's Covid-19 response has finished its first session of public hearings in Auckland. The week-long process included testimonies from researchers and the nursing, midwifery, and mandated industries. The inquiry seeks to identify lessons learned to prepare for future pandemics.
Thousands of homes lose power in Banks Peninsula and Tasman
Strong winds caused trees to fall onto power lines, leaving more than 4,000 properties without electricity across Banks Peninsula. While most connections in Motueka and Golden Bay have been restored, widespread outages continue in parts of Tasman.
Olympic sailing medallists join White Caps water polo campaign
Three female Olympic sailing medallists have joined the White Caps to support the team's mission to qualify for the Los Angeles Olympics. The squad, led by captain Jess Milicich, will compete in the water polo world championships in Singapore.
SH29 closed following serious crash in lower Kaimai range
State Highway 29 is blocked between McLaren Falls Road and Poripori Road following a collision involving a car and a tanker. Emergency services were called to the scene on Friday evening. One person is reported to be in critical condition.
One person dead after single-vehicle crash in Hornby
A person died following a single-vehicle crash on Waterloo Road in Hornby on Friday evening. Emergency services were called to the scene near Racecourse Road shortly before 5pm. The road was closed to traffic following the incident.
Tāmaki Makaurau by-election may become a two-person race
Following the death of Te Pāti Māori MP Takutai Kemp, a by-election will be held for the Tāmaki Makaurau seat. Te Pāti Māori has confirmed broadcaster Oriini Kaipara will run, while Labour is expected to confirm its candidate, with Peeni Henare likely to be chosen.
Wellington hospitality sector expects boost from upcoming sports events
Wellington's hospitality industry anticipates a midwinter lift due to consecutive weekends of major sporting events. Sky Stadium is sold out for the All Blacks and Black Ferns matches, followed by a visit from Wrexham FC. These events are expected to provide a significant boost during the typically slower winter months.
Community to bury newborn found at Auckland recycling centre
A newborn girl, named baby Anahera by the community, will be laid to rest in a woven casket next month. The infant was discovered dead at an Auckland recycling plant in August 2021. Police say extensive enquiries have failed to identify her parents or wider family.
Video of machete-wielding man shown at Auckland murder trial
Jurors have seen footage of Joeli Rankin approaching a Mt Albert Kāinga Ora property with a machete. Chrishan Raju is on trial for the murder of Rankin, who died following a disorder event in February 2024. Raju admits to the stabbing but claims he acted in self-defence.
Oranga Tamariki spends nearly $2m annually on communications staff
Oranga Tamariki pays approximately $2 million a year to 14 communications employees, according to Official Information Act documents. This follows the removal of five staff members and $500,000 in funding over the last year. The records also indicate that other agency workers are prohibited from speaking to the media without authorisation.
Wellington Chamber of Commerce CEO Simon Arcus resigns
Simon Arcus has resigned as chief executive of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and Business Central, effective immediately. The board acknowledged his service in steering the organisation through the post-Covid era.
Name released of Whangamatā teenager killed in Kumeū car crash
Police have identified 16-year-old Elliot Ellis New as the passenger who died after a vehicle crashed into a property on the Coatesville-Riverhead Highway. The high-speed accident occurred on 27 June near Kumeū. Four teenagers were hospitalised following the incident.
Septic tanks monitored near Lake Kaniere as subdivisions increase
West Coast Regional Councillors and iwi are monitoring potential septic tank contamination in Lake Kaniere. While the lake provides Hokitika's water supply, officials are relieved that no signs of pollution from nearby subdivisions have been detected so far.
Power outages affect hundreds of properties in Tauranga and Mount Maunganui
A fault at a Transpower substation has left several hundred properties without power in Tauranga and Mount Maunganui. The outages have disrupted traffic lights, leading to road safety concerns across the area.
Police seek information as Auckland teenager remains missing
A 15-year-old girl named Tamiya has been missing from Auckland's North Shore for four days. She was last seen in the Torbay area around 1pm on Monday. Police and family members have expressed concerns for her safety.
Man who killed scientist diagnosed with treatment resistant psychotic illness
The man who fatally stabbed entomologist Stephen Thorpe outside an Auckland tennis club has been diagnosed with a treatment resistant psychotic illness. He reportedly experienced grandiose and spiritual delusions, including visions of the devil, and will remain at the Mason Clinic.
Jockey Ngakau Hailey dies in dirt bike and car collision
Eighteen-year-old jockey Ngakau Hailey has died following a collision between his dirt bike and a car. His grandmother expressed grief over the loss of the talented teenager, who is due to be laid to rest this Monday.
Papakura man jailed for possessing and distributing child exploitation material
Mark Wayne Price, 44, has been sentenced to 30 months in prison in the Papakura District Court. Following a Department of Internal Affairs investigation, he faced 41 charges after investigators found 15,983 images and videos of child sexual exploitation on multiple devices.
Second state of emergency declared for Nelson Tasman residents
A state of emergency has been declared in Nelson Tasman as residents prepare for a potentially devastating storm. This marks the second state of emergency in three weeks for the top of the South Island. Orange rain warnings are currently in place, with some areas potentially facing red warnings.
Lifewise Big Sleepout returns to highlight homelessness
The Lifewise Big Sleepout returned last night after a five-year hiatus. Participants, including lawyer Mai Chen, spent a night outdoors in Auckland to gain insight into the experience of living on the streets.
Tupou Vaa’i to play blindside flanker against France
The All Blacks will continue to use Tupou Vaa’i at blindside flanker for the second test against France. Following the injury to captain Scott Barrett, Patrick Tuipulotu and Fabian Holland will partner in the second row.
All Blacks face unpredictable French side in Wellington test
The All Blacks will play their first test against France this season in Wellington tomorrow night. Rugby journalist Phil Gifford suggests the match could go either way due to injuries and a strong French squad. He advised fans to keep their bets small ahead of the showdown.
Net loss of 30,000 people as Kiwis move to Australia
Statistics NZ data shows New Zealand experienced a net loss of 30,000 people to Australia last year. This migration trend is driven by economic concerns and a lack of job opportunities for young New Zealanders.


















