Government to stop building open-plan classrooms in schools
Education Minister Erica Stanford has announced that the government will end the construction of open-plan classrooms. Following feedback from the sector, new classrooms will instead use a flexible design to address challenges regarding noise, student behaviour, and reduced flexibility.
+26 outlets · Defence Minister Judith Collins hospitalised after suffering vertigo
Defence and Space Minister Judith Collins was taken to Wellington Hospital by ambulance on Tuesday evening after experiencing a bout of vertigo. She attributed the symptoms to flying frequently following a virus. After spending the night in hospital, she has returned home and is recovering.
+26 outlets · Three people killed in Waiuku car crash
An adult and two children died on Tuesday when their car left Masters Road and landed in a creek. The victims have been identified as Frances Latu-Vailea, her daughter Oneahi Vailea, and niece Marly Tul. Following the crash, local residents have called for more speed cameras on the road.
+15 outlets · Government halts council planning work ahead of RMA overhaul
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has instructed councils to stop working on district and regional plans until new legislation takes effect. While the government describes the move as a way to save resources, councils say they have been blindsided and warn of unintended consequences.
+26 outlets · Heavy rain and thunderstorms forecast for North Island
A low-pressure system is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the top half of the North Island. A heavy rain watch is in place for Auckland, Waikato, the Coromandel Peninsula, and Great Barrier Island. Meanwhile, parts of the South Island may experience drier conditions.
4 outlets · Police officer resigns after investigation into sexual activity while on duty
An investigation found a police officer engaged in sexual activity with a civilian following a routine traffic stop. The officer also inappropriately accessed the woman's details and shared images of police activity. While there was insufficient evidence to prosecute, the officer has resigned.
4 outlets · Gang member charged after near head-on collision with police car
A 50-year-old patched Barbarian Stormtrooper gang member has been charged with dangerous driving. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon near Kawakawa when a small hatchback allegedly sped on the wrong side of the road, narrowly missing two police vehicles. The driver is due to appear in Whangārei District Court today.
4 outlets · Marlborough woman identified after fatal crash near Hampden
Tessa Elizabeth Macintosh Sheild, 20, has been identified as the woman who died following a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 1. The accident occurred near Moeraki Boulders Road on Sunday afternoon. Ms Sheild was airlifted to Dunedin Hospital following the incident.
4 outlets · Little spotted kiwi rediscovered on West Coast after 50 years
A Department of Conservation-contracted tahr hunter spotted a female little spotted kiwi in the remote Adams Wilderness Area in March. This marks the first time the endangered bird has been seen on the mainland in approximately five decades. Conservationists say the discovery is significant.
+37 outlets · Three Christchurch sites shortlisted for Erebus memorial
Three potential locations in Christchurch have been shortlisted for a national memorial to the 257 victims of the Erebus aviation disaster. The sites include the Avon riverbank, Cracroft Reserve, and St James’ Church. The Ministry for Culture and Heritage is seeking feedback from families regarding these options.
+15 outlets · Missing Christchurch man found safe and well
A 52-year-old man named Matthew has been found safe and well. He had been reported missing after last being seen travelling through Springs Junction in a white Ford Ranger on 12 July.
3 outlets · Government announces support package for flood-affected Tasman rural workers
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has unveiled a support package for farmers, growers, foresters, and contractors in the Nelson Tasman region following severe weather. While one report cites the funding at $600,000, others state it is $500,000. Some local farmers have expressed that the amount is insufficient.
3 outlets · Ray Chung campaign event shut down by hecklers
The final event of Ray Chung’s Zero Rates Increase roadshow was ended early following shouting and accusations of assault at a Wellington town hall. Meanwhile, candidate Lily Brown has left the Independent Together group, stating she does not support the campaign's political approach or tactics.
3 outlets · Taranaki rugby player convicted of assault after post-match handshake incident
Spotswood premiers player Jonathan Fidow has been convicted of assault and fined $300 following an incident at Stadium Taranaki. Fidow knocked out an opponent during post-match handshakes, stating he was triggered by being hit and racially abused during the game.
4 outlets · Christchurch Hospital workers sleeping in cars to secure parking
Mayor Phil Mauger says Christchurch Hospital staff are sleeping in vehicles to secure car parks due to safety concerns and high fees. Christchurch City Councillors have unanimously voted to investigate providing overnight parking at the Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre once it opens in October.
4 outlets · Missing Totara Park man found safe and well
Brett Carpenter, a 60-year-old man with Alzheimer’s disease, has been found safe and well. He had been missing from Totara Park in Upper Hutt since midday Wednesday. A large search effort involving Land Search and Rescue and Fire and Emergency New Zealand located him on Wednesday evening.
3 outlets · Arrests and vehicle seizures following dangerous driving in Rotorua
Police have made multiple arrests and seized several cars and motorcycles after reports of dangerous driving during a funeral procession. The incidents, which included burnouts, were observed in Westbrook around 11am Wednesday as the convoy travelled towards Ngongotahā.
3 outlets · Electricity Authority introduces new rules for large energy retailers
The Electricity Authority has announced new regulations requiring large retailers with more than a 5 per cent market share to offer lower off-peak power prices. The rules also mandate fair pricing for consumers selling surplus electricity from solar panels and batteries back to the grid.
3 outlets · Wellington's Embassy Theatre deemed earthquake-prone after latest assessment
The Embassy Theatre has received an earthquake-prone building notice following a seismic assessment. The Wellington City Council, which owns the heritage cinema, has been given 16 years to complete remedial works. The council says the theatre can continue to operate as usual.
3 outlets · Police seek witnesses after fatal boat and trailer crash
One person died on State Highway 3 south of Te Kūiti last Friday when a vehicle was struck by a boat and trailer unit. The unit had detached from an oncoming vehicle during a period of heavy rain. Police are now appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
3 outlets · Five-year-old seriously injured in North Canterbury dog attack
A five-year-old child was seriously injured during a dog attack near the Waipara River in Amberley on Tuesday afternoon. The child was taken to Christchurch Hospital for treatment. The Hurunui District Council is now asking witnesses to contact animal management regarding the incident.
3 outlets · Man facing multiple charges after alleged assault and motorway pursuit
A 34-year-old man is facing several charges following an alleged assault and vehicle theft in Māngere on Tuesday. The suspect reportedly drove the stolen car the wrong way on Auckland's motorway network, causing minor collisions before being apprehended. He is currently under police guard at Middlemore Hospital.
3 outlets · Two people seriously injured in Whakatāne vehicle crash
At least two people were seriously injured following a two-vehicle collision in Whakatāne on Wednesday morning. The crash occurred around 8.30am, causing police to close Reid Road between Cross Road and Awahou Road. Emergency services attended the scene.
3 outlets · Motorcyclist dies following two-vehicle crash in Hamilton
A motorcyclist has died after colliding with a car on Anglesea Street in Hamilton on Tuesday night. Police reported the crash at approximately 7.30pm. The rider was taken to hospital with critical injuries before passing away.
3 outlets · Justice Minister defends $500,000 spend on retail crime advisory group
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is defending the $500,000 spent by the government's retail crime advisory group over its first 100 days. While the minister says the group has produced implementable ideas, the Labour Party has criticised the cost and the nature of the group's suggestions.
3 outlets · Medical Council fast-tracks registration for certain overseas doctors
The Medical Council is simplifying the registration process for general practitioners from the US, Canada and Singapore. Applications from these doctors will be processed within two months to help get qualified medical professionals into communities that need them more quickly.
+15 outlets · Speed limit reduced outside Bridge Pā School to improve safety
The speed limit on Maraekākaho Road outside Bridge Pā School has been lowered from 50km/h to 30km/h. School principal Vanessa Sadler welcomed the change, which aims to protect children from speeding vehicles in the Hawke's Bay village.
2 outlets · Council consents delay sleeping pods for Rotorua homeless
The group Love Soup says council consent requirements are hindering their Village of Hope project in Rotorua. The organisation has established sleeping pods at a secret location to provide safe shelter and move homeless individuals away from CBD shop fronts.
2 outlets · Māngere family accepts buyout after home deemed a risk to life
After a two-year wait, a Māngere family has agreed to a buyout after being told their Hinau Road home poses an intolerable risk to life. The family faces a choice between remaining uninsured or leaving their long-term community. Auckland Council has stated the buyout process is voluntary and fair.
3 outlets · Invasive Mediterranean fanworm discovered in Bluff Harbour
A 59cm Mediterranean fanworm was found under the Bluff wharf during routine surveillance. The Southland Regional Council is working to determine if the invasive species has spread. This worm competes with oysters and mussels for food.
2 outlets · Two people and a dog rescued from sinking houseboat near Kawau
The Kawau Volunteer Coastguard rescued two people and a dog after a houseboat began to sink near Kawau Island. The vessel reportedly took on water through its pontoons during stormy weather.
2 outlets · Police appeal for information regarding missing Māngere woman
Police are seeking public assistance to find 57-year-old Ella Davenport, who has been missing for nearly a month. She was last seen on 20 June at her home on Hain Avenue in Māngere. Authorities have been conducting extensive enquiries across the community to locate her.
2 outlets · Immigration adviser's licence cancelled following history of wrongdoing
Tzu-Tong Jane Ma has had her licence cancelled and was ordered to repay $58,500. The tribunal found she charged excessive fees for non-existent jobs at her husband's building company. Ma had previously been censured for 51 breaches of her obligations.
2 outlets · Titirangi residents call for repairs to dangerous footpaths
Residents in Titirangi are seeking urgent repairs to footpaths on several local roads, including Wood Bay Road and Kohu Road. Locals report that issues such as holes and protruding nails have caused severe injuries. Resident Zoe Hawkins has been attempting to raise these safety concerns with Auckland Transport for several years.
2 outlets · Man jailed for exploiting 14-year-old girl in sex trafficking attempt
Wiparera Paraire, 27, has been sentenced to prison for his role in an illegal relationship with a 14-year-old girl. The man was found to have sourced sex work for the teenager and attempted to establish an underage sex trafficking ring.
2 outlets · Tasman District Council faces massive clean-up costs after heavy rain
The Tasman District Council reports that most of its annual budget has been spent in two weeks following historic rainfall and flooding. The clean-up process for the widespread damage is estimated to cost between $20 million and $25 million.
2 outlets · Police search for second suspect after attempted Whitford burglary
One person has been arrested following an attempted burglary in rural Auckland early Wednesday morning. Residents heard glass breaking and barricaded themselves inside their home before calling emergency services. Police are currently searching for a second alleged offender after the intruders failed to enter the property.
2 outlets · Police seek man after alleged assault in Hamilton bar
Police are searching for a man following an alleged assault at a Victoria Street bar in Hamilton. The 18-year-old victim suffered a broken nose and jaw during the incident in early May and has required multiple surgeries.
2 outlets · Wētā FX receives two Emmy nominations for visual effects work
New Zealand visual effects company Wētā FX has earned Emmy Award nominations for its work on the second seasons of House of the Dragon and The Last of Us. The nominations recognise the company's contributions to both high-production television series.
2 outlets · Central Otago patients travelling for hospital treatments due to limited services
More than 3,000 patients from Central Otago and the Lakes District were admitted to Dunedin and Invercargill hospitals last year. The Southern Lakes Health Trust says limited local services are forcing people to travel for treatment, including for half of all births in the region.
+15 outlets · Tumultuous three years for Gore District Council
The Gore District Council has experienced a difficult term marked by scandal, division, and a fallout between the mayor and the chief executive. Following a close 2022 election, there have been rumours regarding potential intervention from the central government.
4 outlets · Customs officer reports increase in drug imports at Auckland Airport
A customs officer at Auckland Airport says drug trafficking has increased from a trickle to a flood. Smugglers are reportedly no longer using meticulous concealment methods, with substances frequently being found in cargo or mail. Officials are focusing on intercepting these imports before they reach New Zealand shores.
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