Fat Freddy's Drop founder Chris Faiumu has died
Chris Faiumu, the founder of the band Fat Freddy's Drop, has died unexpectedly. Known by the stage names Mu or DJ Fitchie, the musician was a key figure in the Wellington music scene. Tributes have been paid to the renowned DJ and producer following his sudden death.
+48 outlets · New Crown agency to manage school property portfolio
The Government is creating a new standalone agency to manage the country's school property portfolio. Education Minister Erica Stanford also announced over $120 million will be spent to build 137 new classrooms in Auckland to support regional growth.
+15 outlets · Gore residents advised not to consume tap water due to nitrates
Gore District Council has warned residents to avoid drinking tap water, using it for food preparation, or brushing teeth. Testing at Cooper's Well found nitrate levels slightly above the maximum acceptable standard. The council is providing free drinking water via tankers, noting that boiling the water will not remove the nitrates.
4 outlets · Objectionable material allegedly found on former deputy commissioner's work devices
Child exploitation and bestiality material were allegedly found on the work devices of former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming. McSkimming resigned in May following allegations of a serious nature. These details were revealed after a High Court judge dismissed an application to prevent media reporting on the material.
+48 outlets · Woman jailed for manslaughter of 11-year-old cyclist in Flaxmere
Terina Pineaha has been sentenced to four years and five months in prison for the manslaughter of Emma-Jane Kupa. In January, Pineaha was driving while intoxicated and high on methamphetamine when she struck the girl in a residential area. The incident occurred while the child was biking to a dairy with her sister.
+15 outlets · Driver identified after concrete truck crashes into Remuera home
Mingwei Yu, 38, has been identified as the man who died in a worksite accident on Monday. The Papatoetoe man was driving an Atlas Concrete truck when the vehicle crashed into a house on Rangitoto Avenue in Remuera. Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 9am.
4 outlets · Police seek man's identity after suspicious Avondale church fire
Police have released an image of a man who may be able to assist with inquiries into a suspicious fire at St Mary's Catholic School in Avondale. The blaze occurred on Great North Road early on Monday, causing significant damage to the church building.
4 outlets · Customs seizes over 60kg of methamphetamine at Auckland Airport
Customs officers intercepted approximately 60.3kg of methamphetamine concealed in two unaccompanied duffel bags arriving from Malaysia. The drugs, which have an estimated street value of over $22 million, were discovered during routine screening at Auckland International Airport overnight.
4 outlets · Firefighters battle large laundromat blaze in Henderson
Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews responded to a commercial laundromat fire on Henderson Valley Road on Friday night. Emergency services were called to the two-storey building at approximately 9.08pm. Reports indicate that between thirteen and twenty-one fire trucks were deployed to extinguish the blaze.
3 outlets · Woman charged after cannabis-laced cake shared at Hawke’s Bay Hospital
A 54-year-old woman has been arrested and charged following an incident in late June where a cannabis-laced cake was allegedly provided at a hospital shared lunch. Two staff members reportedly required emergency department treatment after consuming the cake. The woman is due to appear in Hastings District Court next month.
3 outlets · Two arrested for allegedly stealing $250,000 from Auckland retailers
Two people alleged to have stolen more than $250,000 worth of goods from various Auckland retailers have been arrested. The arrests occurred shortly after the launch of a new police unit targeting repeat retail offenders in the Auckland City and west suburbs.
3 outlets · Three people rescued from life raft in the Pacific Ocean
Three people are safe after being rescued from a life raft following a mechanical failure on their vessel. The launch was travelling from New Zealand to Tonga when the incident occurred on Thursday afternoon, approximately 350 nautical miles northeast of New Zealand.
3 outlets · Former caregivers charged over death of four-year-old girl
Erana Benedito and Walter Benedito have been charged with neglect following the 2015 death of Alestra Kepa-Hati. The child died from brain injuries at Starship Hospital after allegedly not receiving medical treatment while in the couple's care in Northland.
3 outlets · Underslip reduces State Highway 2 to one lane in Waimana Gorge
Heavy rainfall and high Tauranga River levels have caused an underslip on State Highway 2 near Tāneatua. The incident has reduced the key freight route between Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki to a single lane. NZTA is currently working to find a solution.
3 outlets · Auckland man sentenced in first New Zealand tax evasion tool case
Gurwinder Singh has been sentenced to seven months of home detention in the Manukau District Court. The former Waiuku pizza outlet operator was convicted of aiding his company's possession of electronic sales suppression tools used to underreport revenue and evade tax.
3 outlets · UK to lower voting age to 16 in electoral reform
The British government plans to grant 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote in all UK elections. This reform aims to align voting rights across the country. Following the announcement, a campaign director suggested New Zealand should consider a similar change to keep pace with other nations.
3 outlets · Tinwald parent criticises costly playground safety fence
A mother in Tinwald has called the Ashburton District Council's installation of a nearly $10,000 fence an overreaction. The barrier was built between the Proctor Park playground and stormwater ponds following drowning concerns. Some local residents have expressed confusion regarding the purpose of the new structure.
4 outlets · Firefighters investigate massive house fire in Wellington suburb of Newtown
A large blaze extensively damaged a two-storey building on Mansfield Street late Thursday night. The fire began around 11.40pm and was contained by 2.30am on Friday. While nearby residents were evacuated, officials stated that nobody was located inside the building.
+37 outlets · Ancient French ship anchor rediscovered after vanishing for 43 years
A 256-year-old anchor from the French ship St Jean Baptiste has been located. Originally found by Kelly Tarlton in 1982, the relic was rediscovered during a podcast expedition. Heritage New Zealand describes the object as one of the oldest relics of early European contact with New Zealand.
4 outlets · Rower Zack Rumble apologises and faces sanctions after Seattle arrest
New Zealand elite rower Zack Rumble has apologised and received a drinking ban and final warning following an incident in Seattle. Rumble was arrested after allegedly fleeing police and hiding in a bush while being questioned about an assault during a post-regatta celebration.
3 outlets · Fire breaks out at Ōtāhuhu panel beaters
Fire and Emergency crews responded to a building engulfed in flames in Ōtāhuhu on Friday evening. Twelve fire trucks attended the blaze at the panel-beating business. The fire was reported to be well-involved upon arrival.
2 outlets · Wellington dancer becomes first New Zealander to join Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
Faith Ward, a 22-year-old dancer from Wellington, has been named in the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders squad. Currently living in Perth, Ward is the first New Zealander to make the world-famous team and will join the group as one of six rookies for the upcoming NFL season.
2 outlets · New taskforce launched to tackle corruption in the public service
The Serious Fraud Office is leading a new taskforce to review anti-corruption mechanisms within six government entities. The initiative aims to prevent and detect fraud within the public service. Officials suggested that measures could eventually expand to include the private sector.
2 outlets · Wellington Phoenix to host Wrexham in pre-season friendly
The Wellington Phoenix will face EFL Championship side Wrexham at Sky Stadium in a pre-season friendly. The Welsh club is owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Supporters have travelled to the capital to watch the match.
2 outlets · Real-time flood alert sensors installed on Havelock North streams
New sensors have been installed on five streams in Havelock North to provide real-time water level monitoring. The installation was completed by a team from Adroit to assist local residents with flood alerts.
2 outlets · Marlborough District Council proceeds with aviation safety plan changes
The Marlborough District Council intends to move forward with amendments to protect airspace near the local airport. These changes address safety concerns regarding buildings and frost fans. The council is proceeding despite a government policy aimed at pausing environmental plan amendments under the Resource Management Act.
3 outlets · Two people trapped after vehicle crashes into building in Waihi Beach
A vehicle collided with a building on Wilson Road in Waihi Beach around 1.30pm on Friday. While initial reports indicated two people were trapped inside, one person has since been safely extricated from the car.
2 outlets · New public-facing police counter opens in Auckland CBD
A public-facing police counter has opened at 210 Federal Street, marking the first time the city centre has had one in approximately six years. The new hub was officially opened on Friday by Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers and Minister of Police Mark Mitchell.
2 outlets · Three people rescued from sea north-east of New Zealand
Three sailors were rescued at night south of the Kermadec Islands after their launch encountered mechanical issues while travelling to Tonga. The group had to climb a ladder to reach an oil tanker. They are now safely aboard the merchant ship.
2 outlets · Two teenagers charged after alleged 500km joyride in stolen vehicle
Two 13-year-olds have been charged following the alleged theft of an Uber Eats driver's car in Invercargill. The pair reportedly drove the vehicle on a seven-hour, 500km journey to Christchurch. Police say the theft occurred on Saturday night while the driver was making a delivery.
2 outlets · New Institute for Advanced Technology to be based in Auckland
The government has unveiled the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology to replace the defunded Callaghan Innovation. Based in Auckland, the new organisation aims to boost the economy through research into advanced technologies such as AI.
2 outlets · Five South Islanders named on YWCA Y25 list
Lisa McLaren and four other South Islanders have been named to the YWCA Y25 list. They are among 25 young wāhine and non-binary changemakers recognised across Aotearoa. Rotorua writer and publisher Mairātea Mohi is also included in the 2025 list.
2 outlets · Longest-serving New Zealand councillor Trevor Maxwell to seek re-election
Trevor Maxwell, New Zealand's longest-serving councillor, has announced he will run for a seat on the Rotorua Lakes Council in October. He has confirmed that if successful, this will be his final term. Seven other colleagues have also confirmed they will stand in the upcoming election.
2 outlets · Tasman stopbanks repaired ahead of forecast wet weather
The Tasman District Council is urgently repairing river stopbanks following two recent major floods. This work comes as Earth Sciences New Zealand forecasts more wet weather for late July and early August, with some parts of New Zealand facing a high likelihood of above average rainfall.
3 outlets · Child sex offender seeks apology and $575,000 in damages
Brad Bowers is suing the attorney-general for $575,000 and a written apology. He claims he was traumatised by a prison treatment programme for child sex offenders. Bowers is also seeking an assurance that the Kia Marama programme will be discontinued.
3 outlets ·
