Government approves new medical school at University of Waikato
The Government has green-lit the establishment of a new medical school at the University of Waikato. Cabinet has approved approximately $83 million in funding, with the university expected to provide the remaining $150 million through philanthropic support. The school will focus on rural health and primary care.
+37 outlets · Invercargill businessman dies during Lake Manapouri fishing trip
Invercargill businessman Rick Murrell has died following a boating accident on Lake Manapouri on Sunday evening. Police were alerted after two experienced fishers failed to return or check in via radio. One man was found dead and another was left in serious condition when the boat was located at Safe Cove.
+15 outlets · Man arrested after police seize $6000 in counterfeit cash
A 26-year-old man has been arrested following a police raid in Ōtara, South Auckland. Officers seized approximately $6,000 in counterfeit notes and manufacturing equipment during the investigation into fraudulent Facebook Marketplace transactions.
+15 outlets · Sounds Air to cancel Blenheim and Wānaka regional flight routes
Sounds Air will end its flights between Blenheim and Christchurch, and Christchurch and Wānaka, from 28 September. The airline cited rising costs for the decision, which will leave Wānaka without scheduled air connections. Local leaders and residents expressed disappointment, noting the impact on tourism and healthcare access to Christchurch Hospital.
+15 outlets · Six skiers survive avalanche on Mt Ruapehu
A group of six skiers triggered an avalanche while touring near the Summit Plateau on Friday. Four people were buried in the snow, with one person only having a hand visible. No injuries were reported following the incident.
+15 outlets · Real estate broker arrested at Auckland Airport for cocaine smuggling
A 25-year-old real estate broker has been arrested after Customs officers allegedly found 4kg of cocaine hidden in her suitcase. The drugs, valued at approximately $1.6 million, were discovered in the suitcase panelling following her arrival from Santiago, Chile.
4 outlets · Sounds Air to sell aircraft and cut two regional routes
Regional airline Sounds Air will sell its five Pilatus PC12 aircraft and cancel services between Blenheim and Christchurch, and Christchurch and Wānaka from 28 September. Managing director Andrew Crawford cited rising costs, supply chain issues, and a weak New Zealand dollar as reasons for the changes intended to rebuild the business.
4 outlets · Man killed in Hamilton brawl while celebrating upcoming birthday
A 20-year-old man died in hospital after being critically injured during a fight on Alexandra Street early Sunday morning. Police describe the incident as a senseless act of violence involving two groups. Investigations into the homicide are ongoing.
3 outlets · Noel Leeming facing criminal charges over price matching promotion
The Commerce Commission has filed criminal charges against Noel Leeming for alleged Fair Trading Act breaches regarding its 'Price Promise' promotion. The commission claims the price matching offer was misleading. Noel Leeming has expressed that it is perplexed by the allegations.
3 outlets · Defence Force to cut 255 civilian roles
The New Zealand Defence Force has confirmed it will disestablish 255 civilian roles as part of a restructure. The agency stated the changes aim to focus on front-line personnel and combat readiness. An additional 46 roles may be affected depending on further consultation.
3 outlets · Kaiteriteri Beach water quality downgraded to poor
The water quality at Tasman's Kaiteriteri Beach has been downgraded to poor after faecal bacteria levels exceeded standards multiple times during the last swimming season. The enterococci bacteria were traced to a stormwater pipe and the issue is unrelated to recent local flooding.
3 outlets · Kirwee man identified following fatal Canterbury motorcycle crash
Police have named 61-year-old Peter Godden as the motorcyclist who died in a collision with a car. The crash occurred on Telegraph Rd in Burnham, west of Christchurch, at approximately 3.30pm on Sunday, 13 July.
3 outlets · Opponents appeal approval of Westmere private helipad
The group Quiet Sky Waitematā is challenging a decision to allow Ali Williams and Anna Mowbray to fly helicopters from their Westmere property. Independent hearing commissioners previously approved the resource consent for the helipad in June. The matter has now been taken to the Environment Court.
4 outlets · Leka Halasima scores match-winning try for Warriors against Newcastle Knights
Rookie forward Leka Halasima secured a 20-15 victory for the NZ Warriors against the Newcastle Knights with a solo try in the final minute. Warriors coach Andrew Webster also praised Halasima for an important try-saving effort earlier in the match.
2 outlets · Netball New Zealand updates Silver Ferns eligibility criteria
The Netball New Zealand Board has updated its eligibility criteria to allow more flexibility for athletes playing overseas. This change includes a formal exemption process for players competing abroad. At least six players may test the new framework due to interest from Australian league coaches.
2 outlets · Mackenzie District mayor steps down due to cancer diagnosis
Mayor Anne Munro is stepping aside after testing confirmed her cancer is metastatic. She stated that health uncertainties prevent her from fully committing to the community. Munro previously shared her diagnosis last year and is currently undergoing treatment.
+15 outlets · Cat stealing clothes from washing lines on Auckland's North Shore
Residents in an Auckland North Shore neighbourhood are being warned about a cat named Leo who is taking items from neighbours' washing lines. The cat has reportedly stolen socks, underwear, a $300 designer jersey, and a 1.5m snake.
3 outlets · Leka Halasima scores last-minute try to secure Warriors victory
The NZ Warriors defeated the Newcastle Knights after 19-year-old Leka Halasima scored a game-winning try in the final moments. The victory followed a missed field goal attempt by Tanah Boyd, sparking celebrations in Auckland pubs and a viral reaction from Shaun Johnson.
2 outlets · Defence says Julia DeLuney had ordinary relationship with mother
Julia DeLuney's lawyers say there is no evidence of a relationship breakdown between her and Helen Gregory. DeLuney is on trial in Wellington for the January 2024 murder of her mother in Khandallah, a charge which she denies. The Crown has finished its closing arguments.
+15 outlets · Kāeo residents face decade of boil-water notices
Residents in the Far North town of Kāeo have been under a boil-water notice for ten years. Local people report being unable to rely on tap water for drinking or other daily needs. While long-running, this is not the longest boil-water notice in New Zealand.
4 outlets · Two MPI beagles seek new homes after failing sniffer dog training
Auckland beagles Bernard and Ozzy are looking for new homes after failing to meet the requirements for sniffer dog training. The Ministry for Primary Industries noted that Bernard was too laid-back and Ozzy was too independent for the role. Dozens of offers for the dogs have already been received.
2 outlets · Bay of Plenty Regional Council considers changes to geothermal rules
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council is reviewing allocation rules for commercial geothermal users in Rotorua. While considering minor adjustments for these users, the council has paused work on a wider regional management plan due to ongoing resource management reform.
2 outlets · Woman stole nearly $500,000 from employer for clothing and food
Ariana Thompson-Bell stole just under $500,000 from her employer over a two-year period. Her lawyer told the court that most of the funds were spent on clothing and takeaways. Thompson-Bell also transferred money into her daughter's bank account.
3 outlets · Health NZ non-renewal of needle exchange contract sparks concerns
Health NZ has declined to renew the contract for DISC Trust, which has provided needle exchange services across the South Island for 35 years. A Christchurch drug-user and health expert expressed concerns that the decision could breed distrust and potentially lead to increased needle-sharing.
2 outlets · Only one candidate registered for Wairoa District Council election
Jeremy Harker is currently the only person to officially register a nomination for a seat on the Wairoa District Council. Harker, who is a sitting councillor and CEO of a roading company, is standing in the general ward. The nomination deadline is due to close in 11 days.
2 outlets · Woman jailed for Connor Boyd's manslaughter to be released on parole
Kaiya Shute will be released on parole in August under strict conditions, including a ban on social media posts. Shute was jailed for the manslaughter of teenager Connor Boyd, who died in Auckland in April 2022.
2 outlets · David Seymour issues new directions for Pharmac
Associate Health Minister David Seymour has provided Pharmac with a new set of directions and a new leader. The minister told the medicine buying agency it must modernise and innovate, including exploring the use of AI, to improve access to medicines.
+15 outlets · Suntree Vanilla Cream vapes recalled over chemical concerns
The Ministry of Health has issued a recall for Suntree Vanilla Cream 30mL vapes across New Zealand. The product contains over four times the legal limit of diacetyl, a flavouring agent linked to a serious lung condition known as popcorn lung.
2 outlets · Havelock residents advised to boil water as council considers UV treatment
The Marlborough District Council is exploring temporary ultraviolet light treatment for Havelock's water supply. This follows a precautionary boil water notice issued by Taumata Arowai last week due to risks of parasitic contamination. The regulator stated the current supply could not inactivate protozoa.
2 outlets · Commerce Commission dismisses Federated Farmers complaint regarding bank collusion
The Commerce Commission has dismissed a complaint from Federated Farmers alleging that five banks were coordinating agricultural lending through the Net-Zero Banking Alliance. The Commission found no evidence of cartel-like behaviour regarding the banks' participation in the United Nations climate initiative.
2 outlets · Jono Gibbes confirmed as Chiefs coach for 2026 season
Assistant coach Jono Gibbes will replace Clayton McMillan as the Chiefs' head coach for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season. The former All Black returned to the franchise in late 2023 and has now been appointed to lead the team.
2 outlets · Man dies after radiologist misses large scalp lesion during MRI
A man died of cancer after a radiologist failed to report a large lesion on his scalp during an MRI scan. The Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner found the omission was a severe departure from the expected standard of care. The error delayed the diagnosis of the man's terminal skin cancer.
2 outlets · Man recaptured after escaping Corrections custody in Hastings
Haami Hanara, 21, was arrested on Monday after fleeing Corrections staff at a Hastings medical centre on Saturday. Hanara had been wanted by police for nearly 48 hours following his escape. He previously held a murder conviction that was later quashed.
2 outlets · Three people injured in Bay of Plenty vehicle crash
Three people were taken to hospital following a two-vehicle crash near Whakatane on Monday morning. Emergency services responded to the incident at the intersection of Thornton Beach and West Bank roads around 10.20am. Reports indicate that two of the individuals involved sustained serious injuries.
2 outlets · Dunedin woman caught driving nearly four times the alcohol limit
A 47-year-old woman was stopped by police in South Dunedin on Friday afternoon. She was allegedly driving multiple children while nearly four times the legal alcohol limit while on her way to pick up more children from another school.
2 outlets · Labour criticises government's $6 billion infrastructure announcement
The Labour Party has dismissed the government's announcement of $6 billion in infrastructure projects starting before Christmas. While the government claims significant plans will get underway, the opposition argues the announcement contains nothing new. Infrastructure sector leaders have welcomed the commitment to help the struggling industry.
2 outlets · Auckland mayor's chief of staff puts property company into liquidation
Jaswant Singh, chief of staff to Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, placed his personal property development company into liquidation on 4 June. The company owes between $560,000 and $570,000 to Inland Revenue. Auckland Council chief executive Phil Wilson is now investigating the matter.
2 outlets · Man's claim that mouthwash caused breath test result was false
A 62-year-old Dunedin man claimed mouthwash caused a high breath-test result after being stopped on the Waihola Highway on Sunday. Police investigated the claim and found the mouthwash bottle contained no alcohol. The stop followed reports of the man driving too closely behind another vehicle.
2 outlets · Stephen Robert Wilson fails in bid to appeal his sentence
Three-time convicted rapist Stephen Robert Wilson has failed to appeal his sentence. Wilson, who has used a wheelchair since 2018, claimed the right side of his body is paralysed after striking a prison van.
2 outlets · Annual inflation rises to 2.7 percent in June quarter
New Zealand's annual inflation rate increased to 2.7 percent for the 12 months to the June quarter. Stats NZ reported that higher local council rates were the largest contributor to this rise in consumer prices.
2 outlets · Former charity worker jailed for stealing $1m from Porirua trust
Iesha Warren has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison for stealing $1.06 million from a Porirua trust. The funds were intended for social services supporting children. Warren pleaded guilty to obtaining by deception and failing to appear in court.
2 outlets · Keven Mealamu provides update on heart condition and new board role
Former All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu has shared an update regarding his atrial fibrillation after collapsing at a gym last year. The 46-year-old has also discussed his new role as a board member for Creative New Zealand.
3 outlets · Frosty and foggy conditions forecast for much of New Zealand
Many parts of the country are experiencing a frosty and foggy start to the week. MetService meteorologist Oscar Shiviti noted that most places recorded single-digit temperatures this morning, with cold and frosty conditions expected to continue throughout the week.
2 outlets · Small fire in central Christchurch prompts road closure
Four fire crews attended a small fire at Cathedral Junction on Monday morning, believed to be at Quest serviced apartments. The fire activated a sprinkler system in a restaurant, which caused water to flood into the hotel below. A road closure was implemented in the area.
2 outlets · Police search for suspects after fatal fight in Hamilton
Police are searching for people and weapons following a brawl between two groups on Alexandra Street in Hamilton. The incident occurred just after midnight on Sunday, leaving four people injured. A 20-year-old man has since died in hospital.
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