Coroner calls for tougher controls after fatal charity boxing match
Coroner Heather McKenzie is seeking new legislation to regulate corporate boxing following the 2018 death of Kain Parsons. Mr Parsons died in hospital three days after being knocked out during a Christchurch charity event. The recommendations come as the government considers repealing current laws governing the sport.
+26 outlets · Police investigate $750,000 property damage spree in Queenstown
Police are investigating a series of burglaries and wilful damage on Omeara Street in Frankton. The incident, which occurred between Friday night and Saturday morning, caused an estimated $750,000 in damage across multiple properties. Authorities are appealing for anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward.
+15 outlets · Julia DeLuney found guilty of murdering her mother
Julia DeLuney has been found guilty of murdering her 79-year-old mother, Helen Gregory, at her Khandallah home. The verdict was delivered at the High Court in Wellington following a month-long trial. Gregory was found dead at her residence on 24 January 2024.
+48 outlets · One person in custody after Parklands incident leaves person critically injured
Police have taken one person into custody following an incident on Lamorna Road in Parklands on Wednesday evening. One person was left with critical injuries and taken to hospital. As of Thursday morning, cordons remained in place on two roads while officers continued to investigate the scene.
4 outlets · Winston Peters signals potential changes to foreign buyers ban
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters says changes to the foreign buyers ban could be announced this year. While he denies the party is softening its position, the government is reportedly considering allowing wealthy overseas investors to purchase residential property.
4 outlets · Kāpiti rail line suspended after car hits train in Glenside
A car left Middleton Road and landed on railway tracks before being hit by a train in Glenside. The driver sustained minor injuries and was assisted by members of the public. The incident caused a suspension of services on the Kāpiti line.
4 outlets · Viable pipe bombs found near body by Auckland motorway
Police have confirmed that two viable pipe bombs were discovered near a man's body adjacent to State Highway 1 at Highbrook. The devices, which were capable of causing death or serious injury, have been destroyed. An investigation into the man's sudden death is ongoing.
+15 outlets · Coroner finds parachute malfunction likely caused fatal drag racing crash
A coroner has found that a parachute malfunction and crosswinds likely caused the 2021 death of drag racer Craig Smith. Smith died after his car veered off-track at nearly 250km/h and hit a concrete wall during a practice run at Ruapuna Raceway in Christchurch.
4 outlets · Finance Minister discusses high butter prices after meeting Fonterra chief executive
Finance Minister Nicola Willis met with Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell at Parliament to discuss high butter costs. While acknowledging that butter is currently expensive, Willis stated that New Zealanders are not getting a "raw deal". During the meeting, Hurrell attributed pricing to supermarkets and international rates.
4 outlets · Search continues for missing 20-year-old man in Auckland
Tyler Porter has been missing from the Arkles Bay area since Wednesday, 16 July. His mother is pleading for public assistance to help find the 20-year-old. Police and family are urging anyone with information to come forward.
3 outlets · Two youths arrested after alleged machete robbery in Moerewa
Two teenagers, aged 13 and 14, have been arrested following an alleged robbery at a Moerewa service station on Tuesday. The youths allegedly used stolen vehicles and machetes to threaten shoppers during the incident. They have been charged with aggravated robbery and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.
3 outlets · Coroner releases findings into fatal Lake Taupō jet ski incident
Vincent Cornell-Cooke died on 19 January after giving his lifejacket to his brother during a jet ski incident on Lake Taupō. The coroner has released findings regarding the death of the 35-year-old father.
3 outlets · Person hospitalised after disorder involving youths in Beach Haven
One person was taken to North Shore Hospital with moderate injuries following a disorder involving a group of youths in Beach Haven. Emergency services responded to the incident at Rangatira Road and Sunnyhaven Avenue on Wednesday afternoon.
3 outlets · Review identifies significant staffing and infrastructure issues at Nelson Hospital
A Health New Zealand review has found significant staffing issues at Nelson Hospital, exacerbated by ageing infrastructure and rising service demand. While senior doctors have expressed concerns regarding patient safety, the review has been criticised for failing to outline how these challenges will be addressed.
3 outlets · Police seek help identifying man after concerning behaviour at Richmond school
Nelson police are asking for public assistance to identify a man following an investigation into concerning behaviour at a school on William Street in Richmond. The incident occurred on Tuesday, 8 July, between 11.25am and 3.45pm. Authorities believe the man may be able to help determine what happened.
3 outlets · Man arrested after overnight crime spree across Canterbury
A 27-year-old man has been remanded in custody following a series of burglaries and vehicle thefts across Canterbury. The spree allegedly included the theft of a Nissan Presage from Hornby, which was later found crashed in West Melton. The suspect was detained by a family before police arrived.
3 outlets · Lockdown lifted at Hawke’s Bay Hospital following reports of suspicious person
Hawke’s Bay Hospital in Hastings was placed under lockdown after reports of a suspicious person or potential gunman. Armed police surrounded the exits as a precaution, but the lockdown was lifted approximately one hour later. Health NZ stated the incident occurred in the Emergency Department.
3 outlets · Philip Morris allegedly pitched draft legislation to Winston Peters
Documents released during litigation suggest Philip Morris attempted to secure favourable regulations for its heated tobacco products. The company reportedly reached out to NZ First leader Winston Peters to advantage its IQOS brand. Lobbyists described Peters as being positively disposed to the nicotine industry.
4 outlets · Woman pleads guilty to manslaughter after driving into former flatmate
Elizabeth Smith has pleaded guilty to manslaughter following a June 2024 incident in Massey, West Auckland. Smith drove her vehicle into Dean Fifield during a dispute over personal property, resulting in his death.
3 outlets · Man arrested after allegedly chasing woman through Dunedin cemetery on moped
Police responded to reports of a man on a moped chasing a woman around Andersons Bay Cemetery on Tuesday afternoon. The man, who was not wearing a helmet, lost control and fell off his moped when officers arrived. He was later arrested at his home.
2 outlets · Substation break-ins cause power outages and risk lives in Northland
Top Energy chief executive Russell Shaw has condemned recent substation break-ins in Northland, describing the actions as reckless. One incident involved the theft of essential equipment, resulting in a forced power outage for approximately 4,500 customers in the Far North.
3 outlets · Community Grocer supermarket to return profits to Salvation Army
The Community Grocer has begun delivering pantry staples to online shoppers in Auckland, Hamilton and Palmerston North. Profits from the supermarket will be donated to the Salvation Army and its community partners to support foodbanks.
3 outlets · Te Awamutu farmer gains TikTok popularity with cow videos
Wesley Nicholas, a 26-year-old dairy farmer from Te Awamutu, has gained millions of views and over 60,000 followers on TikTok. His videos feature his cows and various comedic topics as he shifts his focus towards standup comedy.
3 outlets · LGNZ backs Tauranga Mayor's call for council review
Local Government New Zealand has supported Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale's call for a review of councils. The initiative aims to increase efficiency within local government and reduce costs for ratepayers.
2 outlets · High Court grants temporary reprieve for dog owners at Auckland park
The High Court has issued a temporary stay against a proposed off-leash dog ban at Monte Cecilia Park in Royal Oak. The Puketāpapa Local Board had voted to implement the rule change in June, but a society formed by dog owners successfully challenged the decision.
2 outlets · Homelessness has increased according to government report
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development's latest report indicates that homelessness has risen. Census data from the 2018 to 2023 period showed a 37 per cent increase in people living without shelter, though the exact extent of the increase remains unclear.
2 outlets · Donors seek refunds after Givealittle shuts down Gaza fundraising page
New Zealand donors are seeking refunds after Givealittle closed a fundraising page due to policy changes regarding Gaza. One organiser reports over $3,500 is currently locked in a fund intended to purchase baby formula.
2 outlets · Parliament moves to urgently pass space infrastructure protection law
The Government has passed legislation to protect New Zealand's ground-based space infrastructure from foreign actors. Minister for Space Judith Collins stated the law change follows attempts by certain actors to misuse local infrastructure, posing national security risks. The new rules are expected to take effect next Tuesday.
2 outlets · Men plead not guilty to murder and arson in Upper Hutt
A group of men have pleaded not guilty to murder and arson charges following a fire in Stokes Valley. The blaze, which occurred in November 2024, killed 82-year-old Ian David Moller. This was the third arson attack at the Hanson Grove flats within a single month.
2 outlets · Life coach arrested at Auckland Airport for alleged methamphetamine smuggling
A 36-year-old life coach has been arrested at Auckland International Airport after Customs allegedly found 20kg of methamphetamine in his checked luggage. The individual arrived on an Air New Zealand flight from Denpasar, Bali, on Wednesday.
2 outlets · Police searching for three youths who fled Auckland remand home
Police are searching for three young people who ran away from an Auckland community-based remand home on 8 July. Two of the youths were on remand, while the third was under a care and protection order.
2 outlets · Court of Appeal dismisses Michael Topp's murder conviction appeal
The Court of Appeal has rejected an appeal by Michael Topp regarding his murder conviction for the death of his three-month-old daughter. Topp argued his Christchurch trial was unfair due to a judge's intervention and improper expert evidence. The court disagreed with his claims.
2 outlets · Okarito businessman discusses environmental risks to local lagoon
Okarito Kayaks owner Barry Hughes says the potential threat to the local lagoon and its wildlife from the Waiho River is one of several environmental risks facing the South Westland community. Hughes noted that such natural risks are a part of life on the West Coast.
2 outlets · Child sex offender jailed for kidnapping and grooming a girl
Brad Bowers has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to kidnapping and grooming a 13-year-old girl. The 37-year-old offender is also suing Corrections, alleging he was traumatised while participating in a rehabilitation programme.
2 outlets · Newest Cook Strait ferry begins service in Wellington
The new ferry Livia will begin operations in the Cook Strait starting Wednesday night. After an initial freight-only sailing from Wellington to Picton, the vessel will welcome its first passengers on a Thursday morning service.
2 outlets · Ed Sheeran sends video message to Christchurch fans
British singer Ed Sheeran has announced three New Zealand tour dates for January 2026. Following the announcement of his first Christchurch performance in 11 years, a special video message was delivered to The Press in a mysterious envelope.
2 outlets · New Zealanders make up majority of Great Walks hikers
Department of Conservation data shows nearly 60,000 people completed Great Walks last summer, with most being New Zealanders. Total bednights at huts and campsites reached almost 670,000, representing a 12% increase from the previous year. These bookings generated more than $13 million in revenue.
2 outlets · Ozzy Osbourne requested a burning cross at Ngāruawāhia festival
During The Great Ngāruawāhia Music Festival, rock musician Ozzy Osbourne requested that organisers erect a large cross on a hill overlooking the site. According to Barry Coburn, the singer's specific request was for the structure to be set on fire.
4 outlets · Whakatāne councillor reported to police for hate crime complaint
Whakatāne district councillor Nándor Tánczos has been reported to police following social media posts regarding the war in Gaza. Tánczos, who shared a petition for Nobel Peace Prize nominations, stated he was surprised by the complaint.
2 outlets · Dunedin councillors receive thousands of emails after supporting sanctions bill
Dunedin's mayor and councillors have been flooded with more than 2,200 emails each. The messages follow their support for a Green Party proposal to sanction Israeli politicians. The influx of correspondence has been described as a highly orchestrated backlash.
2 outlets · Otago primary and intermediate schools delay start due to frost
Primary and intermediate schools from Mosgiel to Waikouaiti, along with Dunedin kindergartens, will start at 10am on Wednesday. The delay follows widespread frost and black ice across the region. Local authorities have advised residents to be cautious on roads and footpaths.
2 outlets · Hairini Street slip lane to undergo three-month trial reopening
A Tauranga bus lane that has been closed for seven years will reopen to vehicles outside of morning peak hours starting in October. The three-month trial aims to address local resident concerns, though transport planners have raised safety concerns regarding the decision.
3 outlets · Refugee family visa queue could take a decade to clear
Applicants in the Refugee Family Support Category face significant delays in reuniting with relatives. Some individuals have already been waiting for seven years, and it could take another ten years to clear the current queue. The delays affect families seeking safety from persecution and humanitarian crises.
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