New Zealand faces tsunami surges after massive earthquake near Russia
New Zealanders are being warned of strong currents and unpredictable surges from midnight following a magnitude 8.8 earthquake off the eastern coast of Russia. The National Emergency Management Agency advises people to stay away from beaches, rivers, estuaries, and harbours.
+48 outlets · Search continues for missing West Coast tramper Roy Arbon
Police are searching for 75-year-old Roy Arbon, who has been missing since July 24 near Greymouth. Recent phone data placed him in an open clearing, yet a helicopter search shortly after found no sign of him. Authorities also recovered a handwritten note Arbon left before his walk.
+26 outlets · Nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants strike nationwide
More than 36,000 healthcare workers began a 24-hour strike on Wednesday over pay and staffing levels. The action by the NZNO union has caused the postponement of many specialist appointments and hospital procedures. Health New Zealand stated that hospitals and emergency departments would remain open during the strike.
+48 outlets · Gloriavale leader pleads guilty to indecent assault charges
Howard Temple, the 85-year-old Overseeing Shepherd of Gloriavale, has pleaded guilty to 12 charges of sexual offending at Greymouth District Court. The charges involve the indecent assault of six girls and women at the West Coast commune. Temple has been remanded on bail until his next court appearance in August.
+37 outlets · One person killed and another injured in Auckland Airport crash
A three-vehicle crash on George Bolt Memorial Drive near Auckland Airport early this morning has left one person dead and another seriously injured. Emergency services attended the scene near the Tom Pearce Drive intersection following the 4am report. Traffic diversions are in place, causing delays for commuters travelling to the airport.
4 outlets · Nikhil Ravishankar appointed as Air New Zealand chief executive
Air New Zealand has promoted its current chief digital officer, Nikhil Ravishankar, to the role of chief executive. He is set to replace Greg Foran on 20 October. The appointment follows the announcement in March that Foran would be stepping down from the position.
4 outlets · Kiwibank approved to raise $500 million in new capital
The Government has approved Kiwibank's parent company to raise up to $500 million in new capital. This move aims to help the New Zealand-owned bank compete with the four major Australian-owned banks. The capital boost could potentially support significantly higher levels of business and home lending.
3 outlets · Potato top pie wins New Zealand supreme pie award
A French-inspired potato top pie has been named the best in New Zealand at the Supreme Pie Awards in Auckland. The winning creation, named 'SUP PIED', was made by Samraksmey So from Albany's Rosedale Bakery & Café. The pie features fondant-style cooked potatoes and au gratin layers.
3 outlets · Severe weather causes slips and road closures in Bay of Plenty
Heavy rain and strong winds have caused multiple slips, including a complete closure of State Highway 33 at Okere Falls. Crews are currently clearing debris and downed trees from roads. A severe thunderstorm watch was in place for Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, and Gisborne earlier this morning.
3 outlets · Matthew Lemalu pleads guilty to manslaughter of Anthony Rangi
Matthew Lemalu has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of 50-year-old Anthony Rangi in the Auckland High Court. Rangi was shot dead on Selwyn Street in Onehunga last August. The plea follows allegations that Rangi, a patched gang member, approached Lemalu with a crowbar.
3 outlets · FBI director Kash Patel visits Wellington and Parliament
FBI director Kash Patel arrived in Wellington via a Department of Justice jet from Sydney on Wednesday afternoon. He has been spotted in the basement of Parliament for meetings with Government ministers, though officials have not confirmed the purpose of his visit.
3 outlets · Man arrested after allegedly threatening striking nurses in Christchurch
A man is in custody after allegedly waving a large knife and threatening to kill nurses protesting on Cashel Street in central Christchurch. Police responded to reports of two men behaving threateningly towards the group on Wednesday morning. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
3 outlets · Police hunt driver after stolen car hits officer in Manurewa
Police are searching for a driver who struck an officer and rammed a patrol car in Manurewa on Tuesday night. The incident occurred near Southmall around 11.30pm after officers attempted to stop the stolen vehicle. The injured officer was treated at Middlemore Hospital and has since been discharged.
3 outlets · Wellington Phoenix appoint Bev Priestman as women's head coach
The Wellington Phoenix have signed Bev Priestman to a two-year deal as the new head coach of their women's team. Priestman, the former head coach of Canada's women's football team, replaces Paul Temple. She previously received a ban following a drone spying scandal during the Paris Olympics.
3 outlets · Milk tanker rolls on State Highway 2 in Bay of Plenty
A milk tanker rolled between Edgecumbe and Matatā late Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning. The accident resulted in approximately 25,000 litres of milk spilling across the road and caused minor injuries to the driver. State Highway 2 remains closed while emergency services attend the scene.
3 outlets · Wētā Workshop releases new Hobbit life simulator video game
Wētā Workshop has launched Tales of the Shire, a cosy life simulator game for PC and consoles. Set in Middle Earth, the game allows players to build homes and engage in activities such as farming, fishing, and foraging. The title has arrived amid mixed reviews.
3 outlets · Powerful magnitude 8.8 earthquake strikes off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula
A magnitude 8.8 earthquake occurred off the coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula at a depth of approximately 20 kilometres. The event triggered tsunami warnings reaching as far as Chile and French Polynesia. Following the quake, the Klyuchevskoy volcano also began to erupt.
2 outlets · Retail crime investigations decreased following former police directive
A scrapped police directive instructed staff not to investigate retail crime allegations below certain financial thresholds. Documents reveal that more than 5,000 shoplifting complaints under $500 were not forwarded for investigation, causing retail crime files to halve in some regions.
3 outlets · UK may recognise Palestinian state in September unless Israel takes action
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer says the UK is prepared to recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September, unless Israel addresses the situation in Gaza. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said his government will not follow this lead at this stage, focusing instead on Gaza aid.
3 outlets · Riwaka farmer faces unprecedented flooding and debris in Tasman District
A Riwaka farmer, Frank Hickmott, says recent heavy rains have caused flooding unlike anything he has previously experienced. The flooding, which occurred following an event on 11 July, has resulted in silt, debris, and changes to the course of a creek on his property.
2 outlets · Willie Jackson accuses government of rigging next election
Labour MP Willie Jackson has claimed the government is attempting to rig the next election. Speaking during a parliamentary debate, Jackson argued that preventing people from enrolling for 12 days before voting day constitutes a breach of democracy.
2 outlets · New Plymouth man to move into wheelchair-friendly state house
Shane Emeny and his son are set to move into a Kāinga Ora home after four years in emergency housing. The move follows delays caused by required accessibility modifications for the New Plymouth man, who is paralysed.
2 outlets · Hamilton concreter on trial for allegedly deceiving dozens of clients
Jason Mark Lambert is appearing in Hamilton District Court to defend against charges of obtaining money by deception and speaking in a threatening manner. Prosecutors allege the contractor failed to complete work for 28 customers and did not pay various bills. The case follows numerous complaints regarding unpaid work and missing deposits.
2 outlets · Government draft plan aims to double geothermal energy production
Resources Minister Shane Jones has released a draft strategy to double the amount of geothermal energy used for heating and electricity within 15 years. The government has allocated $60 million to fund research into the resource as part of the plan.
2 outlets · Wayne Brown announces Fix Auckland candidates for local elections
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has recruited Gary Brown and Victoria Short to run on his Fix Auckland ticket. The Hibiscus and Bays local board members aim to unseat two long-term councillors from the Albany Ward in the upcoming September local government election.
2 outlets · Nurses participate in nationwide strike for pay and safety
More than 36,000 nurses across New Zealand participated in a nationwide strike on Wednesday. In Hamilton, approximately 500 nurses walked off the job to demand better pay and safer working conditions. Supporters also joined nurses during a rally outside Gisborne Hospital.
2 outlets · New Zealand joins 14 nations in calling for Gaza ceasefire
New Zealand has signed a statement alongside 14 other countries urging Israel to stop military operations in Gaza and permit humanitarian access. The joint statement also supports the recognition of a Palestinian state. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon noted that the conversation regarding a Palestinian state is a matter of when, not if.
2 outlets · Large armed police operation in Maketū
Police are conducting a pre-planned operation on Maketū Rd in the Bay of Plenty town of Maketū. While approximately 25 police cars and armed officers have been reported in the area, a spokesperson said there is no concern for public safety.
2 outlets · New legislation targeting boy racers introduced to Parliament
The Anti-Social Road Use Legislation Amendment Bill has been introduced to Parliament to increase penalties for dangerous driving. While the Government aims to target boy racers, officials have raised concerns that the proposed powers could threaten judicial discretion.
4 outlets · Nurses go on nationwide strike for better pay and staffing
Nurses across New Zealand have commenced a 24-hour strike to demand improved pay and increased staffing levels. Health New Zealand has advised that emergency departments should be reserved for emergencies only during the industrial action.
2 outlets · School Sport NZ proposes banning Year 14 students from competitions
School Sport NZ has released draft eligibility rules that would ban Year 14 students from participating in secondary school sports events. The proposal follows long-standing debates regarding the impact of older students competing in school-level rowing, rugby, and mountain-biking competitions.
+15 outlets · Te Puke residents call for council action over frequent flooding
Neighbours in a Western Bay of Plenty community are urging the council to address rising floodwaters during heavy rain. Residents report increased threats from a nearby stream in recent years, while an official stated the area has always faced flood risks.
2 outlets · Tributes paid to jewellery entrepreneur Sir Michael Hill following his death
Supermodel Miranda Kerr and broadcaster Paul Henry have paid tribute to Sir Michael Hill after the jewellery icon died aged 86. Hill was the founder of the Michael Hill jewellery brand.
2 outlets · Ministers to gain power over oil and gas decommissioning costs
The Government plans to repeal the oil and gas ban this week. A late amendment will grant two ministers discretionary power regarding the rules and costs for decommissioning oil and gas fields and cleanups.
3 outlets · Government plans to ban card payment surcharges by May 2026
The government intends to scrap in-store surcharges for Visa and Mastercard payments by May 2026. While some consumers welcomed the news, retail and hospitality businesses have warned they may increase prices to cover the additional costs.
2 outlets ·
