Police investigate critical injuries of three-month-old Masterton baby girl
Police are investigating after a three-month-old girl from Masterton sustained critical injuries last week. The infant, who suffered substantial head injuries, was transferred from Wairarapa and Wellington hospitals to Starship Hospital in Auckland. Authorities believe the injuries may be non-accidental.
+26 outlets · Man arrested and charged after fatal motel altercation in Westport
A homicide investigation is underway after a man died following an altercation at a Westport motel on Thursday afternoon. Police were called to the Palmerston Street location around 3.10pm, where a victim was found critically injured. A 35-year-old man was arrested at the scene and has been charged.
+26 outlets · Wētā FX proposes cutting around 100 roles
Visual effects company Wētā FX has proposed changes to approximately 100 roles, primarily within support departments. Most of the affected positions are based in Wellington. The company stated that the majority of its global workforce consists of contractors who are not impacted by the proposed changes.
+37 outlets · Tsunami advisory lifted for mainland New Zealand but remains for Chathams
Following an 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Russia, the National Emergency Management Agency has lifted tsunami advisories for the North and South Islands. However, a beach and marine threat remains for the Chatham Islands, where a 51cm wave was recorded. Strong and unusual currents are expected to continue for some time.
+15 outlets · New Zealand to face 15% US tariff on exports
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order imposing a 15% tariff on New Zealand exports to the United States. The new rates, which replace an earlier 10% proposal, are scheduled to take effect in seven days. New Zealand ministers are expected to respond to the decision.
4 outlets · One person dies in Ruatoki bus and motorcycle collision
A person has died following a crash between a school bus and a motorcycle in the eastern Bay of Plenty. The incident occurred just after 3pm on Friday near Ruatoki North. Ruatoki Valley Road and Number 1 Road have been closed, and motorists are advised to avoid the area.
4 outlets · Christchurch Casino faces $5 million penalty for anti-money laundering breaches
Christchurch Casinos Limited has reached a settlement with the Department of Internal Affairs regarding alleged breaches of anti-money laundering laws. The casino has agreed to a High Court penalty of over $5 million. The casino's boss has apologised for the substantial compliance failures.
4 outlets · Motorcyclist dies after crash in Pukekohe following police pursuit
A person died following a motorbike crash in Pukekohe on Friday afternoon. Police were searching for a stolen motorcycle in the area when the rider allegedly sped away from a patrol car. The rider was pronounced dead at the scene, and an investigation has been launched.
4 outlets · Tamed ferrets used to control rabbit population in Queenstown
Jim Curry and Jacqui Elson are using a team of tamed ferrets to combat a rampant rabbit population in Queenstown. The pest control operation involves sending the mustelids into warrens to manage the introduced pests.
4 outlets · Daytona Thompson charged with manslaughter following fatal punch in New Plymouth
Daytona Thompson has been charged with manslaughter following the death of 37-year-old Daniel Nganeko. The charge follows an allegedly unprovoked punch outside a rugby clubroom. Thompson is expected to enter a plea at a court hearing on 15 August.
3 outlets · Nobby Clark reacts to brother's dual mayoral bids
Invercargill mayor Nobby Clark is not supporting his brother Andrew Clark's bid for the position. Andrew, based in Nelson, is simultaneously running for mayor in the Tasman district under the name Maxwell Clark.
4 outlets · Travellers urged to take precautions amid Pacific dengue fever outbreak
Health authorities are advising New Zealanders travelling to the Pacific to protect themselves from mosquito bites as dengue fever cases reach decade-high levels. Samoa has reported more than 2,000 cases and four deaths, while Nauru has recorded two deaths. Travellers are encouraged to secure insurance that includes medical evacuation.
3 outlets · Union concerned as many Victoria Park New World workers remain jobless
First Union has expressed concern that Foodstuffs may not be meeting its commitment to rehire staff following a major fire at the Victoria Park New World in June. Of more than 180 employees, just over 100 have secured positions at other Foodstuffs supermarkets so far.
3 outlets · Man pleads guilty to murdering partner Kathleen Kawana
Ri Nikora has admitted to murdering his partner, Kathleen Kawana. Her body was discovered in an abandoned house near Ruatoria in August 2019. Nikora reportedly drove 640km to dump the body.
3 outlets · Six Mongrel Mob members convicted for Southland violent crimes
Six members of the Mataura Mongrel Mob have been found guilty of kidnapping and serious assaults. The offences, which included drive-by shootings, occurred across Southland during a gang feud in early 2022.
3 outlets · Former MP Jami-Lee Ross seeks Howick local board seat
Jami-Lee Ross, a former National MP, has confirmed he is running for the Howick Local Board in the upcoming elections. The former politician is seeking a political comeback following a departure from the National Party. Ross acknowledged he may face awkward questions regarding his new business as an escort agency owner.
3 outlets · Man considered dangerous found after absconding from Christchurch mental health facility
Kieran Thomas, 35, was located in Strowan after escaping from a Hillmorton mental health facility on Thursday evening. Police were notified of his disappearance around 6pm and located him approximately four hours later. Health Minister Matt Doocey has emphasised the importance of patient and public safety following the incident.
3 outlets · Intern pharmacist suspended after infant dies following alleged overdose
The Pharmacy Council has suspended an intern pharmacist following the death of two-month-old Bellamere Arwyn Duncan. The infant died at Starship Hospital on 19 July, allegedly after being given medication at an adult dosage resulting in phosphate toxicity.
+15 outlets · NZ First introduces bill to make New Zealand official name
New Zealand First has introduced a Member’s Bill to formally establish "New Zealand" as the country's official geographic name. Party leader Winston Peters stated the legislation would provide constitutional clarity. He also claimed the name Aotearoa has no authority in the Māori world.
2 outlets · Ministers kept pay equity law changes secret to protect budget
Internal documents show ministers worked to keep sweeping pay equity changes secret until the last minute. The move was intended to prevent a surge in claims and protect the government balance sheet. Changes to the scheme were projected to save $12.8 billion over four years.
4 outlets · Schools struggle to recruit new board members as deadlines approach
New Zealand schools are facing a shortage of board members, with only 2,000 parents applying for 10,000 upcoming vacancies. Rural Schools Leadership Association president Andrew King noted that schools are becoming desperate as recruitment deadlines loom.
+15 outlets · Twelve candidates enter race for Auckland mayoralty
Twelve people have nominated themselves to contest the Auckland mayoral election. The preliminary list of candidates for the council's 127 elected positions has been released, revealing various power blocs and two councillors running unopposed.
2 outlets · Shotover Jet celebrates 60 years of tourism in Queenstown
Ngāi Tahu Tourism is marking the 60th anniversary of Shotover Jet with a new documentary and special events. The attraction has evolved from a small riverboat operation into a globally recognised adventure tourism icon.
2 outlets · Racist abuse follows appointment of new Air New Zealand chief executive
Major news organisations have disabled social media comments following the announcement of Nikhil Ravishankar as the incoming Air New Zealand chief executive. The current chief digital officer's appointment triggered a barrage of racist remarks across various platforms.
2 outlets · Auckland cafe chain Little and Friday liquidated over tax debt
The Auckland cafe chain Little and Friday has entered liquidation following an alleged $640,000 tax bill. According to a liquidator's report, owner Kim Evans owes creditors approximately $1.4 million. The liquidator has reported that attempts to contact the owner have been unsuccessful.
2 outlets · Parole denied for man who murdered Christchurch sex worker
The Parole Board has refused release for Peter Waihape, who was sentenced for the 2005 murder, rape, and abduction of a Christchurch sex worker. Authorities assessed the 47-year-old as remaining a high risk for violent reoffending. He has spent nearly 20 years in prison for the crime.
3 outlets · Longest-serving Wellington city councillor Iona Pannett to step down
Pukehinau Lambton ward councillor Iona Pannett has confirmed she will not contest the upcoming local body elections. Having served six terms since 2007, she is Wellington's longest-serving city councillor. Pannett has focused her 18-year career on environmental, heritage, and transparency causes.
2 outlets · Health NZ makes new pay offer to senior doctors
Health NZ has presented a new pay offer to the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, featuring salary increases between 3.5 and 11 per cent. While the proposal includes funding to retain doctors in hard-to-staff areas, the union has criticised the offer, claiming it amounts to a pay cut that fails to cover inflation.
2 outlets · Auckland mayor and councillors clash over attendance and leadership style
Mayor Wayne Brown has criticised councillors for missing in-person meetings. In response, mayoral rival Kerrin Leoni claimed Brown is frequently out of Auckland, while councillor John Watson accused the mayor of attempting a power grab through his Fix Auckland political movement.
2 outlets · Federated Farmers says farm chore rule changes have been misunderstood
Federated Farmers claims there has been confusion regarding government announcements about the threshold for light chores children can perform on farms. The organisation's head stated that current safety rules are confusing and that information from officials has caused misunderstandings.
2 outlets · Teenager appeals conviction and sentence for Dunedin fatal stabbing
A 14-year-old boy is appealing his conviction and sentence for the manslaughter of 16-year-old Enere McLaren-Taana. The teenager was previously sentenced to three years and three months in prison following the fatal stabbing at a Dunedin bus hub last year.
2 outlets · Coalition parties seek consensus after repealing offshore oil and gas ban
Parliament passed legislation on Thursday night to scrap the 2018 ban on offshore oil and gas exploration. Coalition parties are calling for political consensus to support the industry, but Labour, the Greens, and Te Pāti Māori have pledged to restore the ban.
3 outlets · Founder claims alternative emergency alert system was overlooked by officials
The founder of an alternative emergency alert framework says his system was never considered when the Emergency Mobile Alert system was established. He claims his framework proved its effectiveness following the Christchurch earthquakes. Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency is investigating glitches within the current system.
2 outlets · Southland mayoral candidate criticises council chief executive at meeting
Mayoral candidate Wendy Baker criticised a council chief executive during a public presentation to district councillors on Wednesday. While presenting on dog control policies, Baker read out a letter from the Minister of Sport and Recreation. The specific contents of the letter have not been made public.
3 outlets · Machinery laws under review following worker injuries and death
New Zealand's machinery safety laws are being reviewed following a fatal accident and a serious injury. A 37-year-old man died after falling onto a conveyor belt, while a timber worker lost two fingers in an unguarded machine. These incidents have highlighted concerns regarding the country's safety record with industrial machinery.
2 outlets · Graphics show potential $7 million Wellington waterfront safety project
Wellington City Council papers have revealed designs for a $7 million project to install safety balustrades along parts of the waterfront. The Environment and Infrastructure Committee will meet on 7 August to discuss installing edge protection in the Kumutoto and Queens Wharf precincts.
2 outlets · Fifty years since the Big Blow hit Canterbury
On August 1, 1975, a massive storm swept through Canterbury, causing significant damage to homes and farms. The event, known as the Big Blow, produced record wind speeds that have never been matched.
2 outlets · Business owner pleads guilty to manslaughter after fatal truck accident
Ashik Ali has admitted to manslaughter after an unroadworthy 20-tonne truck suffered brake failure in Remuera. The vehicle knocked a construction worker to the ground and crushed him, resulting in the worker's death in hospital. The truck had reportedly been flagged as unsafe for six years.
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