Police investigate discovery of human remains at Waihau Bay beach
Police are investigating after human remains were found at a beach in Waihau Bay, east of Ōpōtiki, on Friday. Authorities were notified of the discovery around 11.50am. Inquiries are currently underway to determine the age of the remains.
+15 outlets · Hayden Tasker named in connection with death of Nelson police officer
The name of the man accused of murdering Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming has been released following the lifting of interim suppression. Hayden Donald Jason Tasker of Motueka faces murder and attempted murder charges after Fleming was struck by a vehicle during a foot patrol in Nelson on New Year's Day.
+48 outlets · Evidence withheld during Erin Patterson murder trial revealed
New details have emerged regarding evidence that was not heard by the jury during Erin Patterson's murder trial. This includes allegations that Patterson attempted to poison her husband using toxic pasta, curry, and a wrap. A judge has now allowed the disclosure of these details.
4 outlets · Coroner rules Shargin Stephens' fatal police shooting was preventable
A coroner has ruled that the 2016 shooting of Shargin Stephens in Rotorua was preventable. The report stated a probationary officer in a heightened emotional state pushed past experienced staff and got dangerously close to Stephens. The coroner found police tactics showed a disregard for the right to life and lacked effective leadership.
+15 outlets · Coroner links death of Christchurch man to methamphetamine toxicity
A coroner has ruled that Nigel Bom died from methamphetamine toxicity in March 2021. The 37-year-old was found dead in his New Brighton flat. The coroner criticised police for failings in the investigation that made it difficult to determine his final movements.
+15 outlets · Three boot camp pilot participants are in prison or youth justice facilities
Oranga Tamariki has revealed that seven of the 10 young men in a 12-month military-style boot camp pilot reoffended. While three participants are currently in a prison or youth justice facility, the Government and Oranga Tamariki have described the programme as a success.
+37 outlets · Christchurch man jailed for poaching sea cucumbers
Jason Murray Nix, 55, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for poaching 1,432 sea cucumbers. The Christchurch man was also banned from fishing for three years and faced additional sentencing for other offences. Authorities believe the illegal harvest was likely intended for the black market.
4 outlets · Wellington Airport unveils new Manu Muramura terminal sculpture
Wellington Airport has unveiled a new 15-metre illuminated sculpture called Manu Muramura. Created by Wētā Workshop, the artwork represents a local bird spirit and replaces the airport's iconic giant eagle sculptures that were displayed for 12 years.
4 outlets · Police investigate unexplained death of woman in Parnell
Emergency services were called to an apartment block on Cracroft Street in Parnell just after 9.30pm on Thursday. A woman was found unresponsive inside a unit and was pronounced dead by ambulance staff. Police have launched an investigation and a scene examination was scheduled to begin on Friday morning.
4 outlets · One person dies in Eltham house fire
A person was found deceased following a house fire on Derby Street in Eltham early Friday morning. Emergency services arrived to find the property fully ablaze just before 5am. Police have established a scene guard and an investigation is underway.
+15 outlets · Prime Minister and officials attend Auckland City Rail Link test run
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Cabinet ministers, and Mayor Wayne Brown participated in a test run on Auckland's new underground railway. The $5.5 billion City Rail Link project is expected to open next year. Mayor Brown suggested that lessons from this project should be applied to future infrastructure developments.
4 outlets · Taranaki life coach sentenced for assaulting golf buddy
Albert James has been sentenced in the New Plymouth District Court for injuring with intent to injure. The life coach attacked a golfing acquaintance in a bar in December 2024. He was ordered to complete 150 hours of community service, undergo nine months of supervision, and pay $5,000 in reparations.
4 outlets · Labour spokesperson declined offers to be briefed on NCEA reforms
Education Minister Erica Stanford offered Labour multiple opportunities to be briefed on NCEA changes, but education spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime did not respond and later declined. While Prime remains defiant, Labour leader Chris Hipkins stated she should have responded to the invitations.
4 outlets · Large fire at South Auckland scrap yard extinguished
Firefighters were called to a scrap yard in Redhill, Papakura, shortly before 4pm on Friday. Approximately eight vehicles were caught in the blaze, which required nearly 30 firefighters to extinguish. A fire investigator was sent to the scene to investigate the incident.
3 outlets · Police investigate new sexual assault complaint against Tim Jago
Police are investigating a fresh sexual assault complaint against former ACT Party president Tim Jago. Jago was jailed for two and a half years last year after being convicted of indecently assaulting two teenagers he mentored through a sports club between 1995 and 1999.
3 outlets · Canterbury police propose restructuring and role redeployments
Canterbury police have released a proposal to restructure roles and centralise services at larger stations to meet growing population demands. The plan includes the closure of the Arthur's Pass station, a move the police union has criticised as reducing rural staffing.
3 outlets · Twelve-year-old boy seriously injured after crashing stolen car in Christchurch
A 12-year-old boy sustained serious injuries after crashing a stolen vehicle into a parked car in Burnside on Friday morning. The incident occurred after the driver failed to stop for police on Aldwins Road in Phillipstown. Police were attempting to intercept the vehicle when the crash took place.
3 outlets · Climate protesters blockade ANZ branch in central Dunedin
Climate Liberation Aotearoa activists blocked the entrance of an ANZ branch in Dunedin to protest the bank's links to a coal mining company. Police intervened to allow staff to enter the building. One person was arrested for breaching bail conditions during the demonstration.
3 outlets · Cold weather and snow forecast for parts of New Zealand
A series of cold fronts will bring dropping temperatures, rain, and wind to various regions this weekend. Snow is forecast for the State Highway 1 Desert Road and may affect South Island pass roads. MetService indicates that widespread frosts are expected to return.
3 outlets · Final electorate boundary and name changes announced for next election
The Representation Commission has finalised boundary adjustments for 49 general and three Māori electorates. These changes, which include four additional electorate name changes, primarily affect Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Christchurch, and the lower North Island. The North Island is set to lose one electorate seat.
3 outlets · Dunedin man pleads guilty to manslaughter after partner's death
Andrew Jayden Mercer, 32, has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of his partner, Robert Douglas Ralston, in the Dunedin High Court. Mr Ralston died in hospital following a fall from a moving trailer on Brockville Road in late March. Mercer also pleaded guilty to refusing a compulsory impairment test.
3 outlets · State Highway 1 closed following serious two-vehicle crash in Tīrau
State Highway 1 has been closed near Tīrau in the Waikato after a two-vehicle crash occurred on Friday morning. Police were alerted to the incident between State Highway 5 and Webster Road around 7.50am. Initial reports indicate that serious injuries have been sustained.
3 outlets · Orana Wildlife Park to resume taking new animals after review
Christchurch's Orana Wildlife Park will end a six-month pause on accepting new animals. The decision follows a review into substandard animal welfare procedures and allegations of a toxic workplace culture raised by whistleblowers. Park leaders are now working to restore the facility's reputation.
3 outlets · Long-term investment could outperform weekly Lotto spending
Investment experts suggest that money spent on weekly Lotto tickets could instead result in a windfall of approximately $100,000 through long-term investing. This comes as the Powerball prize rolls over to $20 million this Saturday, despite the extremely low odds of winning.
3 outlets · Two Japanese warships arrive in Wellington Harbour for ceremonial visit
The Japanese destroyers JS Ise and JS Suzunami arrived in Wellington on Friday morning after sailing from Sydney. This marks the first time Japanese warships have docked in the city since 1936. The vessels, carrying 500 crew members, are conducting an Indo-Pacific deployment.
2 outlets · Education Ministry bans children's book containing many Māori words
The Education Ministry has decided not to reprint the junior reader At the Marae because it does not fit the required sequence. The Māori Principals' Association has criticised the decision, with its president calling the move an act of racism and white supremacy.
4 outlets · Taranaki Bunnings manager sentenced for stealing $38,000 from employer
Sherwin Ampaguey Tumapang has been sentenced after stealing more than $38,000 from the Bunnings Bell Block Trade Centre. A manager at the retailer, Tumapang methodically processed fake refunds by reprinting invoices over an eight-month period.
2 outlets · Elisha Milmine elected unopposed to Hastings District Council
Elisha Milmine has been elected to the Hastings District Council's Kahuranaki ward. She was originally contesting the vacancy until her opponent withdrew for personal reasons. Milmine is one of four candidates across Hawke's Bay elected unopposed.
2 outlets · Wellington sludge minimisation plant faces estimated 20 per cent cost increase
The Wellington City Council's $400 million sludge treatment plant is facing a budget blowout of approximately $80 million. Councillors were informed that the project, which is scheduled for completion next year, could see costs increase by around 20 per cent.
3 outlets · Former Green MP Elizabeth Kerekere to contest Gisborne Māori ward
Elizabeth Kerekere is running for a Māori ward councillor position in the upcoming Gisborne District Council local elections this October. The former Green Party MP aims to use her government experience to serve the local community.
2 outlets · Chris Hipkins dismisses Treasury claims of Covid-19 overspending
Labour leader Chris Hipkins has labelled criticism regarding pandemic spending as "Treasury spin". This follows the Treasury's 2025 Long Term Insights Briefing, which stated the previous government overspent during the Covid-19 pandemic against official advice. The briefing estimated the total pandemic cost at approximately $66 billion.
3 outlets · Northland schools roster students home due to teacher shortages
Kerikeri High School and Northland College have been forced to roster students from home due to staffing shortages. The issues are being driven by staff sickness, leave, and a lack of relief teachers. Northland College is currently operating with approximately 10 fewer teachers than required.
2 outlets · Winston Peters resists wearing high-vis gear at City Rail Link event
Rail Minister Winston Peters had a tense exchange with the City Rail Link CEO during a site visit and test train ride in Auckland. Mr Peters initially resisted being asked to wear a high-visibility vest for the event, though he eventually put the safety gear on.
2 outlets · Two men arrested after police find weapons and drugs in Auckland
Police arrested two men in Patumāhoe after discovering guns, drugs, and cash hidden in a car's engine bay. Officers arrived at the property following reports of a threatening individual. Additional weapons, including a sawn-off shotgun, and ammunition were also located in a bedroom and a camper.
2 outlets · Petition launched for government funding of Medic Alert bracelets
The Medic Alert Foundation has started a petition seeking government funding for emergency medical bracelets. Thousands of people are reportedly giving up the bracelets due to the cost of living. These devices allow first responders to access vital medical records during emergencies.
2 outlets · Midge Ure postpones New Zealand tour due to health issue
Ultravox singer Midge Ure has postponed his upcoming New Zealand shows scheduled from September onwards. The musician stated that a recent routine check-up revealed a health issue requiring urgent treatment and recovery time.
2 outlets · Former council worker awarded lost wages after unjustified dismissal
The Employment Relations Authority has awarded $7,500 in lost wages to former Rotorua Lakes Council recreation planner Richard Lyons. While Mr Lyons attended less than half of his scheduled shifts due to health issues, the authority found his dismissal for serious misconduct was unjustified.
2 outlets · Security guard bitten and racially abused in Dunedin pharmacy
A security guard was racially abused and bitten on the arm by an aggressive man at a central Dunedin chemist. The man allegedly smashed a shelf and refused to leave the store. Police say the incident occurred after the individual made racist comments towards the guard.
2 outlets · Labour MPs meet in Christchurch to develop election strategy
Labour MPs are holding a team away day in Christchurch to formulate their election strategy. The party is also working towards announcing its upcoming tax policy.
4 outlets · Man accused of Christchurch murder remains unnamed
A 36-year-old man has been charged with murder following a woman's death in Parklands last month. He appeared in the Christchurch High Court on Friday and will undergo assessment by a forensic psychiatrist. His identity remains suppressed until at least October.
3 outlets · Eleven people arrested during Waikato warrant crackdown
Police conducted a one-day operation across several Waikato towns to arrest individuals with outstanding warrants. The operation resulted in 11 arrests for various offences, including theft, burglary, shoplifting, and the assault of a child.
2 outlets · Tom Latham ruled out of second Test against Zimbabwe
Black Caps captain Tom Latham will miss the second Test in Bulawayo due to a shoulder injury. On the first day of play, New Zealand gained control after bowling Zimbabwe out for 125 and reaching 174-1 in reply.
2 outlets · Research raises security concerns over AI scribe use by doctors
A University of Otago study found that 40 per cent of surveyed health professionals use AI tools to record patient notes. While the technology saves time, researchers have raised concerns regarding the security of private patient information and the potential for critical errors.
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