Two more men charged with murder over Hamilton death
Two men, aged 23 and 25, have been charged with the murder of 20-year-old Tyreece Te Pairi. The charges follow an altercation on Alexandra Street in Hamilton on 20 July. Four men have now been charged in relation to the death.
+26 outlets · New Zealander and young son detained by US immigration
Sarah Shaw and her six-year-old son, Isaac, have been detained by US immigration officials at the Canadian border. The pair, who reside in Washington state, were reportedly taken into custody while returning to the US three weeks ago. Foreign affairs officials are currently investigating the matter.
+48 outlets · Helen Clark accuses Israel of obstructing aid at Gaza border
Former Prime Minister Helen Clark has alleged that Israel is deliberately blocking life-saving humanitarian aid at the Rafah crossing. Visiting the border with former Irish President Mary Robinson as part of The Elders, Clark described witnessing aid trucks being turned away.
+15 outlets · Police search for offenders after serious assault in Shirley
Emergency services responded to reports of an assault on Joy Street in Shirley, Christchurch, at approximately 3.25pm on Tuesday. A person was taken to hospital with serious injuries, and police are currently searching for the alleged offenders who fled the scene.
+15 outlets · Abandoned Christchurch hotel to be rebuilt as five-star Sheraton
A central Christchurch hotel building that has been empty since the 2011 earthquakes will undergo a $150 million rebuild. The former Rydges site on Oxford Terrace is being transformed into a 240-room Sheraton hotel, which is scheduled to open in mid-2027.
+15 outlets · Chlöe Swarbrick ejected from Parliament during Palestine debate
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has been barred from Parliament for the remainder of the week. The ejection occurred during a debate regarding the recognition of Palestinian statehood after she criticised Government MPs.
+48 outlets · Proposed tolling for new North Canterbury motorway and bypass
Waka Kotahi has proposed toll charges for the Belfast to Pegasus motorway extension and Woodend Bypass. Plans include charging light vehicles $2.50 and trucks $5 for the full length, though some reports suggest two $1.25 and $2.50 stations. North Canterbury mayors have expressed disappointment regarding the potential cost to local commuters.
4 outlets · Eight South Waikato liquor stores caught selling alcohol to minors
Police conducted a controlled purchase operation in Tokoroa and Putāruru where eight out of 11 tested premises sold alcohol to an underage volunteer. Officers described the results of the August 2 sting as "staggeringly poor" and expressed shock that most businesses failed to check identification.
4 outlets · Man dies after single-vehicle crash on Auckland's Southern Motorway
A man has died following a single-vehicle crash on State Highway 1 near the Te Irirangi on-ramp on Tuesday morning. Emergency services were called to the scene around 7.50am after a vehicle hit the left-hand barrier. The northbound on-ramp and left lane were closed following the incident.
4 outlets · Fine for Hastings burn-off criticised as economic incentive to burn
A $300 fine issued for a smoky burn-off in the Longlands area near Hastings has drawn criticism. Former Hawke's Bay Regional Council chairperson Rex Graham stated the penalty is not a deterrent and acts as an economic licence to burn. The July 27 fire breached regional airshed rules and exceeded air quality standards.
3 outlets · Gloriavale leader Howard Temple resigns after sexual offending convictions
Howard Temple has resigned as Overseeing Shepherd of the Gloriavale Christian Community after pleading guilty to multiple counts of sexual offending against girls and women. The 85-year-old is awaiting sentencing for the offences. Stephen Standfast has been appointed as his successor.
+15 outlets · Luxon dismisses polls showing tight electoral race
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon intends to continue the coalition's economic plans despite recent polling showing a close race between National and Labour. Recent data indicates Labour has overtaken National in popularity, with both parties remaining neck-and-neck.
3 outlets · Man killed in Tokoroa pedestrian crash identified
Police have identified Julian Rameka as the man killed in a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian on Lomond Avenue in Tokoroa. The incident occurred around midnight on 27 June, and Rameka died at the scene. Investigations into the crash are ongoing.
3 outlets · Young Christchurch couple win $20.25m in Powerball draw
A young couple from Christchurch has won $20.25 million in a recent Powerball draw. The prize, which includes $20 million from Powerball and $250,000 from Lotto First Division, was won using a MyLotto ticket. They are the thirteenth multi-millionaires of the year according to Lotto NZ.
3 outlets · Mixed injury news for All Blacks ahead of Argentina test
The All Blacks have arrived in Argentina for their Rugby Championship opener against the Pumas. Coach Scott Robertson confirmed that Wallace Sititi and prop Tamaiti Williams will miss the first match due to long-term injuries. Both players are expected to return for the second test in Buenos Aires.
3 outlets · Report finds significant failings in Canterbury mental health services
A government investigation has identified major issues within Canterbury's adult inpatient mental health services, including staffing shortages and governance problems. The review follows two murders committed by patients, Zakariye Mohamed Hussein and Elliot Alfred James Cameron. Health NZ has pledged to implement changes to prevent similar tragedies from occurring again.
4 outlets · Aotea Square cordons lifted after unattended bag found
Police cordoned off Aotea Square and the Aotea Centre on Tuesday morning after an unattended suitcase was reported. The area was evacuated following a potential bomb threat, but specialists determined the bag was empty and not dangerous. Authorities have since stood down the cordons.
3 outlets · Person critically injured after being hit by vehicle in Henderson
A person was left in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle on Lincoln Road in West Auckland around 11.30pm on Monday. The Serious Crash Unit attended the scene near the Fairdene Avenue intersection. Police closed the road for a period of time and are now seeking information.
3 outlets · Woman identified after fatal bus accident in Onehunga
Pamela Marion Biggs, 83, of Māngere Bridge, has been named as the woman who died after being struck by a bus. The incident occurred on August 4 at the intersection of Church Street and Lower Municipal Place in Onehunga.
3 outlets · Mother killed in Te Kuiti crash after boat trailer breaks free
Nateisha-Kurstyn Pareteoro Hana-Wetere died on 11 July when a boat and trailer unit detached from an oncoming vehicle and struck her car near Te Kuiti. Her three-year-old son survived the collision with bruises and whiplash. The pair were travelling towards Auckland at the time of the accident.
+26 outlets · Inquiry finds significant problems in Canterbury mental health services
An inquiry into Canterbury's Mental Health Services has identified significant issues regarding governance, resourcing, and care models. The report highlighted critical staff shortages and vacancies affecting admissions and discharge processes. The investigation was launched following the murder of Laisa Waka Tunidau by a mental health patient.
3 outlets · Fast-track application for Te Kuha mine declined
The Ministry for the Environment has declined the fast-track application for the Te Kuha Mine project near Westport. The application failed to meet seven legal requirements. The project has previously faced multiple court rejections due to environmental concerns.
3 outlets · Winter illnesses affecting Canterbury schools and staff
Winter illnesses are impacting Canterbury schools, leading to high numbers of absent students and staff. Rangiora High School principal Bruce Kearney reported that the school could have up to 400 students and 30 staff members away on a single day.
2 outlets · New Zealand singer impresses judges on The Voice Australia
Christchurch singer Cassie Henderson impressed the celebrity judges during a blind audition for The Voice Australia. The 26-year-old, a recent Aotearoa Music Awards Best Pop Artist winner, performed Chappell Roan’s Good Luck, Babe! during the appearance.
2 outlets · Sir John Walker broke the mile world record 50 years ago today
On 12 August 1975, Sir John Walker set a new world record for the mile. The 23-year-old athlete achieved the feat at the Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg, Sweden.
2 outlets · High-end property prices rising as affluent buyers seek lifestyle properties
Increased demand for luxury homes over $2 million is driving up prices at the top of the market. Sotheby’s International Realty reports that buyers are relocating to areas such as Canterbury, Cambridge, and Tamahere in search of lifestyle blocks.
3 outlets · Cyclist in critical condition after Tamaki Drive incident
A cyclist was critically injured during an incident on Tamaki Drive in Parnell, Auckland, just before 3pm. Police stated that no other vehicles were involved in the event. Emergency services attended the scene but had departed by 4pm, causing traffic delays in the area.
2 outlets · Body of missing Northland kayaker found in Ruakākā River
The body of a Northland man has been recovered from the Ruakākā River. He had failed to return from a solo kayaking trip on Monday morning. His overturned kayak was previously discovered near Marsden Point Road.
2 outlets · Hospital security guards seek more powers to manage rising violence
The Security Association is calling for hospital guards to be granted handcuffs and the authority to detain violent individuals. This request follows an increase in verbal and physical abuse, as well as more frequent confrontations involving knives in emergency departments.
2 outlets · Proposed electorate boundary changes for Tauranga and Bay of Plenty regions
Proposed boundary changes for the 2026 election will affect the Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, and Rotorua electorates. The Bay of Plenty electorate is set to be renamed Mt Maunganui, while Ōropi may become part of the Rotorua electorate. Current local representatives for Tauranga will continue to live outside the area under the new boundaries.
2 outlets · Sixteen businesses caught selling alcohol to minors in targeted stings
Police and inspectors found sixteen businesses selling alcohol to minors during operations in South Waikato and Tauranga. In South Waikato, eight of 11 stores failed the test, while eight of 46 Tauranga premises, including a supermarket, were caught. Authorities expressed disappointment regarding the level of non-compliance.
2 outlets · Man pleads guilty to attempted murder after stabbing woman 18 times
James Tuwhangai has pleaded guilty to attempted murder following a whanau-related incident outside the Taumarunui Police Station last year. The victim required extensive surgery after being stabbed 18 times. Tuwhangai entered the plea via his lawyer at the High Court in Hamilton on Tuesday morning.
2 outlets · Victim identified in fatal Te Aroha vehicle crash
Semisi He, 48, of Waitoa, has been identified as the person who died in a two-vehicle crash in Te Aroha. The incident occurred on Stanley Road South on 13 June. Two other people were injured during the collision.
2 outlets · Woman killed in Te Kūiti crash involving a boat and trailer
Nateisha-Kurstyn Pareteoro Hana-Wetere died following a crash near Te Kūiti on 11 July when a boat and trailer broke free from a vehicle. Her three-year-old son was also in the car but survived the collision.
2 outlets · Qantas to offer daily Auckland to New York flights next year
Qantas will increase its Auckland to New York service to daily flights between June and October 2026. The Australian carrier currently operates the direct route five times a week.
2 outlets · Frosty and cold conditions forecast across New Zealand
Widespread frosts and sub-zero temperatures are expected across much of the country this week. The South Island has already seen temperatures drop as low as -6.2C. Most areas are forecast to experience frosty mornings followed by clear, sunny afternoons.
2 outlets · Wellington man avoids prison for large-scale drug distribution
Rowan David Harrie Hewitson, 21, was caught after a homeowner seized a drug parcel and contacted police. The man used encrypted messaging to offer 24/7 delivery of MDMA and ketamine in Wellington. He imported drugs with an estimated value of up to $6 million.
2 outlets · Grace Nweke recalled to Silver Ferns squad
Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua has named the 2025-26 squad, featuring the return of shooter Grace Nweke. Nweke will lead a shooting circle that includes three uncapped players.
2 outlets · Changes to fuel tax may impact different vehicle owners differently
Transport Minister Chris Bishop is proposing a transition away from petrol taxes. While electric vehicle owners may keep running cost advantages, non-plug-in hybrids could face higher operating costs. The proposal aims to ensure all vehicles contribute fairly to road maintenance and improvements.
2 outlets · Former Auckland teacher sentenced for taking intimate photos of boarder
Ian McKinney has been sentenced after taking 430 intimate photos of a Japanese boarder in a bathroom. The former teacher was previously convicted in 2017 for the indecent assault of two international students.
2 outlets · Auckland mayoral candidate reports abuse while putting up campaign signage
Councillor Kerrin Leoni says she was abused by a member of the public while setting up campaign signs. Leoni, who is running for Auckland mayor, has decided not to advertise her candidacy on her vehicle following the incident. Police were called to the scene.
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