Woman fatally shot by police in Christchurch named
Te Arohanui Pohio, 53, was fatally shot by police during a domestic violence call-out in Bryndwr, Christchurch. A 47-year-old man was also shot during the incident and remains in critical but stable condition in hospital.
+26 outlets · Three investigations launched after fatal police shooting in Christchurch
Police shot a couple during a domestic violence call on Clyde Road in Bryndwr on Wednesday night. Te Arohanui Pohio died at the scene, while a man remains in critical condition following surgery. Investigations are being conducted by detectives, the Independent Conduct Authority, and an out-of-town officer.
+37 outlets · The Opportunities Party advertises on Seek for new leader
The Opportunities Party has placed a job advertisement on Seek to recruit a new leader. The party has been without a leader since 2023 and aims to find someone to lead them into the 2026 election.
4 outlets · Emergency services respond to two aircraft incidents at Christchurch Airport
Firefighters attended two separate aviation incidents at Christchurch Airport on Friday afternoon. Smoke was reported coming from a stationary Jetstar plane around 1.30pm, resulting in the removal of all passengers. Approximately 20 minutes later, a light aircraft performed a forced landing at the airport.
4 outlets · Film director James Cameron becomes a New Zealand citizen
Oscar-winning director James Cameron has officially become a New Zealand citizen. He attended a citizenship ceremony at Te Papa in Wellington this week. Cameron has lived in the Wairarapa region since 2012.
4 outlets · Man pleads guilty to manslaughter after fatal punch in New Plymouth
Daytona Thompson has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of 37-year-old Daniel Nganeko. The unprovoked attack occurred on 26 July outside the Tukapa Rugby clubrooms in Taranaki. Approximately 200 people gathered at a rally to remember Nganeko and call for new laws regarding coward punches.
+15 outlets · Auckland Council to reduce Takapuna Golf Course to nine holes
Auckland Council is proceeding with plans to convert part of the Takapuna Golf Course into a wetland for flood storage. The decision follows the rejection of an alternative proposal to drain floodwater into Shoal Bay. While the 18-hole course will be reduced, golf can still be played on nine holes.
4 outlets · Woman charged with murder following death in Awakeri
A 25-year-old woman has been charged with murder following a reported stabbing in Awakeri on Thursday afternoon. Emergency services responded to a serious assault at a State Highway 30 property, where a woman died despite receiving medical attention. The accused is due to appear in Whakatāne District Court today.
3 outlets · Christchurch Hospital nurses strike over staff shortages and bargaining breakdown
Nurses from various wards at Christchurch Hospital walked off the job for two hours today following a breakdown in collective bargaining. Striking staff reported that severe shortages are causing colleagues to be regularly in tears. Meanwhile, an Otago University study suggests the hospital's specialist trauma service is also underfunded and understaffed.
3 outlets · Murupara café owner sentenced for migrant worker exploitation
Ratha Ny, the director of R.S.X Limited, has been sentenced to 10 months of home detention. Ny and his company were ordered to pay $335,000 in fines and emotional harm payments following convictions for breaching immigration and employment laws at the Bakehouse Café.
3 outlets · Government plans new offence for disruptive protests outside private homes
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says the Government intends to criminalise targeted and disruptive protests at private residences. The move follows increased reports of demonstrations targeting public officials, such as judges and MPs. The proposed law will consider various factors, including the time of day.
+15 outlets · Woman fatally stabbed at Awakeri Hot Springs holiday park
A woman died following a stabbing at the Awakeri Hot Springs Holiday Park on Thursday afternoon. Emergency services responded to reports of a serious assault around 4.30pm. A 25-year-old person has been charged in relation to the incident.
3 outlets · Kāinga Ora sells derelict Wellington Dixon Street Flats to iwi
Kāinga Ora has sold the 11-storey Dixon Street Flats in central Wellington to Taranaki Whānui Limited for $1.04 million. The social housing complex was closed three years ago after being deemed unfit for purpose. The building contains 117 units and would require significant upgrading to be used for housing again.
3 outlets · Dairy products drive 5% annual increase in food prices
Food prices rose by 5% in the 12 months to July 2025, according to Stats NZ. The increase was led by higher costs for dairy products, including milk, butter, and cheese. All five food groups recorded higher prices compared to the previous year.
3 outlets · One person dies after petrol tanker rolls on State Highway 5
A person has died after a petrol tanker rolled near Whakarewarewa around 2am on Friday. State Highway 5 remains closed in both directions while contractors clear debris and spilled fuel. Police say diversions are in place and drivers should expect delays.
3 outlets · NZTA to fund most of Marlborough's $20m road repair bill
The Marlborough District Council expects storm repairs to cost $20 million following heavy rainfall in June and July. Waka Kotahi has agreed to cover most of the costs. Contractors are currently working to fix more than 780 faults across the regional road network.
3 outlets · Supreme Court finds wrong legal test used to detain autistic man
The Supreme Court has ruled that an incorrect legal test was used to detain an autistic man, known as Jay, for nearly 20 years. The court has ordered the Family Court to urgently re-examine whether he should remain detained.
3 outlets · Total cost of breaking South Korean ferry contract exceeds $600 million
KiwiRail has reached a final settlement with Hyundai Mipo Dockyard to exit the cancelled iReX ferry project. The latest $144 million payment brings the total cost of breaking the contract to more than $600 million.
2 outlets · Southland officials warn of biosecurity crisis from wilding conifer pines
Officials in Southland are warning that wilding conifer pines have created a land-use and biosecurity crisis for the region. There are concerns that the battle against the rapid spread of these trees is being lost due to uncertainty regarding funding.
2 outlets · Several people in custody after Massey assault leaves two injured
Police took several people into custody following an assault on Colwill Road in Massey on Friday evening. Two people sustained minor to moderate injuries during the incident, which occurred around 5.40pm.
2 outlets · Air New Zealand online payment systems experience outage
Air New Zealand customers are currently unable to complete online bookings due to a technical issue with the airline's payment systems. Chief commercial officer Jeremy O’Brien stated that teams are working to resolve the problem.
2 outlets · Three sentenced for involvement in $1.57m ACC travel claim fraud
Three individuals were sentenced at Hamilton District Court for their roles in a widespread ACC fraud. The scheme involved over 1,000 people making bogus travel claims totalling approximately $1.57 million.
3 outlets · Man arrested after fleeing police on a trail bike in Rotorua
A 29-year-old man has been arrested following reports of dangerous driving in the Mangakakahi area. Police say the individual fled on a trail bike after being signalled to stop. The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday morning in the Glenholme suburb.
2 outlets · Rotorua Museum faces $8.3m funding shortfall for exhibition space
Rotorua Lakes Council is seeking options after an $8.3 million funding gap was identified for the Rotorua Museum exhibition space. Only $1.24 million of the $9.51 million target has been raised. A staged reopening has been suggested as a way to manage the budget.
2 outlets · Dunedin councillor resigns as committee chair over hostile work environment
Councillor Jim O'Malley has resigned as chair of the hearings committee, stating he does not feel safe. O'Malley claims he has been targeted by chief executive Sandy Graham, who has responded to the allegations.
2 outlets · Bus fire blocks southbound lane on State Highway 1
A minibus caught fire on State Highway 1 near Porirua on Friday afternoon. The blaze blocked one of two southbound lanes between the Mungavin Interchange and the SH1/SH59 merge. Fire and Emergency were notified of the incident at 2.35pm.
2 outlets · New Zealand woman and son to be released from US detention
Sarah Shaw and her six-year-old son, Isaac, are set to be released from US immigration custody following their detention at the US-Canada border. Immigration agents cited document issues for the detention. A lawyer confirmed that a parole request has been granted for the pair.
2 outlets · Southland Boys’ and Christchurch Boys’ to compete for South Island rugby title
Christchurch Boys’ High School will face Southland Boys’ High School in the South Island First XV championship final. Following their Miles Toyota Premiership victory, Christchurch Boys’ must now prepare for the upcoming match. The winner of the final will advance to the national Top 4 tournament in Palmerston North.
2 outlets · National War Memorial granted National Historic Landmark status
The National War Memorial at Pukeahu in Wellington has been named a National Historic Landmark. This is the second site in New Zealand to receive this status. A formal dedication will take place once seismic strengthening work is finished and the building reopens.
2 outlets · Former negotiator discusses police response to Christchurch fatal shooting
A former top police negotiator says an officer faced a frightening, split-second scenario during a fatal shooting in Christchurch on Wednesday night. The incident involved an officer shooting a man carrying a hunting knife before subsequently killing a woman brandishing a similar weapon.
2 outlets · Eels likely died after Napier drain excavation error
Napier City Council admitted contractors failed to follow a code of practice during drain excavation near Cato Road on 4 August. The error resulted in eels being dumped at an earth landfill, with a witness estimating up to 100 eels may have died. The council is now developing a standard operating procedure.
2 outlets · Couple named following alleged cancer treatment fraud in Wānaka
Sepiuta Setaita Vave and a 28-year-old man have been named in relation to a fraud investigation. Police allege the couple defrauded family, friends, and associates of money ranging from $100,000 to over $1 million for fake cancer treatments.
2 outlets · KiwiRail pays $144 million to settle Hyundai ferry contract cancellation
KiwiRail has made a final $144 million payment to Hyundai Mipo Dockyard following the cancellation of the Project iRex ferry project. This settlement, announced by ministers Winston Peters and Nicola Willis, follows a previous $78 million payment made to the shipyard.
2 outlets · Bus catches fire outside Birkenhead depot on Auckland's North Shore
A diesel-powered bus caught fire on Birkdale Road on Friday morning. Staff noticed smoke coming from the engine around 8:48am, and footage shows the driver attempting to fight the flames. Auckland Transport is currently investigating the cause of the incident.
2 outlets · Supreme Court rules riverbeds can be included in customary marine title
The Supreme Court has found that riverbeds may be included in Māori customary marine title orders if specific legal tests are satisfied. This ruling follows a judgement regarding customary rights claims involving harbours, river mouths, beaches, and the sea.
2 outlets · National median weekly rent falls to $620
New Zealand's national median weekly rent decreased by 3 per cent to $620 in July. According to Trade Me Property Rental Price Index data, this downward trend continues as supply increases and demand decreases. Wellington saw the largest year-on-year decline, with asking rents falling 7.7 per cent to $600 per week.
2 outlets · Rain and wind forecast to follow fine weather across New Zealand
After a foggy start to the week and mostly fine conditions through Saturday, weather is expected to become unsettled. A high pressure system moving east will bring rain and wind from Sunday to Tuesday, followed by cold nights as an unusually strong high arrives.
2 outlets · ASB becomes fifth major bank to reduce home loan rates
ASB has lowered four of its fixed home lending rates, including its one-year fixed mortgage rate to 4.79 per cent. This follows similar rate reductions by ANZ, BNZ, Kiwibank and Westpac. The moves come ahead of next week's expected official cash rate decision by the Reserve Bank.
2 outlets · Auckland Council attendance records released for the current term
Auckland councillors spent an average of 956 hours each in meetings during the current term. The release of these attendance records follows public complaints from Mayor Wayne Brown regarding councillor absences.
2 outlets · Poor information sharing hinders efforts to tackle organised crime
A new report suggests that inadequate data sharing between government agencies and the private sector is a major barrier to combating organised crime. Experts suggest creating a data network and updating privacy laws to allow businesses and Pacific countries to share information and identify criminal patterns.
2 outlets · Christchurch Hospital trauma service fails to deliver results in first year
A specialist trauma admitting service at Christchurch Hospital has failed to show measurable results during its first year. The service has been hindered by limited funding, staffing shortages, and restricted operating hours. The hospital is the busiest trauma centre in New Zealand.
3 outlets · Coroner details circumstances of fatal Auckland Christmas Day dispute
A coroner has released details regarding the 2022 death of 57-year-old Baden Taikato. The man died following a violent dispute between neighbours involving a sword, baseball bat, and axe. Head injuries and heart disease were cited as causes of death during the Christmas period.
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