Lon Reti's murder conviction referred to Court of Appeal
The Criminal Cases Review Commission has referred Lon Reti's 1997 Christchurch murder conviction to the Court of Appeal. Reti was jailed for the killing of Leslie Allan Edmonds and has spent nearly 28 years in prison. The referral follows concerns that a serious mistake was made during his original trial.
+37 outlets · Family of Marokopa fugitive Tom Phillips break silence with emotional appeal
The family of Tom Phillips has spoken out for the first time regarding his disappearance with three children in December 2021. Phillips' mother wrote a heartfelt letter to her son and grandchildren, expressing her daily hope for their return. The children, Jayda, Maverick and Ember, have been missing for more than three years.
+15 outlets · Angela Hassan-Sharp appointed as new ambassador to Ireland
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has appointed Angela Hassan-Sharp as the new ambassador to Ireland. She replaces former Speaker Sir Trevor Mallard, who is returning to New Zealand early. Peters remarked that no politicians should be assigned to diplomatic roles.
+26 outlets · Judith Collins corrects claim regarding secondary school teacher pay
Public Service Minister Judith Collins has admitted to mixing up her messaging after claiming an average teacher with ten years of experience earns $147,000. This error follows the Post Primary Teachers Association's decision to strike on Wednesday after being offered a 1% pay increase.
+15 outlets · Police increase patrols in Levin following multiple shootings
Extra police officers are patrolling Levin after three shootings occurred over two days. One incident involved shots being fired from a car at a house, while a man later arrived at a healthcare centre with a gunshot wound to his thigh. The man was taken to Palmerston North Hospital in serious condition.
4 outlets · French cheese products recalled over possible listeria presence
The Goodfood Group has recalled several Food Snob and Mon Ami brand French Brie and Camembert cheeses sold in New Zealand supermarkets. The recall follows concerns that the products may contain Listeria monocytogenes. Affected items include products with best-before dates up to and including 22 September 2025.
4 outlets · Prisoner in critical condition after alleged assault at Auckland Prison
An inmate was taken to hospital in critical condition following an alleged assault by three other prisoners at Auckland Prison on Tuesday morning. Emergency services were called to the Pāremoremo facility around 9.45am. Corrections has placed the three suspected inmates on directed segregation while police investigate the incident.
4 outlets · Government launches writing action plan to improve student achievement
Education Minister Erica Stanford has announced a new Writing Action Plan to boost student achievement. This follows data showing that 61% of Year 8 students are more than a year behind in writing, with only 24% meeting the expected standard.
+26 outlets · Supreme Court hears David Tamihere's appeal against murder convictions
David Tamihere's lawyers are appealing his convictions for the 1989 murders of two Swedish backpackers in the Coromandel. The Supreme Court is hearing arguments regarding whether a fundamental error occurred during his trial. The Crown is arguing that the convictions should stand.
4 outlets · New Zealand woman and son recover after US detention
Sarah Shaw and her six-year-old son have returned to their Washington home following weeks of detention at a Texas immigration facility. Her lawyer states they are in good spirits while recovering after being taken into custody at the Canadian border.
4 outlets · Coroner says Marlborough teen's tractor crash was preventable
Trenton Karl Jones, 18, died from head and neck injuries after his tractor crashed through a barrier and rolled down a bank on Queen Charlotte Drive. A coroner stated the teenager was eating, drinking, and using his phone before the accident occurred near Cullen's Point.
4 outlets · Police open to negotiations to find missing Tom Phillips and children
Detective Senior Sergeant Andrew Saunders says police are open to negotiating with Tom Phillips to ensure his three children are returned safely. Phillips and his children have been missing since December 2021. The lead detective suggested Phillips could use a trusted intermediary to facilitate discussions if he does not wish to speak directly to police.
4 outlets · Hamilton business owner fined for immigration and employment offences
Gaurav Batra has been ordered to pay over $40,000 in fines and reparations. The Hamilton kebab shop owner pleaded guilty to immigration and employment offences involving underpaid staff and excessive working hours.
4 outlets · Auckland couple arrested after attempting to board train with stolen groceries
An Auckland couple was stopped by security at Pukekohe Train Station on Monday morning while attempting to board a departing train with a trolley of allegedly stolen food. Police were called to the scene, where a man reportedly tried to hide the trolley in a toilet cubicle. The pair face court for the incident.
3 outlets · Trial begins for sportsman accused of injuring an infant
A prominent sportsman is on trial in the Dunedin District Court facing charges of injuring with reckless disregard and assault in a family relationship. The Crown alleges the defendant crushed an infant's torso, causing more than a dozen broken ribs. The child's mother maintains the defendant is not the type of person to cause such harm.
3 outlets · Auckland woman sentenced to two years for tax fraud
Caitlin Briar Ashby was sentenced at the Manukau District Court to two years in prison. She faced 18 charges involving false income tax returns, GST returns, and applications for two Covid-19 support schemes. Ashby used false identities to set up three bank accounts to facilitate the fraud.
3 outlets · Electricity Authority introduces reforms to increase competition and lower prices
The Electricity Authority has announced three reforms targeting New Zealand's four largest gentailers to improve market competition. A new pricing rule will prevent these companies from offering discounted rates to their own retail operations. Energy Minister Simon Watts welcomed the moves, stating they will level the playing field for smaller retailers.
3 outlets · Auckland driver summonsed for dangerous driving near Whakapapa
An Auckland man has been summonsed to court for dangerous driving following a near-miss incident on Whakapapa Access Road. Dashcam footage captured a Volkswagen Golf overtaking a shuttle bus on Saturday morning. The driver's vehicle has also been impounded for 28 days.
4 outlets · Homeowners may face costs under building consent changes
A property lawyer warns that homeowners could be vulnerable to costs if building projects fail due to proposed changes to the Building Act. The government is moving toward a proportionate liability system where each party is responsible for their share of work. Minister Chris Penk said the government will explore ways to protect homeowners.
3 outlets · Christchurch teenager spends sixth night in a police cell
A 15-year-old boy has spent six nights in a police cell after being charged with burglary. His mother says the teenager, who has ADHD and mental health issues, was not coping. The Children's Commissioner has called for an end to detaining children in cells due to self-harm risks.
+15 outlets · Patrick Tuipulotu ruled out of All Blacks season after head injury
All Blacks lock Patrick Tuipulotu has been ruled out for the remainder of the season following a serious head injury. The player was admitted to a local hospital in Córdoba as a precaution after the team's 41-24 victory over Argentina.
2 outlets · Grant Robertson defends Covid-era spending and government experience
Former Finance Minister Grant Robertson has defended his economic decisions during the Covid-19 pandemic. He accused Treasury of rewriting history and rejected claims that the previous Labour government lacked sufficient real-world experience to lead the country.
3 outlets · Cook Strait ferry sailings cancelled due to severe weather
Both Bluebridge and Interislander have cancelled Cook Strait ferry sailings due to a strong southerly weather system causing large swells. Snowfall warnings have also been issued for roads across the North and South islands. Bluebridge has notified affected customers via email and text.
4 outlets · Greymouth man sentenced for strangling woman in Nelson
Ricky-Lee Maynard strangled a woman in her bed after accusing her of messaging other men. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning at a Nelson home. Maynard told the court he had been using cannabis at a friend's house prior to the assault.
2 outlets · Government passes Local Water Done Well legislation into law
The Government has passed the final bills required to implement its Local Water Done Well water reform programme. The legislation, which replaces the previous Three Waters regime, passed its third reading on Tuesday afternoon. While some MPs welcomed the move towards localism, others criticised the new legislation.
2 outlets · Future of Nelson Provincial Museum storage facility uncertain
Nelson City Council has agreed to consult on whether to spend $3 million allocated for a new museum archive storage facility. The project's future is uncertain after the proposed site was moved away from the central city. The museum's current collection is housed in a facility that leaks when it rains.
2 outlets · Two protesters arrested after three weeks in Stockton Mine coal bucket
Environmental activists Rach Andrews and Tāmati Taptiklis have been arrested following a 23-day protest at the Stockton Mine. Police say the pair became stuck in a tree after deviating from an agreed plan to descend. They are due to appear in court tomorrow.
2 outlets · Video evidence of alleged strangulation played in Auckland murder trial
A High Court jury has watched a video of an unnamed woman describing an alleged strangulation by her former partner. The man is currently on trial in Auckland for murder, breaching a protection order, and strangulation. The woman was found dead in a cabin in June 2024.
2 outlets · Alex Warren holds fan's mother's ashes during Auckland concert
American singer Alex Warren held a bag containing a fan's mother's ashes during a performance at The Civic in Auckland. The 18-year-old fan brought the ashes to the concert on Monday night in hopes that the singer would notice.
2 outlets · Two protesters descend from Denniston Plateau coal bucket
Rach Andrews and Tāmati Taptiklis from Climate Liberation Aotearoa have ended a three-week protest. The pair, who abseiled into a giant metal coal bucket via an aerial ropeway, have now descended from the Denniston Plateau.
2 outlets · New World Point Chevalier opens early in central Auckland
The new New World Point Chevalier opened on Tuesday morning to provide more shopping choice for locals. The store's opening follows the closure of the nearby Victoria Park supermarket after a fire in July. Dozens of former employees from the burnt-out location have found work at the new site.
2 outlets · Man arrested after stealing car and driving dangerously in Hastings
A 31-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly stealing a vehicle from a Taradale Road business in Hastings. The driver reportedly drove on the wrong side of the road and collided with several other vehicles. Police tracked the suspect through multiple 111 calls regarding his dangerous driving.
2 outlets · Ameliaranne Ekenasio to leave Magic for 2026 season
Magic captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio will not return to the Waikato Bay of Plenty team for the 2026 ANZ Premiership season. This follows her recent decision to take a break from netball and step away from the Silver Ferns.
2 outlets · Auckland Council proposes draft rules to restrict flood-prone housing
Auckland Council has unveiled draft rules that would limit new home consents in areas at risk of flooding or other hazards. The proposed changes also allow for 15-storey apartment buildings near certain train stations. Councillors may release the plans for public feedback later this week.
2 outlets · Two Comancheros members jailed for shooting at former member's family homes
Elijah Meyer and Patrick Langi have been sentenced after admitting to a targeted retribution plot. The pair shot at the homes of family members belonging to Khalid Slaimankhel, a former gang member. The attacks included shots fired into a room containing children.
2 outlets · No significant concerns found after animal welfare complaint at Lincoln University
The Ministry for Primary Industries found no significant concerns following a complaint regarding animal welfare at Lincoln University's demonstration dairy farm. The investigation followed allegations from the group SAFE concerning footage of animal suffering and poor winter conditions. The university has also launched its own investigation into the matter.
2 outlets · Stuff staff vote to take strike action
Employees at media company Stuff have voted to strike over proposed changes to their collective agreement. Staff believe the company's plan to split the agreement into two parts will weaken their bargaining power following the business's separation into two entities last year.
2 outlets · Nicola Willis dismisses rumours regarding her potential premiership
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has dismissed claims from a London New Zealand Society post suggesting she could be the next prime minister. The comments followed her recent visit to London, where expats reportedly speculated about her political future.
2 outlets · Amisfield named restaurant of the year in New Zealand's Good Food Awards
Queenstown's Amisfield has been crowned restaurant of the year at the New Zealand's Good Food Awards. The restaurant, which includes an organic vineyard, was one of six establishments to receive the highest 'three hats' rating.
2 outlets · Man allegedly headbutts officer during spear gun standoff in Dunedin
A 44-year-old man allegedly headbutted a police officer in Mornington on Monday evening. Police attended the scene following reports of an argument between the man and his mother. The man, who reportedly warned officers he was armed with a spear gun, allegedly struck an officer while attempting to surrender.
2 outlets · La Niña could bring heavy rain or heat domes this summer
Earth Sciences New Zealand says La Niña is emerging as a potential driver for the upcoming summer weather. If it takes control, the country could experience either heavy rainfall or heat domes over the south-east.
2 outlets · Cyclone Gabrielle caused over 800,000 landslides according to new report
An analysis by Earth Sciences New Zealand estimates that Cyclone Gabrielle triggered more than 800,000 landslides. The extreme weather event in 2023 is described as one of the most significant landslide-triggering events recorded globally.
3 outlets · Rising costs for basic groceries like bread and milk
Stats NZ data indicates that the prices of essential items, including white bread and standard milk, have increased significantly. People purchasing these basic goods have been particularly affected by price rises over the last year.
3 outlets · Rain and thunderstorms forecast for North Island with southern snow
Most of the North Island is expected to experience rain and a risk of thunderstorms on Tuesday. Meanwhile, snowfall warnings and road snow warnings are in effect for parts of the South Island. Gisborne and Hawke's Bay are expected to remain dry until the afternoon.
2 outlets · Christchurch school faces health and safety issues at temporary site
Te Pā o Rākaihautū in Christchurch has been using repurposed buildings since 2015 while waiting for a permanent location. The school is currently dealing with issues including mould, leaks, and sewage problems. These nearly 70-year-old structures are struggling to provide adequate protection against the cold.
+15 outlets · Auckland labelled City of Fails in annual report
The annual State of the City report has labelled Auckland the City of Fails due to issues with its economy, productivity, and innovation. The report highlights declining GDP and challenges regarding urban sprawl and transport. Auckland's economy is reportedly falling behind rural areas and the South Island.
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