Secondary teachers strike across Aotearoa over pay negotiations
Thousands of secondary school teachers are on a one-day strike on Wednesday in response to a government pay offer. Members of the Post Primary Teachers' Association are protesting stalled collective agreement negotiations, with some reports noting the offer is a 1% annual increase.
+48 outlets · One person dead after crash on State Highway 1 near Allanton
A person has died following a two-vehicle collision involving a car and a truck early Wednesday morning. The crash occurred around 1am on State Highway 1 at the Allanton-Waihola Road. State Highway 1 remains closed southwest of Allanton while the Serious Crash Unit investigates.
+26 outlets · Soldier sentenced to two years detention for attempted espionage
A New Zealand soldier with links to far-right groups has been sentenced to two years in military detention and dismissed from service. During a court martial at Linton Military Camp, the soldier admitted to attempting espionage by providing restricted NZDF information to an undercover officer he believed was a foreign agent.
+37 outlets · Nelson man pleads guilty to 50 charges of child abuse material
Storm Constable-Carter, 22, has pleaded guilty in the Nelson District Court to 50 charges involving the creation, possession and distribution of objectionable material. The charges relate to the sexual exploitation of children and bestiality. The case followed an investigation by the Department of Internal Affairs’ Digital Child Exploitation Team.
+15 outlets · Man charged with manslaughter following fatal Westport motel altercation
A 35-year-old man has been charged with manslaughter following an alleged altercation at the Palm Court Motel in Westport. The victim, 31-year-old Dylan James Coleman, was found critically injured on 31 July and died in hospital that evening. The accused is expected to appear in Westport District Court next week.
+15 outlets · Ten potential victims identified in alleged Wānaka cancer fraud case
Police have identified 10 potential victims of a couple accused of defrauding friends and family of more than $1 million for fake cancer treatments. During an investigation in Wānaka, authorities also discovered restricted weapons and over 2,000 rounds of ammunition in a linked storage unit.
+15 outlets · Kitchen Things enters receivership as national chain faces losses
The national appliance retailer Kitchen Things has entered receivership due to weak consumer demand and competition. While 11 stores are affected, the Hamilton branch remains independently owned and continues to trade. The company is currently seeking a buyer.
4 outlets · Reserve Bank cuts official cash rate to 3 percent
The Reserve Bank has reduced the official cash rate by 25 basis points to a three-year low of 3 per cent. The decision followed a split vote within the monetary committee, with members divided between a 25 or 50 basis point reduction.
4 outlets · Unlicensed motorcyclist killed 88-year-old on mobility scooter
A coroner has found that an unlicensed motorcyclist travelling near twice the speed limit killed 88-year-old Edward Duffy in Rotorua. The collision occurred while Mr Duffy was using a pedestrian crossing on his mobility scooter. The coroner criticised the persistent tolerance for unlicensed driving in New Zealand.
+15 outlets · Remand prisoner climbs roof at Otago Corrections Facility
A remand prisoner accessed the roof of a unit at the Otago Corrections Facility in Milburn on Wednesday afternoon. Corrections staff are negotiating with the inmate, while Fire and Emergency NZ crews are on site as a precaution due to the height.
4 outlets · Man charged with murder after 84-year-old woman found dead in Papatoetoe
A 50-year-old man has been charged with the murder of Joan Beale. The 84-year-old woman was found dead at her Papatoetoe home on 9 August. The man was previously charged with assault in relation to the incident.
4 outlets · Police launch homicide investigation after man dies in Rotorua assault
Police are investigating the death of a man following an assault on Trigg Avenue in Rotorua on Wednesday afternoon. Emergency services responded to the scene around 12:20pm, where a man was found with life-threatening injuries. Authorities are currently seeking those responsible for the death.
4 outlets · Trial of prominent sportsman regarding infant injuries continues in Dunedin
A prominent sportsperson is on trial in Dunedin District Court for allegedly causing multiple fractures to a baby in July 2023. The defendant, who has interim name suppression, pleaded not guilty to wounding with reckless disregard. Witnesses heard claims regarding a flippant remark and concerns that the child may have been squeezed while being burped.
4 outlets · Police appeal for information after shots fired at Wigram house
Police are investigating an incident where shots were fired at a house on Brian Keogh Lane in Wigram. Officers responded to multiple calls reporting loud bangs around 12.45am on Thursday, 14 August. No one was injured during the incident.
4 outlets · Cause of repeated tsunami mobile alerts identified by NEMA
The National Emergency Management Agency has explained why some people received multiple tsunami alerts or none at all following a magnitude 8.8 earthquake near Russia in July. The issues were caused by a combination of cell tower coverage, individual device settings, and network changes.
4 outlets · Secondary teachers strike over government pay offer
Thousands of Post Primary Teachers' Association members participated in a nationwide one-day strike to protest a government offer of a 1% annual pay increase. The industrial action caused many high schools to close across regions including Northland, Rotorua, and Whanganui. Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche stated the government is revising its offer but expects union compromise.
3 outlets · Woman with dementia found safe after going missing in Mt Albert
Anne Copeland has been located safe and well after going missing from a Mt Albert care centre on Wednesday. Police and family members had been searching for the woman, who has dementia, since she was last seen on Allendale Road.
3 outlets · US Air Force C-5M Super Galaxy lands in Auckland
A C-5M Super Galaxy transport aircraft landed at Whenuapai air base on Wednesday night. The aircraft was delivering components for a new C-130J Hercules full-motion flight simulator.
4 outlets · Kiwi mother speaks after being detained in US with young son
New Zealand mother Sarah Shaw has spoken about her three-week stay in a Texas detainment centre with her six-year-old son. The pair were held following a visa mix-up at the Canadian border. Shaw remains under restrictions, including wearing an ankle monitor.
+15 outlets · Fire damages block of shops in Hamilton suburb of Hillcrest
Fire crews attended a blaze at a commercial building on Masters Avenue around 2.15am on Wednesday. The fire caused severe damage to a local dairy, leaving the owner devastated. Emergency services used multiple trucks to contain the fire and damp down hotspots.
3 outlets · Homeless people ordered to leave Christchurch church grounds
The Christchurch City Council has issued an abatement notice regarding an encampment at Holy Trinity Avonside. Approximately 10 people living in the carpark face displacement, though a church member suggests the group may have received a reprieve from the eviction orders.
4 outlets · Six charged with wilful damage after Christchurch protest
Six people have been charged with wilful damage after hundreds of stickers were placed on a Christchurch shop window during a protest on 2 August. The accused, aged between 28 and 66, are due to appear in Christchurch District Court. The store reportedly spent approximately $1,000 to clean the window.
3 outlets · Person seriously injured in fourth Levin shooting this week
A person was taken to hospital with serious injuries after being shot on Bartholomew Road in Levin on Wednesday. This marks the fourth shooting incident reported in the town this week. Police are currently investigating the incident and speaking with people to determine what occurred.
3 outlets · Bluebridge cancels two Cook Strait ferry sailings due to rough conditions
Bluebridge has cancelled its 1.30pm Wellington and 7.15pm Picton sailings due to rough conditions in the Cook Strait. While Bluebridge services were affected, Interislander sailings are proceeding as normal. Affected customers have been notified.
3 outlets · Andrew Clark discusses frosty relationship with brother Nobby Clark
Invercargill mayoral candidate Andrew Clark has described a frosty relationship with his brother, current mayor Nobby Clark. Andrew Clark, who is also contesting the Tasman mayoralty as Maxwell, said the sibling rivalry did not prevent the mayor from sharing private thoughts regarding the council.
4 outlets · Union claims chemical concerns were raised before worker hospitalisation
A worker was hospitalised on Monday after high levels of chloramine were detected in the air at Tegel's Christchurch plant. The union Etū says staff have been raising concerns regarding chemical exposure and leaks for the past year.
3 outlets · Crown to seek retrial if Tamihere's murder convictions are quashed
The Crown will request a retrial if the Supreme Court quashes David Tamihere's convictions for the murders of Swedish tourists Urban Höglin and Heidi Paakkonen. Tamihere's High Court appeal has concluded, with judges reserving their decision on whether a miscarriage of justice occurred.
3 outlets · Defence Force called to Northland after gelignite discovery
Police and the New Zealand Defence Force were called to a rural property in Tangiterōria on Wednesday afternoon. The homeowner discovered gelignite at a house on State Highway 14. Officers isolated the area and requested the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team to manage the material safely.
2 outlets · Two Christchurch sites proposed for national Erebus memorial
The Christchurch City Council has endorsed two potential locations for a national Erebus memorial. The proposed sites include Cracroft Reserve in the Cashmere Hills and a central city location by the Avon River. Some families have expressed concern regarding the idea of the memorial being located in the city.
2 outlets · Candidates announced for Tāmaki Makaurau by-election
Peeni Henare for Labour and Oriini Kaipara for Te Pāti Māori are among the candidates contesting the Tāmaki Makaurau by-election. Other contenders include Hannah Tamaki for Vision NZ and Kelvyn Alp for NZ Loyal. Candidates have highlighted local issues such as housing, health, and shortages in Māori medium education.
2 outlets · Official cash rate cut to 3 per cent
The Reserve Bank has reduced the official cash rate by 25 basis points to 3 per cent. This decision, which followed a vote on the size of the cut, is expected to lower home loan rates and potentially boost consumer confidence and property sales ahead of the Christmas period.
+15 outlets · Police receive 1000 submissions regarding proposed Canterbury staffing restructure
Police have received approximately 1,000 submissions and petitions concerning a proposal to restructure rural staffing in Canterbury. The feedback follows a decision to accept public input after a previous U-turn. Federated Farmers has expressed outrage regarding the proposed changes.
3 outlets · Three arrested after synthetic cannabis and firearms seized in Christchurch
Police arrested three men following five coordinated search warrants across Christchurch. Officers seized approximately 7.7kg to 8kg of synthetic cannabis, a firearm, ammunition, imitation firearms, and cash. The operation also resulted in the seizure of a motorcycle and assets suspected to be linked to organised crime.
2 outlets · Wellington City Councillors approve extra $83m for sludge plant completion
Wellington City Councillors have voted to provide an additional $83 million to complete a sludge minimisation facility. Total projected costs for the plant have risen to over $500 million, which is more than double the original 2021 estimate. Requests for an immediate independent review into the cost increase were voted down.
2 outlets · Cabinet formally agrees to shut down greyhound racing in New Zealand
The government has confirmed that greyhound racing will end on 31 July 2026. This decision follows three major reviews regarding animal welfare and safety concerns. A bill will now be drafted to implement the shutdown.
2 outlets · Lower Hutt mayor wins legal battle in property dispute
A judge has ruled in favour of Lower Hutt mayor Campbell Barry following a property dispute involving his mother-in-law. The case involved various allegations against Barry and his wife, including claims of fraud and corruption. The legal proceedings have highlighted a bitter family disagreement.
2 outlets · Tradesperson dies at Levin East School
A person, believed to be a tradesperson, died at Levin East School on Wednesday morning. Police attended the scene on Bartholomew Road following what appeared to be a medical event. Authorities confirmed the individual was neither a student nor a member of staff.
3 outlets · Woman charged after toddler dies in Gore driveway incident
A 30-year-old woman faces dangerous driving charges following the death of a three-year-old child in Gore. The toddler was struck by a reversing vehicle at a property on Charlton Road on New Year's Day and later died in hospital.
2 outlets · Fletcher Building reports $419 million full-year loss
Fletcher Building has recorded a $419 million loss for the full year, citing difficult market conditions and revenue declines. Chief executive Andrew Reding attributed the result to one-time costs and measures taken to resolve legacy issues.
2 outlets · Broadband outage affects thousands in Auckland and Northland
Approximately 10,000 One NZ customers experienced a widespread broadband internet outage on Wednesday morning. The disruption impacted areas including parts of Whangārei and Auckland. Technical teams are currently working to resolve the issue, and customers with 4G backup may still be able to connect.
2 outlets · Four critically endangered Awakopaka skinks born at Auckland Zoo
Four nationally critical Awakopaka skinks have been born in a climate-controlled facility at Auckland Zoo. The offspring belong to a female relocated from Fiordland's Homer Saddle. While the births provide hope for the species, one of the four skinks has since died.
2 outlets · Tower insurer to adjust premiums based on sea surge and landslide risk
NZX-listed insurer Tower is implementing a new pricing model to account for risks from sea surges and landslides. While most of the company's 150,000 customers will see lower costs, approximately 15,000 policyholders face higher premiums, and some homes may no longer be covered.
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