Former Dilworth School staff member denied parole for sixth time
Ian Wilson, a 73-year-old former senior master at Dilworth School, has been denied parole for the sixth time. He is serving a prison sentence for the sexual abuse of 11 students. The Parole Board considers him an undue risk to society and questioned whether more victims exist.
+15 outlets · Four people charged following Rotorua homicide on Trigg Avenue
Four people, including a 19-year-old woman, a teenage boy and two men aged 20 and 64, are due in court today. They face charges of assault and possessing offensive weapons following the fatal assault of 41-year-old Temutu Ehau on Wednesday.
+15 outlets · Police issue gang conflict warrant after series of Levin shootings
A Gang Conflict Warrant has been issued for Levin, Ōtaki, Shannon, and Foxton following four shootings in three days. Two people were seriously injured in separate incidents, and a house and shed were also shot at. Police believe the incidents are linked to internal gang conflict.
4 outlets · Government confirms $2.7 billion investment in new defence aircraft
Defence Minister Judith Collins and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have announced plans to purchase five MH-60R Seahawk helicopters and two Airbus A321XLR aircraft. The $2.7 billion investment will upgrade the Defence Force's air fleet, replacing ageing Seasprite helicopters and Boeing 757s.
4 outlets · Two men arrested after drug and cash raids in South Island
Police arrested two men following a five-week investigation that involved searching three properties in Christchurch and Dunedin on Monday. Officers seized over half a kilogram of methamphetamine, valued at approximately $192,000, along with more than $67,000 in cash.
4 outlets · Twelve people charged with murder of 20-year-old Rotorua man
Twelve people have been charged with the murder of Zain Matenga Taikato-Fox. The 20-year-old was found critically injured on State Highway 33 on 26 July and died in Rotorua Hospital two days later. Most of those charged are from Maketū.
4 outlets · Ports of Auckland expansion first project approved under fast-track rules
The Ports of Auckland expansion is the first project to receive consent under the new fast-track regime. The works include a new cruise passenger terminal and wharf upgrades at the Bledisloe Terminal. Construction is expected to begin next month.
4 outlets · Two charged after investigation into 2021 Westmere burglary
A man and a woman have been charged following a four-year investigation into a 2021 burglary in Westmere, Auckland. Thieves stole a safe containing cash, jewellery, and $4 million in cryptocurrency. Police say information from a private investigator helped lead to arrests after a raid at a rural property in Wellsford.
4 outlets · NZSIS warns of increasing national security threats in annual report
The Security Intelligence Service says New Zealand faces its toughest security environment in recent times. The agency's annual report highlights rising concerns regarding violent extremism, foreign interference, and online content radicalising young people. Director-general Andrew Hampton stated that threats to national security must be taken more seriously.
+15 outlets · Labour clarifies position after Peeni Henare suggests gang patch ban repeal
Labour's deputy leader says Peeni Henare was mistaken after he suggested the party would repeal the gang patch ban during a by-election debate. Henare, the Tāmaki Makaurau candidate, has since stood by his comments, stating he was sharing a personal view.
+15 outlets · Commerce Commission seeks substantial fine for Jetstar after guilty plea
Jetstar has pleaded guilty to misleading New Zealand passengers regarding their rights to compensation for delayed or cancelled flights. While the airline has apologised for its conduct, the Commerce Commission is seeking a substantial financial penalty in the Auckland District Court.
+26 outlets · Carter Holt Harvey plans to close Eves Valley Sawmill
Carter Holt Harvey intends to shut the Eves Valley Sawmill near Nelson to consolidate resources at its Kawerau plant. The proposed closure would affect 142 jobs, with a final decision expected in early September.
+15 outlets · Hastings brothel plans abandoned following pressure from election candidates
Hardeep Singh has withdrawn his application to open a brothel on Heretaunga St West in Hastings. Mr Singh claims he was forced to abandon the project due to intolerable pressure from local body election candidates. The backlash reportedly intensified after a mayoral candidate shared a photo of his application.
3 outlets · Two arrested during Southland police operation targeting illegal hunters
Two men have been arrested following search warrants in Invercargill and Mataura Island. As part of Operation Hawk, police seized three firearms, ammunition, methamphetamine, cannabis, and a four-wheel drive vehicle. The operation targets illegal hunting and associated criminal activity.
3 outlets · Four arrested after armed robbery and multi-region police pursuit
Four people were arrested following an aggravated robbery in Auckland early Thursday morning. Police tracked two stolen vehicles from Auckland to the North Shore and the Waikato region, involving the Armed Offenders Squad and a police helicopter. The pursuit ended south of Cambridge.
3 outlets · Cyclist in critical condition after Onehunga vehicle crash
A cyclist was left in critical condition after being hit by a vehicle in Onehunga on Thursday afternoon. Police reported the crash occurred on Neilson Street around 3pm. The road remains closed between Galway and Selwyn streets.
3 outlets · Ratepayers facing rising costs from abandoned boats in Tauranga Harbour
The Bay of Plenty Harbourmaster says ratepayers are increasingly paying for the disposal of sunken, derelict vessels. Three boats have been recovered in the last two months, with more operations underway. Officials warn that removing a single sunken vessel can cost up to $25,000 if owners cannot pay.
3 outlets · Woman arrested after alleged $6,000 luxury shopping spree in Newmarket
A 25-year-old Chinese national has been arrested in Newmarket after allegedly attempting to spend $6,000 using multiple phones for PayWave purchases. Police allege the woman is part of a text scam ring and has faced seven fraud charges.
3 outlets · Government announces $2.7 billion defence investment for planes and helicopters
Ministers have announced plans to replace the ageing Air Force Boeing 757 fleet with two extra-long range Airbus planes. The $2.7 billion investment also includes the preferred acquisition of five MH-60R Seahawk helicopters from the United States to replace existing marine helicopters.
3 outlets · IPCA finds police use of unjustified force on Auckland detainee
The Independent Police Conduct Authority found two officers used unjustified force against a man at the Auckland Custody Unit. The incident, which occurred in January 2023, involved officers pulling the man's legs out from under him, causing him to fall onto a concrete bed.
3 outlets · Armed police execute search warrant in Maketū over SH33 death
Police and the Armed Offenders Squad are carrying out a pre-planned search in Maketū. The operation relates to the investigation into the death of 20-year-old Zain Taikato-Fox. He was found critically injured on State Highway 33 in July and later died in Rotorua Hospital.
3 outlets · Auckland Council approves initial phase of intensification plan
Auckland councillors have approved the first step of a plan to accommodate two million new homes. The proposal aims to increase building density and heights near transport routes and town centres. The council will now consult with local boards, iwi authorities, and government ministries regarding the draft plan.
2 outlets · Kiwibank annual net profit falls 5% to $191 million
Kiwibank reported a 5% decrease in net profit after tax for the year ending June, totaling $191 million. Despite the drop in profit, the government-owned bank saw lending increase by 10% to $35.8 billion. Chief executive Steve Jurkovich stated that the bank's deposits and lending are growing faster than the four largest Australian-owned banks.
2 outlets · Schools close due to illness and reliever teacher shortages
Schools across New Zealand are closing or sending students home because winter illnesses are affecting both staff and students. A shortage of qualified relief teachers has exacerbated the issue, with one Rolleston principal reporting many unallocated relief spots in his local area.
3 outlets · Kauri bedroom suite for Queen Elizabeth II to be auctioned
An 11-piece kauri bedroom suite made for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip is going up for auction in Auckland. The furniture was originally created for the royal couple's 1953–54 coronation tour of New Zealand.
2 outlets · Waikato farm owner and milkers fined for neglecting dairy cattle
JKD Farms Limited and two former contract milkers were fined a total of $27,000 in the Te Awamutu District Court. The penalties follow animal welfare breaches involving 230 cattle, including 12 deaths linked to milk fever and insufficient feed.
2 outlets · Bill to ban protests outside homes passes first reading
Parliament has passed the first reading of a bill that would criminalise demonstrations directed at individuals outside their private residences. While the Government aims to protect politicians, the Green Party, Labour, and Te Pāti Māori opposed the legislation due to concerns regarding free speech.
2 outlets · Person in critical condition after apparent stabbing in Hamilton
A person is in critical condition after arriving at Waikato Hospital with an apparent stab wound on Thursday evening. Police are investigating the assault and are currently at a property on Slim Street to establish what occurred.
2 outlets · Trial concludes for Hamilton concrete contractor accused of fraud
The trial of Hamilton contractor Jason Lambert has ended in the District Court. Police allege a pattern of deceptive behaviour, while defence lawyers argue against the claims. A judge is now deciding on the charges Lambert will face before his sentencing in November.
2 outlets · US Air Force C-5M Super Galaxy lands at Whenuapai airbase
The United States Air Force's largest aircraft arrived at RNZAF Base Auckland last night. The C-5M Super Galaxy delivered the first components for a new C-130J Hercules simulator. This marks the first time the aircraft has returned to New Zealand in over 40 years.
2 outlets · Two men sentenced for Foxton murder of Dean Kahukiwa
Quentin Waho-Marsden and William Hines have been sentenced in the Wellington High Court for the September 2023 killing of Dean Kahukiwa in Foxton. Waho-Marsden pleaded guilty to murder, while Hines pleaded guilty to manslaughter. The victim was shot five times at his home during the incident.
2 outlets · Warriors sign winger Haizyn Mellars on three-year deal
The Warriors have signed 21-year-old winger Haizyn Mellars from the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Mellars, the son of former Warriors player Vince Mellars, has committed to a three-year contract with the Auckland-based club.
2 outlets · Heckler disrupts Tāmaki Makaurau by-election debate in Māngere
Former Vision NZ candidate Karl Mokaraka was removed from a Tāmaki Makaurau by-election debate in Māngere on Wednesday night. Mokaraka interrupted the discussion between Labour's Peeni Henare and Te Pāti Māori's Oriini Kaipara to protest the exclusion of Hannah Tamaki. The debate organiser described Mokaraka and his supporters as thugs and hooligans.
2 outlets · MBIE warns gas supply may be falling faster than expected
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has warned that natural gas supply may be declining more rapidly than previously anticipated. Last year, natural gas consumption reached its lowest level since 2011.
2 outlets · Former Arise leader becomes pastor at Queensland church
Brent Cameron has been serving as a senior pastor at Kingdom Hope church in Logan City, Australia, since July. He resigned from New Zealand's Arise Church in 2022 following allegations of harassment and abuse.
2 outlets · Owner finds stolen jet ski for sale online after five years
A Waitākere resident has recovered a jet ski that was stolen from a property in October 2020. The owner discovered the vehicle listed on Facebook Marketplace while searching for a replacement earlier this week.
2 outlets · Regular school attendance drops in term two
New data shows that 58.4% of students attended school for more than 90% of term two. While this figure represents the highest term two result since 2022, regular attendance has decreased compared to term one levels.
4 outlets · Dargaville Hospital patients asked to sign consent for lack of overnight doctors
Patients admitted to Dargaville Hospital overnight are being asked to sign consent forms acknowledging there is no doctor on-site due to staff shortages. Health NZ maintains the facility is safe for low-risk patients, but a former clinical director has criticised the process and management.
3 outlets · Proposed Woodend Bypass toll raises safety concerns for local schools
Local leaders and two North Canterbury schools fear that a proposed toll for the Belfast to Pegasus Motorway could lead to motorists using alternative routes to avoid payment. Kaiapoi North School and Te Kura o Tuahiwi are concerned that this 'rat-running' will create safety issues for students and residents.
3 outlets · Former dairy executive charged with allegedly receiving kickbacks
Simon Stewart, a former Open Country Dairy Limited executive, has appeared in Manukau District Court. The Serious Fraud Office has charged him with allegedly receiving between $250,000 and $270,000 in kickbacks from an Indonesian company.
2 outlets · Richard Marris identified as victim in fatal Mahana crash
Police have named 71-year-old Richard Marris as the man who died at Nelson Hospital following a crash on the Coastal Highway in Mahana. The accident occurred on 13 August near Apple Valley Road.
2 outlets · Man apprehended after police pursuit ends in Palmerston cemetery
A 44-year-old man was caught by police dogs after leading officers on a pursuit from Waitati. The incident involved a car travelling at 170kph before the driver abandoned the vehicle. Police also recovered methamphetamine that had been hidden in a flowerpot within a cemetery.
2 outlets · Te Puna community appeals decision on industrial park development
Residents in the Western Bay of Plenty are appealing a decision to allow a new industrial park in their rural area. The group Priority Te Puna filed the appeal following a community meeting. Local opponents expressed concerns regarding increased truck traffic on Te Puna Road.
2 outlets · SkyCity reports 42% drop in underlying profit and seeks capital
SkyCity Entertainment Group has reported an 11% decrease in revenue and a 42% fall in underlying profit. The company is currently in a trading halt while it undertakes a $240 million capital raising. To address trading conditions, the operator also plans to sell $200 million in assets, including Auckland carparks and 99 Albert Street.
3 outlets · Large police operation disrupts North Shore traffic
A significant police presence disrupted traffic on Glenfield Road on Auckland's North Shore on Thursday morning. At least 12 police vehicles were involved in the operation, which forced motorists to swerve to avoid a vehicle travelling on the wrong side of the road.
2 outlets · Inmate secured after spending night on Otago Corrections Facility roof
An inmate who climbed onto the roof of an Otago Corrections Facility on Wednesday afternoon has been secured. The individual spent a cold night on the roof while staff attempted to negotiate with them.
2 outlets · Dental Association calls for action to tackle oral health crisis
The Dental Association has launched a strategy to address an oral health crisis in New Zealand. One in three adults suffers from untreated tooth decay, which can lead to hospital visits. The group is advocating for a sugary drinks levy, increased water fluoridation, and publicly-funded dental care.
2 outlets · Auckland teacher Myah Adams can be named after suppression bid fails
Former teacher Myah Adams can now be identified after a court rejected her bid for suppression. Adams admitted to grooming and performing a sexual act on a teenage student while teaching at an Auckland high school. She will not face prison or be required to register as a sex offender.
2 outlets · Experts warn of potential downsides to rate capping plans
As New Zealand considers capping council rates to assist ratepayers, experts in Victoria have issued warnings. They suggest that implementing Australian-style rate caps could penalise councils that have already worked to keep their rates low.
2 outlets · Christchurch councillor criticises government water reforms for adding red tape
A Christchurch city councillor has criticised the government's water reforms for creating inefficient bureaucracy. Meanwhile, Local Government Minister Simon Watts declined to confirm if the new Local Water Done Well programme will be cheaper for households than previous reforms.
1 outlet · NZSIS warns of rising foreign interference and online radicalisation
The NZ Security Intelligence Service reports that New Zealand faces a deteriorating security environment. Key threats include increased foreign interference activities and the online radicalisation of young people. The agency noted a spike in foreign interference agents visiting the country amid global instability.
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