Two officers bitten and another nearly hit by vehicle in Lower Hutt
Two police officers sustained minor injuries after being bitten by a man during an arrest in Lower Hutt on Friday. The incident occurred after a vehicle failed to stop at a Gracefield Street checkpoint, nearly hitting another officer.
+15 outlets · Environment Southland chair exceeded speed limits 107 times in work car
Environment Southland chair Nicol Horrell exceeded the speed limit 107 times in his company vehicle over a one-year period. Horrell, the only elected member with a council car, defended the incidents by stating they occurred mostly while overtaking due to scarce passing lanes.
+26 outlets · Police seek help to find missing Auckland woman
Ingrid Nason, 33, has been missing from the Three Kings area since 15 August. Police and her family are concerned for her welfare and are asking the public for assistance in locating her.
4 outlets · Fonterra to sell consumer brands to Lactalis for $3.845 billion
Fonterra has agreed to sell its consumer and associated businesses, including the Anchor and Mainland brands, to French company Lactalis. The $3.845 billion deal involves several global brands and requires approval from Fonterra's farmer shareholders.
+15 outlets · Teenager critically injured after stabbing in Hamilton suburb
A 17-year-old male is in critical care at Waikato Hospital following a stabbing on Slim Street in Melville on Thursday. Police believe approximately seven people were involved in the altercation. Authorities are now seeking information and CCTV footage from anyone who was in the area around 5pm.
4 outlets · State Highway 16 reopened after fatal crash and truck accident
State Highway 16 has reopened following a fatal incident and a serious truck crash near Whenuapai. A truck driver was left in critical condition after hitting a barrier, and police confirmed one person has died. The motorway had previously faced closures in both directions.
3 outlets · Work halted in Whakatāne after human remains found at construction site
Construction of a Whakatāne District Council emergency management facility has stopped on Waiewe Street. Police and an archaeologist have confirmed that the bones discovered at the reserve site are human remains.
4 outlets · Auckland vet clinic receives over 450 applications for receptionist role
Onewa Road Veterinary Hospital on Auckland's North Shore has been overwhelmed by more than 450 applications for a single receptionist vacancy. Co-owner Oliver Reeve stated this level of demand is the highest the business has ever experienced.
4 outlets · NZ Post suspends some shipping services to the United States
NZ Post has temporarily suspended most shipping services to the United States, including American Samoa, Guam, and Puerto Rico. The suspension follows the implementation of 15% tariffs on New Zealand goods. Currently, only letters and documents are permitted to be sent.
3 outlets · Wildlife management planned for Ashburton second bridge project
Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown says endangered black-billed gulls and at-risk southern grass skinks will need to be managed at the site of the town's second bridge. The project will proceed regardless of the presence of the lizards and birds.
3 outlets · Government removes Sport NZ transgender inclusion guidelines
Ministers have directed Sport NZ to remove its guidelines for transgender inclusion in community sport. The government cited its coalition agreement with New Zealand First when making the decision. Sport NZ had previously urged the government to retain the guidance, which focused on safety, fairness, and inclusion.
3 outlets · US maintains 15% tariff on New Zealand exports due to trade surplus
Trade Minister Todd McClay confirmed in Washington DC that the Trump administration is applying a 15% tariff on New Zealand goods because of the country's trade surplus with the US. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated there is currently no indication that the US will change this tariff rate.
3 outlets · New Zealanders face social media account suspensions by Meta
A dancer, a makeup artist, and a dumpling restaurant owner are among New Zealanders whose Facebook and Instagram accounts were suspended. Users claim the bans are based on false accusations, while a global petition against Meta has gained more than 37,000 signatures.
+37 outlets · Auckland DJ duo Katayanagi Twins denied entry to the United States
Auckland-based DJ duo Rain and China Katayanagi were reportedly denied entry into the United States. After being prevented from entering, the twins were put on a flight back to New Zealand. Rain Katayanagi shared details of the experience through social media posts.
3 outlets · Simon Parker to debut as Codie Taylor reaches 100 tests
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has named his side for the second test against Argentina. Loose forward Simon Parker will make his debut at number eight, while Codie Taylor is set to play his 100th test match.
2 outlets · Woman sentenced for role in $1.5m ACC fraud
Jacqueline Whaanga was sentenced in the Hamilton District Court for her involvement in a large-scale ACC fraud involving more than $1.5 million. A judge described her as highly self-entitled but decided not to impose a prison sentence despite her repeated lateness to court.
2 outlets · Fruitae lemon flavour sorbet recalled due to undeclared milk
New Zealand Food Safety and ANZ Pharma Wholesalers Ltd have recalled all batches of Fruitae brand Lemon Flavour Sorbet. The recall was issued because the product contains undeclared milk. Consumers are advised not to consume the sorbet and can return it for a refund.
2 outlets · Gisborne council approves investigation into returning land to Ngāti Oneone
Gisborne District Council has approved a statement of intent to investigate returning eight parcels of land in Kaiti to Ngāti Oneone. The plan aims to guide the potential purchase of these ancestral holdings within the tribal rohe.
2 outlets · Canadian woman sentenced for smuggling methamphetamine disguised as gifts
A 30-year-old Canadian woman has been sentenced to over three years in prison for smuggling methamphetamine through Auckland Airport. The drugs were wrapped as Christmas gifts and were discovered during a baggage search. The woman reportedly claimed she was forced to transport the drugs under threat of a firearm.
2 outlets · Hawke's Bay rest home residents disappointed by proposed pet therapy cuts
Hato Hone St John plans to end its pet therapy service from June next year. Residents at a Hawke's Bay rest home, who look forward to weekly visits from Cleo the dog, have expressed disappointment regarding the proposed removal of the community programme.
2 outlets · Officer charged with dangerous driving causing death appears in court
A police officer appeared via video link in Whangārei regarding charges of dangerous driving causing the death of 17-year-old Angel Riley. The incident occurred on 22 December 2023 when Riley's vehicle hit a tree during a police pursuit. The officer has been granted interim name suppression.
2 outlets · Gene technology bill delayed after select committee extension
The health committee has extended its timeline for reporting on the Gene Technology Bill, which aims to end a 30-year ban on gene technology outside laboratories. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon denied that coalition partner New Zealand First is causing the delay, describing the legislation as complicated.
3 outlets · Kapa haka performer Temutu Ehau identified as man who died in Rotorua
Police have identified 41-year-old Temutu Vincent Ehau as the man who died at a house on Trigg Avenue in Rotorua this week. Friends, family, and fellow performers are paying tribute to Ehau, who was a kapa haka performer at Whakarewarewa Māori Village.
2 outlets · Scenic Drive in Titirangi reopens after two years of repairs
Auckland Transport has reopened Scenic Drive in Titirangi following extensive repairs. The road, which provides access to Piha, was severely damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle and extreme weather in 2023. The route was reopened on Friday afternoon.
2 outlets · Prime Minister visits East Tamaki business amid economic recovery discussion
Christopher Luxon visited the OfficeMax headquarters in East Tamaki on Friday. The Prime Minister discussed the nation's economic recovery, noting that while some companies are reporting losses and job cuts, he believes the country is on a path to improvement.
2 outlets · Netanyahu criticises New Zealand over Palestinian statehood recognition
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described New Zealand as one of several Western nations that have buckled under pressure regarding Palestinian statehood. Speaking on a podcast, he labelled the stance of leaders in countries including New Zealand, Britain, France, and Canada as shameful.
2 outlets · Magnitude 7.5 earthquake strikes Drake Passage
A magnitude 7.5 earthquake occurred in the Drake Passage at a depth of 10km. While New Zealand Civil Defence assessed the event for potential risks, they have confirmed there is no tsunami threat to New Zealand.
2 outlets · Inquiry finds no single solution to improve banking competition
A cross-party parliamentary inquiry has released its report on banking competition, acknowledging there is no single solution to the issue. The committee suggested the Reserve Bank establish a new Prudential Policy Committee to monitor market efficiency and noted support for standardising processes to help customers compare products.
2 outlets · Māngere residents call for tougher action against illegal dumping
Residents are urging Auckland Council to increase enforcement and install cameras to combat illegal dumping in Māngere. During a local board meeting, community members expressed concerns over rubbish accumulating in streets, parks, and waterways.
2 outlets · New Zealand joins call for independent foreign media access to Gaza
New Zealand has joined more than two dozen countries in a joint statement calling for immediate and independent foreign media access to Gaza. The move follows an Israeli strike earlier this month that killed six Al Jazeera staff members.
2 outlets · Cinematographer John Bartley dies aged 78
Wellington-born cinematographer John Bartley has died at the age of 78. The Emmy Award winner was known for his dark visual style on television series including The X-Files and Lost.
2 outlets · New technology to help emergency services locate people faster
Hato Hone St John has introduced the Device Location Information service to assist emergency responders. This technology allows services to locate the mobile phones of individuals who have not called 111 themselves but are believed to be in danger.
3 outlets · Dunedin woman fined after drinking wine before Tinder date
A 31-year-old woman was issued a ticket after being stopped at an alcohol checkpoint in Musselburgh Rise on Thursday night. She reportedly consumed wine to ease nerves before a Tinder date and recorded a breath alcohol reading of 348 micrograms.
2 outlets · Westport residents face six-week wait for dental appointments
Westport residents are waiting up to six weeks for dental services because the town has only one dentist. Buller mayor Jamie Cleine stated that efforts to recruit a new dentist have seen little interest over the past year.
2 outlets · Construction finishes on earthquake strengthening of Wellington central library
Construction work is complete on the earthquake strengthening of Te Matapihi, the Wellington City Library. The site has been returned to the council for internal fit-out work. The library has been closed since March 2019 and is expected to reopen in early 2026.
2 outlets · Whakatāne councillor calls government core services list bizarre
Whakatāne district councillors have expressed surprise that the government's list of core services excludes functions such as animal control, public toilets, and cemeteries. Councillor Nándor Tánczos described the new bill's list as bizarre.
2 outlets · NZ Defence Force has not ruled out buying Israeli drones
The New Zealand military has not ruled out purchasing drones from Israel during the Gaza conflict. The NZ Defence Force previously sourced bomb-clearing robots from the Israeli firm Roboteam in 2019.
2 outlets · Secret memo warns of diplomatic damage if climate commitments are missed
Officials warned the government that failing to meet climate change commitments could damage diplomatic relations and encourage larger nations like China to reduce their efforts. The advice was mistakenly released by the Ministry for the Environment under the Official Information Act.
2 outlets · Cyclist dies after collision with vehicle in Onehunga
A cyclist died at the scene following a collision with a vehicle on Neilson Street in Onehunga. Emergency services responded to the crash just before 3pm on Thursday. The serious crash unit has attended the scene to investigate the circumstances.
2 outlets · Former soldier convicted of attempted espionage
A former New Zealand soldier has received the country's first conviction for attempted espionage. The individual, described as a disloyal far-right soldier, will serve time in military detention and may have name suppression removed.
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