Murder trial begins for fatal Loafers Lodge fire
A five-week trial has commenced in the Wellington High Court for a man accused of murdering five people in the 2023 Loafers Lodge fire. The Crown alleges the accused started the blaze because he did not want to live at the hostel. Five residents died in the May 2023 fire.
+48 outlets · Famine declaration in Gaza will not hasten Palestinian statehood decision
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated that the United Nations-backed declaration of famine in Gaza will not accelerate the government's decision regarding Palestinian statehood. The Prime Minister described the humanitarian crisis as having reached new depths and called for aid to be allowed into the region.
+15 outlets · Air New Zealand flight diverted to New Plymouth after system alert
An Air New Zealand flight from Auckland to Blenheim was diverted to New Plymouth on Sunday afternoon. Pilots noticed an aircraft system indication during the flight, prompting a safe landing at approximately 12.38pm. Emergency services were on standby at the airport as a precaution while the issue is checked.
+37 outlets · Police seek witnesses after man allegedly assaulted in Tokoroa
A man suffered a head injury after being allegedly attacked while attempting to assist another motorist near Tokoroa early Friday morning. The incident occurred around 4.15am near the intersection of Old Taupo Road and Baird Road. Waikato police are now appealing for public information to help identify the offender.
4 outlets · Work to replace Auckland level crossings with bridges begins next week
Construction will start next week to replace eight level crossings in Takanini and Glen Innes with road and pedestrian bridges. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Transport Minister Chris Bishop, and Mayor Wayne Brown attended a ceremony to mark the beginning of the project. The initiative is funded by the Government and Auckland Council.
4 outlets · Suspicious playground fire reported in Flat Bush
Emergency services responded to a large fire at Mission Heights Reserve in Auckland's Flat Bush on Saturday night. The blaze was reported between 10:40pm and 10:43pm, and authorities are now treating the incident as suspicious. No injuries have been reported.
3 outlets · Rotorua election candidates debate use of AI in campaigning
Candidates for the Rotorua Lakes Council have expressed differing views regarding the use of generative artificial intelligence during local elections. The debate focuses on whether the technology's efficiency and capability might undermine the qualities that voters expect from their representatives.
3 outlets · Police investigate after body found at Wairau Bar
A member of the public discovered a body in the water at Spring Creek, off Wairau Bar Road, on Saturday afternoon. Police have recovered the body and started a formal identification process. A five-day rāhui has been placed at the Marlborough site.
+15 outlets · Newborn baby found dead in Auckland's Albert Park
A park worker discovered the body of a newborn baby in Albert Park early on Sunday morning. Police were called to the scene around 7am, and a woman is currently assisting officers with their investigations.
3 outlets · Hail storms coat the ground across the upper North Island
A freak storm left hundreds of metres of a remote beach blanketed in hail on Saturday. The ice, which resembles snow or frost, was observed at the entrance of Kaipara Harbour in Northland.
3 outlets · One person dead following single-vehicle crash in Te Mata
A person died at the scene of a single-vehicle crash on Kawhia Road on Saturday evening. Police were called to the incident near Te Mata at approximately 5.50pm. Another person was taken to hospital with moderate injuries.
3 outlets · Black Ferns defeat Spain in Women's Rugby World Cup opener
The defending champion Black Ferns beat Spain 54-8 in their Group C match at York Community Stadium. Despite the victory, loose forward Kalpo Olsen-Baker suffered a major leg injury during the game. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe also extended her tournament try-scoring record to 21.
2 outlets · Horowhenua mayor reports resident anxiety following gang shootings
The Horowhenua mayor says residents are concerned following four gang shootings in three days. A Gang Conflict Warrant has been implemented for Levin, Ōtaki, Shannon, and Foxton. Extra police officers and patrol cars have been redirected to Levin to investigate the incidents.
+15 outlets · Argentina beats All Blacks in Buenos Aires for first time
Argentina has defeated the All Blacks 29-23 in a Rugby Championship match in Buenos Aires. This result marks the first time New Zealand has lost to Argentina on Argentine soil. The All Blacks' defeat was attributed to three yellow cards during the match.
2 outlets · Discussion rises over online public shaming after Coldplay concert incident
A couple captured on a 'kiss cam' during a Coldplay concert has become the subject of online public shaming. The incident has sparked a wider conversation regarding privacy and the real-world consequences of images being shared on social media.
2 outlets · Landlord ordered to pay tenant $3400 for Timaru rental issues
The Tenancy Tribunal has ordered landlord Donna Miers to pay a tenant $3400 due to the poor condition of a Timaru rental. Issues at the property included black mould, holes in the floor, and a leaking toilet. The tenant had stopped paying rent in protest of the living conditions.
2 outlets · HMNZS Te Kaha returns home after seven-month deployment
The Royal New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Te Kaha has returned to Devonport Naval Base following a 193-day deployment. The ship was greeted by hundreds of friends and whānau during a ceremonial welcome involving gun salutes and a haka. The deployment included maritime security operations with Combined Task Force 150.
4 outlets · Napier restaurant Pacifica has closed its doors
Pacifica, a highly awarded restaurant located on Napier's Marine Parade, has permanently closed. Owners Natalie Bulman and Jeremy Rameka intend to move on and start a new restaurant venture.
2 outlets · Rangitoto magma remains warm 600 years after formation
University of Auckland researchers have discovered that the hardened magma beneath Rangitoto is still warm 600 years after it formed. This new data is intended to help scientists prepare for a potential future eruption of Auckland's largest volcano.
4 outlets · Feeding zone for New Zealand southern right whales identified
Satellite tracking has revealed a feeding area for New Zealand southern right whales south of Australia. Researchers suggest this zone needs protection, noting that approximately 90 per cent of the whales feed within the 2000km area.
4 outlets · Man critically injured after sand dune collapse at Muriwai Beach
A man was critically injured at Muriwai Beach on Saturday afternoon while digging a hole in a sand dune. The dune collapsed on him, reportedly leaving him buried for 15 minutes. Emergency services responded to the scene, and the man was flown to Auckland Hospital.
2 outlets · Six fire crews respond to Te Awamutu house fire
Emergency services attended a house fire on Hazelmere Street in Te Awamutu on Saturday night. Six fire trucks and a water tanker were called to the scene around 10.45pm. Police are not treating the blaze as suspicious.
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