Man dies after sand dune collapse at Muriwai Beach
Kane Watson, 28, has died in hospital after a sand dune collapsed on him while he was playing with his family at Muriwai Beach on Saturday. The man was airlifted to Auckland City Hospital in critical condition before passing away on Sunday morning.
Woman charged after newborn baby found in Albert Park
A woman has been charged with concealing a dead body after a newborn baby was discovered by a park worker in Auckland's Albert Park on Sunday morning. The accused, who has been granted interim name suppression, appeared in court and was remanded on bail until Wednesday.
Multiple people injured after van rolls in Bay of Plenty
Emergency services responded to a van rolling on Wilson North Road near Maketū at 7.41am on Monday. Police reported multiple victims with injuries ranging from minor to serious. St John stated 10 patients were assessed, with eight people taken to Tauranga Hospital.
Wānaka couple facing more charges in alleged $1m cancer scam
Andrew Stewart Jones and Sepiuta Setaita Vave appeared in Christchurch District Court following allegations they defrauded family and friends of over $1 million using fake cancer claims. Police have identified 10 potential victims, and the couple has been refused bail.
Woman dies in Christchurch police custody
A woman was found unresponsive in her cell at approximately 6.50am on Monday. Despite medical assistance from officers and St John, attempts to revive her were unsuccessful, according to police.
Erin Patterson faces victims' families in mushroom murder plea hearing
Convicted triple-murderer Erin Patterson appeared in Victoria's Supreme Court for a pre-sentence hearing. The 50-year-old was found guilty of murdering three relatives and attempting to murder one person using a beef Wellington laced with death cap mushrooms. Prosecutors are seeking a life sentence without parole.
Law student wins judicial review against Auckland Transport
Sean O'Loughlin, a 20-year-old law student, successfully represented himself in the Auckland High Court. He challenged Auckland Transport over the installation of road safety measures, including speed bumps and a raised crossing, on The Parade in Bucklands Beach.
NRL player Brandon Smith charged with drug and betting offences
South Sydney Rabbitohs forward and Kiwis international Brandon Smith faces charges of supplying dangerous drugs and using inside knowledge for betting. Following an investigation by Queensland Police, Smith is due to appear in Southport Magistrates Court next month. The NRL has cleared him to play in the final round for his club.
Luxon wants modest and consistent house price increases
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says he wants to see modest and consistent increases in house prices. He stated that the government aims to make housing more affordable by ensuring wages grow faster than house price inflation. This stance differs from Housing Minister Chris Bishop, who has called for prices to fall.
Kiwis turn to private care as colonoscopy waitlists grow
Increasing numbers of New Zealanders are paying for private colonoscopies due to public health system waitlist challenges. Health NZ is facing staffing shortages and regional gastroenterologist deficits, resulting in approximately one-third of these procedures being privately funded.
TVNZ secures exclusive rights to broadcast 2026 Fifa World Cup
TVNZ has obtained the exclusive rights to screen all 104 matches of next year's Fifa World Cup. The tournament, hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico, will feature the New Zealand All Whites. Viewers can watch some matches free-to-air or purchase a one-off event pass for others.
NZ Post suspends parcel deliveries to the United States
NZ Post has halted parcel deliveries to the United States following the imposition of tariffs by the Trump administration. The suspension affects various items, including romance novels and Christmas gifts. The new tariffs have caused significant disruption to international postage services.
Rangatahi vote key to Tāmaki Makaurau by-election outcome
Candidates Peeni Henare and Oriini Kaipara participated in a live debate at Ōrākei Marae ahead of the Tāmaki Makaurau by-election. Political commentators suggest the youth vote will be decisive in the race, which was triggered by the death of MP Takutai Moana Kemp. Voting is currently underway for the September 6 election.
Mobility scooter rider injured after crashing into Tauranga water
An older man was injured on Monday afternoon after his mobility scooter crashed off a bank and into the water off Chapel Street in Tauranga. Emergency services were notified of the incident around 2.30pm. The man was taken to hospital by ambulance for treatment of cuts to his hand.
Police seek help to find missing 39-year-old man in Hamilton
Police have serious concerns for the welfare of Aydan, a 39-year-old man missing from Chartwell. He was last seen on 17 August at a Snell Drive address. He was officially reported missing on 19 August.
Pharmacist failed to consult GP before man's fatal brain bleed
The Health and Disability Commissioner found a pharmacist failed to consult a doctor on three occasions while managing a man's blood thinner dosage. The man later suffered a fatal brain bleed after experiencing extreme headaches and nausea. The incident occurred in September 2021.
Search underway for fisherman missing at Papanui Point near Raglan
Multiple agencies are searching for a person seen falling into the sea at Papanui Point on Monday morning. The incident occurred around 9.45am at the Waikato fishing location. Police are currently leading the rescue efforts to locate the missing individual.
Police seek man after elderly people robbed and assaulted in Auckland
Police are searching for a man following a robbery and assault outside Woolworths Hobsonville last Wednesday. Two elderly people were targeted during the incident, resulting in one person sustaining serious injuries. Authorities have released a photograph of the suspect to assist with identification.
Sportsman on trial for infant injuries expresses shock at fractures
A prominent sportsman facing charges of injuring with reckless disregard is appearing in the Dunedin District Court. The defendant, who has interim name suppression, told police he was shocked and confused by the infant's injuries. During the trial, a radiologist described the sound of the baby's broken ribs.
Northland skipper Bill Elliott dies after 2023 ferry collision
Bill Elliott, the 80-year-old former skipper of the Blue Ferry, has died. He was left paralysed following a high-speed collision with a power boat more than two years ago. The accident resulted in the sinking of the Waitere and several injuries to those on board.
Seven arrested after $37 million methamphetamine shipment is intercepted
Police and Customs intercepted 124kg of methamphetamine hidden inside machine parts sent via air cargo. The seizure, part of Operation Vault, has resulted in seven people facing charges. Authorities estimate the drugs were worth $37 million.
Missing Auckland woman found safe and well
Ingrid Nason, 33, has been located safe and well after being missing for 10 days. She was last seen in the Three Kings area on 15 August. Police thanked members of the public for providing information that assisted in finding her.
New Zealand film and television producer John Barnett has died
Legendary producer John Barnett died on Sunday night at the age of 80. He led South Pacific Pictures for over two decades and worked on major productions including Whale Rider and Sione's Wedding. The Screen Production and Development Association confirmed his passing.
WorkSafe investigates part falling from Christchurch ferris wheel
WorkSafe is investigating after a part fell off an operating ferris wheel at the Illuminate light show in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens on Sunday. The agency was contacted by a member of the public on Monday morning regarding the incident.
Dunedin woman overdoses after pharmacy dispenses six times prescribed fentanyl dose
A woman in Dunedin overdosed after receiving a fentanyl patch containing six times her prescribed dose. The Pharmacy Council is investigating the incident, which the pharmacy has attributed to human error.
Tasman residents urged to be careful when collecting free flood debris firewood
Tasman District Council has piled woody debris from the Wai-iti River beside State Highway 6 for public use. Residents are welcome to take the free firewood, but officials advise that it must be collected safely.
Newborn who died of sepsis received appropriate care despite missed opportunities
A Health and Disability Commissioner investigation found that a baby boy who died of sepsis in 2018 received appropriate care despite missed opportunities by clinicians. The infant's parents had previously raised concerns regarding his breathing, but were told it was likely due to mucus build-up.
Students report health issues due to poor conditions in Dunedin flats
Students in North Dunedin have reported encountering damp, mould, and unsanitary conditions when moving into local flats. The local students association has described the area as a slum, alleging that some landlords fail to ensure properties are habitable before tenants move in.
Air New Zealand flight attendants lose Covid-19 vaccination legal challenge
Six international flight attendants have lost a claim that they were unjustifiably dismissed for not receiving the Covid-19 vaccine. The Employment Relations Authority heard the case regarding the 2021 dismissals, which occurred when staff did not meet statutory vaccination requirements.
Luxon criticises Reserve Bank over gradual official cash rate cuts
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has criticised the Reserve Bank for not cutting the Official Cash Rate sufficiently to stimulate the economy. Following a 25 basis point reduction to 3%, Mr Luxon revealed he shares his views with the Reserve Bank Governor. He is expected to address the media alongside Finance Minister Nicola Willis today.
Wellington City Council unveils plan to address Newtown homelessness
The Wellington City Council has revealed a plan to tackle rising homelessness and anti-social behaviour in Newtown. The strategy includes the immediate installation of a social services team in the suburb. This response follows calls from local residents and businesses for ministers to address the situation.
Police searching for 14-year-old girl missing from Hamilton
Police are searching for 14-year-old Nicola, known as Paige, who was reported missing from her Huntington home on Monday. She was last seen getting onto a bus on Hukanui Road around 11.30am.
High Court reduces disqualification for taxi driver in fatal accident
The High Court has reduced the disqualification period for Kiflay Abera, whose fatigue led to a fatal accident in Auckland last year. Abera reversed into a signpost on New North Rd after working 30 hours over two days, causing it to fall and kill pedestrian Jason McEwen.
ACT opposes recommended changes to four-year term referendum proposal
A select committee has recommended proceeding with a referendum on four-year parliamentary terms while removing certain requirements proposed by the ACT Party. The committee's majority suggests moving to strict four-year intervals between elections if voters approve the change.
Firefighter injured after being hit by vehicle near Lawrence
A firefighter sustained moderate injuries after being struck by a vehicle while attending a callout near Lawrence in Otago. The incident occurred on Monday morning while the firefighter was assisting a person who had fallen from a ladder. The individual was flown to hospital for treatment.
Commerce Commission files High Court proceedings against Westpac NZ
The Commerce Commission has launched legal action against Westpac, alleging the bank failed to meet lender responsibility obligations. The commission claims the bank did not provide required loan information and failed to apply agreed interest rate discounts for some customers. The proceedings have been filed in the High Court.
Auckland man charged with 23 counts of shoplifting
A 31-year-old man has appeared in Auckland District Court facing 23 shoplifting charges. Police say the alleged offending took place across New Lynn, Mt Eden, Mt Albert, Auckland central, and Newmarket. The man was arrested in Onehunga last week.
Waikato Civil Defence identifies gaps in flood response during inquest
Waikato Civil Defence has informed an inquest that there were information gaps regarding ground conditions during the Auckland Anniversary floods. The proceedings follow the death of Dave Young in Onewhero on 27 January 2023. The inquest is examining the emergency responses to the record-breaking weather event.
Fire crews battle house fire in central Richmond
Emergency services responded to multiple calls regarding a house fire in central Richmond on Tuesday afternoon. Fire and Emergency NZ reported that the blaze was well-involved by the time crews arrived at approximately 1.45pm.
NZ Post suspends some deliveries to the United States
NZ Post has suspended certain postage services to the United States while formal processes regarding new US tariffs are being finalised. A Wellington small business owner has already had to refund approximately $500 to customers due to the shipping suspension.
Finance Minister's staff sought dairy price data before Fonterra meeting
Newly released emails show staff for Finance Minister Nicola Willis urgently requested international dairy price comparisons. This last-minute data scramble occurred shortly before her meeting with Fonterra's chief executive, amid rising pressure regarding soaring butter prices.
Police warn Christchurch schools about man approaching female students
Police have notified 11 schools in the Merivale and St Albans area after reports of a man approaching female students. The man allegedly offered cash in exchange for inappropriate favours during incidents reported on 4 August. He is described as an older Caucasian man riding a bicycle.
Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds to play Wellington in 2026
Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds will perform in Wellington in February 2026 as part of the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts. This marks the band's first performance in New Zealand in nearly a decade.
Retirees in paid-off homes struggle with rising costs
Financial mentors report that retirees are facing cost of living pressures despite having no mortgage. Increasing rates and insurance costs are contributing to these financial difficulties, according to an RNZ survey.
Ministry suspects some schools are opening fewer days than required
The Education Ministry suspects some schools have been opening for fewer days than legally required. Official Information Act documents reveal the ministry is planning a crackdown, which includes monitoring schools next year and limiting the number of closure days schools can choose this year.
Racing 92 reportedly targeting Ardie Savea with major offer
French rugby club Racing 92 is reportedly interested in signing All Black loose forward Ardie Savea. The club is said to be prepared to offer a significant contract to the 31-year-old, who is currently under contract with New Zealand Rugby until the end of 2027.
Christchurch forensic pathologist discusses misconceptions about her role
Dr Leslie Anderson, a forensic pathologist in Christchurch, says many people hold misconceptions about her work. She has spent six years in the field and currently serves as a clinical director with Forensic Pathology South Island.
Pic's Peanut Butter sells majority stake to Australian company Scalzo Foods
Nelson-based Pic's Peanut Butter has sold a 51.3% majority stake to Melbourne-based Scalzo Foods. The multimillion-dollar deal involves the family-owned Australian food and ingredient supply business. Founder Pic Picot described the sale as a significant development for the company.





























