Man arrested after approaching Christchurch schoolgirls for inappropriate favours
A 53-year-old man has been arrested following reports that he approached female students in the Merivale and St Albans areas. Police first received concerns on 4 August regarding the man allegedly offering cash for inappropriate favours. The man is due to appear in Christchurch District Court.
+26 outlets · Search resumes for missing boat in Cook Strait
A search has resumed for a small vessel reported to be taking on water near Karori Rock. A mayday call was made around 10pm on Monday, with several people believed to be on board. Emergency crews searched the area overnight but found no debris.
+37 outlets · Australia moves to expel Iranian ambassador following antisemitic attacks
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has moved to expel Iran's ambassador after alleging the country directed antisemitic attacks in Melbourne and Sydney. The Australian government has also listed Iran's Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist group. New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has expressed grave concern and unequivocally condemned Iran's actions.
+15 outlets · Ministry of Justice apologises for erroneous fine text messages
Around 8,000 people incorrectly received text messages regarding a $135 fine due to a system error on Monday afternoon. The messages included bank details and reference numbers, with some individuals receiving the same text up to eight times. The Ministry of Justice has issued an apology for the mistake.
4 outlets · Homicide investigation launched after man dies in Mangapapa
Police have launched a homicide investigation following the death of a man at a Winter Street home in Mangapapa. Officers were called to the property around 6.50am Tuesday following reports of a disturbance. Police say there is no ongoing risk to the public.
4 outlets · Firefighters give emotional testimony in Loafers Lodge murder trial
First responders testified in the High Court regarding the 2023 Loafers Lodge hostel fire in Wellington. Firefighters described escaping a building collapse and a near-fatal flashover. The trial involves a 50-year-old man accused of arson and five counts of murder in relation to the blaze.
+15 outlets · Giraffe and zebra foal die at Orana Wildlife Park
A 12-year-old giraffe named Mdomo and a five-month-old zebra foal named Zeeyore have died at Christchurch's Orana Wildlife Park. Mdomo passed away on Friday after her condition deteriorated following a procedure involving general anaesthetic. Staff expressed they are heartbroken by the losses.
4 outlets · Ashburton man banned from owning horses after neglect case
Barry Alexander Hill has been banned from owning horses for three years and ordered to perform 300 hours of community work. The 55-year-old was sentenced after 12 horses were found underfed and living in poor conditions on a rubbish-strewn paddock.
4 outlets · Wet and windy weather to replace fine conditions across New Zealand
A large low in the Southern Ocean is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to parts of the country. While much of New Zealand will see sunshine at the start of the week, weather conditions are forecast to turn wet and windy from Wednesday.
4 outlets · Ticketek Entertainment Group acquires New Zealand-founded Eventfinda
Ticketek Entertainment Group has purchased the New Zealand ticketing and event listing business Eventfinda. Eventfinda chief executive James McGlinn stated the deal will make finding events easier for customers. The acquisition remains subject to approval by the Commerce Commission.
4 outlets · Man accused of approaching Christchurch schoolgirls was under preventive detention
Leo Darin Goodwin, 53, is accused of approaching schoolgirls in Christchurch and offering money for inappropriate favours. Police say the man was under a preventive detention order for sexual violence and allegedly breached his conditions by approaching girls under 16.
+37 outlets · Man arrested in Levin after reports of discharged firearm
Police arrested a man on Tuesday evening following reports of a firearm being discharged near Mabel Street. A sawn-off.22 rifle and ammunition were found during the investigation. This marks the sixth alleged firearms incident in the Levin area over the last nine days.
3 outlets · NZ Post services to United States expected to resume within weeks
NZ Post has temporarily suspended some parcel services to the United States and several US territories due to confusion regarding new tariffs. While individual senders may be able to ship packages within 10 days, businesses could face delays of several weeks as the service works through the new regime.
3 outlets · Coroner denies family plea for inquest into fatal fertiliser plant accident
A coroner has declined a family's request for an inquest into the 2023 death of Wesley Tomich. Tomich died after being asphyxiated by machinery on an unguarded conveyor belt at the Ballance Agri-Nutrients plant in Mt Maunganui.
3 outlets · Blind and low-vision residents support Tasman street flag ban
Members of the blind and low-vision community have praised the Tasman District Council for banning advertising flags on footpaths. While some Richmond businesses oppose the rule, accessibility forum attendees described the flags as a hazard. The support was voiced during a recent regional accessibility forum meeting.
3 outlets · Calls for rental warrant of fitness for Dunedin student flats
There are calls for a Rental Warrant of Fitness to ensure student flats in North Dunedin comply with Healthy Homes Standards. Some Otago University students report that poor conditions, including mould, are causing illness. The standards require minimum requirements for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture and drainage.
3 outlets · Search for vessel in Cook Strait suspended after mayday call
Police have suspended the search for a boat reported to be taking on water in the Cook Strait. The vessel was reported to be near Karori Rock around 10pm. Authorities are currently investigating the mayday call and waiting for more information before continuing operations.
2 outlets · Highlanders to host Crusaders in 2026 Super Rugby Pacific opener
The Highlanders will play the defending champion Crusaders at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on 13 February. This match marks the beginning of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season. The full season schedule is expected to be released this Thursday.
2 outlets · New rules to punish prolonged tethering of dogs
The government is introducing new regulations to prevent dog owners from endangering animal welfare by tying pets up for too long. Starting in September, people must not tether dogs with ropes, lines, or chains in a way that causes harm. Animal welfare inspectors will be granted powers to enforce these changes.
2 outlets · Vape stores opening inside Auckland liquor shops face community opposition
A community group in south Auckland has expressed concern regarding vape stores operating within liquor stores. Opponents argue this combination increases harm, while the vaping industry suggests that existing age restrictions in bottle shops will limit exposure to young people.
+26 outlets · New Plymouth school apologises after banning student's speech
New Plymouth High School has apologised to a student after banning a speech titled The Decline of Western Civilization from a competition. Following mediation, the school acknowledged the injustice and has committed to providing free speech training.
2 outlets · Lake Alice survivor challenges Cabinet redress decision in High Court
Malcolm Richards has asked the High Court to review a Cabinet decision regarding redress for Lake Alice survivors. The Flaxmere man, who experienced abuse at the Manawatū psychiatric facility, is seeking a formal finding that the current scheme breaches his human rights.
3 outlets · Three people facing charges after 422 pāua seized in Kaikōura
Three people may face serious charges after fisheries officers found 422 pāua in a vehicle on Kaikōura's south coast. More than half of the shellfish were undersized. The driver reportedly drove away during an inspection, but police located the vehicle the following day.
4 outlets · Secondary teachers return to negotiations following widespread industrial action
Secondary teachers have returned to bargaining after 19,000 staff participated in strikes last week. In the Bay of Plenty, teachers plan further pickets in Tauranga, Rotorua and Whakatāne over a 1% pay offer.
2 outlets · Five men on trial for murder following Pt England shooting
Five members or associates of the Fitus gang are facing murder charges in the Auckland High Court. They are accused of killing Head Hunters member Charles Pongi during a brawl at Taurima Reserve in August 2023. The prosecution alleges the group arrived at the park armed.
2 outlets · Organisers say Christchurch light show ride is safe after part fell
A small part fell from a ferris wheel at the Illuminate Light & Sound Experience in Christchurch's Botanic Gardens. Organisers and the engineer who signed off the ride state that safety was not compromised and that engineers and council inspectors have raised no concerns.
3 outlets · Trial date set for Auckland entertainer Cole Johnston
Musician and former tutor Cole Johnston appeared in the Auckland District Court on Tuesday. He faces several charges, including grooming and rape. A trial date has been scheduled for August.
3 outlets · Dunedin mayor's casting vote cancels Albany Street cycleway project
The Dunedin City Council has scrapped the Albany Street Connection Project, which would have installed a cycleway through the student quarter. Mayor Jules Radich used a casting vote to break a 7-7 deadlock. The plan originally involved creating a walking and cycling link and removing several carparks near the university.
2 outlets · Six arrested following series of shootings in Levin
Police have arrested six people during an investigation into several gang-related shootings in Levin this month. Authorities believe the incidents stem from an internal gang feud and have increased patrols in the area. Two people were injured during the series of shootings.
3 outlets · Drunk driver who killed son to be released on parole
Daniel Mehlhopt will be released on parole after serving two years of a four-year sentence. He was imprisoned for a drunken car crash in February 2023 that caused the death of his four-year-old son.
2 outlets · Police investigate suspicious fire at Takanini hospice shop
Emergency services responded to a well-involved fire at the Takanini hospice shop distribution centre on Great South Road early Tuesday morning. Police are investigating the incident as suspicious arson. The fire occurred at approximately 12.40am.
2 outlets · Cause of death unknown for baby found in Auckland wheelie bin
Police are still working to determine how a newborn baby died after being found in a wheelie bin on Renall Street in Freemans Bay. A 32-year-old woman has been charged with interfering with human remains. The investigation continues as authorities await further pathology results.
2 outlets · Volunteer firefighter injured by vehicle in South Otago
A volunteer firefighter was struck by a vehicle while attending an emergency callout in Waitahuna on Monday. The vehicle was reportedly driven by another volunteer firefighter. WorkSafe has been notified following the incident, which occurred while crews were responding to a person who had fallen.
2 outlets · Off-duty officer avoids prosecution after Otago bar evacuation
An off-duty police officer will not be prosecuted following an incident where a hat was thrown into a gas fireplace at an Otago bar. The resulting fire caused the venue to be evacuated for the evening. An investigation concluded that prosecution was not in the public interest.
2 outlets · Search continues for person missing off Raglan coast
Search and Rescue teams are searching for a person who fell off the rocks at Papanui Point near Raglan on Monday morning. The Raglan Volunteer Coastguard was notified after the individual fell into the water at the Waikato fishing location. The search remains ongoing as of Tuesday morning.
2 outlets · Trial date set for five men charged in Hamilton slaying
Five people charged with murder following the death of Tyreece Te Pairi appeared in the Hamilton High Court on Tuesday. The 20-year-old was fatally injured during an altercation on Alexandra Street in July. A trial date has been scheduled for May 2028.
2 outlets · Man charged after assault and robbery of elderly tourists in Hobsonville
A 23-year-old man has been charged after handing himself into police following an assault and robbery outside a Hobsonville supermarket. The incident occurred last Wednesday morning and involved two elderly tourists. The suspect surrendered at the Henderson Police Station following a police appeal.
2 outlets · Elderly renters and women hit hard by cost of living
A researcher says retirees who are renting or are women are struggling with rising costs. Fluctuating prices for insurance, power, and rates are impacting these groups, according to a survey of households across the country.
2 outlets · Intensive OCD treatment programme to be introduced in New Zealand
A four-day intensive Bergen OCD treatment programme will soon be available in New Zealand. The programme, which has seen international success, is being brought to the country with funding from a Norwegian cheese company. It aims to assist the estimated 100,000 New Zealanders living with the disorder.
2 outlets · Cyclist killed in Onehunga crash identified as local man
Police have identified the cyclist killed in a collision with a vehicle on Neilson Street in Onehunga as 55-year-old Darren Anthony. The incident occurred on 21 August. Investigations into the circumstances of the crash are currently ongoing.
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