Woman dies in Christchurch police cell after being tasered
Sonia Naber was found unresponsive in a Christchurch police cell on Monday morning. She had been tasered by police during a callout in Rakaia involving a knife. The death has been referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority and the Coroner for investigation.
+26 outlets · Coroner recommends mandatory lifejackets for rock fishers
Coroner Michael Robb has called for urgent law changes to make lifejackets compulsory for rock fishers. The recommendation follows the deaths of three men at Papanui Point near Raglan, where none of the victims were wearing lifejackets. At least 24 people have died at the Waikato fishing spot.
+26 outlets · Survivors give evidence in Loafers Lodge murder and arson trial
Former residents of the Wellington hostel have described their harrowing escapes during the 2023 Loafers Lodge fire. During the High Court trial, jurors viewed footage of a man jumping from a third-storey window and heard an emergency call from a survivor on a roof. The accused man denies murdering five people by setting the building alight.
+26 outlets · Person injured after falling down a West Coast mine shaft
A person sustained injuries after falling between 20 and 30 metres down a fenced mine shaft at Tyneside Mine near Greymouth on Wednesday. Emergency services reached the individual, who reportedly has moderate injuries, and firefighters have established verbal contact with them.
+15 outlets · Woman charged with assault following Gisborne homicide investigation
A woman has been charged with assault following the death of 61-year-old Renata McLean in Mangapapa. Police were called to a residential property on Winter Street regarding a disturbance on Tuesday morning, where the man was found deceased.
4 outlets · Police warn of catastrophic near miss with child in Christchurch
Police have released video of a grey SUV running a red arrow and narrowly missing a child at a Christchurch intersection. The incident occurred last week in Strowan near Heaton Normal Intermediate School. Authorities are urging drivers to take extreme care at crossings and are seeking to speak with the driver.
4 outlets · Woman pleads not guilty after newborn found in Albert Park
A 36-year-old woman has pleaded not guilty to concealing the body of her newborn baby in Auckland District Court. The baby's body was discovered by a park worker in Albert Park on Sunday. The woman has been granted continued name suppression and has elected a trial by jury.
4 outlets · Government announces reforms to fast-track new supermarket development
Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis has announced legislative changes to increase competition in the grocery sector. The reforms aim to streamline building consents and create an express lane for new competitors. Major operators Foodstuffs and Woolworths NZ have cautiously welcomed the proposed changes.
3 outlets · Former Highlanders flanker Shane Christie dies in Nelson aged 39
Former Highlanders and Māori All Blacks player Shane Christie has died in Nelson. He previously played for the Highlanders, Tasman, and the Crusaders. His death has prompted calls for greater attention to the impact of rugby-related head injuries.
3 outlets · Man accused of Whangārei park murder dies awaiting trial
Duwaine Johnstone, 63, has died while awaiting trial for the murder of his long-time partner, Yvonne Chapman. Ms Chapman was fatally shot at Onerahi's Beach Road Reserve on 27 February. Mr Johnstone had pleaded not guilty to the charge and was due to appear in court in early 2027.
4 outlets · New business investor visa to replace entrepreneur work visa
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford has announced a new business investor visa starting in November. The scheme could allow international investors to gain residence in as little as 12 months by purchasing an existing firm and hiring at least one additional staff member.
3 outlets · Priscilla Presley to tour Christchurch and Auckland this November
Priscilla Presley has announced two New Zealand tour dates for her live show, An Evening with Priscilla Presley, Life After Elvis. The performances will take place in Christchurch and Auckland this November following the release of her memoir.
3 outlets · Pipitea Street reopened after bomb squad investigates item of concern
Police cordoned off Pipitea Street in central Wellington while responding to an item of concern. Defence Force experts and a remote control robot were used at the scene near the Indian High Commission. The situation has since been confirmed as safe.
3 outlets · Government announces new visa for business investors
The Government is introducing a Business Investor Visa to attract migrants who can invest in and operate established businesses. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford stated the new pathways aim to create jobs and maintain employment. Applications for the new visa are expected to open in November.
3 outlets · Search suspended after mayday call regarding sinking boat off Wellington
A search operation was launched on Monday following a mayday call reporting a vessel taking on water near Karori Rock. Police have suspended the search after no evidence of a boat was found, though they are still asking the public for information.
3 outlets · Police seize pipe bomb components and drugs in Hutt Valley operation
During a three-month investigation known as Operation Trunk, police seized methamphetamine, firearms, and materials capable of being turned into pipe bombs. The searches in the Hutt Valley also uncovered approximately $300,000 in cash and 3D printed firearm parts. Two people have been arrested and charged following the operation.
4 outlets · Driver seriously injured after tanker leaves road near Waikouaiti
A man is in serious condition after his tanker left State Highway 1 near Waikouaiti at approximately 7.10pm. Emergency services had to extricate the driver from the vehicle. State Highway 1 was closed in both directions between Coast Road and Ramrock Road while the area was cleared.
2 outlets · University of Otago students struggle with rising living costs
University of Otago students are facing difficulties due to high rent, power costs, and a lack of local employment. Some students have reportedly begun sleeping in cars or vans to cope with the financial pressure. The situation has been highlighted by a recent survey from the student association.
+26 outlets · Auckland female candidates targeted by racist hoarding vandalism
Three female candidates in Auckland have had their election hoardings vandalised with offensive and racist graffiti. The targets, including Maungakiekie councillor Josephine Bartley, described the abuse as a financial burden and a threat to democracy. One candidate stated the vandalism would not stop her campaign.
3 outlets · Public Service Commissioner considers shake-up of government agencies
Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche is considering a major restructure of several government agencies. He has not ruled out the possibility of absorbing the Ministries for Women and Pacific Peoples into larger organisations, stating that all options remain on the table.
4 outlets · Car catches fire on Dunedin's Southern Motorway
A vehicle caught fire on Dunedin's Southern Motorway on Wednesday evening. Emergency services were notified around 6:10pm, and the occupants managed to escape without injury. Police stated that the fire does not appear to be suspicious.
2 outlets · Rotorua Lakes Council adopts new bylaws to address abandoned trolleys
Rotorua Lakes Council has approved new bylaws to improve safety and tidiness in the city centre. Under the new waste regulations, the council will collect abandoned shopping trolleys, though retailers have 24 hours to recover their property. The decision follows a review of inner-city safety policies.
2 outlets · One person critically injured in Hamilton vehicle crash
Emergency services responded to a two-vehicle crash and car fire in Fairfield, Hamilton, just before 8pm on Wednesday. One person sustained critical injuries and another was seriously injured. The incident occurred near the intersection of Holland Road and Paul Crescent.
2 outlets · Waikato man sentenced for making intimate recordings of a woman
Ricky Davies, 60, has been sentenced to six months' community detention in the Hamilton District Court. The man covertly filmed a woman during intimate sexual acts after meeting her on Tinder. A judge described his actions as an egregious breach of privacy.
2 outlets · New Zealand gender pay gap reaches record low of 5.2%
Stats NZ reports the gender pay gap has narrowed to a median of 5.2% for the June quarter. This is the lowest level recorded since data collection began in 1998, down from 8.2% the previous year.
2 outlets · David Seymour awarded Ukraine Order of Merit
Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour has received the Order of Merit, Third Class, from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He was one of 143 people recognised for supporting the state's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
+15 outlets · Timaru dessert company Denheath Corporation placed into liquidation
Denheath Corporation, the Timaru-based company known for its custard squares, was placed into liquidation on 21 August. An application for liquidation had been filed in court in March. The company's premises on Mill Street are now closed.
2 outlets · Herbs keyboard player and songwriter Tama Lundon has died
Original Herbs keyboardist and songwriter Tama Lundon has passed away. Former bandmate Toni Fonoti announced the death on Facebook, describing Lundon as a genius musician and a humble person.
2 outlets · Wayne Brown criticised for missing first Auckland mayoral debate
Incumbent Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown faced criticism from rivals after failing to attend the first official mayoral debate at the University of Auckland. While several candidates participated in the event, Brown reportedly declined to attend, suggesting the calibre of his competition did not warrant his time.
2 outlets · Critically endangered giant wētā moved to Waikato sanctuary
Nearly 200 Māhoenui giant wētā have been transferred from the Ōtorohanga Kiwi House to Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari. This move from a breeding programme aims to protect the critically endangered species, which is one of the world's largest insects.
2 outlets · Krispy Kreme accused of tampering with food for community cats
Awhi Mai Cat Rescue has accused a Krispy Kreme store in Manukau of endangering local cats. The charity claims that coffee grounds have been placed on food left for stray cats in the store's car park. The rescue group has been feeding cats at this location since 2023.
2 outlets · Crash on Northern Motorway causes delays near Auckland Harbour Bridge
A collision involving a car and a motorcycle occurred on the northbound side of the Auckland Harbour Bridge near Shelly Beach Road. While one lane was blocked, traffic continued to move on four other northbound lanes. Police reported that no serious injuries resulted from the crash.
2 outlets · Medical expert rejects claims of bone disorder in baby's rib fractures
A medical expert has testified that a baby's multiple rib fractures were not caused by a bone disorder. The testimony occurred during the trial of a prominent sportsman facing charges of injuring with reckless disregard in the Dunedin District Court.
2 outlets · One person dies in single-vehicle crash near Clinton
A person has died following a single-vehicle accident on State Highway 93 near Clinton on Wednesday morning. Emergency services responded to the crash on Old Coach Road between Dodds Road and Hurst Road.
2 outlets · Grey mayor apologises after councillors laughed at rates pushback questions
Grey District Mayor Tania Gibson has apologised after councillors laughed during a meeting when asked about resistance to a 13 per cent rates increase. The incident was highlighted by election candidate Terry Donaldson. Gibson stated the laughter was not directed at ratepayers, though she admitted the optics were poor.
4 outlets · Police investigate alleged assaults on Tauranga Hospital staff
Police are investigating reports of a man acting aggressively at Tauranga Hospital on 21 August. Officers responded to two separate incidents occurring hours apart, during which two staff members were allegedly assaulted. Senior Sergeant Scott Merritt confirmed that investigations are ongoing.
2 outlets · Woman jailed for manslaughter after running over former partner in Auckland
Elizabeth Lynn Smith has been sentenced for the manslaughter of Dean Fifield in Massey. The incident occurred in June 2024 during a dispute over personal property. Smith's actions were described as being in excess of her intention to kill.
2 outlets · Nicola Willis to announce plan regarding supermarket competition
Finance Minister Nicola Willis intends to release a series of announcements aimed at addressing supermarket competition. The move follows reports from Stats NZ that grocery prices rose 5.1% in the year to July 2025, driven largely by the cost of dairy products.
2 outlets · Police search for two men suspected of drug offences in Auckland
Police are searching for Xilin Huang, 39, and Gongbao Fang, 46, in connection with alleged drug offences. The two Chinese nationals are believed to be presenting as tradesmen and face charges including the possession of methamphetamine and other controlled drugs for supply.
2 outlets · Wise Insurance loses licence over alleged fake insurance claims
The Financial Markets Authority has deregistered Wise Insurance after its director, Le Zhou, allegedly filed fake health and life insurance claims. The company's principal financial adviser faces criminal charges, and the director is accused of pocketing $260,000 in commissions from fabricated claimants.
2 outlets · Schools adjust to new Ministry of Education opening hour instructions
Some schools have been operating for less time than required due to a misinterpretation of Ministry of Education rules. This discrepancy has prompted some primary schools to extend their school year to meet the clarified instructional requirements.
3 outlets · Sixteen All Blacks released to play in NPC matches
Sixteen members of the All Blacks Rugby Championship squad have been made available for provincial matches this weekend. The release includes players such as Emoni Narawa, Leroy Carter, and Tevita Mafileo, who will bolster Bay of Plenty for their upcoming fixture.
2 outlets · Car spotted partially submerged at Auckland's Stanmore Bay
Dog walkers discovered an apparently abandoned car in the water near a ramp at Stanmore Bay on Wednesday morning. Police were notified of the vehicle just after 6.30am and are currently working to locate the owner.
2 outlets · Former Palmerston North principal facing fraud charges
Wayne Kevin Codyre, a former school principal in Palmerston North, faces 52 charges of obtaining by deception. The charges relate to more than $548,000 allegedly obtained between December 2019 and March 2023.
3 outlets · Violence and abuse linked to serious health conditions
A study has found strong connections between experiencing violence or abuse and the development of serious health issues. Research indicates survivors may face higher rates of hospitalisation for conditions such as cancer, respiratory illness, and digestive disorders. Experts are now calling for increased funding to support violence prevention.
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