Small snake found in Christchurch traveller's luggage after Bali trip
A non-venomous wolf snake was discovered wrapped around a jandal inside a suitcase at a Christchurch home. The traveller had recently returned from Bali. Biosecurity New Zealand sent trained handlers to the property and stated the snake will be humanely euthanised.
+26 outlets · Police release CCTV of suspected Tom Phillips burglary in Piopio
Police have released CCTV footage believed to show fugitive Tom Phillips and one of his children during a burglary in Piopio. The break-in occurred at a superette around 2am on Wednesday. Authorities expressed ongoing concerns for the welfare of the children, who have been missing since December 2021.
+48 outlets · Reserve Bank board chair Neil Quigley resigns with immediate effect
Neil Quigley has resigned as the Reserve Bank of New Zealand board chair, effective immediately. Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced the departure following scrutiny regarding his handling of former Governor Adrian Orr's resignation. Quigley had served on the board for 15 years, including nine years as chairperson.
+15 outlets · Rotorua mayor criticises Hobson's Pledge for using her image
Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell has criticised the group Hobson's Pledge for using her image and quotes without permission in a social media post. Tapsell claims the post misrepresented her words to mislead people into thinking she supports the group's views on Māori wards. Hobson's Pledge stated they are not concerned by the claims.
+15 outlets · Mt Victoria tunnel reopens after fire safety system issue
The Mt Victoria tunnel in Wellington was closed in both directions on Friday morning due to an incident with its fire safety systems. NZTA reported the closure occurred shortly after 7am, but the tunnel has since reopened following repairs. Motorists may still experience delays as traffic queues clear.
4 outlets · Youth charged with murder of Rotorua kapa haka performer
A 17-year-old male has been charged with the murder of 41-year-old Temutu Vincent Ehau. The incident occurred on Trigg Ave in Rotorua on 20 August. The teenager appeared in the Rotorua Youth Court on Friday and has been remanded in custody.
4 outlets · Police investigate threatening emails sent to multiple New Zealand schools
Police are investigating threatening emails sent to several schools across New Zealand on Friday morning. While the messages have caused concern, authorities state they have not yet established any actual threat to any school.
4 outlets · Hamish Kerr wins Diamond League high jump title in Zurich
New Zealand high jumper Hamish Kerr secured his first Diamond League title in Zurich by clearing 2.32 metres. The Olympic champion defeated Oleh Doroshchuk to claim the championship ahead of the upcoming athletics world championships.
4 outlets · CCTV footage shown in Loafers Lodge murder trial
A 50-year-old man facing murder charges for the 2023 Loafers Lodge fire appeared in a Wellington High Court. CCTV footage was presented showing a man setting an object on fire under a couch. The trial has also heard testimony from a resident and a firefighter.
3 outlets · Hospitality business closures increase by almost 20 per cent
More than 2,500 hospitality businesses have closed over the last year, according to data from Centrix. This represents an increase of almost 20 per cent in closures. High-profile businesses, including Napier's Pacifica and Wellington's Fortune Favours, have recently shut down.
4 outlets · Severe weather and wind watches forecast for North Island
MetService has issued multiple strong wind watches and warnings for thunderstorms, hail, and heavy rain across the North Island. An active weather front is expected to move through the region on Sunday, bringing southwest gales. Meanwhile, road snowfall warnings have been issued for southern highways.
3 outlets · Invercargill parking wardens face abuse following increase in fines
Parking wardens in Invercargill are experiencing abuse from the public following a rise in infringement costs. The average cost for overstaying or parking inconsiderately increased by 70 percent last October, with minimum fines rising from $12 to $20 following central government changes.
+15 outlets · Police seek public assistance to find missing Thames man
Police have expressed serious concerns for a 35-year-old man named Jared, who has been missing from the Thames area since Sunday, 24 August. He was last seen leaving his Waiomu Valley Road home and heading towards Coromandel. Authorities are asking hunters, campers, and bach owners to report any sightings.
3 outlets · Pro-Palestinian march to close Auckland Harbour Bridge next month
Organisers of the 'March for Humanity' expect thousands of supporters to walk across the Auckland Harbour Bridge on 13 September. Police say planning is underway for the event, which will result in the bridge being shut.
3 outlets · Police hold grave concerns for missing Auckland woman
Te Anihana Beau Pomana, 25, has been missing since 21 August. She was last seen leaving SkyCity in the Auckland CBD early in the morning, having left all her belongings at the hotel.
3 outlets · International scammer sentenced to prison in Christchurch
A 32-year-old man was sentenced to 15 months in prison at Christchurch District Court for multiple deception charges. The fraudster, who allegedly impersonated a United Nations official and a paramedic, was caught after leaving a Christchurch hotel without paying for his stay.
3 outlets · Government reveals future plans for Molesworth Station
The Department of Conservation is seeking new commercial operators for Molesworth Station, New Zealand's largest farm. Future opportunities may include farming, accommodation, or guiding, though pine trees are excluded from the plans. This follows the sudden resignation of the station's manager in July.
4 outlets · Travis Kelce responds to Prime Minister's New Zealand wedding invitation
Travis Kelce has jokingly asked for a New Zealand passport after Prime Minister Christopher Luxon invited him and Taylor Swift to marry or honeymoon in the country. The invitation followed the announcement of the couple's engagement earlier this week.
2 outlets · Tingjun Cao appeals conviction for murder of Yanfei Bao
Chinese national Tingjun Cao is appealing his life sentence for the murder of Christchurch real estate agent Yanfei Bao. Cao claims a miscarriage of justice occurred following the July 2023 killing in Hornby. A date for the Court of Appeal hearings has not yet been set.
3 outlets · Rotorua mayoral candidates participate in first debate
Incumbent Tania Tapsell, Don Paterson, and Robert Lee attended a business chamber forum ahead of the October local elections. During the event, Tapsell received 72% of the audience support via a live online voting system.
2 outlets · Kennedy Tukuafu returns to Black Ferns lineup for Japan match
The Black Ferns have announced their squad for their second Women's Rugby World Cup match against Japan in Exeter. Loose forward Kennedy Tukuafu will make her first start since the 2025 Pacific Four series. The match is scheduled to take place on Monday morning.
2 outlets · RAF Bomber Command veteran John Beeching dies aged 101
Flight Lieutenant John Beeching, a former Mosquito pilot with 169 Squadron, has died in Nelson. He was one of the last remaining veterans of the RAF Bomber Command from the Second World War.
3 outlets · Warriors lose to Eels after overturned try at Mt Smart Stadium
The Warriors suffered a 26-22 defeat against the Parramatta Eels in Auckland. Coach Andrew Webster expressed frustration over a late decision to overturn a try, stating the team should not have been in such a position at the end of the match.
2 outlets · Internal Affairs investigation into Michael Forbes has largely concluded
The Department of Internal Affairs has nearly finished a deep-dive investigation into former Beehive press secretary Michael Forbes. The probe was requested by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon following a scandal involving Forbes. Uncertainty remains regarding when and what information from the investigation will be released to the public.
2 outlets · Police seek help finding missing 39-year-old Hamilton man
Police are concerned for the safety of Aydan, a 39-year-old man who has been missing for nearly two weeks. He was last seen in the early hours of Sunday, 17 August, at a Snell Drive address in Chartwell, Hamilton.
2 outlets · Police release new images of missing Wellington woman
New CCTV images have been released in the search for Alisha, a 25-year-old woman missing from Wellington. She was last seen on Lambton Quay around midday on Wednesday. Police and family are concerned for her wellbeing.
2 outlets · Kmart recalls Toy Mania 3D Mini Animal Toys over choking hazard
Kmart has recalled Toy Mania 3D Mini Animal Toys because they pose a choking risk. The products were sold at the retailer between 12 June and 13 August this year.
2 outlets · Police officer and dog injured by broken glass in Hamilton
A man has been arrested after allegedly throwing broken glass at a police officer and a dog in Hamilton. The incident occurred near Alma Street on Thursday night following reports of a stolen mobile phone and cash. The shards caused injuries to the officer's hand and the dog's paws.
2 outlets · Motorist recalls alleged gang attack during Auckland road rage incident
A driver has recounted being attacked by members of the Fitus gang while travelling to a confrontation in August 2023. Five gang members or associates are facing murder charges for the death of Charles Pongi at a Pt England reserve. The defendants are also accused of involvement in the road rage incident.
2 outlets · Shop owner says only milk was stolen during suspected break-in
A man and a child, suspected to be Tom Phillips and one of his children, allegedly broke into the Piopio Superette at 2am on Wednesday. The shop owner stated that only milk was taken during the incident and noted that the intruders declined to take butter.
3 outlets · National search launched to find a mate for rare left-spiralled snail
Illustrator Giselle Clarkson has launched a campaign to find a mate for Ned, a snail with a rare left-spiralling shell. Due to his anatomy, Ned has a 1 in 40,000 chance of finding a compatible partner.
2 outlets · Dunedin man jailed for crossbow attack following motorcycle dispute
Shaun Michael Hartstone, 25, has been sentenced to nearly six and a half years in prison. He pleaded guilty to wounding with intent, resisting police, and threatening to kill after shooting a 40cm crossbow bolt into a man's abdomen. The attack followed a dispute over a motorcycle.
2 outlets · Woman charged after suspicious house fire in Belfast
A 35-year-old woman has been arrested and charged following a house fire on Third Street in Belfast, Christchurch. Emergency services responded to the blaze around 7.30pm on Thursday. Police have described the fire as suspicious.
2 outlets · Former All Black Tony Brown returns to New Zealand with Springboks
Former All Black Tony Brown has returned to New Zealand as an assistant coach for the Springboks. He is preparing to face his former team in an upcoming test match at Eden Park in Auckland.
2 outlets · Firearms seized during police investigation in Bay of Plenty and Gisborne
Police have seized dozens of firearms during raids at five properties across the Bay of Plenty and Gisborne. The investigation into black market weapons has resulted in four people being charged, including three licence holders. The operation, known as Operation Tarot, targeted suspected illegal firearms sales.
2 outlets · Prime Minister Luxon to address media in Christchurch
Christopher Luxon is visiting the Cancer Society in Christchurch for Daffodil Day. The Prime Minister is expected to speak to the media around 9.45am following his visit.
2 outlets · AI-generated fake citations appearing in research and legal cases
Artificial intelligence is producing hallucinated scientific research and legal precedents that are entering academic papers and court cases. These fake citations are causing real-world damage, as seen in the case of an academic whose citation count was falsely inflated.
2 outlets · Long-term study tracks health of premature babies
A groundbreaking study has followed the health of premature babies over several decades. One participant, Rosie Peck, was born at 26 weeks and weighed 750 grams. The research indicates that most individuals from the study are living healthy and productive lives.
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