Government tracks ahead of violent crime reduction target
The government says it is meeting its target to reduce violent crime, despite an increase in sexual assault victims. As part of its law and order plan, police are preparing to roll out a new community beat team in Henderson, West Auckland.
One person dead in State Highway 50 crash in Hawke’s Bay
A person died at the scene following a single-vehicle crash north of Tikokino on Sunday. The incident occurred shortly before 12.10pm, causing State Highway 50 to close for several hours. Police say the highway reopened at 3pm after debris was removed.
Fire truck breakdown hinders response to Kumeū nursery blaze
Firefighters battling a large warehouse fire at Van Lier Nurseries in Kumeū faced delays after a borrowed ladder truck broke down. A replacement aerial appliance had to be brought in from Hamilton to assist with the blaze.
Police disrupt anti-social road user gatherings in Tauranga
More than 100 officers and a police helicopter targeted planned anti-social road user meet-ups in Tauranga on Saturday night. The operation resulted in three arrests, including a 19-year-old man, and the impounding of four vehicles. Police also issued 31 infringement notices and ordered 20 vehicles off the road due to safety concerns.
Police seek help identifying man after Greymouth restaurant assault
Greymouth police are asking for public assistance to identify a man following an assault at a restaurant on 8 August. The incident occurred at the corner of Tainui and Whall streets. Police believe the man may be from Christchurch or Nelson and could assist with enquiries.
Heavy rain and winds cause flight disruptions at Auckland Airport
Strong winds and heavy rain caused significant delays for arriving and departing flights at Auckland Airport on Sunday evening. Air New Zealand reported 58 cancellations, while Auckland Airport noted 63 domestic flight disruptions in total. The airline stated that these disruptions could take a couple of days to clear.
Road closed in Stanmore Bay after two-car collision
A two-vehicle crash occurred on Whangaparāoa Road outside a Stanmore Bay supermarket on Sunday afternoon. One person is in critical condition and another is seriously injured, both of whom were taken to Auckland City Hospital. Police have advised that a serious crash unit has been called to the scene.
Southland claim Ranfurly Shield after defeating Waikato
Southland have won the Ranfurly Shield for the first time since 2011. The Stags defeated Waikato 25-10 at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton. This victory ends Waikato's week-long hold on the Log o' Wood.
Police investigate unexplained death in Petone
Police are investigating an unexplained death near Sydney Street in Petone. The eastbound lane on The Esplanade was temporarily closed but has since reopened. Authorities stated the death is not being treated as suspicious and will be referred to the coroner.
Labour leads National on cost of living in new Ipsos poll
A new Ipsos Issues Monitor poll shows National has lost ground on the economy. Voters continue to view Labour as the party most capable of managing the cost of living, which remains the top issue for 60% of voters.
Cost of living pressures affecting pensioners on superannuation
The retirement commissioner says rising costs are impacting pensioners living on fixed superannuation. According to the latest ANZ-Roy Morgan survey, consumer perceptions of personal financial situations have dropped to their lowest level since October 2023.
First New Zealand woman to play at Wimbledon dies aged 101
Evelyn Webster, the first New Zealand woman to compete at Wimbledon, has died this week at the age of 101. Competing under her maiden name, Attwood, she participated in four tournaments between 1951 and 1954.
Changes to family fishing licences to allow women to fish alone
Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager has announced updates to Fish and Game family fishing licences. The changes aim to fix an anomaly that previously prevented the secondary adult on a licence from fishing independently. The new licensing system is expected to go on sale tomorrow.
NZ Drug Foundation warns of rising stimulant drug deaths and hospitalisations
The NZ Drug Foundation has released a report tracking overdose deaths from 2016 to 2024 using coronial data. The organisation expressed concern that hospitalisations and deaths involving stimulants, such as cocaine and methamphetamine, may continue to increase. The foundation stated the current system is underfunded and ill-equipped to manage these harms.
Three arrested and vehicles impounded during Manawatū road operation
Police conducted a large-scale operation in Palmerston North and surrounding Manawatū areas to target dangerous driving. The operation resulted in three arrests, including a 28-year-old accused of throwing a bottle at a police vehicle, and the impounding of seven cars. Officers issued 58 infringements and breath-tested 250 drivers.
Auckland Harbour Bridge faces brief closures due to severe winds
MetService issued an orange alert for the Auckland Harbour Bridge as severe winds hit the city. Motorists were warned to expect delays and potential closures, particularly during the evening peak between 5pm and 9pm on Sunday.
Voters losing confidence in Government on key issues
A new Ipsos poll shows New Zealanders are losing faith in the National Government's ability to manage several major issues. While confidence is declining regarding the cost of living, housing, healthcare, crime, and unemployment, ministers have highlighted successes in law and order.
Ruth Croft becomes first woman to win three UTMB series races
New Zealand ultramarathon runner Ruth Croft has made history by winning the UTMB Mont Blanc race in Chamonix, France. The Greymouth runner completed the race in 22 hours, 56 minutes and 23 seconds. She is the first woman to win all three UTMB World Series Finals races.
Lotto player in Ōpōtiki wins $12.5 million prize
A MyLotto player in Ōpōtiki has won $12.5 million in the latest live Lotto draw. The total prize includes $12 million from the Powerball First Division and $500,000 from the Lotto First Division. Another player also won $500,000 in the Lotto First Division.
Magnitude 4.8 earthquake felt in lower North and upper South Island
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck 10km south of French Pass at approximately 11.31pm on Saturday. The tremor occurred at a depth of 51km and was reported by nearly 7,500 people across Taranaki, Wellington, and Nelson-Tasman. A separate 3.1 magnitude earthquake also occurred in Canterbury.














