Prime Minister re-announces Amazon Web Services investment in New Zealand
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has re-announced a $7.5 billion investment by Amazon Web Services into New Zealand data centres and storage. The project, originally announced in 2021, is expected to create up to 1,000 jobs and boost GDP by $11 billion. The announcement was made during an event in Auckland.
+26 outlets · Coroner finds agencies failed to protect murdered 10-month-old baby
A coroner has ruled that Oranga Tamariki and police failed to protect 10-month-old CJ White before he was killed by his father. Despite repeated warnings and pleas from the child's mother and grandparents, government agencies failed to take action. The infant died from head injuries inflicted by his father in July.
+26 outlets · Aurora Australis may be visible across New Zealand tonight
A strong coronal mass ejection from the sun is expected to reach Earth's magnetic field, potentially creating an aurora display. While sightings could occur as far north as Auckland, the best viewing is likely in southern locations where the chance of seeing the phenomenon is considered very high.
+15 outlets · Sixteen people charged in relation to Rotorua man's death
Police have charged a further four people in connection with the death of 20-year-old Zain Taikato-Fox. This brings the total number of people charged in the homicide investigation to 16. Mr Taikato-Fox died from critical injuries at Rotorua Hospital in July after being found on State Highway 33.
+15 outlets · Hundreds mourn former Māori All Black Shane Christie in Nelson
Hundreds of mourners gathered at Nelson's Trafalgar Centre to farewell former Māori All Black and Tasman Mako captain Shane Christie. The 39-year-old rugby player died suddenly last week. He was remembered as a courageous leader and an advocate for player welfare.
+15 outlets · Police vehicle crashes into fence in Napier
A police patrol car crashed into a fence on Geddis Ave in Maraenui around 11am on Monday. Police confirmed the vehicle was not responding to a job at the time of the single-vehicle accident. No injuries were reported following the incident.
4 outlets · Three arrested after $1000 worth of stolen meat found in car
Police arrested three people in Wellington after discovering approximately $1000 worth of allegedly shoplifted meat in a vehicle. The meat was reported stolen from supermarkets in Island Bay and Crofton Downs on Sunday.
4 outlets · Smiths City enters voluntary administration and closes all stores
Christchurch-based retailer Smiths City has entered voluntary administration. All nine stores and the company's online shop were temporarily closed on Tuesday. BDO Christchurch has been appointed as the administrator for the home appliances and furniture business.
+37 outlets · Auckland dog euthanasia rates rise amid increase in roaming and attacks
Auckland Council data shows 6,079 dogs were euthanised in the year to July, representing a 48 per cent increase. The region is currently struggling with a surge in roaming animals and a rise in attacks on people.
3 outlets · One person critically injured in two-truck collision in Dairy Flat
A serious crash involving two trucks occurred on Kahikatea Flat Road in Dairy Flat on Tuesday afternoon. One person sustained critical injuries in the incident. Emergency services attended the scene, and road closures have been implemented.
3 outlets · Hawke’s Bay Pistol Club faces closure over venue dispute
The Hawke’s Bay Pistol Club may disband if it is unable to find a new location near Bay View. The club has operated at its current site for 48 years, but iwi group Mana Ahuriri intends to purchase the land.
3 outlets · Explore Group to reinstate Auckland to Coromandel ferry service
Explore Group will relaunch the Auckland to Coromandel ferry service on 24 October. The two-hour Hauraki Gulf cruise will initially operate on Friday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays. The company plans to add more departures if demand increases.
3 outlets · Man charged as police investigate historical abuse at West Auckland schools
Police have charged a man in relation to allegations of historical abuse at several West Auckland schools occurring between the 1980s and early 1990s. Authorities are appealing for public information regarding the matter but have not released specific details about the man or the schools involved.
3 outlets · Bunjie baby eye wipes recalled across New Zealand over mould risk
Bunjie Peek-A-Boo Probiotic Baby Eye Wipes in 30 and 60 packs are being recalled due to potential mould contamination. The issue stems from improperly sealed sachets, which may cause eye infections, irritation, or allergic reactions. The products were sold at Baby Bunting and Chemist Warehouse.
3 outlets · Police make nine arrests during Northland gang and drug crackdown
Northland police executed 16 search warrants over two weeks to target gang activity and drug supply. The operation resulted in nine arrests and the recovery of approximately $100,000 worth of stolen vehicles, including motorbikes. Officers also uncovered a cannabis grow operation during the raids.
3 outlets · Two Kinleith men charged after anti-social driving incidents
Two men from Kinleith face criminal charges following two separate incidents of anti-social driving. Police report the incidents involved performing burnouts and donuts, including one instance directly in front of officers. Following a raid on a Mamaku property, several vehicles linked to the behaviour were impounded.
3 outlets · Act calls for New Zealand to withdraw from Paris climate agreement
Act leader David Seymour has suggested New Zealand should abandon the Paris climate agreement due to unrealistic emissions targets. The party argues the accord imposes excessive costs on families and farms. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has expressed disagreement with the proposal.
+15 outlets · Government rejects advisory group's call for tougher university entry requirements
Universities Minister Shane Reti has rejected recommendations from an advisory group to create a more elite university system. The group had suggested implementing tougher entry requirements and a separate funding model for universities. The minister announced changes to the tertiary education strategy on Tuesday.
4 outlets · Gang conflict warrant extended to Manawatū after police were shot at
A Gang Conflict Warrant for Levin has been extended to cover Manawatū, Dannevirke, Feilding, Eketāhuna, and Horowhenua. This follows two incidents in Palmerston North where shots were fired at police patrol cars during attempts to stop suspicious vehicles.
4 outlets · Foreigners with golden visas may buy homes worth over $5 million
The government has confirmed that holders of golden visas will be permitted to buy or build one home valued at a minimum of $5 million. Eligible properties may include houses in Remuera, Devonport, and Queenstown, as well as apartments in Tauranga and large land plots.
3 outlets · More than 36,000 nurses on two-day strike action
Over 36,000 New Zealand Nurses Organisation members are striking this Tuesday and Thursday. The action is expected to postpone thousands of surgeries, procedures, and specialist appointments across the country.
+37 outlets · Court of Appeal reduces Rosabel Kronfeld’s prison sentence
The Court of Appeal has shortened the prison term for Rosabel Kronfeld following a violent home invasion. Kronfeld pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary after a group of women attacked a victim in her home over a social media post. The incident involved the victim being dragged by her hair.
2 outlets · Person trapped in multi-vehicle crash on State Highway 6
A person was trapped in a vehicle following a crash near Gibbston on Tuesday evening. The collision involved three vehicles and occurred between Gibbston Back Rd and Victoria Flats Rd. Emergency services attended the scene, and motorists have been advised to avoid the area due to road closures.
2 outlets · Asbestos found in fire door materials triggers nationwide safety investigation
Asbestos has been detected in imported FRB core materials used by Pacific Door Systems and other manufacturers. This discovery has prompted health and safety investigations by WorkSafe and MBIE, leading to temporary site closures and urgent inspections across New Zealand and Australia.
2 outlets · Police prepare for large gang funeral for King Cobra leader
Auckland motorists are advised to expect heavy traffic due to a large funeral for King Cobra leader Ulaiasi 'Rocky' Pulete. The 56-year-old gang figure died last week after a long battle with ill health. Hundreds of gang members and associates are expected to attend the service across Tāmaki Makaurau.
2 outlets · Musician has abuse convictions set aside and retains name suppression
A prominent Auckland musician has had his convictions for biting and assaulting an ex-partner set aside. The court has also granted him permanent name suppression following his argument that being named would damage his career.
2 outlets · Lower Hutt shop manager hospitalised after assault by group of youths
A manager at Japan Mart Lower Hutt was knocked unconscious during a violent attack by a group of teenage girls on Saturday afternoon. The woman reportedly followed the group after asking them to leave her store to assist police. She has since been hospitalised.
2 outlets · Nicola Willis denies involvement in Reserve Bank cover-up
Labour leader Chris Hipkins has accused Finance Minister Nicola Willis of being heavily involved in Reserve Bank leadership turmoil. Ms Willis has denied allegations of a cover-up, stating she pushed for transparency and challenged the central bank's legal advice following former governor Adrian Orr's resignation.
2 outlets · Police appeal for sightings of missing Whangārei man
Police are seeking information regarding the whereabouts of 34-year-old Zealand Watene. He was last seen around 13 August and was reported missing from his Kensington home. Family members say it is unusual that they have not heard from him in three weeks.
2 outlets · Demolition of Wellington City to Sea bridge may begin this week
Demolition work on Wellington's City to Sea bridge could start by the end of the week following a High Court dismissal of a judicial review. Actor Sam Neill has criticised those allowing the demolition to proceed.
3 outlets · Foreign buyer ban eased to attract wealthy investors
Foreign Minister Winston Peters stated that easing the ban on foreign property purchases was necessary because New Zealand was not attractive enough for investment. The policy allows wealthy investors with golden visas to buy or build homes to help grow the economy and address house-flipping.
2 outlets · Man pleads not guilty to drug driving causing toddler's death
A man appeared in Rotorua District Court on Tuesday facing charges for causing the death of a two-year-old girl in a May crash near Mamaku. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and his name remains suppressed by the court.
2 outlets · Local business buys assets of closed Palmerston North cafe
Cafe Cuba closed after 29 years of operation in August, owing more than $1.5 million in taxes. A hospitality operator has purchased the eatery's assets just two weeks after the closure was announced. The business is now expected to undergo a revival.
2 outlets · New restaurant planned for Oriental Bay band rotunda
Chef Ben Bayly will lead a culinary vision to transform the historic Oriental Bay band rotunda into the Wellington Pavilion. The multi-million dollar hospitality redevelopment includes a partnership with Watson Group and Garage Project. The site is expected to open in late 2026.
2 outlets · Six60 and Supergroove among acts for Homegrown festival in Hamilton
The first line-up for next year's Jim Beam Homegrown festival has been announced. Performers including Six60, Supergroove, Hello Sailor, and The Datsuns will play across seven stages at Claudeland’s Oval in Hamilton. More acts are expected to be revealed in October.
3 outlets · New Zealand exports e-waste while other nations invest in domestic recycling
New Zealanders discard 100 million kilos of electronics and batteries annually, which are often sent overseas for recycling. While other countries are investing heavily to keep e-waste onshore, New Zealand risks missing out on the value of these materials.
2 outlets · Government rejects proposal for new university agency
Minister Shane Reti has declined a recommendation to create a standalone government agency to manage university strategy and funding. Instead, the government will maintain its current approach to the tertiary sector, focusing on economic growth through five announced reforms.
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