Wednesday 3 September 2025
44 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Former prime ministers attend military parade in Beijing
Helen Clark and John Key attended a military parade in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The former prime ministers appeared alongside leaders including Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un. Clark described her decision to attend the event as a "line call."
+26 outlets · Body found during search for missing man in Coromandel
Police have located a body near the Coromandel Peninsula believed to be 35-year-old Jared. He was reported missing after last being seen leaving his Waiomu home on 24 August. The case has been referred to the coroner while formal identification is completed.
+15 outlets · Justice system under considerable stress, says Chief Justice
Chief Justice Dame Helen Winkelmann has reported that the New Zealand justice system is facing significant strain. Her annual report highlights shortages of judges and courtrooms, alongside an increase in complex murder and manslaughter cases. Criminal trials are also becoming longer, now averaging 17 days.
4 outlets · Police oppose bail for New Zealand-born neo-Nazi leader in Melbourne
Thomas Sewell, a New Zealand-born white supremacist, has been charged following an alleged attack on an Aboriginal protest site in Melbourne. Police are fighting to keep him in custody, citing concerns over escalating violence. Meanwhile, a petition calling for his deportation to New Zealand has gained over 60,000 signatures.
3 outlets · Accused in Loafers Lodge murder trial absconded from mental health facility
The man accused of murdering five people in the Loafers Lodge fire had absconded from an Auckland mental health facility weeks before the blaze. During his trial, the court heard he had a previous attempted arson conviction and claimed voices told him to burn the hostel down.
4 outlets · Government announces major changes to disability support system
Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston has announced that assessment processes and service allocations will be standardised across New Zealand from next February. While advocates welcome the restoration of flexible funding, they expressed concerns that people may receive less money and face repeated assessments under the new rules.
+26 outlets · Split Enz to reunite for Electric Avenue festival in Christchurch
Legendary New Zealand band Split Enz will reform for a performance at the Electric Avenue festival in Hagley Park. The two-day event is scheduled for late February 2026. This marks the band's first full lineup reunion in 16 years and celebrates their 50th anniversary.
3 outlets · Woman on trial for arson of two Wairarapa houses
Maya Moore is facing trial in Wellington for nine charges, including arson and attempted arson, following fires at two Wairarapa properties in October 2022. Moore has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which involve fires lit near the doors of houses while people were sleeping inside.
3 outlets · New Zealand woman to face court after alleged disruptive flight behaviour
A 50-year-old New Zealand woman is due to appear in a Sydney court following an incident on a flight from Sydney to Queenstown. Police say the woman allegedly danced in the aisle and swore at crew while intoxicated, causing the pilot to abort the takeoff.
3 outlets · Hamilton man jailed for life for killing infant and attacking family
A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering a three-month-old girl and attacking a woman and toddler on New Year's Day. The victim, who suffered neck stabbings, managed to flee to a neighbour's house for help. The offender was given a minimum non-parole period of at least 23 years.
+26 outlets · Serious multi-vehicle crash south of Wanaka causes serious injuries
A multi-vehicle crash occurred on Cardrona Valley Road at approximately 4pm on Wednesday. Emergency services are responding to the incident, which has resulted in serious injuries. Cardrona Valley Road is currently closed and police are setting up diversions.
3 outlets · Auckland construction firm pleads guilty in first criminal cartel case
An Auckland construction company has pleaded guilty to cartel conduct at the High Court. The firm admitted to rigging bids for publicly funded infrastructure projects in Auckland. This marks the second company to plead guilty in New Zealand's first criminal prosecution for cartel conduct.
3 outlets · St John records busiest winter and highest monthly callouts on record
Hato Hone St John has experienced its busiest winter on record due to unprecedented demand. In August, the service recorded more than 50,000 ambulance incidents, marking the highest total for a single month in its history. This surge is attributed to a significant rise in respiratory-related emergencies.
3 outlets · Preferred supplier selected to build two new Cook Strait ferries
The Government has chosen a preferred shipyard to build two new ferries for the Cook Strait, expected to arrive in 2029. Rail Minister Winston Peters stated that Ferry Holdings has narrowed a shortlist of six shipyards down to one. A final deal is expected to be signed by the end of the year.
3 outlets · Christchurch father wins competition to design Liam Lawson's F1 helmet
Ian Ebbs has won a nationwide competition to create a custom helmet design for Formula 1 driver Liam Lawson. Ebbs and his son will travel to the Singapore Grand Prix to present the design to Lawson.
3 outlets · One person seriously injured in single-vehicle crash in Waikato
A person has been hospitalised with serious injuries following a single-vehicle crash on Tuhikaramea Road early Wednesday morning. The incident occurred around 3.30am between Temple View and Dinsdale. Police have closed the road and implemented diversions between Killarney Road and Collins Road.
3 outlets · Police unable to act on death threats against Grey District councillors
West Coast Police say they lack sufficient evidence to take action following anonymous online threats of assassination and torture against Grey District councillors and the mayor. Grey District Council chief executive Joanne Soderlund filed a formal complaint in Greymouth over the matter last weekend.
3 outlets · Large nitrous oxide canisters found on Manurewa streets spark concern
Manurewa Local Board chairperson Matt Winiata reported finding nine discarded nitrous oxide canisters across three streets in 10 minutes. Some of the bottles are up to 3.3 litres in size, prompting calls for regulation at an Auckland Council public forum.
4 outlets · Smiths City stores temporarily closed after company enters voluntary administration
The home appliance and furniture chain Smiths City has entered voluntary administration. Nine stores, including the Dunedin branch, were temporarily closed yesterday. The 107-year-old company now faces an uncertain future under the care of administrators.
2 outlets · Garage Project to take over Fortune Favours Leeds Street bar
Garage Project will take over the Fortune Favours brew bar on Leeds Street following the brewery's recent closure. The closure was caused by rising costs and a 45% revenue decline. Garage Project intends to retain most of the existing staff at the central Wellington site.
3 outlets · Parents call for tougher liquor laws after son's drink-driving death
The parents of 16-year-old Silas Sims are urging the government to strengthen liquor laws following his death in a car crash in Warkworth. They discovered the Mahurangi College student and his friends were sold alcohol multiple times while underage and visibly intoxicated on the night he died.
4 outlets · Lost diary sparks ongoing treasure hunt at Lake Tekapo
Visitors have been searching the Lake Tekapo shoreline since February for a mysterious package. The search involves looking for a bag containing at least eight unofficial guestbooks near the Church of the Good Shepherd.
2 outlets · Shamah Riley pleads guilty to assaulting Nelson supermarket manager
Shamah Riley has pleaded guilty to an unprovoked attack on a Woolworths duty manager in Nelson. The victim sustained facial injuries after being punched and kicked while restocking shelves. Woolworths NZ described the incident as appalling and upsetting.
3 outlets · Health NZ apologises to nurses' union over withheld staffing data
Health NZ has apologised to the New Zealand Nurses Organisation for unreasonably withholding data regarding hospital staffing shortages. The figures indicate that hospitals are understaffed during more than half of day shifts. The apology follows a finding by the Ombudsman and comes ahead of nationwide strikes by 36,000 health workers.
2 outlets · Air New Zealand flight to Perth returns to Auckland mid-flight
An Air New Zealand flight from Auckland to Perth was forced to return to Auckland on Wednesday. Pilots identified an engineering issue approximately one hour into the flight. The aircraft returned to the city's international terminal shortly after its 12.35pm departure.
2 outlets · Manhunt continues for man accused of killing two Australian police officers
Police are searching for Dezi Freeman, who is accused of shooting two officers at a rural property in Porepunkah on 26 August. The search has entered its ninth day, with authorities noting the environment is making the operation difficult. Freeman's wife was reportedly present during the shooting.
2 outlets · Man charged after police officers sprayed with water in Cambridge
A 32-year-old man faces multiple charges, including resisting police, following an incident in Cambridge, Waikato. Video footage shows officers being sprayed with a hose while attending a property related to a nearby vehicle crash. The man is facing a list of offences following the encounter.
2 outlets · Police seek witnesses after stolen car nearly hits students in Christchurch
Police are searching for information regarding a red Subaru, registration WARP9X, that was reported stolen from Harewood Road. Dashcam footage shows the vehicle travelling at high speed and narrowly missing several students on Travis Road in Christchurch.
2 outlets · Questions raised over Amazon's New Zealand data centre investment claims
Amazon Web Services has announced a $7.5 billion plan involving data centres in New Zealand. While the project aims to provide cloud training to 100,000 people, new details have led to doubts regarding promised boosts to the country's GDP and employment.
2 outlets · Westport dairy farmer survives lightning strike
A dairy farm manager in Westport was struck by lightning on Monday. The man experienced a loss of vision for five to 10 minutes after the incident and has attributed his survival to his gumboots.
2 outlets · Wellington City to Sea Bridge demolition green-lighted by High Court
The High Court has dismissed a judicial review by the Wellington Civic Trust that sought to stop the demolition of the City to Sea Bridge. The trust has three days to decide whether to appeal the decision. Demolition work is scheduled to begin this Friday.
2 outlets · Auckland local board member apologises for gesture to Justice Minister
Ōrākei Local Board member Troy Churton has apologised after making a finger gun gesture toward Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. The incident occurred during a community meeting in Mt Eden regarding a high density building proposal.
2 outlets · Consent hearing begins for Taylorville Resource Park near Greymouth
A resource consent hearing has commenced for a private dump located near Greymouth. Legal counsel for Taylorville Resource Park Ltd stated during opening submissions that site run-off will not negatively impact the local public water supply.
2 outlets · Three Mua sisters playing for Hawke’s Bay Tui
Sisters Oli, Neva, and Ama Mua are playing as loose forwards for the Hawke’s Bay Tui in the Farah Palmer Cup. The three siblings are part of a family of five siblings who all play the loose forward position.
2 outlets · Selection challenges for All Blacks ahead of Springboks test
Coach Scott Robertson faces injury and form concerns ahead of the All Blacks match against the Springboks this Saturday at Eden Park. Analysts suggest Leicester Fainga’anuku may return from the bench to strengthen the backline for the Auckland fixture.
2 outlets · Medical expert says abnormal bone likely caused infant's fractures
A radiologist testified in Dunedin District Court that an infant's rib fractures were likely caused by normal force on abnormal bone rather than abuse. The man on trial has pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and wounding with reckless disregard.
2 outlets · Annual funding for eating disorder services to increase by $4 million
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey has announced a $4 million annual funding increase for New Zealand's eating disorder services. The boost will expand prevention, early intervention, and community support for families. Additionally, the current single peer support worker role will be expanded into a national team.
4 outlets · Dirt bike rider pleads guilty to dangerous driving in Rotorua
A 20-year-old rider has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving following an investigation into antisocial motorbike behaviour on roads. Rotorua police identified the individual after investigating illegal riders in the area.
2 outlets · Severe weather watches issued for parts of the South Island
MetService has issued severe weather watches for the Westland, Buller, and Otago and Canterbury lake districts. Heavy rain and northwest gales are expected to affect central and southern New Zealand during Thursday and Friday. Some watches may be upgraded to orange-level warnings.
2 outlets · Andrew Little leads in first Wellington mayoral poll
Labour candidate Andrew Little has emerged as the frontrunner in the first known poll for the Wellington mayoral race. The Curia poll, commissioned by Common Ground Aotearoa, shows Little ahead of his competitors. One rival's support has reportedly declined following an email scandal.
2 outlets · Government to introduce more flexible funding for disabled community
The Government plans to amend the support system to provide more flexible funding for disabled people. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston announced that rules introduced last year, which limited respite care access for parents and carers, will be removed next year.
2 outlets · Two youths arrested after man found unconscious in Mt Wellington
Two people are in custody following an alleged assault on Meadow Street in Mt Wellington yesterday. A man was found unconscious on a footpath and is reported to be in critical condition. The two youths have been referred to Youth Aid.
2 outlets · People with regular jobs sleeping in cars in Petone
Several people are sleeping in vehicles on the Petone foreshore during winter. A social service worker noted that homelessness is widespread, with some individuals on regular paychecks living in cars for shelter.
3 outlets · New Chemist Warehouse and retailer to open in central Christchurch
A 1,100m² Chemist Warehouse is scheduled to open upstairs in a building between High and Hereford streets this November. Another major retailer will also occupy a new corner building nearby as demand for retail space in central Christchurch continues.
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