Thursday 4 September 2025
41 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Property director fined for running illegal Manurewa boarding house
Paul Knights, acting as director of 4 Corners Investment Ltd, has been fined $54,000 for running an illegal boarding house in Manurewa. Migrant workers lived in container-style cabins inside a warehouse for two years that lacked adequate fire safety systems and proper escape routes.
+37 outlets · IKEA to open first New Zealand store in Auckland this December
IKEA has announced that its flagship store at Sylvia Park in Auckland will open to the public on 4 December. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon attended the announcement at the new location.
4 outlets · Judith Collins completes secret visit to Kyiv to meet officials
Defence Minister Judith Collins has completed an unannounced trip to Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian government and defence officials. The visit, which was kept secret until she departed, occurred while Russia launched air attacks on the capital. Collins described the impact of the war on the people as heartbreaking.
4 outlets · Nelson road closed after suspicious item and alleged threat
Police cordoned off a section of Waimea Road in Nelson after receiving reports of a suspicious item and an alleged threat at 5.20pm on Thursday. Motorists are advised to avoid the area between Van Diemen and Bronte Streets while officers work to establish the nature of the item.
4 outlets · No charges for former deputy police commissioner over sexual misconduct allegations
Former deputy police commissioner Jevon McSkimming will not face charges following an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct involving a former junior staff member. However, McSkimming still faces eight charges related to the alleged possession of objectionable material, including child sexual exploitation and bestiality content.
4 outlets · Te Pāti Māori apologises after MP questions ethnicity of campaign workers
Te Pāti Māori has apologised and instructed MP Tākuta Ferris to remove a social media post regarding the ethnicity of Labour supporters in the Tāmaki Makaurau by-election. Labour condemned the comments, which questioned why non-Māori were campaigning for candidate Peeni Henare.
4 outlets · Scaffolding company sentenced after structure collapsed on Auckland road
Kylin Scaffolding Limited has been ordered to pay $8,500 in reparations after pleading guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. The nine-metre-high structure collapsed onto Peach Parade in Remuera during windy conditions in January 2024, damaging several cars near the Ellerslie Racecourse.
4 outlets · Shirley Boys’ High student hospitalised with meningococcal meningitis
A student from Shirley Boys’ High School has been admitted to hospital with meningococcal meningitis after attending a rugby tournament in Dunedin. The student is reportedly improving and alert. Public health officials have identified close contacts and offered them antibiotics.
4 outlets · All Blacks squad named to face Springboks at Eden Park
Coach Scott Robertson has announced the All Blacks team for this Saturday's test against South Africa in Auckland. Emoni Narawa has been recalled to the squad, while Ardie Savea is set to play his 100th test match.
3 outlets · Jury size reduced during Loafers Lodge fire trial
The jury in the Loafers Lodge fire trial has decreased to 11 members after one person left due to ill health. Defence lawyers claim the 50-year-old accused was unwell at the time of the fatal Wellington hostel fire because he had not taken his schizophrenia medication for a month.
3 outlets · Two people seriously injured during disorder in Manukau
Two people are in serious condition following a disorder near Great South Road and Te Irirangi Drive in Manukau on Thursday evening. Police responded to the scene around 6.10pm and are currently working to locate others believed to be involved in the incident.
4 outlets · ACC review finds poor workplace culture and high-risk hiring practices
An independent review of ACC has identified a gossipy culture, low trust in complaints processes, and high-risk hiring practices. The investigation, which involved approximately 700 staff members, also highlighted significant pressure on frontline workers and inconsistent leadership behaviour.
4 outlets · Teenager arrested after taunting police on social media
A 14-year-old boy has been placed in youth custody after allegedly causing havoc on a dirt bike in Whangārei. The teenager reportedly posted footage of his activities online and sent a taunting message to police social media accounts. His dirt bike has been impounded by Northland police.
3 outlets · Public urged to avoid Lower Hutt area during police incident
Police are responding to an incident in Lower Hutt, resulting in the closure of Cornwall Street between Waterloo Road and Queens Grove. Authorities have advised the public to avoid the area, though they state there is currently no threat to public safety.
3 outlets · Health minister calls for binding arbitration to end doctors' dispute
Health Minister Simeon Brown has urged Health New Zealand and the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists to enter binding arbitration. The move aims to resolve a long-running contract dispute as nurses continue to strike across the country.
3 outlets · Government to strengthen deportation rules for serious offenders
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford has announced plans to overhaul immigration rules to make deporting criminals easier. Under the proposed law change, permanent residents who commit serious crimes could face deportation even if they have lived in New Zealand for up to 20 years, increasing the current 10-year limit.
4 outlets · Police seek witnesses after multi-vehicle crash in Cardrona Valley
Five people were injured in a multi-vehicle crash on Cardrona Valley Road yesterday afternoon. One person was airlifted to Christchurch Hospital in critical condition. Police are now seeking witnesses to the incident, and the road has since reopened.
3 outlets · New online hazard rules for West Coast homeowners
West Coast residents will soon be able to check online if properties are at risk from liquefaction or other damaging events. Under new government rules, regional councils must share this information. A regional councillor has expressed concern regarding developments continuing in high-risk areas.
3 outlets · Protesters gather to save Wellington's City to Sea bridge
Approximately 40 people held a protest to oppose the demolition of the City to Sea bridge due to seismic concerns. While some supporters pledged to stage a sit-in, the Wellington Civic Trust has decided not to appeal a court judgement that allows the council to proceed.
2 outlets · Carter Holt Harvey to close Eves Valley sawmill in Tasman
Carter Holt Harvey has confirmed the closure of its Eves Valley sawmill, resulting in the loss of 142 jobs. Local mayors had previously lobbied for a one-year delay to allow for the salvage of timber left by recent storms. The decision has been described by Tasman Mayor Tim King as gutting for the region.
4 outlets · Educators claim Treaty and Māori content removed from new curriculums
Teachers and principals at a Wellington conference warned that the Treaty of Waitangi and Māori words are being omitted from new English and maths curriculums. Education Minister Erica Stanford has rejected these claims, despite educators reporting a noticeable reduction in such references within school documents.
+15 outlets · Marlborough Sounds candidates discuss cat control bylaw
Candidates for the Marlborough District Council’s Sounds ward have expressed support for a cat control bylaw to protect native wildlife. However, candidate Barbara Faulls noted that the council cannot enforce such a bylaw without government legislation. Candidates also ruled out pledging to cap rates.
3 outlets · Jesse Kriel to captain Springboks against All Blacks at Eden Park
Jesse Kriel will captain the Springboks for Saturday's Rugby Championship match against the All Blacks in Auckland. While Siya Kolisi is included in the starting lineup, Kriel has been named as captain for the showdown at Eden Park.
2 outlets · MetService issues heavy rain and wind warnings for parts of Canterbury
MetService has issued heavy rain and strong wind warnings for parts of the South Island on Friday. The warnings include heavy rain for the headwaters of Canterbury lakes and rivers south of Arthur's Pass, while severe gales are forecast for inland Canterbury.
2 outlets · Dunedin student fights for bond after living in filthy rental
A student is seeking her bond back through the Tenancy Tribunal after living in a North Dunedin flat filled with rubbish, dirt and faeces. The tenant reported being harassed and constantly monitored by a landlord who owns multiple properties.
2 outlets · Grenade and drugs found during Northland police raid
Police discovered a grenade, ammunition, methamphetamine, and cash during a search of an Onerahi property this morning. Two people are facing charges and are scheduled to appear in the Whangārei District Court on Friday.
2 outlets · Avalanche triggered by ice fall occurs in Aoraki Mt Cook
An avalanche occurred on the eastern side of Mt Haidinger on Wednesday. The event was naturally triggered by an ice fall, according to the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council. Experts warn that avalanche danger may increase further due to forecasted storms over the weekend.
2 outlets · Wellington City Council adopts first Rainbow action plan
The Wellington City Council has unanimously voted to adopt a Rainbow action plan. This is believed to be the first strategy of its kind to be adopted by a council in Aotearoa. The city currently has an LGBTIQ+ population of 11.3%.
2 outlets · New Sara Cohen specialist school opens in Dunedin
Te Whirika Sara Cohen Specialist School has officially opened its new site on Riselaw Road in Dunedin. The facility includes a purpose-built playground and a hydro-therapy pool. Education Minister Erica Stanford attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside school principal Matthew Tofia.
2 outlets · One person believed dead in crash south of Dunedin
A motorcycle and a car collided on State Highway 1 south of Dunedin around 1.30pm on Thursday. One person is believed to have died in the accident. Police closed the section of the highway between Law Road and Riverside Road, with the closure expected to last several hours.
2 outlets · Luxon rejects calls to deport New Zealand-born neo-Nazi
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has stated that neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell is an Australian citizen and not New Zealand's responsibility. Sewell is currently awaiting a bail hearing following an alleged attack on an indigenous camp in Melbourne. Over 91,000 people have signed a petition calling for his deportation from Australia.
2 outlets · Police seek public assistance following child abuse cases in lower North Island
Police are asking for help reporting child abuse following several incidents in the lower North Island. Recent cases include the death of a six-month-old in July and the death of a child in October. Authorities say multiple children have been killed or seriously injured in the region in recent months.
2 outlets · Rising costs continue to outpace incomes for New Zealanders
New Infometrics data shows that the cost of living is rising faster than most incomes. Many people are struggling to afford basic necessities and are finding it increasingly difficult to manage their finances.
4 outlets · Man sentenced for hiding car after Auckland road rage shooting
Sione Ngata has been sentenced to community detention for helping to hide a vehicle involved in a 2023 road rage incident. The event, which spanned 12km on Auckland motorways, resulted in a 15-year-old girl being shot near the heart. While Ngata did not fire the weapon, he assisted in covering up the crime.
2 outlets · Historians losing jobs at national war memorial education centre
Two historians who teach children about the New Zealand Wars, Gallipoli and Vietnam will lose their positions at the nation's war memorial education centre. Internal documents indicate their roles are due to be disestablished in December this year.
2 outlets · Ōpōtiki couple wins $12.5 million Lotto Powerball jackpot
An anonymous couple from Ōpōtiki won $12.5 million in Saturday's Lotto Powerball draw. After checking their ticket on the MyLotto app, the pair reported feeling as though they were living in a dream and remained sleepless for two nights.
2 outlets · Fletcher Building investigates potential asbestos in Auckland convention centre doors
Fletcher Building is investigating whether fire doors at the new New Zealand International Convention Centre in Auckland contain asbestos. The company is assessing the potential impacts on the project, which is scheduled to open in February 2026. Checks are also being conducted at buildings in Wellington and Christchurch.
2 outlets · Adopted teenager granted visa to live with suspected people-traffickers
Immigration New Zealand facilitated a visa for a 17-year-old adopted girl to live with a family under police investigation for people-trafficking. Although officials flagged the situation as high-risk in a briefing to Immigration Minister Erica Stanford, the agency stated it could not block the visa.
4 outlets · Highlanders sign Argentinian lock Tomas Lavanini for 2026 season
The Highlanders have signed 32-year-old Argentinian lock Tomas Lavanini for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign. The physical forward, who has received three red cards, joins the Dunedin-based team to bolster their forward pack.
2 outlets · Nurses and midwives strike for second day over pay and staffing
More than 36,000 nurses, midwives and health care assistants are striking for a second consecutive day. The Nurses Organisation members are demanding better pay and increased staffing levels. The industrial action is expected to disrupt over 13,000 surgeries and appointments.
2 outlets · New Zealand property values fall for fifth consecutive month
National home values decreased by 0.6% in 2025 according to Cotality NZ. The nationwide median price has reached $809,113 following a 0.2% drop in August.
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