Wednesday 10 September 2025
42 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Court of Appeal declines to quash Scott Watson's murder convictions
The Court of Appeal has ruled that Scott Watson's convictions for the murders of Ben Smart and Olivia Hope will stand, finding no miscarriage of justice occurred. Watson, who has been imprisoned for 27 years, maintains his innocence. His lawyer stated they intend to apply for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court.
+48 outlets · Man charged after woman dies following alleged assault in Paraparaumu
A 31-year-old man has been charged with assault and breaching a protection order following the death of a woman in Paraparaumu. Police were called to a Chums Road property around 9.50pm on Tuesday night. The man, who was known to the woman, is expected to appear in Porirua District Court.
+15 outlets · Police release images of Tom Phillips' campsite in King Country
Police have released photos of a makeshift campsite believed to have been used by Tom Phillips and his children. The site is described as a grim, dimly lit area in dense bush, located approximately 200 metres from where the younger children were found on Monday. Investigations continue following Phillips' death during a shootout with police.
+48 outlets · Person taken into custody after reported firearm sighting in Wellington
Police cordoned off a building on Webb Street in Te Aro on Wednesday afternoon following reports of a potential firearm sighting. Officers used distraction devices during the response and took one person into custody without incident at 6.15pm. Police are remaining at the address to conduct further enquiries.
4 outlets · Te Pāti Māori MP Tākuta Ferris defends controversial social media post
Tākuta Ferris has repeated social media comments criticising non-Māori people campaigning for Labour's Peeni Henare in the Tāmaki Makaurau by-election. His remarks, which labelled such campaigning as unacceptable, have drawn widespread condemnation and contradict an earlier apology from his party.
+26 outlets · Tom Phillips family expresses distress over documentary being made
The family of Tom Phillips has said they are disturbed by a documentary being produced about his case. The film crew has reportedly had exclusive access to the investigation for over a year. Phillips was killed by police following a shootout after being a fugitive since December 2021.
4 outlets · Taxpayers spent $44,000 on prime ministers' Queenstown helicopter trip
The Government has confirmed that flying Christopher Luxon and Anthony Albanese to a Queenstown mountain cost approximately $44,000. The leaders took two helicopter rides in August to film social media content. While Labour criticised the expense, the Prime Minister stated the money was well spent promoting tourism.
4 outlets · Court to review urgent injunction regarding Tom Phillips investigation
A High Court judge will hear an urgent injunction preventing the media, police, and Oranga Tamariki from publishing certain details about the investigation into Tom Phillips and his family. This follows the fatal police shooting of Phillips on Monday morning after he was reported for burglary.
+37 outlets · One person seriously injured in Wiri fuel tank explosion
A worker was seriously injured following a fuel tank explosion at Southpac Trucks in Wiri on Wednesday afternoon. Emergency services, including three fire trucks, responded to the South Auckland site shortly after 3:00pm. St John was notified of the incident.
4 outlets · Jetstar to launch daily Hamilton to Christchurch flights in December
Jetstar is expanding its New Zealand and trans-Tasman network by adding more than 660,000 seats annually. This expansion includes a new daily jet service between Hamilton and Christchurch starting 1 December. The airline is also introducing a seasonal Brisbane to Queenstown route.
4 outlets · Womad Aotearoa festival will not go ahead in 2026
The Womad Aotearoa music and arts festival will not be held in New Plymouth next year. Organisers say the three-day event, which takes place at Brooklands Park, is taking a "purposeful rest" for the first time in more than two decades.
+15 outlets · Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua stood down for South Africa series
Netball New Zealand has stood down Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua for the upcoming Taini Jamison Series against South Africa. The organisation confirmed the decision followed ongoing discussions regarding unresolved issues. Netball New Zealand has denied reports that the relationship between Taurua and the players has completely broken down.
4 outlets · Police continue investigation into Tom Phillips and potential accomplices
Police are searching for individuals who may have assisted Tom Phillips in hiding his children for nearly four years. This investigation follows the death of Phillips, who was killed on Monday after shooting a police officer. His three children have been located and are safe.
+15 outlets · Tauranga man discharged without conviction for possessing emergency equipment
A 30-year-old Tauranga auto-electrician was discharged without conviction after illegally keeping an ambulance light and siren. He had installed the Hato Hone St John equipment in his vehicle, intending to use it if he encountered accidents or fallen trees while driving.
3 outlets · High Court rules Kim Dotcom's extradition to the US is legal
The High Court has rejected Kim Dotcom's attempt to block his extradition to the United States. The 51-year-old businessman challenged the Justice Minister's decision through a judicial review. Dotcom had previously argued that the US prosecution was motivated by improper purposes.
+26 outlets · Māori ward candidate profiles omitted from Whanganui voting booklets
Whanganui's election officer has apologised after Māori ward candidate profiles were excluded from official voting packs due to a printing error. One candidate has called for the accompanying Māori ward referendum to be scrapped, citing concerns regarding the integrity of the result.
+15 outlets · South Island car dealer sentenced for Clean Car Discount fraud
Hamish Gardyne has been sentenced to nine months of home detention for dishonestly claiming Clean Car Discount rebates. Between March and April 2023, the dealer applied for $410,550 in rebates by falsely claiming 119 Nissan Leaf vehicles were demonstration cars.
3 outlets · Sophie Devine to captain White Ferns in final World Cup
Sophie Devine will lead the White Ferns in her fifth and final one-day World Cup next month. The 15-player squad includes four newcomers making their maiden tournament appearances: Flora Devonshire, Polly Inglis, Bella James, and Bree Illing.
3 outlets · Images released showing conditions at Tom Phillips' campsite
Police have released new photos showing the conditions where Tom Phillips' children were living, including images of sleeping and cooking areas. Child advocate Jane Searle has called for the children's privacy to be respected as they begin a new reality. The site was located with assistance from one of Phillips' children.
+15 outlets · Mother of Tom Phillips' children unsure of reunion timeline
The mother of Tom Phillips' children has been told there is no current plan or timeline for her to be reunited with them. The Police Minister expressed sympathy for her situation, describing the matter as a complex issue.
+37 outlets · Elderly Whangārei couple lose tens of thousands in banking scam
An elderly couple lost tens of thousands of dollars over the weekend after being targeted by a fraudster. The victims were instructed to provide their PINs and leave their bank cards in a mailbox for collection. Whangārei Police are currently investigating the scam and are urging the public to remain alert.
3 outlets · Shane Jones suggests considering renationalisation of power companies
NZ First minister Shane Jones has suggested his party consider renationalising the electricity sector. The proposal comes amid rising power prices that are impacting New Zealanders, particularly those on fixed or lower incomes. Jones also indicated a desire for more fossil fuels in an energy shake-up.
3 outlets · Tom Phillips fatally shot following confrontation with police in Waikato
Tom Phillips was shot dead by police north of Piopio in the early hours of Monday. A rural Waikato officer was critically injured after being shot in the head and shoulder during the confrontation. The officer is currently recovering in hospital.
3 outlets · Teacher provides emotional evidence in trial of woman accused of murder
A teacher broke down in tears while describing how two children were adored at school. The evidence was given during the first week of Hakyung Lee's trial at the Auckland High Court. Lee is accused of murdering the children and leaving them in suitcases.
3 outlets · Texts show Treasury warned Nicola Willis about Adrian Orr's departure
Newly-released text messages reveal Treasury warned Finance Minister Nicola Willis that then-Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr was leaving his position. Willis has defended her decision not to disclose this information earlier.
2 outlets · Employer reviews Stuart Nash after inappropriate remarks about women
Former Labour minister Stuart Nash is facing a formal review by his employer following comments regarding women made during a radio interview. Taxpayer Union board chairperson Ruth Richardson described the remarks as crude and crass. Nash has since issued an apology on LinkedIn.
2 outlets · Christopher Luxon launches education partnership in Solomon Islands
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is visiting a school in Honiara to mark a renewed 10-year education partnership between New Zealand and the Solomon Islands. The agreement is valued at NZ$61 million. The visit is taking place alongside the Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting.
2 outlets · Man claims he saw Tom Phillips three times during search
A Taupō man who spent nearly 1,000 hours searching for Tom Phillips believes he spotted the fugitive on three occasions. The search ended this week after Phillips was shot dead by police following a shootout. Phillips had been evading authorities with his three children since December 2021.
2 outlets · Waikato couple finds free power hour difficult to manage
Samara and Sam Constable are struggling to manage rising electricity costs despite having a free hour of power. The Waikato couple uses as much electricity as possible between 9pm and 10pm daily to utilise their Electric Kiwi plan.
3 outlets · Rugby player in critical condition after falling from Dunedin roof
Jayden Broome, a 19-year-old rugby player, remains in a coma after falling from a two-storey roof on Castle Street in Dunedin. The incident occurred on Monday night while he was climbing onto a flat.
2 outlets · Hunters gather at Molesworth Station for Canada geese cull
Hundreds of hunters are heading to the Molesworth Station in Marlborough to target Canada geese. The hunting weekends are part of an effort to manage the pest problem across the 500,000-acre farm.
2 outlets · Doctor testifies in trial of Hakyung Lee accused of child murders
A doctor testified that Hakyung Lee never mentioned depression or suicidal thoughts before being prescribed sleep medication in 2017. Lee is currently on trial for the alleged murder of her two children, who were found in a storage unit.
2 outlets · Police seek information on man wanted for arrest
Police are searching for 35-year-old Nerehana Tetahi Wall, who has an arrest warrant. He is known to have connections across the Bay of Plenty, Auckland, Waikato, and Wellington. Authorities have urged the public not to approach him.
2 outlets · Public reserve to be established on Miramar Peninsula
A section of the Miramar Peninsula will become a public reserve following a promise made in 2011. Conservation Minister Tama Potaka and Minister Chris Penk announced the development of the site, which holds historical and cultural significance.
2 outlets · Strong winds cause speed restrictions on Auckland Harbour Bridge
The NZ Transport Agency has implemented lower speed limits on the Auckland Harbour Bridge due to strong winds. Motorists are advised to consider alternative routes, as the bridge may face full closures or lane reductions during the evening rush hour.
2 outlets · Neighbours hear gunfire during police shootout with Tom Phillips
A local family heard rapid gunfire while sleeping near the site of a shootout between police and Tom Phillips. The incident occurred at a farm in Waitomo, where the fugitive's former wife has been employed within the last year.
+15 outlets · Piripiri School closed following fatal shooting of Tom Phillips
Piripiri School has closed after advice from the Ministry of Education due to road closures in the area. The school is located within a police cordon established to investigate the fatal shooting of Tom Phillips on Monday. Access for staff and students has been limited by the ongoing investigation.
4 outlets · Woman pleads not guilty to causing death of Gore toddler
A 30-year-old woman has pleaded not guilty in Gore District Court regarding the death of toddler Malakai Kumeroa. The incident occurred in a driveway on New Year’s Day. The woman, who has name suppression, also faces a charge of injuring another child and has elected a jury trial.
2 outlets · Jayda Phillips helped police locate siblings in Waikato bush
Jayda Phillips provided information that assisted officers in finding her siblings at a remote campsite more than 12 hours after her father's death. She also advised negotiators on how to communicate with the children to build trust while they were located in the dense bush.
2 outlets · Lulu Sun confirmed for 2026 ASB Classic in Auckland
New Zealand's top-ranked female tennis player, Lulu Sun, is the first player confirmed for the 2026 ASB Classic. The 24-year-old hopes the Auckland tournament will serve as a platform to improve her form and return to the top 100 rankings.
2 outlets · Experts suggest dedicated minister to lead fight against organised crime
The Ministerial Advisory Group on Transnational, Serious and Organised Crime has recommended appointing a single minister to oversee the fight against organised crime. Experts argue that current lack of accountability has caused inconsistency and that organised crime is now a primary threat to national security.
2 outlets · Autopsy scheduled for Tom Phillips as police investigate campsite conditions
Police are investigating the conditions of a hidden campsite after Tom Phillips' children were found in the Waikato backcountry. An autopsy for Phillips is scheduled for today, while his children remain in the care of Oranga Tamariki. A psychologist has advised that public scrutiny of the case should not impact the children's recovery.
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