Police complete scene examination of Tom Phillips' bush camps
Police are nearing completion of scene examinations at remote campsites used by Tom Phillips and his children in Waitomo. Authorities have released aerial photos of amassed items and warned that trespassers on the private property could face prosecution once cordons are lifted.
+15 outlets · Auckland Harbour Bridge southbound lanes to close for Gaza protest
The Auckland Harbour Bridge will be closed to southbound traffic on Saturday morning for a pro-Palestine march. Organisers originally planned to march across the bridge, but adverse weather and unsafe wind speeds have forced the protest to move away from the site.
+37 outlets · Commercial fisher fined for trawling through Kahurangi Marine Reserve
Kelly Gavin Scoles, 37, has been fined $15,000 after trawling through a protected marine reserve off the South Island in May 2024. The commercial fisher towed a net through the 16km reserve, catching approximately 700kg of fish. He was sentenced in the Kaikohe District Court on charges under the Marine Reserves and Fisheries Acts.
4 outlets · Two more teenagers charged with murder of Napier boy
Two 16-year-olds have been charged with the murder of 15-year-old Kaea Karauria, who was fatally stabbed in Onekawa on 11 May. The teenagers are due to appear in Napier Youth Court. This follows previous charges involving a 15-year-old, a 21-year-old woman, and a teenage girl.
4 outlets · Durra brand tahina recalled over potential salmonella risk
New Zealand Food Safety is supporting a recall of 800g Durra brand tahina due to the possible presence of salmonella. The product was sold in several ethnic supermarkets across Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington. Customers are urged to return the affected batch to the retailer for a refund.
4 outlets · Pilot convicted for conducting unlicensed scenic helicopter flights
A helicopter pilot has been sentenced for conducting paid scenic flights around Alexandra and Clyde without the required licence or air operator's certificate. The individual had been advertising and operating these flights since early 2020.
4 outlets · Investigation launched into alleged illegal mining near Wellington ecosanctuary
Officials are investigating claims of unconsented mining activity in the hills above Wellington. This follows a series of prospecting permit applications for gold exploration near the Zealandia ecosanctuary. One two-year permit was recently granted to a man from Wānaka to prospect in the area.
+26 outlets · Dame Cindy Kiro's term as Governor-General extended by five months
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced that Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro will remain in office until 31 March 2027. The extension aims to prevent her term ending from clashing with the 2026 General Election. Dame Kiro originally began her five-year term in October 2021.
3 outlets · Mother of Marokopa children appeared in court on day Tom Phillips died
Catherine Christey appeared in Te Kūiti District Court on Monday for a drink driving charge. Her court appearance occurred the same day police shot and killed her former husband, Tom Phillips, while authorities were searching for their missing children.
+26 outlets · Tom Phillips dead following police shooting and children found alive
Tom Phillips has died after being shot by police, while his three children have been located alive. The incident follows Phillips' disappearance into the bush with the children in 2021. Legal experts are now calling for inquiries into how he maintained access to the children before the shooting.
+26 outlets · Originair to take over Blenheim to Christchurch flight route
Nelson-based carrier Originair will begin flying between Blenheim and Christchurch from 19 October. The airline is taking over the service from Sounds Air, which is ceasing the route due to rising costs. Originair plans to operate flights seven days a week, including twice-daily services on certain days.
3 outlets · Strong winds and unsettled weather forecast for the weekend
MetService has forecast strong winds and unsettled conditions across much of New Zealand this weekend. Heavy wind warnings are in place for parts of both islands, while snow warnings have been issued for several South Island state highways. Residents in Hawke's Bay have been advised to secure loose objects due to expected gusts.
3 outlets · Tom Phillips' family gutted after police officer was shot
The family of Marokopa man Tom Phillips expressed distress that a police officer was shot during the incident. A spokesperson stated the family hopes the officer makes a full recovery and noted that their focus is now on the wellbeing of Phillips' children.
+37 outlets · Timaru Boys’ High School closes following anonymous email threat
Timaru Boys’ High School has closed for the day after receiving an anonymous email on Thursday night containing a threat of harm. Rector Dave Thorp has asked parents and caregivers to keep students at home on Friday. Police are currently investigating the matter.
3 outlets · Proposed $20m redevelopment for Takapuna Golf Course precinct
Golf Warehouse has submitted a $20m proposal to redevelop A.F. Thomas Park on Auckland's North Shore. The plan suggests replacing the current 18-hole course with a nine-hole course, a stadium, and a recreation precinct. This follows Auckland Council plans to convert part of the land into wetlands for flood mitigation.
3 outlets · Review finds no misuse of Whānau Ora funds for electioneering
An independent review has not upheld allegations that two former Whānau Ora commissioning agencies misused public funds for electioneering. While an advertisement encouraging Māori to join the Māori electoral roll was deemed within funding frameworks, some issues have been referred to the Electoral Commission and Public Service Commission.
3 outlets · Queenstown venue left off international cricket schedules this summer
John Davies Oval has been excluded from the Black Caps and White Ferns schedules for the upcoming summer. Following the last international match held there in March 2024, a local resident has started a petition to address the omission.
2 outlets · Couple accused of million-dollar cancer fraud to remain in custody
Andrew Jones and Sepiuta Vave appeared in Christchurch District Court facing charges of defrauding more than a dozen people through false cancer claims. Both individuals have pleaded not guilty to the charges. Jones will remain in custody following his court appearance on Wednesday.
4 outlets · Tākuta Ferris refuses to apologise for controversial posts
Te Pāti Māori MP Tākuta Ferris has declined to apologise for comments accused of being racist, despite his party issuing a public apology. Following his refusal to retract the remarks, Ferris is set to undergo a tikanga-based restorative process through a hui.
4 outlets · Wellington homeowners face losses after buying at market peak
Some Wellington homeowners may face losses of hundreds of thousands of dollars when attempting to sell their properties. Recent data indicates that average home values in the capital have fallen by as much as 30 percent since January 2022.
3 outlets · Police investigate potential accomplices in Tom Phillips case
Police are searching for individuals who may have assisted fugitive Tom Phillips while he lived in the Waikato bush with his children. Authorities seized items including guns, quad bikes, and tools from campsites used over nearly four years. Legal experts suggest that charging any accomplices could prove difficult for investigators.
2 outlets · Katana Faulkner faces court for North Island armed robbery spree
Katana Faulkner appeared in Hamilton District Court following a series of armed robberies across the North Island. The young man had been previously jailed for a spree of similar offences in the Waikato region.
2 outlets · Three pedestrians injured in serious Manurewa crash
Three pedestrians were taken to Middlemore Hospital following a serious crash in Manurewa on Friday evening. Two of the injured individuals are in serious condition. Police are investigating the incident, and reports indicate the driver fled the scene.
2 outlets · Memorial bench lost in Tasman floods found on Kāpiti Coast
A handcrafted memorial bench for Jack Robertson has washed up on Waikanae Beach, 185km from where it was swept away by flooding in Tasman. The seat was originally located on farmland overlooking the Tākaka River. It was discovered near a cemetery where the man's grandparents are buried.
2 outlets · Health practitioner loses licence after sharing images of child abuse
A female health practitioner has had her licence cancelled by a tribunal. The woman shared images of children being abused online and discussed a desire to have her own child to be abused. She has requested further anonymity to pursue a new career.
2 outlets · High winds force route change for Auckland pro-Palestine protest
Organisers of the March for Humanity have changed their route due to safety concerns regarding high winds. Instead of crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge, the protest will travel through the CBD and conclude at Victoria Park. The group is calling for the government to impose sanctions on Israel.
2 outlets · Two more Smiths City stores close ahead of final liquidation sale
Smiths City stores in Gore and Greymouth have closed after selling out of stock. Remaining branches in Auckland, Alexandra, Christchurch, Invercargill and Oamaru will stay open until 5pm on Sunday. The retailer is winding down operations following its entry into voluntary administration earlier this month.
4 outlets · Greens call for voting extension after Māori ward candidate profiles omitted
Green Party MPs are requesting an extension to the voting period for Māori ward elections and referendums. The call follows a publishing error where candidate profiles were left out of voting packs in three districts, including South Wairarapa.
3 outlets · Stuff could face fine of up to $200,000 over audio release
Media company Stuff may face a fine of up to $200,000 for publishing police radio communications regarding the fatal shooting of Tom Phillips. Police have warned that the release of the audio could potentially jeopardise homicide and coronial inquiries. Stuff maintains that it stands by its reporting and handling of the story.
2 outlets · Tom Walsh and Hamish Kerr establish trust for track and field athletes
Olympic medalists Tom Walsh and Hamish Kerr have co-founded the Aotearoa Athletics Trust. The initiative aims to provide financial support to New Zealand track and field athletes facing funding gaps when qualifying for major international competitions.
2 outlets · Maya Moore found guilty of arson and firearms charges
A jury has found Maya Moore guilty of arson and firearms charges following fires at two neighbouring Wairarapa properties in October 2022. The blazes, which occurred near Greytown, caused more than $2 million in damage. Moore was not present in the Wellington District Court to hear the verdict.
3 outlets · Phoebe Scherer named 2025 Young Grower of the Year
Bay of Plenty technical lab manager Phoebe Scherer has won the 2025 Young Grower of the Year title. The 29-year-old Tauranga-based winner was selected from seven national finalists representing the horticultural sector.
4 outlets · Student loan debt grows for New Zealander living in Melbourne
A self-employed New Zealander living in Melbourne has a student loan exceeding $100,000 following postgraduate studies. The individual reports that interest is causing the debt to increase despite ongoing payments. The person currently earns approximately $44,000 a year while living abroad.
3 outlets · Te Papa Gallipoli exhibition to reopen with upgrades and new display
The Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War exhibition at Te Papa will reopen this Saturday following upgrades to its technology. The display will now include a new section featuring keepsakes from a soldier's fiancée to highlight the impact of war on women. The exhibition is scheduled to remain on display until April 2032.
2 outlets · Charge amended for man accused in Rotorua hit-and-run death
Riki Lum, a 31-year-old Hamilton man, has had his charge amended following the death of Paige Johnson in a Rotorua motorbike hit-and-run. Lum is currently on electronically monitored bail while he awaits trial for the manslaughter of the 24-year-old man.
2 outlets · Man found dead in Christchurch bar toilet
A man was discovered dead in a toilet at The Rockpool bar on Hereford St on Friday morning. He had entered the premises at approximately 7.30am to use the facilities before being found by a cleaner two hours later. Police are not treating the death as suspicious.
2 outlets · Hawke’s Bay offroaders remove nearly 400 tyres from riverbank
Members of the Hawke’s Bay Adventure NZ 4x4 Club have cleared almost 400 tyres from a riverbank. The club's founder, George Christieson, said the initiative follows frequent associations between offroaders and illegal dumping. The group intends to make these clean-up efforts a monthly event.
3 outlets · New Zealand lowers Russian oil price cap in new sanctions
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced new sanctions targeting Russia's oil revenue and military intelligence. The government is lowering the price cap on Russian crude oil from US$60 to US$47.60 per barrel. Additionally, new sanctions have been placed on Russian actors involved in cyber-attacks against Ukraine.
2 outlets · Thunderstorms and wind gusts pose flooding risk across North Island
Severe weather is expected to bring heavy rain and wind gusts of up to 80km/h across the North Island. NZTA has warned that these conditions could cause disruptions to traffic on the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
2 outlets · Five-vehicle crash causes delays on Auckland Southern Motorway
A five-vehicle crash occurred on Friday morning in the southbound lanes at Greenlane. The accident partially blocked the Greenlane off-ramp, though motorists can still exit. Police have reported that no one has been seriously injured.
2 outlets · New report suggests ways to increase tax from big tech companies
A report from Tax Justice Aotearoa suggests New Zealand could use existing tax laws to collect more income tax from large technology firms. The study highlights how companies like Amazon Web Services generate significant revenue in New Zealand while paying relatively little tax.
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