Saturday 13 September 2025
16 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Thousands march in Auckland demanding sanctions against Israel
Thousands of pro-Palestine demonstrators participated in the 'March for Humanity' through central Auckland on Friday. The group, which included up to 20,000 people, marched from Aotea Square to Victoria Park to demand government sanctions against Israel. Police reported no major incidents despite the presence of counter-protesters.
+15 outlets · Police seize shotgun and cocaine during Queenstown vehicle stop
A 30-year-old man faces multiple charges after police stopped a suspicious vehicle on Suburb St around 4.30am on Friday. Officers recovered a sawn-off shotgun, various ammunition, and a substantial amount of cocaine. The man is due to appear in Queenstown District Court on 20 October.
4 outlets · Police investigate items at Tom Phillips' campsites in Waitomo
A dedicated police team is examining items from campsites used by Tom Phillips and his children during their four years on the run. The investigation follows a shootout on Monday that resulted in Phillips' death and a serious injury to a police officer. Cordons on Te Anga Road have since been removed.
4 outlets · Tom Phillips killed following police confrontation and shooting of officer
Tom Phillips has died after being shot by police following a confrontation on a country road. During the incident, a constable was critically injured by gunfire. The encounter resulted in the rescue of Phillips' three children, who had been missing for several years.
+15 outlets · Springboks hand All Blacks record defeat in Wellington
South Africa defeated the All Blacks 43-10 at Sky Stadium on Saturday night. The result marks New Zealand's largest-ever test loss. The match was part of the Rugby Championship series.
2 outlets · All Blacks suffer record defeat against Springboks in Wellington
The All Blacks lost 43-10 to the Springboks during their Rugby Championship match at Sky Stadium. This result marks the largest ever defeat for the All Blacks and allows South Africa to retain the Freedom Cup.
2 outlets · Dunedin player wins $10.05 million in Powerball draw
A Powerball player in Dunedin has won $10.05 million in the Saturday night Must Be Won draw. The winning ticket was purchased via MyLotto. Because there were no First Division winners, the jackpot rolled down to the Second Division.
2 outlets · Two Australians charged with supplying firearms to group that kidnapped NZ pilot
Two men have been charged with trafficking firearms from Australia to the West Papua Liberation Army. The group was responsible for the 2023 kidnapping of Christchurch pilot Phillip Mehrtens. Police allege the men discussed sourcing Australian military weapons.
2 outlets · ACT candidate's campaign sign shot near Whangārei
An ACT Party candidate's hoarding was shot multiple times early last Monday near Whangārei. A local resident reported that up to seven gunshots were heard just before 2am. Two children were reportedly asleep in a nearby house at the time of the incident.
3 outlets · Large earthquake strikes near Russia's Kamchatka region
A significant earthquake occurred near the east coast of Russia's Kamchatka region on Saturday. While magnitude estimates vary between 7.1 and 7.4, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center stated there is no threat of a tsunami.
2 outlets · Man to face court after police pursuit in Christchurch
A man will appear in Christchurch District Court following a police pursuit in the suburb of Shirley. The driver failed to stop on Acheson Avenue shortly before 1am and was later tracked by a police helicopter after his vehicle's tyres were spiked on Philpotts Road.
2 outlets · State highways blocked by downed power lines and trees
State Highway 2 at Whakamārama is blocked by fallen trees and power lines, with diversions in place. Additionally, State Highway 99 near Te Waewae in Southland has closed between Fishing Camp Road and McInerney Road due to downed power lines.
2 outlets · Man arrested after allegedly interfering with firetruck in West Auckland
A 28-year-old man was arrested after allegedly interfering with a vehicle at West Harbour Fire Station on Friday night. Police were called to Hobsonville Road around 7.30pm, and the man was apprehended after fleeing on foot. No injuries or damage to trucks were reported, and the man is due in Waitakere District Court next week.
2 outlets · Severe weather warnings issued for thunderstorms and strong winds
MetService has issued severe weather warnings for much of New Zealand this weekend. A fast-moving front on Saturday is expected to bring heavy rain, squally thunderstorms, and wind gusts reaching up to 110km/h.
2 outlets · Petition to keep outdoor education in secondary curriculum gains support
A petition to maintain outdoor education within the secondary school curriculum has collected over 40,000 signatures. Critics suggest that proposed curriculum changes may turn the subject into a vocational path, potentially impacting New Zealand's identity and industry.
2 outlets · Stuff editor addresses police criticism over Tom Phillips reporting
Stuff's Editor-in-Chief has responded to sustained criticism from New Zealand Police regarding an article and audio released about the events preceding Tom Phillips' death. Meanwhile, a former detective has expressed concern that a documentary about the case could impact the well-being of three children.
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