Tuesday 16 September 2025
43 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Primary school teachers and staff to strike in October
Approximately 40,000 primary school teachers, principals, support staff, and Ministry of Education specialists will strike on 23 October. The NZEI union decided on the industrial action after rejecting a pay rise offer of between 2.7 and 4.6 per cent.
+37 outlets · Up to 119 jobs at risk as Tokoroa plywood plant faces closure
Carter Holt Harvey plans to close its plywood manufacturing plant in Tokoroa and import supply from overseas. The move could result in the loss of up to 119 full-time jobs. The company has begun consulting with staff regarding the potential closure.
+37 outlets · Man charged after fatal police shooting in Bryndwr
A 47-year-old man has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon following a family harm incident in Bryndwr. The incident on 13 August led to a police shooting that killed 53-year-old Te Arohanui Pohio and left her partner critically injured.
+26 outlets · John Tamihere defends substance of Tākuta Ferris' controversial comments
Te Pāti Māori president John Tamihere has backed the substance of controversial remarks made by MP Tākuta Ferris regarding non-Māori involvement in Māori electorates. Labour leader Chris Hipkins expressed disagreement, stating such a position would make working with the party difficult.
+15 outlets · Heavy rain and strong winds forecast for South and lower North Island
MetService has issued several orange and yellow warnings for heavy rain and gale-force winds. The weather is expected to impact much of the South Island and lower North Island from late Tuesday through Thursday. This follows a brief period of settled conditions after recent damaging winds.
+15 outlets · Two injured after bus rolls into Silverdale shops
A bus rolled into a liquor and apparel store in Silverdale on Tuesday evening. Two people, a driver and a passenger, sustained moderate injuries during the incident. Auckland Transport stated the driver experienced a medical event, and Silverdale Street was blocked while crews worked to remove the vehicle.
4 outlets · Man injured after gun fired outside Hobsonville supermarket
A man was injured and a gun was fired at a vehicle during an altercation between two groups outside a Hobsonville Woolworths on Tuesday afternoon. Police were called to the scene around 4.40pm and have launched an investigation into the incident.
+15 outlets · Man charged after alleged firearm threats in Far North
A 34-year-old man faces multiple charges following two separate incidents in Ahipara and Kaitaia on Sunday and Monday. Police say the man allegedly used a sawn-off shotgun to threaten people, leading to the deployment of the Armed Offenders Squad to take him into custody.
4 outlets · Government proposes Commerce Act changes to tackle predatory pricing
The Government plans to modernise the Commerce Act to prevent predatory pricing and creeping acquisitions. Ministers Nicola Willis and Scott Simpson stated the reforms would provide clearer merger rules and grant the Commerce Commission stronger tools to enforce compliance.
+15 outlets · Geordie Beamish wins world steeplechase gold in Tokyo
New Zealander Geordie Beamish has won the 3000m steeplechase at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Beamish defeated Morocco's Soufiane El Bakkali on the finish line to secure New Zealand's first track gold at the championships. The victory follows a dramatic recovery from a fall during the heats two days earlier.
3 outlets · Clergy end 32-hour protest outside finance minister's office
Six Anglican and Catholic priests have ended a 32-hour protest outside Nicola Willis' Wellington electorate office. The group had chained themselves together to demand sanctions on Israel and the recognition of Palestine. Finance Minister Willis previously described the protesters as intimidating to others visiting her office.
4 outlets · Government introduces urgent bill to halt certain international adoptions
The Government is introducing the Adoption Amendment Bill to temporarily stop the recognition of some overseas adoptions. This follows reports that individuals with convictions for violence or sexual abuse have been able to adopt children internationally. MPs will debate the changes under urgency to address safety loopholes.
4 outlets · Government to investigate Eden Park concert rules
The Government is investigating whether local rules are restricting the number of concerts held at Eden Park. While local businesses suggest concerts are more profitable than sports, residents fear increased event frequency could cause suburb gridlock. Former prime minister Helen Clark noted the stadium has not reached its current annual concert limit.
3 outlets · Petition to restore Chateau Tongariro presented to Parliament
Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton has delivered a petition with over 15,000 signatures to Parliament, calling for government support to restore the Chateau Tongariro. Conservation Minister Tama Potaka stated that a decision regarding the building's fate should be made by the end of 2025.
4 outlets · Myeloma patient moves to Australia for unfunded cancer medication
Jo Neep relocated to Australia to access life-prolonging drugs for myeloma that are not funded in New Zealand. She stated she felt she had no choice but to move to seek treatment. Approximately 400 New Zealanders are diagnosed with the cancer annually.
4 outlets · Deep brand frozen green garlic recalled over salmonella concerns
New Zealand Food Safety is supporting Vimms Enterprise Ltd in recalling Deep brand Green Garlic due to a possible salmonella presence. The affected product has an expiration date of 29 November 2026 and is sold in ethnic supermarkets across the country. Consumers are advised not to eat the product unless it is thoroughly cooked.
3 outlets · Aucklanders to have say on new high-rise and density rules
RMA Minister Chris Bishop has announced that Aucklanders will be able to provide feedback on new urban development plans. If councillors vote to replace Plan Change 78 next week, a public submission period is expected to run from November to December. Independent hearings regarding the new housing density and high-rise rules could take 18 months.
3 outlets · Missing diver rescued after night dive near Goat Island
A diver was rescued in good condition after being missing for several hours off Goat Island Marine Reserve. Police launched a search on Wednesday evening after the diver's car was found abandoned at the dive site. The Coastguard, assisted by a police helicopter, located the individual around 10pm.
3 outlets · Man charged after football player suffers broken jaw in Sunnynook
A 23-year-old man has been arrested and charged following an altercation at Sunnynook Park in June. Police say a player was punched and kicked during a scuffle between opposing teams, resulting in a broken jaw. The arrest follows an investigation into the incident.
3 outlets · Auckland man arrested after 10kg of kamini pills found in snacks
A 66-year-old man has been arrested in Auckland for allegedly smuggling 10kg of kamini pills from India. Customs investigators discovered the opioid-laced pills concealed inside snack packets during searches of a home and business. The discovery follows a two-month investigation into the shipment.
3 outlets · Median property prices edge up in most regions despite sales slowdown
New Zealand's national median house price fell 0.5 per cent year-on-year to $761,000 in August. While most regions saw price increases compared to last year, Waikato recorded a notable 13.2 per cent rise in sales. The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand suggests the impact of official cash rate cuts may take time to manifest.
3 outlets · First mobile speed camera trailer to begin operating in Auckland
The New Zealand Transport Agency is rolling out the first mobile speed camera trailer in Auckland this week. Nine additional trailers are expected to join the fleet in the coming months, supplementing the 34 mobile cameras currently operating from SUVs.
3 outlets · Frankie Edwards cleared of 2006 Epsom kidnapping charge
An investigation by the Criminal Cases Review Commission has quashed Frankie Edwards' conviction for a 2006 kidnapping in Epsom. While Edwards had previously admitted to five sexual assaults, the review found he was not responsible for the kidnapping of a woman near the Auckland Badminton Club. The kidnapping case remains unsolved.
2 outlets · Trial of Christchurch police officer accused of theft is abandoned
The trial of former acting sergeant Brearna Kelsi Sloss has been abandoned at the Christchurch District Court. Sloss faced 26 charges, including theft and dishonestly using a computer, after she allegedly stole money handed in by the public. She had previously pleaded not guilty to all charges.
3 outlets · Minister considers Tasman District Council plan for Te Waikoropupū Springs
Minister for RMA Reform Chris Bishop is considering a request from the Tasman District Council for an exemption. The council seeks to implement a Water Conservation Order to protect the Te Waikoropupū Springs, which are known for having some of the clearest water in the world.
2 outlets · Proposed $2.6m plan to permanently link Wairewa Lake to the sea
A $2.6 million proposal has been presented to Christchurch city councillors to permanently connect Wairewa Lake (Forsyth) to the ocean. Developed by Wairewa Rūnanga, Christchurch City Council, and Environment Canterbury, the plan aims to improve water quality and reduce flooding risks.
2 outlets · Increased predator control planned for South Island beech mast
The Department of Conservation will increase 1080 drops in South Island beech forests this summer. The largest beech seeding in seven years is expected to trigger surges in rat and stoat populations. These predator increases pose a high risk to native birds, bats, and snails.
2 outlets · Defendant's insanity claims questioned in Loafers Lodge murder trial
A man facing murder and arson charges for the Loafers Lodge fire has changed his account regarding his insanity symptoms. While the defence argues he was insane during the incident, a psychiatrist noted inconsistencies in his story, and only one of six experts believes he was insane at the time.
2 outlets · Whangārei and Christchurch schools and residents march for Māori Language Week
Hundreds of students from seven Whangārei schools marched through the Town Basin to honour Dame Whina Cooper. Meanwhile, supporters including a 90-year-old retiree marched through Christchurch streets to celebrate Te Wiki o te reo Māori.
2 outlets · Avocado growers assess damage after strong weekend winds
Strong winds have battered orchards across the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel. Growers are currently clearing fallen trees and salvaging fruit as the avocado harvest begins.
2 outlets · Beauden and Hannah Barrett expecting third child
All Black Beauden Barrett and his wife Hannah are expecting their third child. Hannah announced the news on Instagram, sharing that baby number three is on the way. The couple, who married in 2019, already have two daughters, Billie and Coco.
2 outlets · Tugboat begins towing stricken tanker off Stewart Island coast
An open-ocean tugboat has started towing the Golden Mind, an oil and chemical tanker, back to the mainland. The vessel experienced steering difficulties west of Rakiura last Wednesday. The tug MMA Vision began the operation on Tuesday morning with the crew remaining on board.
3 outlets · Hakyung Lee denies killing children during flight to New Zealand
Hakyung Lee has denied murdering her two children during a flight from South Korea to New Zealand. While in transit, she reportedly claimed she had abandoned the children in an orphanage. Lee is facing charges related to the double murder of her children.
2 outlets · Two injured in Oamaru car and motorcycle collision
Two people were injured following a collision between a car and a motorcycle in Oamaru on Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred at the intersection of Ouse Street and Thames Street near Waitaki Girls’ High School. One person is reported to be in critical condition.
2 outlets · Polyfest to be held at two venues in 2026
Organisers of the ASB Polyfest will split the secondary school cultural festival across two locations and two weeks in 2026. The event will be hosted at the Manukau Sports Bowl and the Due Drop Events Centre to accommodate rapid growth.
3 outlets · Food price increases outpace wage growth
Food prices rose 5 per cent over the past year, according to Stats NZ data for August. An economist suggests this increase is outstripping wage growth and creating significant pressure on household budgets. The rise in grocery costs was driven partly by higher prices for milk, cheese, and butter.
2 outlets · Construction of Piarere roundabout is nearing completion
Main construction has finished on the 60-metre roundabout at the State Highway 1 and 29 intersection. The project began in January 2024 to replace a dangerous T-intersection following community requests for a safer solution.
2 outlets · Four people taken into custody after Christchurch police chases
Four people are in custody following two overnight vehicle chases across Christchurch. The incidents began when a driver fled police in a stolen vehicle in Riccarton, eventually ending in Rolleston after officers deployed road spikes.
2 outlets · Wattie's seeks anti-dumping duties on imported peaches
Heinz Wattie's is requesting government intervention through anti-dumping duties to combat cheap peach imports from countries including China. The company has reduced its purchases from local Hawke's Bay growers as it attempts to address the influx of low-cost preserved peaches.
2 outlets · Tool to perform one-off show in Auckland this November
US rock band Tool will return to New Zealand for a single concert at Auckland's Spark Arena on 22 November. This performance marks the group's first appearance in the country in five years.
2 outlets · Simplicity founder apologises after controversial post about Charlie Kirk
Sam Stubbs, the founder of Simplicity, has apologised for a LinkedIn post regarding the death of US conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Stubbs deleted the post, which had drawn backlash, after stating it was written in haste. He had previously described Kirk's beliefs as objectionable.
2 outlets · New Snells Beach wastewater plant opens to reduce sewage overflows
A $450 million wastewater treatment plant has opened north of Auckland to help prevent sewage overflows during wet weather. While Watercare says the facility will significantly reduce spills, local oyster farmers expressed concern that the plant's opening comes too late to prevent previous damage to their livelihoods.
2 outlets · Auckland councillors unable to block zoning for two million new homes
Auckland councillors lack the legal authority to prevent zoning for two million new dwellings. A vote regarding the requirement is scheduled for a policy and planning meeting on September 24. Meanwhile, a proposed 1250-home development near Ōrewa faces rejection by an expert panel due to infrastructure concerns.
2 outlets ·
