Wednesday 17 September 2025
53 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Fire crews battle eight vegetation fires across Canterbury
Strong winds have fanned eight vegetation fires across the Canterbury region. Firefighters and helicopters are working to contain a 30-hectare blaze near Southbridge and a 10-hectare fire in Springfield. Fire and Emergency New Zealand has advised the public to check burn piles and avoid lighting fires.
+15 outlets · Severe weather causes chaos across South and lower North Island
Heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds have battered the South Island and lower North Island. High winds caused a truck to roll in Canterbury, requiring a rescue, and led to difficult plane landings at Wellington Airport. MetService issued warnings for gusts up to 130km/h and significant rainfall.
4 outlets · Nurses turn backs on Health Minister during Wellington conference
Dozens of New Zealand Nurses Organisation delegates turned their backs on Health Minister Simeon Brown during his speech in Wellington. The protest followed Brown's criticism of recent strike action. A union report also stated that hospitals were short an average of nearly 600 nurses per shift over the last year.
4 outlets · Auckland man jailed for possessing thousands of child abuse images
Todd Williams has been sentenced to three years and seven months in prison for possessing nearly 9,000 images and videos of child sexual exploitation. The sentencing follows a transnational investigation involving the Department of Internal Affairs and international law enforcement.
4 outlets · Chinese Embassy accuses SIS of harassing a citizen at an airport
The Chinese Embassy in Wellington has lodged a formal protest accusing the Security Intelligence Service of harassing a Chinese citizen during transit. The embassy claims the traveller was interrogated without cause and had devices seized. The SIS has defended its actions, describing the operational activity as lawful.
+15 outlets · Shane Jones officially appointed as New Zealand First deputy leader
The New Zealand First caucus has unanimously voted to appoint Shane Jones as the party's deputy leader. While Jones had previously been described as the de facto deputy leader, he has now been formally named as the deputy to Winston Peters.
4 outlets · Waihī man charged after methamphetamine found in macadamia nut parcels
A 31-year-old Waihī man has appeared in Tauranga District Court following a Customs investigation. Authorities intercepted packages declared as roasted macadamia nut samples that contained methamphetamine and pseudoephedrine. The investigation uncovered an attempted import of approximately 28.3kg of methamphetamine and 2.2kg of pseudoephedrine between November 2024 and recent dates.
+26 outlets · Winston Peters criticises David Seymour over Palestine recognition comments
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has accused Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour of talking out of his field regarding the recognition of Palestine. Seymour stated that recognition should not occur while Hamas holds Israeli hostages. Cabinet has reached an in-principle decision on the matter, which will be announced at the UN General Assembly next week.
+26 outlets · One person dead and another injured in Ellerslie crash
A two-vehicle collision near the Ellerslie-Panmure Highway intersection has resulted in one fatality and one serious injury. The crash occurred on Main Highway in Ellerslie on Wednesday afternoon, causing a section of the highway to close. Police's Serious Crash Unit will investigate the incident.
3 outlets · Environment Canterbury declares nitrate emergency over water concerns
Environment Canterbury councillors have voted nine to seven to declare a nitrate emergency. The decision follows concerns regarding chemical levels in groundwater and a survey showing nearly half of regional wells contained E. coli. Some government ministers and farming leaders have criticised the timing of the motion.
4 outlets · Police investigating after body found in water in Western Bay of Plenty
Emergency services were called to a scene near Plummers Point Road, close to Ōmokoroa, on Wednesday morning. A body was discovered in the water shortly after 8:15am. Police and St John staff are attending the site and are making enquiries.
3 outlets · Man sentenced to jail after shooting dog and person in Hamilton
Danny Patrick Livingstone was sentenced to eight months in prison for using an air pistol to shoot a dog in the head and its owner's partner in the arm. The incident occurred in a Pak'nSave car park in Hamilton after the dog barked at him. The dog escaped without serious injury.
3 outlets · CCTV footage missing in Hakyung Lee double murder trial
The trial of Hakyung Lee for the murders of her two children has reached a new phase after the Crown finished presenting evidence. Police informed the court that CCTV footage of the defendant at an Auckland storage site could not be located. Lee's defence is expected to begin following the conclusion of the Crown's factual witnesses.
3 outlets · Oamaru teenager missing for over two weeks
A 15-year-old girl named Manaia has been missing from Oamaru since 31 August. She was last seen on Tern Street wearing a white hoodie and grey pants. Police suggest she may have travelled south towards Dunedin or Invercargill.
3 outlets · Upgrade work begins on Wellington City to Sea bridge
Wellington City Council has commenced upgrade work on the City to Sea bridge and the Capital E building. The project follows a pause in planned demolition work while the council awaits a government review regarding earthquake-prone buildings. The renewal work is intended to coincide with the Civic Square precinct reopening in March.
3 outlets · Judge orders police to return seized Mongrel Mob patch
A district court judge has ordered police to return a Mongrel Mob patch to Syd Te Rata. Te Rata was stopped by police while riding his motorcycle in April after wearing the patch to honour a deceased friend. The judge ruled that the display involved no public disorder, threats, or violence.
4 outlets · Man charged after gun fired in Hobsonville supermarket carpark
A 24-year-old man has been charged with firearm and wounding offences after a gun was fired during an altercation between two groups. The incident occurred in a Hobsonville supermarket carpark on Tuesday afternoon. One person was hospitalised with moderate injuries.
3 outlets · Plans for Waikite Valley parole facility have been scrapped
The Tikanga Aroro Charitable Trust has dropped plans to move a live-in facility for prison parolees to Waikite Valley. The decision follows opposition from the Department of Corrections and local neighbours regarding the proposed site near Rotorua.
3 outlets · Labour leads National in latest RNZ-Reid Research poll
A new poll shows Labour leading the party vote at 34.3%, followed closely by National at 32.5%. Neither major party is expected to govern alone, leading to speculation regarding potential coalitions. Meanwhile, both Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins have recorded their lowest approval ratings.
3 outlets · Keisha Castle-Hughes describes barriers to citizenship for Māori born overseas
Actor Keisha Castle-Hughes told the Waitangi Tribunal about the difficulties she faced securing a passport for her US-born daughter. The urgent hearing is investigating whether Māori born abroad and their children should be eligible for New Zealand citizenship.
2 outlets · Westport flood protection plan stalled due to DOC workload
A key component of Westport's $25 million flood protection scheme is on hold because the Department of Conservation is reportedly overworked. While the delay has caused frustration, the Department has stated the land transfer process is complex but should be completed by November.
2 outlets · Clayton Lewis sentencing adjourned after court hears of gambling addiction
Former All White Clayton Lewis appeared in a Sydney court regarding his involvement in an A-League spot-fixing scheme. The court heard he was targeted and exploited due to a gambling addiction. His sentencing has been adjourned until next Wednesday.
2 outlets · Hamish Kerr wins high jump gold at World Athletics Championships
Hamish Kerr won the men's high jump gold medal at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The 29-year-old cleared 2.36 metres to secure New Zealand's second gold medal of the championships. Following his victory, Kerr celebrated with his family and friends.
2 outlets · Waikato teenager unable to attend school after being excluded
A 13-year-old intermediate student in Waikato has been out of school since early August following an exclusion. His mother, Shannon Rees, says no other schools are willing to enrol him and claims the Ministry of Education has shown no urgency in helping him return to learning.
+15 outlets · Witness says Loafers Lodge accused threatened to kill him in court
A Crown witness testified that the man accused of lighting the fatal Loafers Lodge fire threatened to kill him during court proceedings. The defendant faces charges of murdering five people in the May 2023 Wellington boarding house blaze.
+26 outlets · Extra 15 months added to Jade Mellow's jail sentence
A gang member has received an additional 15 months in prison following a methamphetamine-fuelled rampage near Edgecumbe in April 2024. During the incident, Jade Mellow shot at police and held a wounded man hostage during a two-hour standoff.
2 outlets · Police release CCTV footage after Whangārei aggravated robbery
Whangārei detectives are seeking help to identify two men following an aggravated robbery in the city centre on 17 August. The victim briefly lost consciousness during the assault. Police have released CCTV footage of the two individuals they would like to speak to.
2 outlets · Slow cancer treatment uptake driving doctors and patients offshore
A New Zealand haematologist warns that highly trained doctors and patients are moving to Australia. The specialist claims Aotearoa is at least a decade behind in blood cancer treatments, noting that some myeloma patients must relocate to access expensive drugs.
2 outlets · Truck driver permanently stood down after dangerous West Coast overtaking video
A StraitNZ driver has been permanently stood down following a video showing a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre on State Highway 7. The incident occurred on the West Coast in late August and was captured by a witness.
2 outlets · Police vehicle nearly collides with car at Manurewa roundabout
Dashcam footage has captured a police car failing to give way at a Manurewa roundabout on Monday morning. The video shows the vehicle nearly colliding with a red car at the end of Selwyn Road. Police have expressed disappointment regarding the officer's failure to follow road rules.
2 outlets · Police launch escape, hide, tell campaign for crowded places
New Zealand Police have introduced a campaign to advise the public and venue operators on how to respond to armed attacks in crowded areas. The strategy uses the advice to escape, hide, and tell, following warnings that extremist violence remains a realistic possibility.
2 outlets · Auckland Airport expects busy school holiday travel period
Auckland International Airport expects approximately 1 million travellers through its terminals starting Wednesday. This represents an increase of at least 6% compared to the same period last year. The busiest day is anticipated to be Friday, 20 September.
2 outlets · Upper Selwyn Huts residents granted 30-year occupation licence
Selwyn District Council has confirmed that residents at the Upper Selwyn Huts settlement near Te Waihora Lake Ellesmere can remain in their homes for another 30 years. The decision follows a period of consultation after approximately 100 residents faced potential eviction by 2039 due to climate change concerns.
2 outlets · Voters decide on Māori wards in local body elections
Voters in Masterton, South Wairarapa, and Greater Wellington are participating in binding polls to determine whether to keep or remove their council Māori wards. Meanwhile, Ruapehu Māori ward candidate Korty Wilson is seeking a second term to ensure Māori representation at the council table.
3 outlets · Sex offender appears in court over alleged approach to schoolgirls
Leo Darin Goodwin, 53, appeared via audiovisual link at the Christchurch District Court. He is accused of breaching the conditions of a preventative detention order by allegedly approaching teenage schoolgirls. Goodwin previously received New Zealand's harshest criminal penalty for persistent sexual offending.
3 outlets · Minister calls Eden Park concert restrictions absurd and arbitrary
Chris Bishop has described current concert restrictions at Auckland's Eden Park as absurd and arbitrary. The RMA reform minister stated that a review of the rules will be balanced and include local community consultation, though no final decisions have been made.
2 outlets · Actor and director Robert Redford dies aged 89
Hollywood actor, director and producer Robert Redford has died in his sleep at the age of 89. He was well known as a leading man and for his support of independent films through the Sundance Institute. His publicist and management agency confirmed the news.
2 outlets · Justice Minister promises to address suppression breaches in Tom Phillips case
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has pledged to resolve widespread breaches of suppressed information regarding the Tom Phillips case. Phillips, who was on the run for nearly four years, died following a shootout with police in Piopio on 8 September.
2 outlets · Speed camera trailers begin operating on Auckland roads
The first trailer equipped with speed cameras has started operating in Auckland. NZTA, which took over camera operations from police in July, plans to deploy a total of 10 trailers and 34 SUVs as part of the road safety network.
2 outlets · Woman sentenced after emaciated puppy is euthanised
A woman has been ordered to complete community work and undergo supervision after pleading guilty to ill-treating a five-month-old pitbull cross. The puppy, named Patchy, was found emaciated with a fractured hip, a bullet wound, and a stomach containing numerous fishbones. The animal was subsequently euthanised.
2 outlets · Siya Kolisi spends time with Ardie Savea's family
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi spent time with the family of All Blacks player Ardie Savea. The meeting occurred between the two teams' Rugby Championship test matches in New Zealand.
2 outlets · Kiwis lose social connections after Meta suspends accounts
Dozens of New Zealanders have reported losing access to Facebook and Instagram accounts suspended by Meta for breaching community standards. Users say the closures have resulted in the loss of years of memories and connections with friends and family. Experts suggest legal action is an option for those affected.
2 outlets · Taupō hosts junior rugby festival and food event
Taupō is hosting the New Zealand Junior Rugby Festival, which features 120 teams from New Zealand and Australia. Simultaneously, the Treats of Taupō food festival will run from 20 to 28 September, showcasing local chefs and producers through various culinary experiences.
3 outlets · Politicians fail to reach cross-party climate adaptation agreement
During a recent Climate Change and Business Conference in Auckland, five politicians discussed whether a cross-party approach to climate adaptation is possible. Ian Taylor observed that the discussion resulted in political bickering rather than the necessary commitment to address climate change and its impact on livelihoods.
2 outlets · Proposal to make KiwiSaver splitting automatic after relationship separation
A new report by MartinJenkins for the Retirement Commission's 2025 Review of Retirement Income Policies suggests making the division of KiwiSaver balances automatic upon separation. Analysis shows women's average balances are 25% smaller than men's, with the gap increasing to 37% for those aged 56 to 65.
4 outlets · Car flips onto its roof outside Wellington Hospital
A vehicle rolled and landed on its roof in a cycle lane on Riddiford Street. Two people sustained moderate injuries after the car hit another vehicle. The road remains open following the accident outside the hospital.
+26 outlets · Former All White Clayton Lewis to be sentenced in Sydney
Clayton Lewis will be sentenced in a Sydney court today regarding his involvement in a major Australian sports corruption scandal. The former All White admitted to accepting money to receive a yellow card while playing for Macarthur FC in 2023.
2 outlets · Person hospitalised after being trapped in Silverdale vehicle crash
A person was taken to hospital after being trapped between a car and a light truck on Central Boulevard in Silverdale. Emergency services and a rescue helicopter attended the scene outside Silverdale Mall. Police have closed the road while investigations into the crash continue.
2 outlets · Man struggles to access mental health support after brain injuries
A man is battling ACC for recognition that traumatic brain injuries from a teenage assault and a truck accident triggered debilitating mental illness. While ACC states there is no evidence linking the injuries to his mental health, Health NZ says it continues to offer support for his needs.
2 outlets · Prosecutors to seek death penalty in Charlie Kirk assassination case
Utah prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty for 22-year-old Tyler Robinson following the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a Utah university. Evidence against Robinson includes alleged text messages in which he appeared to confess to the crime.
2 outlets · Casey Costello breached rules regarding tobacco policy document
Associate Health Minister Casey Costello breached rules for handling ministerial information by providing a tobacco industry-friendly document to health officials. The document downplayed risks and suggested nicotine was no more harmful than caffeine. Costello stated she does not know who authored the notes or left them on her desk.
2 outlets · Female-led start-ups received less than 3 per cent of venture capital
New research shows female-only start-ups received only $4.5m of the approximately $160m in capital investment last year. While women-led businesses reportedly provide higher returns, only one-in-10 female start-ups secured any investment. Researchers suggest entrenched biases may contribute to this funding gap.
2 outlets · Former Act Party president denied parole for sexual offending
Timothy Jago, the former president of the Act Party, has been denied parole following his imprisonment for sexually abusing two teenage boys. Appearing before the Parole Board, Jago accepted his status as a sexual offender but maintained that the events did not match his recollection.
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