Thursday 18 September 2025
47 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Coroner links teen's death to unsafe sofa and lack of regulation
Coroner Mary-Anne Borrowdale found that 16-year-old Lizzy Marvin likely would have survived a May 2024 house fire at Burnham Military Camp if foam furniture were regulated. The blaze, which was fuelled by a foam-filled sofa bed, caused Marvin to inhale toxic fumes. The coroner criticised the government's failure to act on furniture safety.
+26 outlets · Outgoing Green MP Benjamin Doyle criticises Parliament in valedictory speech
Green MP Benjamin Doyle has delivered a final speech in Parliament, describing the institution as a hostile and toxic environment. Doyle, who is non-binary, resigned earlier this month after less than a year in office, citing the impact of abuse and threats on their family.
+15 outlets · Suppression orders continue regarding Tom Phillips investigation
A High Court judge has extended an injunction preventing the media from publishing certain details concerning the investigation into Tom Phillips and his family. Phillips was fatally shot by police on 8 September following reports of a burglary. The matter is scheduled to be discussed again in court on 17 October.
+48 outlets · Jorja Miller to miss Black Ferns World Cup semifinal against Canada
Flanker Jorja Miller will be unavailable due to injury for the Black Ferns' Rugby World Cup semifinal against Canada in Bristol. Co-captain Ruahei Demant is set to make her 50th appearance for the team during the match.
4 outlets · Missing 66-year-old woman found dead in Christchurch
Police search and rescue teams located the body of a 66-year-old woman in Christchurch yesterday evening. She had been reported missing on Wednesday after failing to attend a planned lunch date. Her Tesla had previously been found on Taylors Mistake Road in Scarborough.
4 outlets · Griffin's proposes closing Proper Crisps factory in Nelson
Griffin's Snacks has proposed closing its Proper Crisps manufacturing site in Nelson to consolidate production at its Wiri site in South Auckland. The move could affect 82 roles across Nelson and Wellington. If the proposal proceeds, manufacturing may shift to Auckland between late 2027 and early 2028.
4 outlets · New Zealand economy shrinks by 0.9 per cent in June quarter
The economy declined by 0.9% in the three months to June, a result Finance Minister Nicola Willis attributes to international uncertainty from US tariffs. Labour has rejected this, blaming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and noting that Australia's economy continued to grow during the same period.
4 outlets · Insanity defence begins in Auckland suitcase murder trial
Hakyung Lee is on trial at the Auckland High Court for the murders of her children, Minu and Yuna Jo. The defence's only witness, a forensic psychiatrist, testified that Lee may have been insane at the time of the killings. The expert's opinion appeared to change during Crown cross-examination.
4 outlets · Crusaders fans react to membership price increases for new stadium
Crusaders supporters are questioning their loyalty following a reported 40 per cent increase in membership fees for the 2026 season. The new pricing covers games at both Apollo Projects Stadium and the new One NZ Stadium (Te Kaha), with some fans stating the costs are no longer affordable.
4 outlets · Two more charged after gun fired at Auckland supermarket carpark
Police have arrested two more men following an altercation outside a Hobsonville supermarket on Tuesday afternoon. A firearm was allegedly discharged towards a vehicle during the incident. Three people have been charged so far, though police have not ruled out further arrests.
3 outlets · Man arrested in connection with fatal shooting of Auckland courier driver
A 23-year-old man has been arrested and charged in relation to the August 2024 killing of Tuipulotu Vi. The 59-year-old courier driver was fatally shot inside his vehicle on Marvon Downs Avenue in Pakuranga Heights. Police have been investigating the homicide since the incident occurred last year.
3 outlets · Body found in search for missing Auckland woman Eileen Davenport
Police have located the body of 57-year-old Eileen 'Ella' Davenport, who had been missing from her Māngere home since 20 June. The body was discovered last Wednesday in a reserve near Savill Drive. Authorities are not treating the death as suspicious.
3 outlets · Average work from home days for public servants decline slightly
New data from the Public Service Commission shows public servants work from home an average of 0.85 days per week. While Friday remains the most popular day for remote work, the commission has announced it will stop collecting this data.
3 outlets · New Zealand economy contracts by 0.9% in June quarter
Stats NZ figures show the gross domestic product fell by 0.9% during the June quarter, a larger decrease than the 0.3% to 0.5% expected. Declines were led by primary production, manufacturing, and construction, while the telecommunications, media, public spending, and rental sectors expanded.
3 outlets · Coroner calls deaths of friends on way to festival avoidable tragedy
Jardon Te Hau and Waylon Uatuku were killed by a car on Back Ormond Road on New Year's Eve, 2022. The pair were travelling to the Rhythm & Vines festival in Gisborne when a fight broke out. A coroner has described the incident as an avoidable tragedy.
3 outlets · Chappell Roan to headline Laneway Festival 2026
American pop star Chappell Roan has been confirmed as the headliner for the 2026 Laneway Festival. This will mark the singer's first visit to New Zealand, with promoters promising a 90-minute performance. Other acts in the lineup include Wolf Alice, PinkPantheress, and Role Model.
3 outlets · High winds cause bridge alerts and vegetation fire in Canterbury
Strong winds have prompted warnings for the Auckland Harbour Bridge, where lane reductions or temporary closures may occur due to gusts reaching up to 85km/h. Meanwhile, twenty-five firefighters worked overnight to manage a 38-hectare vegetation fire near Southbridge in Canterbury.
3 outlets · Senior hospital doctors to strike for 48 hours next week
Approximately 5,500 senior hospital doctors will participate in a 48-hour strike next week after rejecting the latest pay offer from Health NZ. Health NZ is applying to the Employment Relations Authority to force a settlement, a move the doctors' union has criticised.
+37 outlets · Wet and windy conditions expected for start of school holidays
MetService forecasts rain and wind across the North Island as school holidays begin. Unseasonably cold temperatures are expected, with Auckland potentially dropping to 6C overnight on Friday.
2 outlets · Six Mongrel Mob members jailed for kidnapping and beating co-member
Six members or prospects of a Southland Mongrel Mob chapter have been sentenced in the Christchurch High Court. The group kidnapped and beat a patched member at a Mataura gang pad in 2022, causing serious injuries including a collapsed lung. The charges followed a 2023 police sting known as Operation Pakari.
2 outlets · Hamilton man ordered to remove shed despite upcoming law changes
Hamilton City Council has ordered Brian Morgan to dismantle a garden shed built without consent near his property boundary. Mr Morgan faces fines of up to $20,000 per day, despite new legislation expected by the end of the year that will make the structure compliant.
3 outlets · El Niño may increase hay fever severity in Auckland
New research suggests the El Niño climate phenomenon could make Auckland's pollen seasons longer and more intense. This may lead to more frequent allergy flare-ups for residents. However, a lack of national monitoring means many New Zealanders remain unaware of these seasonal changes.
3 outlets · Vintage car collection lost in Southbridge fire
A fire destroyed two sheds containing a vintage car collection in Southbridge. Ben Lappage said the collection belonged to his late father, who had been collecting cars for decades. While contractors were on-site during the blaze, no injuries were reported.
2 outlets · Black Ferns face Canada in Rugby World Cup semi-final
The Black Ferns will play Canada in their Rugby World Cup semi-final on Saturday morning. Jorja Miller has been ruled out of the match, while Ruahei Demant is set to play her 50th test. The team will need strong defence to progress following their quarter-final win against South Africa.
2 outlets · DOC removes possum-control promotional video following a complaint
The Department of Conservation has paused a promotional video from its Always Be Naturing campaign. The footage, which shows a woman shooting a possum from a tree while sitting on her porch, was removed following concerns regarding safety and permit codes.
4 outlets · Former police official seeks blood cancer treatment overseas
Stu Lye has travelled to China to undergo CAR T-cell therapy. He is among several New Zealanders seeking advanced medical care abroad due to increasing wait times for standard stem cell treatments at home.
+15 outlets · Two people injured in van collision near Auckland Airport
Two people were injured after two vans collided on Kirkbride Road near Auckland Airport on Wednesday evening. Emergency services attended the scene at 6.40pm, and one person sustained serious injuries. A section of the road was closed following the accident.
2 outlets · Missing 66-year-old woman found dead in Christchurch
A 66-year-old woman who was reported missing from Scarborough on Wednesday has been found dead. Police located her on Thursday evening during a search and rescue operation. Her death is not being treated as suspicious and will be referred to the Coroner.
2 outlets · Brandon Smith to fight cocaine supply and betting allegations
New Zealand rugby league player Brandon Smith will contest charges involving the supply of cocaine to former teammate Victor Radley and allegations regarding betting. Smith, a South Sydney hooker, has been ordered by the court not to contact Radley as part of his bail conditions.
2 outlets · Roger Douglas calls for Nicola Willis to resign after GDP slump
Former Finance Minister Roger Douglas and economist Robert MacCulloch have called for Finance Minister Nicola Willis to resign following a contraction in GDP. Willis has defended her position, stating that the government's budget will return to a surplus in 2028/29.
3 outlets · Air New Zealand launches first domestic jet service to Hamilton in 25 years
An Airbus A320 from Christchurch landed at Hamilton Airport on Thursday, marking the return of domestic jet flights to the city. The new service is expected to add up to 25,000 extra seats annually between the two locations.
2 outlets · Stuart Nash removed from government trip to the United States
Stuart Nash has been removed from a government trip to the United States. Officials expressed concerns that his recent remarks regarding women would cause a distraction. Nash, who runs a consultancy, had previously resigned from two other roles following the comments.
3 outlets · Crown psychiatrist revised view on Loafers Lodge accused sanity
A Crown psychiatrist testified that he initially believed the Loafers Lodge accused was insane at the time of the fire. After reviewing additional evidence, he changed his opinion. The 50-year-old defendant is currently on trial in Wellington for five counts of murder and one count of arson.
2 outlets · Police search for missing Whakatāne woman after vehicle found in Pongakawa
Authorities are searching for 41-year-old Simran, who was last seen in Whakatāne on Tuesday night. Police have found a vehicle in Pongakawa and are concerned for her wellbeing. They are asking the public for any information or sightings of the woman, who may be with her white Shih Tzu.
2 outlets · Prostate cancer diagnoses in New Zealand projected to double by 2045
Medical professionals are warning of a potential treatment crisis as annual prostate cancer diagnoses are expected to reach 8,000 by 2045. The disease is currently New Zealand's most common cancer, with more than 700 men dying from it each year on average.
4 outlets · National Party deletes Instagram post containing anti-police slogan
The National Party has removed an Instagram post that featured a photograph of Dua Lipa with the slogan "all cops are bastards" visible in the background. The post was taken down after media enquiries were made regarding the acronym.
2 outlets · Fitus gang members found guilty of murdering Head Hunters member
Five members of the Fitus gang have been found guilty of murdering Charles Pongi during a brawl at Pt England. The group, including leader Devonte Iakapo, was convicted in the Auckland High Court despite claims of self-defence.
2 outlets · Tool adds second Auckland concert due to high demand
The American metal band Tool has scheduled a second performance at Auckland's Spark Arena on 23 November. This extra show follows significant pre-sale demand for their return to Aotearoa, marking the group's first appearance in the country in five years.
2 outlets · One person dead and State Highway 3 closed after Manawatū crash
A driver died at the scene following a collision between a ute and a truck south-east of Sanson. State Highway 3 is closed between Cemetery Road and Mount Stewart Halcombe Road. Police and investigators are on-site, and motorists are advised to expect delays and use alternative routes.
2 outlets · Majority of voters support government cap on council rates
An RNZ-Reid Research poll shows 75% of New Zealanders support a government cap on annual council rate increases. A model to implement these caps is expected to be presented to Cabinet before Christmas.
3 outlets · Police investigate theft of firearms and vehicles in Kaeo
Police are investigating a burglary at a rural property in the Kaeo area of the Far North. Multiple firearms and two vehicles were stolen, potentially between 4 and 14 September. Authorities are appealing for information to help locate the stolen items.
2 outlets · Firefighters battle large vegetation fire at Southbridge
Emergency crews are working to contain a major vegetation fire in the Selwyn District. The blaze, which was alerted to around 3pm, has been controlled to 38 hectares and destroyed two utility sheds. High winds have previously fanned the flames.
3 outlets · Rotorua man pleads guilty to snatching toddler from early childhood centre
John Tekuru has entered a guilty plea in the Rotorua District Court after snatching a three-year-old from an enclosed play area. The man reportedly loitered outside the centre before removing his trousers and taking the child. He admitted to police that he intended to sexually assault the toddler.
4 outlets · Wayne Brown to seek more homelessness funding if re-elected
Auckland mayoral candidate Wayne Brown told a community forum he will ask the council to increase funding for homelessness initiatives if re-elected. While he declined to sign a pledge to increase the city's annual budget for housing and homelessness, he expressed a commitment to seeking more resources.
2 outlets · Jo Demanser named New Zealand Airbnb Host of the Year 2025
Hawke's Bay's Jo Demanser has been named the 2025 Airbnb Host of the Year in New Zealand. Additionally, the Nest property in the Waitaki District received the award for best design.
2 outlets · Public support for capital gains tax depends on family home exemption
An RNZ-Reid Research poll shows more people support a capital gains tax than oppose it, provided the family home is exempt. Support for the tax drops significantly if the family home is included. The research also found that party supporters hold less firm views on the matter than their political leaders.
3 outlets · Two-vehicle crash blocks Tram Road on-ramp on Christchurch Northern Motorway
A two-vehicle crash near the Tram Road on-ramp on State Highway 1 caused traffic delays on Thursday morning. Police were notified of the incident around 6.25am. No injuries have been reported, but the road was blocked while emergency services attended the scene.
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