Saturday 20 September 2025
19 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Police seek help identifying man found dead in Heathcote Valley
Canterbury police are appealing for information to identify a man found dead on Horotane Valley Road on Friday. The man, believed to be in his 30s or 40s, has a distinctive birthmark on his left forearm. Police say the death is not believed to be suspicious.
4 outlets · Jacinda Ardern calls for end to genocide in Gaza
Former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has described the war in Gaza as a genocide in an opinion piece for The Guardian. Writing ahead of the UN General Assembly, she highlighted the impact of the conflict on childbirth and maternal deaths. Ardern stated that a path to stopping the violence still exists.
+15 outlets · Tasti products recalled nationwide over possible metal fragments
Tasti Products Ltd has recalled 22 snack products, including peanuts, muesli bars and snack balls, across New Zealand. The recall follows concerns that some items may contain small, wire-like pieces of metal. New Zealand Food Safety is working with the manufacturer to remove the affected goods from retailers.
4 outlets · Two police officers injured in Rotorua dog attack
Two officers were bitten by a dog while attempting to arrest a person with a warrant on Old Taupō Road in Rotorua. Both staff members were taken to hospital, and one officer has undergone surgery. The individual with the warrant was taken into custody following the incident.
4 outlets · Red strong wind warning issued for parts of Canterbury
MetService issued a red strong wind warning for areas about and west of the Canterbury foothills. Destructive gusts of up to 150km/h were forecast, with reports of power outages in South Canterbury townships. The warning was in place until at least Sunday afternoon.
3 outlets · Demolition begins on abandoned, mouldy home in Khandallah
Demolition works have started on a large, abandoned 1980s-era house on Kabul Street in Wellington. The decaying property had been causing strong smells and attracting crime for years. Local neighbours have expressed relief as steel gates and warning signs are installed at the site.
4 outlets · Rare Lake Taupō misprint stamp sells for record price
A rare 1902 or 1903 four-penny stamp featuring an upside-down image of Lake Taupō has sold at auction for a record price. The misprinted stamp, which fetched between $260,000 and $263,250, was sold by Mowbray Collectables. A buyer from the United States purchased the item.
4 outlets · Otago wins Ranfurly Shield after defeating Canterbury in Christchurch
Otago claimed the Ranfurly Shield with a 38-36 victory over Canterbury at Apollo Projects Stadium. Despite playing with 14 men after Will Tucker was sent to the sin bin, Otago overcame a 36-21 deficit to win the match.
3 outlets · Thousands protest nationwide against changes to pay equity laws
Thousands of people attended more than 20 rallies and marches across New Zealand, from Whangārei to Invercargill. The protests oppose the Pay Equity Amendment Bill, which was passed under urgency and halted 33 active claims. The legislation raises the threshold required to prove work has been historically undervalued.
4 outlets · Auror introduces in-store facial recognition technology amid legal challenge
The company Auror has launched a facial recognition system that creates temporary biometric templates for people entering participating shops. This rollout occurs while the company's number-plate recognition technology is being reviewed by the Court of Appeal.
2 outlets · One person dies in single-vehicle crash in Whanganui East
A person has died following a single-vehicle crash on State Highway 4 at the convergence of Anzac Parade. Emergency services were called to the scene around 9.50am on Friday. Police confirmed the sole occupant died at the scene despite medical efforts.
2 outlets · Hamilton recidivist sentenced for $25,000 theft spree
Cole Frederick Jenkins has been sentenced following a series of thefts involving items such as power tools, groceries, and an e-scooter. The offending spanned multiple regions, including Auckland and Cambridge. Jenkins, a repeat offender, has expressed a desire to stop his thieving habit.
2 outlets · Latex bodysuit inspired by Japanese folklore wins supreme WOW award
American designers Dawn Mostow and Ben Gould have won the 2025 World of WearableArt Supreme Award. Their garment, Tsukumogami, features intricate latex sculptures inspired by Japanese ceramics and folklore. The piece was selected from 85 finalists at Wellington's TSB Arena.
2 outlets · Health NZ applies to ERA to resolve senior doctors' pay dispute
Health NZ has applied to the Employment Relations Authority to set pay and conditions for senior doctors. This move comes as doctors plan a 48-hour strike next week. Legal experts suggest the intervention could potentially break the current deadlock.
2 outlets · Investigation launched into park worker accused of harming pūkeko
Auckland Council and police are investigating allegations that a park worker attacked pūkeko in Shakespear Regional Park. A witness claims she and her children saw a staff member striking the birds with a large hammer. The worker has been moved to other duties while the investigation continues.
2 outlets · Atmospheric river to bring heavy rain and severe gales
An atmospheric river is expected to bring heavy rain and 140km/h gales to the South Island and Wellington. The weather event is forecast to begin over the weekend and continue into next week, coinciding with the start of the school holidays.
2 outlets · Legal threat issued over letter opposing RSA honours bid
RSA chief executive Evan Williams is threatening legal action against former Canterbury district president Stan Hansen. The dispute follows a letter from Hansen requesting that the government not grant national honours to Martyn Dunne and Jocelyn Faul.
2 outlets · Liquidation of Auckland renovation firms and Tauranga gold-trading company
Multiple Auckland renovation and construction companies managed by Dave and Amit Tyagi have entered liquidation. Separately, a gold-trading business owned by former Tauranga councillor Andrew Hollis has been placed into liquidation and receivership, with liquidators stating unsecured creditors are owed more than $300,000.
2 outlets · Rare diecast vehicle collection to be auctioned in Dunedin
An Invercargill man's extensive collection of diecast vehicles is being auctioned in Dunedin this Sunday. The collection includes over 700 lots from a lifetime of collecting that spanned eight decades. Auctioneers expect the sale to attract international interest and potentially reach six figures.
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