New Zealand decides against recognising Palestinian statehood
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced at the United Nations General Assembly that the Government will not yet recognise Palestine as a state. The decision follows Cabinet deliberations and maintains a position that recognition will occur when a legitimate and viable state is established.
+37 outlets · Police reveal details of search for fugitive Tom Phillips
Police have released new details regarding the four-year search for Tom Phillips and his children. Authorities say they detected the family in transit on several occasions but could not safely intervene. Phillips died following a shootout with police on 8 September after being called to a burglary.
+48 outlets · Esarona David Lologa found guilty of Loafers Lodge murders
Esarona David Lologa has been found guilty of five counts of murder and one count of arson following the 2023 Loafers Lodge fires in Newtown. After a five-week trial, the jury deliberated for 17 hours before delivering the verdict. Lologa had previously used an insanity defence, which was rejected by the jury.
+48 outlets · Qantas flight declares emergency after reports of fire onboard
A Qantas flight from Sydney landed safely at Auckland International Airport on Friday morning after the pilot declared a mayday. The emergency was triggered by reports of fire or smoke from the cargo hold, prompting a large response from rescue vehicles and emergency services.
+15 outlets · Measles case confirmed in Bay of Islands linked to overseas travel
A measles case has been confirmed in the Bay of Islands, Northland, which is believed to be linked to overseas travel. The individual is no longer infectious. Health NZ is currently identifying close contacts and possible exposure locations.
4 outlets · Havelock North tutor sentenced to home detention for indecent assaults
Rashmi Kant, 51, has been sentenced to home detention in the Napier District Court. A jury found the former scientist guilty of 11 charges of indecently assaulting three school-age students he was tutoring. The judge noted the serious impact the assaults had on the young women.
4 outlets · Winston Peters addresses global emissions at UN function
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters told a United Nations leaders' breakfast in New York that four countries account for 60 per cent of global emissions. He stated that the world needs to face this reality regarding climate change.
+26 outlets · Police seek man accused of e-scooter robberies in Hamilton
Police are searching for a man believed to have committed three aggravated robberies at Dinsdale Shopping Centre. The suspect allegedly used a black e-scooter to flee the scene after targeting three food outlets. During one incident on 25 September, a shop worker was reportedly assaulted.
3 outlets · Sealord proposes 59 job cuts at Nelson operations
Sealord has proposed making its Nelson wetfish and by-products factories and fresh fish trawler seasonal rather than year-round. The company says the move aims to address rising costs and economic challenges. This proposal follows the planned closure of a coated-fish factory earlier this month.
4 outlets · Driver allegedly speeding at 150km/h while over alcohol limit in Pakuranga
A driver was stopped on Botany Road around 11pm Thursday after being spotted by police air support. The man was allegedly travelling at speeds exceeding 150km/h and was more than twice the legal alcohol limit. His vehicle was impounded following the incident.
3 outlets · One person critically injured in single-vehicle crash on SH1 near Huntly
A person has sustained critical injuries following a single-vehicle crash on State Highway 1 near Ralph Road on Friday morning. The southbound lane of the Waikato Expressway is currently blocked, with diversions in place for motorists.
3 outlets · Sixth teenager arrested and charged in Kaea Karauria death investigation
Police have arrested and charged another teenager in relation to the fatal stabbing of 15-year-old Kaea Karauria in Napier. The teen died in May after being found injured on Alexander Avenue following a birthday party. This marks the sixth arrest made in connection with the incident.
3 outlets · At least 15 New Zealanders detained in US immigration crackdown
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says at least 15 New Zealanders are currently in detention in the United States. This occurs as the Trump administration implements a nationwide crackdown on migrants. The detainees are reportedly not being held in immigration facilities.
3 outlets · Variable weather forecast with wind, rain and warmth this weekend
MetService has forecast a showery weekend featuring thunderstorms in the west and snow in the south. Strong wind watches are in place for much of the South Island and lower North Island on Sunday. Eastern cities may see unusually warm temperatures reaching up to 24C by Sunday.
3 outlets · Wellington rental market shifts as vacancy rates increase
A surplus of vacant rental properties in Wellington has changed the power dynamic between landlords and tenants. Recent data shows Wellington median rents have fallen 8.5 percent year-on-year to $595 a week. Landlords are now offering various incentives to attract potential renters to viewings.
+15 outlets · David Seymour calls for pause on consenting law enforcement
Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour has urged Environment Canterbury to pause enforcing current consenting laws. During a visit to Mid Canterbury on Wednesday, Seymour met with frustrated farmers and expressed dismay regarding their situation, describing the region as the "republic of Environment Canterbury".
2 outlets · Court of Appeal rejects man's $5m claim against ASB Bank
The Court of Appeal has dismissed Angus McKenzie's $5 million claim against ASB Bank. After a previous $2.5 million claim failed in the High Court, the court ruled this latest attempt was trivial, frivolous, and an improper use of its time.
3 outlets · Speeding incidents increase for Environment Southland work vehicles
Environment Southland has reported an increase in speeding incidents involving its work cars. Monitoring systems recorded 528 occasions where vehicles exceeded the speed limit by at least 10km/h over the last three months, with one vehicle clocked at 133km/h.
2 outlets · Luxon says blood cancer patients have not been forgotten
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated that blood cancer patients have not been forgotten, despite not guaranteeing that a campaign pledge regarding medication funding will be met. Some patients have described the lack of assurance as a broken promise.
2 outlets · Hamilton East School students record Split Enz cover album
Year 5 and 6 students from Hamilton East School have recorded cover versions of songs from the Split Enz debut album, Mental Notes. The recordings will be pressed onto vinyl and sold in New Zealand record stores, including JB Hi-Fi.
2 outlets · Search underway for woman missing near Taumarunui
Police are searching for a woman named Tina who was last seen near the Victory Bridge and BMX track area in Taumarunui on Thursday afternoon. Ngāti Hauā has placed a rāhui on the Whanganui River as search and recovery operations continue.
3 outlets · Proposed law change could result in 55,000 disallowed votes
The Electoral Commission projects that 55,000 votes could be cancelled in the 2026 general election due to a proposed change to enrolment rules. The Government is progressing a bill that would prevent New Zealanders from enrolling to vote in the two weeks leading up to election day.
2 outlets · Whangārei man critically injured after saving family from Melbourne house fire
James Bell and his seven-year-old son, Zayne, remain in critical condition at a Melbourne hospital following a house fire on Tuesday night. The Whangārei man suffered severe burns while attempting to rescue his family from the blaze. Other family members also sustained injuries during the incident.
2 outlets · High winds forecast for Auckland Harbour Bridge and other regions
MetService has warned of potential wind gusts between 75 and 85km/h across Auckland tomorrow afternoon. Motorists are advised to take care on the Auckland Harbour Bridge, while gales are also expected for central and southern New Zealand.
2 outlets · Wallabies coach says Bledisloe Cup holds special significance for All Blacks
Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt has stated that the All Blacks value the Bledisloe Cup more than the Rugby Championship. He noted that the trophy's long-standing tradition makes it a priority for the New Zealand side ahead of their upcoming match at Eden Park.
2 outlets · Manuhiri arrive at Waihi for Sir Tumu Te Heuheu tangihanga
Mourners from across the country are travelling to Tapeka Marae in Waihi Village to pay respects to Sir Tumu Te Heuheu. Following his death on Tuesday, Te Arikinui Kuini Ngāwai hono i te po was welcomed onto the marae on Friday morning.
2 outlets · Christopher Luxon calls for faster election vote counting
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has expressed his desire for the Electoral Commission to accelerate the official vote counting process following an election. He stated that the current speed is too slow, despite the Commission previously providing feedback to the Justice committee regarding proposed changes.
2 outlets · Farmers in Hawke's Bay and Manawatū face green drought
Farmers in Hawke's Bay and Manawatū are experiencing a green drought as they wait for spring rains. Low water supply and tight feed levels are stretching resources, with dam levels comparable to mid-summer.
2 outlets · Federated Farmers president suggests record milk payout could be new norm
Fonterra has confirmed a record farmgate milk payout of $10.16 per kilo of milk solids for the recent season. Federated Farmers national president Wayne Langford believes this high payout may become the new standard for farmers. He also suggested that supermarkets should review their price margins on products such as butter.
2 outlets · Two people arrested after car stolen on Karangahape Road
Police have arrested two people following the theft of a vehicle on Auckland's Karangahape Road. The car was allegedly taken around 12.25am while the driver was collecting a food order. Officers tracked the vehicle from the scene through to Kingsland.
2 outlets · Snowfall and chain requirements for South Island alpine passes
Snow is falling in inland parts of the South Island, leading to road snowfall warnings at several alpine passes. The NZ Transport Agency says drivers must use chains to travel over Arthur’s Pass due to the conditions.
2 outlets · New standards for public service sexual harassment complaints announced
Public Service Minister Judith Collins has introduced new standards to better support staff reporting sexual harassment or bullying. Under the new approach, public sector agencies must now consider paying the legal fees for employees making complaints of serious misconduct.
2 outlets · Scott Robertson backs incumbents for Bledisloe Cup opener at Eden Park
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has largely retained the squad that played South Africa for the upcoming match against the Wallabies. Cam Roigard, Codie Taylor, and Caleb Clarke will return to the starting lineup. The Bledisloe Cup match is scheduled for Saturday at Eden Park in Auckland.
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