Saturday 27 September 2025
22 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
One dead and one in custody after serious Matatā incident
One person has died and another was hospitalised following a serious incident at the intersection of Flax and Matatā roads on Saturday afternoon. Police have taken one person into custody and closed a section of State Highway 2. Reports suggest two people were stabbed during the event.
4 outlets · Opposition criticises government decision not to recognise Palestinian statehood
The New Zealand government has decided not to recognise a Palestinian state at this time, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon defended the move, while opposition parties described the decision as a failure of leadership.
3 outlets · All Blacks retain Bledisloe Cup after defeating Wallabies in Auckland
The All Blacks defeated the Wallabies 33-24 at Eden Park to keep the Bledisloe Cup. Cam Roigard scored two tries on his return from injury to help New Zealand secure the win. The result follows a recent record defeat for the All Blacks.
3 outlets · Otago retain Ranfurly Shield with win over North Harbour
Otago defeated North Harbour 41-26 at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin to hold onto the Ranfurly Shield. While North Harbour challenged in the first half, Otago dominated the second half to secure the victory. The win allows Otago to effectively keep the shield until next season.
4 outlets · Fire destroys building at former Massey University campus in Albany
A fire destroyed a commercial building at the former Massey University grounds in Albany on Friday night. Emergency services were called to the scene around 9.50pm, prompting a response from multiple fire crews. Despite the efforts of numerous firefighters, the building was destroyed.
3 outlets · Caleb Clarke moved to tears by father's anthem performance
All Blacks winger Caleb Clarke was visibly emotional at Eden Park during the Bledisloe Cup opening match. His father, former All Black Eroni Clarke, surprised him by leading both the English and te reo versions of the national anthem.
3 outlets · Four measles cases identified in Northland
Health New Zealand has confirmed four measles cases in Northland, including one active case and three historical cases. One historical case linked to travel in Asia is considered the likely source. Officials are urging Bay of Islands residents to monitor for symptoms due to possible undetected transmission since early September.
3 outlets · Mt Victoria tunnel reopens after three-vehicle crash
Wellington's Mt Victoria tunnel was closed in both directions on Saturday morning following a three-vehicle crash. The incident was reported to emergency services around 8.45am, and no injuries were reported. The tunnel on State Highway 1 has since reopened to motorists.
3 outlets · UN torture prevention committee visits New Zealand prisons
A United Nations subcommittee has inspected a dozen prisons across New Zealand over the last two weeks. The visits follow concerns raised by the chief ombudsman and the Office of the Inspectorate regarding human rights and solitary confinement. The committee's findings remain confidential.
3 outlets · Police search for missing 17-year-old in Christchurch
Police are searching for Marley, 17, who was last seen in Opawa on Friday afternoon. The vehicle he was driving has been located in the Sumner area, but there has been no contact from him since.
3 outlets · Government may legislate to remove tikanga Māori from court rulings
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has warned that unique court rulings recognising tikanga Māori could discourage overseas investment. Speaking at a Law Association event, he suggested the government is prepared to create legislation to address what he described as a bespoke legal system.
4 outlets · Tokoroa plywood plant workers await decision on potential closure
Workers at Carter Holt Harvey's Tokoroa plywood plant expect an announcement on Tuesday regarding the factory's future. The company began consulting on a potential closure in mid-September, which could result in the loss of up to 119 full-time jobs.
3 outlets · Presbyterian Church issues public apology to historical abuse survivors in Dunedin
The Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand expressed profound remorse to survivors during a public apology at the Tūhura Otago Museum. Following Royal Commission findings, the church admitted to failing to protect children and suppressing reports. The event included approximately 50 attendees and follows similar planned apologies in other regions.
2 outlets · Clocks move forward one hour for daylight saving
New Zealand transitions to daylight saving time at 2am on Sunday, September 28. Clocks will move forward by one hour, with the period expected to last until the first Sunday in April 2026.
2 outlets · Auckland mayoral voter turnout below 10 per cent with two weeks remaining
Just under 9.2 per cent of eligible Aucklanders have voted in the mayoral race so far. With less than two weeks left in the election, more than 100,000 people have cast their votes according to Auckland Council.
2 outlets · Police officer successfully appeals drink-driving conviction
Harrison Rickard-Simms, a 25-year-old Bay of Plenty police officer, has successfully appealed a drink-driving conviction. He was stopped in Tokoroa on 26 April after returning a breath alcohol level of 521mcg. While the conviction was overturned, his legal battle to retain his job continues.
3 outlets · High winds may impact Auckland Harbour Bridge during All Blacks test
Strong gusts of up to 85kph are forecast for Saturday afternoon, potentially affecting travel over the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Motorists are advised to monitor electronic message boards for speed reductions and lane closures as fans head to Eden Park.
2 outlets · Police seek information on vehicle linked to Whangārei house fire
Police are investigating a suspicious fire that occurred at a home on Raumanga Valley Road on Wednesday morning. All five occupants were asleep when a couch on the front deck was deliberately set alight. Witnesses reported seeing a white or silver-coloured vehicle in the area around the time of the incident.
2 outlets · High Court supports Colombo Street developer amid neighbour dispute
M Group Properties is facing opposition from neighbours who have blocked access to its Colombo Street residential development site in Christchurch. While the High Court has backed the developer, the conflict involving the multimillion-dollar project continues.
2 outlets · Person hospitalised with serious injuries after George Street assault
A person was taken to hospital with serious injuries following an alleged assault on George Street in Dunedin shortly after midnight. Police have taken a 24-year-old man into custody in relation to the incident, and he is expected to appear in court today.
2 outlets · Tauranga City Council abandons $105m Memorial Park aquatic centre plans
Tauranga City Council has scrapped plans for a $105 million Memorial Park Aquatic Centre after spending $4.7 million on the project. The council has decided to begin a new design process, which has received support from several community sport groups.
3 outlets · Third heart procedure lab opens at Christchurch Hospital
A third catheterisation laboratory has opened at Christchurch Hospital to increase the number of heart procedures performed each week. Health Minister Simeon Brown stated the upgrade aims to reduce cardiac waitlists and provide patients with faster access to treatment.
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