Two hospitalised after gas bottle explosion in Hornby
Two people were taken to Christchurch Hospital in moderate condition after a gas bottle exploded inside a work vehicle on Waterloo Road. The explosion ignited a fire in the vehicle, which was carrying five gas cylinders, on Monday morning.
+26 outlets · Police resume search for missing Christchurch teenager Marley
Search and rescue teams have returned to the Scarborough area to continue the physical search for 17-year-old Marley. After being last seen in Ōpāwa on Friday, his vehicle was located in Sumner. Police briefly paused the physical search to explore other avenues of inquiry, including reviewing CCTV footage.
+15 outlets · Government announces major overhaul of earthquake-prone building system
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Minister Chris Penk have unveiled a new classification system for earthquake-prone buildings. The changes are expected to remove approximately 2,900 buildings, or 55% of the current regime, from the list. The overhaul aims to save more than $8 billion in repair and demolition costs.
+26 outlets · Woman charged with murder after Matatā vehicle incident
A 35-year-old woman has been charged with murder and wounding with intent following an incident in a moving vehicle on State Highway 2. One person died and another was injured near Matatā on Saturday. The woman appeared in Whakatāne District Court on Monday.
+15 outlets · Kārearea New Zealand falcon wins 2025 Bird of the Year
The kārearea New Zealand falcon has been crowned the winner of the 20th anniversary Bird of the Year competition. More than 75,000 voters from around the world participated in the contest, which featured 72 or 73 native bird species.
+48 outlets · Man charged after three puppies were allegedly mistreated in Auckland
A 44-year-old man faces animal welfare charges after allegedly punching three puppies inside a bag near Parnell Train Station on Sunday. Police were alerted by members of the public following threats of harm. The puppies have been moved to an Auckland Council Animal Management shelter.
4 outlets · New measles case detected in Queenstown linked to overseas travel
A new measles case has been confirmed in the Queenstown region and is likely linked to international travel. The individual is currently in isolation, and health officials are working to identify close contacts and exposure locations. This case has no known links to the four cases reported in Northland.
4 outlets · Six injured in two-vehicle crash near Lake Taupō
Six people sustained moderate to serious injuries following a two-vehicle crash at the Tauranga-Taupō bridge on Monday morning. Police were called to State Highway 1 around 11.25am. The highway has been closed in both directions, and motorists have been advised to delay travel.
4 outlets · One person dead after house fire in Mahora
One person was found dead following a house fire on Tamatea Street in Hastings on Monday afternoon. Emergency services were called to the Mahora property around 2.40pm, and firefighters subsequently extinguished the blaze. Police are currently conducting an investigation and a formal identification process is underway.
3 outlets · Luxon defends government decision not to recognise Palestinian statehood
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says New Zealanders can be proud of the government's decision not to recognise Palestinian statehood. He stated that recognition is not appropriate while terrorists play a significant role. New Zealand is among a small group of nations, including the US and Japan, that have not formally recognised Palestine.
3 outlets · Whangaparāoa gastropub loses liquor licences following noise complaints
The District Licensing Committee has rejected renewal applications for both on and off licences at Parāoa Brewing Co in Stanmore Bay. Local residents opposed the renewals due to noise-related stress and sleep disruption. The venue has previously received environmental fines and multiple abatement notices.
+15 outlets · Court dismisses former ACT Party president's appeal against sexual abuse convictions
The Court of Appeal has rejected Timothy Jago's attempt to quash his convictions or reduce his sentence. Jago was previously found guilty by a jury of indecently assaulting two teenage boys at an Auckland surf lifesaving club during the 1990s. He is currently serving a sentence of two years and six months in prison.
4 outlets · Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming added to police Roll of Honour
Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming has been included in the police Roll of Honour following her death on New Year's Day. The Nelson officer, who was struck by a car while on patrol, is the 34th person on the list. Her name was recognised during Police Remembrance Day services.
3 outlets · Elmwood Village apologises after bedbound woman suffered burns
An 85-year-old woman at Elmwood Village sustained second-degree burns and an infection after her bed was pushed against an unguarded heater. Oceania Care Company Limited has apologised following the incident, which reportedly left the woman requiring a skin graft. Her injuries went unassessed by medical staff for 20 days.
+15 outlets · Two Aspect Sun sunscreens recalled over SPF rating concerns
Product Safety NZ has issued an urgent recall for several batches of Aspect Sun's Physical Sun Protection SPF50+ and Tinted Physical SPF50+ products. Independent laboratory testing suggests these sunscreens may not provide the level of protection stated on their labels. Consumers are advised to stop using the affected products.
3 outlets · Hastings District Council warns of risks from e-motorbike riding
The Hastings District Council is educating the public about the dangers of riding electric motorbikes in parks and reserves. Officials say these vehicles pose safety risks to users and could damage archaeologically significant sites like Hikanui Pa. Police have advised people to report unsafe riding without putting themselves in danger.
4 outlets · State Highway 5 closed after stock truck rolls in Hawke’s Bay
State Highway 5 near Te Pōhue was blocked in both directions after a stock truck rolled on Monday afternoon. One person sustained serious injuries in the crash, and police noted that animals were also injured at the scene.
3 outlets · Helen Clark criticises government decision on Palestinian statehood recognition
Former Prime Minister Helen Clark has described New Zealand's decision not to recognise a Palestinian state as being on the wrong side of history. The coalition government maintained its current status quo in New York on Saturday, a move that departs from the positions of several traditional allies.
+26 outlets · Unsettled weather and thunderstorms forecast for both islands
MetService has forecast an unsettled week with several weather fronts moving across New Zealand. Rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds are expected to affect much of the North Island, while the South Island faces heavy rain and possible gales. Snow is also predicted for alpine passes.
3 outlets · Homicide investigation launched after person found dead in Gisborne
Police have launched a homicide investigation after a man was found dead on a front lawn in Riverdale, Gisborne. Officers responded to an address on Ormond Rd around 4am, where a person was located with critical injuries. A police cordon remains in place, and commuters are advised to expect diversions.
3 outlets · Clergy chain themselves to MP Erica Stanford's Auckland office
Four members of the clergy have chained themselves to MP Erica Stanford's electorate office in Browns Bay. The group is protesting the government's stance on the Gaza conflict and seeking recognition for a Palestinian state. They intend to remain at the office until they are granted an audience with the minister.
2 outlets · Grace Nweke calls for return of Silver Ferns coach
Silver Ferns shooter Grace Nweke has expressed support for coach Dame Noeline Taurua following a narrow victory over South Africa in Invercargill. Taurua, who was stood down in September, is expected to meet with Netball New Zealand on Wednesday to discuss the coaching stand-off.
2 outlets · Esarona Lologa attempted to murder a teenager with a machete in 2009
Fourteen years before killing five people in the Loafers Lodge fire, Esarona Lologa attempted to murder a teenager with a machete. The survivor, now in his mid 30s, has spoken out following the murder verdict.
4 outlets · Woman charged with murder after fatal car attack in Bay of Plenty
A 34-year-old woman has appeared in Whakatāne District Court facing murder charges. She allegedly killed one person and seriously injured another inside a vehicle. Mental health minister Matt Doocey's office has been briefed on the incident.
2 outlets · Shaun Johnson advises young league players to play touch
Retired Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson has shared advice for aspiring league players. In a new book, the former NRL player suggests that young athletes should play touch rugby to develop their skills.
2 outlets · Proposed law could criminalise protests near private residences
Parliament's Justice Select Committee is currently considering a bill that may introduce fines or imprisonment for unreasonable protests near homes. The proposed legislation aims to address protests near private residences, though legal experts have questioned its potential effectiveness and clarity.
2 outlets · Auckland clothing charity Common forced to close due to funding issues
Auckland charity Common is closing after repeated grant applications were declined. The organisation provides donated clothing and excess retail stock to people in need, including those supported by Rainbow Youth and Victim Support.
3 outlets · Bay of Plenty man remains in prison after fatal drink-driving crash
Tupaea Mika will stay in prison following a fatal crash on State Highway 2 near Whakatāne last October. The 20-year-old had been drinking before the accident caused a woman's death. Mika previously had a drink-driving conviction as a teenager.
2 outlets · Man charged after alleged armed home invasion and police stand-off
A 54-year-old man faces charges of aggravated burglary and assault following an alleged home invasion on Anne Street in Wellington on Sunday. The incident involved a man brandishing a weapon and led to a stand-off where police fired a shot at him.
2 outlets · Winston Peters did not seek ministry opinion on Palestine decision
Foreign Minister Winston Peters did not ask the foreign ministry for an opinion regarding the government's decision not to recognise Palestine as a state. Labour leader Chris Hipkins criticised the process, stating the party would recognise Palestine quickly if elected to government.
2 outlets · Māori man denied entry to Gold Coast restaurant due to tā moko
Caleb Pokai, 24, claims he was barred from the Burleigh Pavilion on the Gold Coast because of his traditional Māori tattoo. The man was attempting to surprise a friend for their birthday when security guards refused him entry.
2 outlets · Repairs have not yet begun on Tinwald Viaduct
The Tinwald Viaduct near Ashburton remains closed 10 weeks after an excavator being towed on a trailer damaged a wooden overhead beam. KiwiRail reports that design work for the repairs is ongoing, though construction has not yet started.
+15 outlets · Wellington man jailed for tax fraud and fraudulent loan applications
Bradley John Croft has been sentenced to three years and three months in prison following 55 charges. The Wellington man pocketed $62,600 through fraudulent loan applications and attempted to collect an additional $157,939.28. He appeared in the Hutt Valley District Court on 25 September.
2 outlets · Four arrested and nine firearms seized in Whanganui search
Police arrested four people after executing a search warrant at a Puriri Street property in Whanganui last week. Officers seized nine firearms and discovered a small cannabis growing operation located in the house, shed, and roof space.
2 outlets · Dargaville calf rearer fined $15,000 for animal neglect
Vivian Philip Flett has been sentenced in the Dargaville District Court following an MPI investigation into calf treatment. Reports state that between nine and 13 calves were found dead, with others requiring euthanasia or being found underweight.
3 outlets · Immigration investigators call for police-led anti-trafficking unit
Immigration New Zealand investigators have recommended creating a police-led unit to combat people trafficking and transnational crime. Internal briefings suggest that current responses are ad hoc, with staff currently performing both investigative and victim support roles. The unit would also aim to provide better support for victims.
2 outlets · Four influencers and gambling organisation fined for promoting offshore gambling
The Department of Internal Affairs has issued $125,000 in fines to four social media influencers and an offshore gambling organisation. Calen Morris, Millie Elder-Holmes, Billy Whaanga, and Tuhira Wana were penalised for promoting gambling to New Zealand audiences. The DIA may seek to disable the influencers' accounts if they do not comply.
2 outlets · Christchurch builder sentenced for evading over $260,000 in tax
Gary Terence Moss has been sentenced to seven months of home detention for failing to declare more than $260,000 in tax. The Christchurch builder fled to Australia in 2023 shortly after being notified of an Inland Revenue audit investigation.
2 outlets · Charge dropped against trucking company after Remuera worker death
WorkSafe will withdraw charges against Ashik Transport following the death of road worker Johnathon Walters in Remuera last year. Mr Walters was killed when a truck with faulty brakes ran away down a hill. Driver Ashik Ali has previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
4 outlets · Religious leaders protest outside minister's office over Palestinian statehood decision
Christian leaders held a prayerful sit-in outside Education Minister Erica Stanford's Auckland electorate office on Monday. The group chained themselves together to protest the government's decision not to recognise Palestinian statehood. Protesters expressed grief over the collective failure to recognise the state.
2 outlets · New Zealanders to join world-first trial for heart condition in women
Fifty New Zealanders will participate in a global clinical trial investigating treatments for spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD). This condition causes a third of heart attacks in women under 50 and half of all heart attacks during pregnancy.
+26 outlets · Pedestrian seriously injured after being hit by car in East Auckland
A pedestrian sustained serious injuries after being struck by a car on Botany Road in East Auckland. Emergency services responded to the scene at approximately 10.20am, and the victim was taken to hospital. Police have closed the road while investigations continue.
2 outlets · E-scooter rider involved in crash on Auckland motorway
A man riding an e-scooter southbound in the northbound lane of State Highway 1 was involved in a crash near the Port. Police are currently making inquiries following the incident.
2 outlets · Sounds Air completes final flights from Christchurch Airport
Sounds Air has operated its last flights from Christchurch following a decision to end services between Blenheim and Christchurch, and Christchurch and Wānaka. Christchurch Airport lit its tower and terminal in orange over the weekend to honour the airline. The airline cited a difficult economic climate for the changes.
4 outlets · Mother sues school principal for defamation over emails to lawyer
A mother has launched a defamation lawsuit against a school principal. The legal action follows emails sent by the principal to a Family Court-appointed lawyer, in which the principal described the child's father as an exemplary parent and suggested the mother was denying him custody rights.
4 outlets · Lisa Adams wins gold in shot put at World Para Athletics Championships
Lisa Adams secured New Zealand's first gold medal at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi. She achieved the win with a 13.83m throw during the opening round of the Women’s Shot Put F37 final.
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