Two dead and three injured in Bucklands Beach house fire
Two people died and three others were injured after a fire gutted a two-storey home on Murvale Drive in Bucklands Beach. Emergency services were called to the property around 2.30am. Police are currently investigating the cause of the blaze.
+15 outlets · Two arrested after methamphetamine seizure at Picton ferry terminal
A 70-year-old man and a 50-year-old woman have been arrested after one ounce of methamphetamine was found at the Picton ferry terminal. Police say the drugs, worth between $5,000 and $7,000, were intended for distribution in Marlborough. The man faces 13 charges related to the supply of methamphetamine and cannabis.
+15 outlets · Homicide investigation launched after man found dead in Greymouth
Police have launched a homicide investigation after 67-year-old Donald Baikie was found dead at a Chapel Street property on 30 September. A postmortem was completed in Christchurch on Thursday. Authorities believe there is no risk to the public, and a cordon remains at the scene.
+15 outlets · Toitū Te Tiriti cuts ties with Te Pāti Māori
The activist movement Toitū Te Tiriti has ended its alliance with Te Pāti Māori, citing leadership concerns and a clash of values. Spokesperson Eru Kapa-Kingi described the party's leadership style as a dictatorship model. In response, Te Pāti Māori has promised a reset, with further details expected next week.
4 outlets · Three New Zealanders detained after Gaza aid flotilla intercepted
Israeli forces have intercepted a humanitarian flotilla attempting to break the blockade of Gaza, detaining three New Zealanders. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has urged Israel to follow international law regarding the detainees. Organisers say 13 boats were stopped, while 30 others continue towards the Palestinian enclave.
+15 outlets · Search widened for missing 17-year-old in Christchurch
Police are expanding the search for 17-year-old Marley Purdue, who was last seen in Scarborough on 26 September. Following the discovery of his vehicle in Sumner, search teams have been working in Nicholson Park and surrounding coastal areas. More than 70 people have assisted with the efforts.
4 outlets · Insufficient evidence of corruption found in Manurewa Marae investigation
Police and the Serious Fraud Office found insufficient evidence of corruption regarding allegations that Census and Covid-19 vaccination data were misused at Manurewa Marae. Authorities are continuing to investigate potential privacy breaches and other offences that fall outside the Serious Fraud Office's remit.
+15 outlets · Three new measles cases confirmed in Northland outbreak
Health New Zealand has reported three additional measles cases in Northland, bringing the regional total to nine. One individual was identified as a close contact only after becoming infectious. Authorities are advising those who attended exams at Kerikeri High School in early September to monitor for symptoms.
4 outlets · Mother of US student killed in Auckland pleads for information
Carole Whorrall is urging witnesses to come forward following the discovery of a machete and the execution of two search warrants. Her son, Kyle Whorrall, was fatally attacked with a bladed weapon at an Auckland bus stop in April. A 16-year-old has been charged with his murder.
4 outlets · Police seek help after suspicious fires in Albert Town
Police are investigating suspicious fires that occurred in Albert Town on 20 September. The late-night fires damaged a cell tower and two data boxes on Alison Ave. Authorities are now appealing for public assistance and video footage from the area.
3 outlets · Wayne Brown tells lobby group to f*** off
Auckland mayor Wayne Brown has responded curtly to a request from the Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance to sign a ratepayer protection pledge. The mayor's response was sent via email and follows his recent plea for Aucklanders to vote in the upcoming local elections.
3 outlets · Scientist and conservationist Jane Goodall dies aged 91
Primate expert and global activist Dame Jane Goodall has died of natural causes at the age of 91. The Jane Goodall Institute confirmed she passed away in California while on a speaking tour. Her scientific discoveries and environmental advocacy were recognised globally.
3 outlets · SUV rams getaway car after Birkenhead pawnshop robbery
Three masked offenders allegedly entered a pawnbroker on Mokoia Road in Birkenhead on Wednesday afternoon, smashing cabinets and stealing items. Video footage shows a white SUV attempting to block the getaway vehicle during the incident. Police are now appealing for public assistance and CCTV footage.
3 outlets · Rotorua pensioner housing residents oppose new council partnership
Residents at Lucas Place are refusing to sign new tenancy agreements following a Rotorua Lakes Council partnership with Ka Puta Ka Ora Emerge Aotearoa. The community housing organisation will take over property management, with residents facing rent increases to market rates starting in February.
4 outlets · Auckland boarding house operator fined for unsafe and unhealthy conditions
Burnley Lodge Limited has been ordered to pay over $27,000 for multiple breaches of the Residential Tenancies Act at a Mt Eden property. The Tenancy Tribunal found the 11-bedroom boarding house was dirty, unsafe, and failed to meet Healthy Homes Standards.
4 outlets · Air New Zealand flight returns to Invercargill after bird strike
Air New Zealand flight NZ5704 was forced to return to Invercargill Airport after a bird strike occurred shortly after take-off on Thursday morning. The aircraft, bound for Christchurch, departed at 8.25am and was back on the tarmac by 8.51am. The return was reported as a safe landing.
3 outlets · Funeral for broadcaster and psychologist Nigel Latta announced
A celebration of the life of Nigel Latta will be held at The Cloud on Auckland’s waterfront at 1pm on 11 October. The 58-year-old broadcaster and psychologist passed away at Mercy Hospice following a battle with stomach cancer.
3 outlets · Investigation into fire at Marlborough property linked to cold case
Specialist fire investigators are examining a large blaze at a rural Canvastown property that destroyed dozens of vehicles and rubbish on Wednesday. The address was previously searched twice during investigations into the 2019 disappearance of Jessica Boyce.
3 outlets · Seventh arrest made in fatal Napier stabbing investigation
Police have arrested a seventh person in relation to the May stabbing death of 15-year-old Kaea Karauria in Napier. A 17-year-old female has been charged with intent to injure and is due to appear in Napier District Court on 9 October.
3 outlets · Christchurch director sentenced to home detention for PAYE fraud
Frederick Mario Mau Epiha has been sentenced to 10 months of home detention after pleading guilty to 16 charges. The Christchurch company director admitted to withholding over $200,000 in employee PAYE tax payments instead of passing them to Inland Revenue.
2 outlets · Driver avoids conviction for fatal crash due to brain injury
Alex Greig has been released into the community without a conviction after being found unfit to stand trial. The unlicensed, intoxicated driver caused a crash on the wrong side of the road that killed two people. The court ruled his brain injury suffered during the collision made a trial unrealistic.
+37 outlets · Former roommate recounts abduction and beating by group seeking Anaru Moana
A former roommate of Anaru Moana has testified in the Christchurch High Court regarding a violent beating he endured. He claims he was abducted by a group of attackers who were searching for Moana. Several individuals are currently on trial for Moana's murder.
3 outlets · Police investigate Christchurch detective for allegedly accessing complainant's file
Police are investigating allegations that Detective Constable Luke Fazackerley inappropriately accessed a sexual assault complainant's case file. It is understood that the detective began a sexual relationship with the woman after she made the complaint to police.
+15 outlets · Christchurch mother sentenced for long-term shoplifting spree
A mother of four has been sentenced for 17 counts of shoplifting in Christchurch. The woman, who cannot be named, claimed kleptomania caused the thefts, which resulted in her children being taken into care. A judge stated her actions showed a lack of regard for her children.
3 outlets · Smiths City voted into liquidation by creditors
Creditors voted at a meeting on Wednesday to place the Christchurch-based retailer into liquidation. The company previously entered voluntary administration while facing more than $25 million in claims. Administrators noted that approximately $10.5 million owed to unsecured creditors is unlikely to be repaid.
4 outlets · Aurora displays light up South Island skies
Bright aurora displays were visible across the South Island on Wednesday night. Photographers captured the colourful lights in several areas, including Southland, Twizel and Tasman.
2 outlets · Jessie Morgan appears for sentencing after admitting sexual connection charge
The 22-year-old appeared in court following an admission of sexual connection with a young person. A pre-sentence report did not recommend home detention due to reports of family harm incidents. The victim has reportedly suffered psychological, physical, and spiritual effects from the offending.
2 outlets · Missing woman withdrew cash before disappearing from central Auckland
Police have confirmed that 25-year-old Te Anihana Pomana withdrew cash from her bank account before she went missing. The Dunedin woman was last seen leaving the SkyCity Hotel in central Auckland just after 5am on 21 August.
3 outlets · Westpac to reduce home loan interest rates from Friday
Westpac will cut all advertised home loan rates by between 10 and 40 basis points starting Friday. This includes reducing the one-year special rate to 4.49 per cent and the five-year special rate to 4.99 per cent.
3 outlets · Man charged in Wadestown samurai sword burglary remains in hospital
John Charles Salanoa, 54, faces charges following an alleged aggravated burglary in Wadestown involving a samurai sword. Police say the suspect was pepper-sprayed, tasered, shot, and bitten by a police dog during the incident. He remains in hospital for surgery following his first court appearance.
2 outlets · Government announces $28m boost for Rotorua iwi housing project
The Government has provided over $28 million for the second stage of the Manawa Gardens project in Rotorua. This partnership with Ngāti Whakaue aims to build 80 rental homes on Māori land by mid-2027. Fifty whānau are reportedly already on the waitlist for these homes.
2 outlets · Heavy rain and thunderstorms forecast for upper North Island
MetService warns that heavy rain, thunderstorms, and potential hail are expected across the upper North Island from Friday through the weekend. Auckland and Northland may experience squally thunderstorms and localised heavy falls during the final days of the school holidays.
2 outlets · Erin Patterson to appeal mushroom murder convictions
Lawyer for Erin Patterson has announced intentions to appeal her guilty verdicts for three murders and attempted murder. Patterson was sentenced last month to life imprisonment with no parole eligibility for 33 years. The specific grounds for the appeal have not yet been outlined.
2 outlets · Jacinda Ardern documentary achieves strong local box office debut
The documentary Prime Minister, which explores Dame Jacinda Ardern's time as leader, has earned between $417,000 and $432,000 in its first week. This performance marks the strongest debut for a local documentary since 2018.
2 outlets · Auckland Council issues over 6000 fines for unregistered dogs
Auckland Council has issued 6,027 infringement notices to dog owners who failed to register their pets. The fines follow previous warnings from the council regarding animal registration and efforts to manage roaming dogs.
3 outlets · One-third of New Zealand workers hold more than one job
A report by Employment Hero shows 33 per cent of New Zealanders work multiple roles to manage living costs. This figure is the second-highest globally, following Australia at 34 per cent. Additionally, 43 per cent of workers reported working overtime.
2 outlets · Long-time customers purchase Christchurch ice cream business
Gareth and Sarah Eddy have become the new owners of the Christchurch-based Ice Cream Charlie. The couple, who were long-time customers, purchased the mobile business after it was put up for sale in June.
2 outlets · Over 180 railway sleepers stolen from Whangārei locations
Police are investigating a series of thefts involving approximately 180 to 200 wooden railway sleepers across Whangārei. The thefts, occurring over the last two months, have targeted KiwiRail and various local businesses. Authorities suspect the stolen items are being sold to unsuspecting members of the community for financial gain.
2 outlets · The Warehouse Group reports $2.8 million net loss for 2025
The Warehouse Group has announced a $2.8 million net loss after tax for the 2025 financial year. Chairperson Dame Joan Withers attributed the result to difficult economic and retail conditions in New Zealand. While Warehouse Stationery sales fell, Noel Leeming saw a slight increase in sales.
2 outlets · Police seek sightings of missing 62-year-old man in Tauranga
Police are searching for 62-year-old Cecil, who was last seen about a week ago in the Ohauiti/Hairini area of Tauranga. Authorities believe he may now be in either Tauranga or Hastings and are concerned for his wellbeing.
2 outlets · Digger falls off truck on Auckland's Upper Harbour Bridge
A small digger fell from a truck on State Highway 18 in Auckland at approximately 7.15am on Thursday. The incident blocked the left-hand lane heading towards Squadron Drive, reducing the bridge to one lane. Motorists have been advised to expect delays while the machinery is being removed.
2 outlets · Traffic gridlocked on Auckland motorway after digger falls off truck
Traffic on State Highway 18 in Greenhithe backed up over 4km after a digger fell off a truck on Thursday morning. The incident on the Upper Harbour Motorway reduced the road to one lane, causing significant delays.
2 outlets · Natalie McMurtry begins role as new Pharmac chief executive
Natalie McMurtry has started as the chief executive of Pharmac after the agency spent months without a leader. Moving from Canada, she aims to rebuild the agency's reputation and support patients and families. McMurtry brings over 25 years of health sector experience to the position.
2 outlets · New Zealand property values rise slightly in September
National median house prices increased by 0.1% in September, ending a five-month decline. While Tauranga saw the strongest growth among main centres, prices remained soft in Auckland and Wellington.
2 outlets · Over 11,500 allied health workers to strike on 23 October
More than 11,500 allied health workers, including physiotherapists and social workers, have committed to striking on 23 October. This coordinated action by public sector unions will occur on the same day as planned strikes by tens of thousands of primary school teachers and other workers.
+26 outlets · Steve Corica named A-League coach of the decade
Auckland FC head coach Steve Corica has been selected for the Professional Footballers Australia A-League Team of the Decade for 2015-2025. Kosta Barbarouses was the only All Whites player included in the team voted on by past and present players.
2 outlets · Winston Peters calls for real action to end Gaza violence
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has stated that New Zealand must pursue practical actions rather than rhetoric to end the violence in Gaza. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Peters maintained that the recognition of Palestine as a state is a matter of when, not if.
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