Police investigate unexplained sudden death in North Dunedin
Police are investigating a sudden death on Great King Street in North Dunedin after being notified at approximately 2pm on Friday. The death is being treated as unexplained, and a scene guard is expected to remain in place overnight. An increased police presence may be seen in the area.
+15 outlets · Chopped peanuts recalled due to possible metal contamination
Two brands of chopped peanuts, FreshLife and Gilmours, are being recalled because they may contain small pieces of metal. The affected products were sold at Woolworths, FreshChoice, Supervalue, Gilmours, and Trents Wholesale stores across New Zealand.
+15 outlets · PD Mart ordered to stop selling car seats over safety concerns
The Commerce Commission has issued a 'stop now' letter to PD Mart, formerly Panda Mart, regarding the sale of baby car seat capsules. The order follows an investigation into potentially misleading labelling regarding safety standard compliance. The retailer will offer refunds for the products.
+15 outlets · Whakaari coronial inquiry begins in Whakatāne
The first phase of the coronial inquiry into the 2019 Whakaari/White Island eruption commenced in Whakatāne on Friday. The inquiry follows the disaster that killed 22 people and injured 25 others. Counsel for survivors suggested New Zealand did not appear ready for the event.
+15 outlets · Protesters gather outside Winston Peters' Auckland home
Supporters of the Global Sumud Flotilla gathered outside Foreign Minister Winston Peters' Auckland residence on Thursday. The protest was held in solidarity with several New Zealanders detained by Israeli authorities. Participants used drums, flags, and posters to express their support for those on the flotilla.
+15 outlets · Pōkeno motorway on-ramp closed following truck crash and chemical spill
A two-vehicle crash involving a truck occurred on the Great South Road northbound on-ramp in Pōkeno on Friday afternoon. Police reported no injuries, but the on-ramp remains closed while emergency services manage a chemical spill. A full cleanup is required before the road can reopen.
4 outlets · Bill Pine Maangi identified as Gisborne homicide victim
Police have identified 36-year-old Bill Pine Maangi as the victim of a homicide in Gisborne. He was found critically injured on a lawn in Riverdale early Monday morning and later died in hospital. Authorities have confirmed that a firearm was involved in the incident.
4 outlets · Government provides $5 million for Auckland tennis arena roof project
The Government has announced a $5 million investment toward a new Centre Court roof at Auckland's Manuka Doctor Arena. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston stated the funding will help Tennis Auckland co-fund the estimated $15 million project. The covered venue is expected to be completed in 2027.
4 outlets · North Island faces thunderstorms, hail and heavy rain this evening
MetService has forecast heavy rain, squally thunderstorms and hail for parts of the North Island and the top of the South Island. The weather is expected to move from the northwest, potentially impacting the end of the school holidays.
4 outlets · Coroner finds alcohol and inexperience caused fatal Taupō car crash
Coroner Ian Telford has released findings regarding the January 2025 crash near Acacia Bay that killed two 19-year-olds. The report states an unlicensed, inexperienced driver had consumed alcohol and cannabis before the accident. The coroner described the circumstances as a tragedy involving avoidable factors.
+15 outlets · Ruapehu candidate abandons campaign following abuse and intimidation
A candidate in the Ruapehu District election has stopped campaigning due to brutal online abuse, threats, and vandalism. The Ruapehu District Council has condemned the harassment, noting that some candidates have faced public confrontations and damage to campaign billboards.
+15 outlets · Bodies recovered after fatal house fire in Bucklands Beach
Two people died and two others are recovering from burns following a house fire in Bucklands Beach early Thursday morning. Emergency services attended the Murvale Drive property around 2.30am. Police and fire investigators are continuing to investigate the cause of the blaze.
3 outlets · Police appeal for help finding man missing from Auckland care facility
Police and family are concerned for 56-year-old Walter Brown, who has been missing for nearly two weeks. He was last seen in Papatoetoe on the weekend of 20 September after leaving a care facility in Papakura to visit relatives. Authorities are now appealing for any sightings of him.
3 outlets · Christchurch sexual predator pleads not guilty to parole breach
Leo Darin Goodwin has pleaded not guilty to breaching parole after allegedly approaching schoolgirls in Merivale and St Albans. The 53-year-old, who is subject to a preventive detention order, appeared in the Christchurch District Court via audio-visual link.
4 outlets · Police search for missing Christchurch teenager via helicopter
Authorities are using a helicopter to search the Scarborough and Godley Head coastlines for 17-year-old Marley Purdue. He has been missing for one week, and police have requested that the public avoid these areas during the operation. More than 70 people have participated in the search efforts so far.
3 outlets · Government unveils strategy to boost domestic defence industry
The government has launched a new Defence Industry Strategy to strengthen the local supply chain and grow domestic businesses. The plan aims to double defence spending over the next eight years, with ministers Judith Collins and Chris Penk announcing the strategy at an Auckland naval facility.
3 outlets · Large tree blocks State Highway 1 south of Cambridge
A large tree fell across State Highway 1 at Karapiro on Friday morning, causing traffic to back up in both directions. While one lane has since reopened, diversions and delays remain in place as Fire and Emergency New Zealand staff work to clear the blockage.
3 outlets · Wayne Brown denies rates hike after profane response to lobby group
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has denied claims he plans to increase rates following a profane email response to the Auckland Ratepayers Alliance. The lobby group sent 1,500 emails to the mayor's office requesting he sign a ratepayer protection pledge. Brown stated his focus remains on reducing wasteful spending and keeping rates low.
3 outlets · Local election voting numbers higher than previous elections
More than 622,000 votes have been returned for the current local body elections, representing just over 18 per cent of eligible voters. These figures are significantly higher than the number of votes cast at the same stage during the 2022 elections.
3 outlets · Coroner rules diver Jinting Guo drowned while freediving alone
A coroner has ruled that 35-year-old Jinting Guo likely drowned due to a mishap while freediving alone in Tītahi Bay in October 2023. Although his body has not been found, the discovery of part of his leg earlier this year confirmed his death.
3 outlets · Tupou Vaa'i ruled out of Bledisloe Cup test in Perth
All Blacks lock Tupou Vaa'i has been ruled out of the second Bledisloe Cup match against the Wallabies due to an injury sustained at training. The match is scheduled to take place at Optus Stadium in Perth. Hooker Codie Taylor has stated the team must improve their defence for the encounter.
2 outlets · Te Pāti Māori seeks to reassure members after Toitū Te Tiriti split
Te Pāti Māori has emailed members to address allegations of being ego-driven following the Toitū Te Tiriti movement's decision to cut ties. The movement cited leadership concerns and a need for independence. The party is expected to announce a reset next week.
+15 outlets · Christchurch council shuts down homeless encampment at local church
Approximately 10 people living in tents and vehicles at Holy Trinity Avonside have been forced to leave the church grounds. The Christchurch City Council issued an abatement notice in August following numerous complaints. Some occupants had already moved on by Friday morning.
3 outlets · New World apologises for mislabelled meatless bone in Whangārei
The New World Onerahi supermarket has apologised after selling a lamb bone without meat. The item was incorrectly labelled with a price of $17.99 per kg. The error has gained attention on social media.
2 outlets · Officials unable to contact New Zealanders detained by Israeli navy
Consular staff have not yet spoken to three New Zealanders held by the Israeli navy after they were intercepted while attempting to sail to Gaza. While Israel has provided assurances that the passengers are safe, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is monitoring the situation.
3 outlets · Auckland Council opposes Ali Williams and Anna Mowbray helipad
Auckland Council is opposing a proposal by Ali Williams and Anna Mowbray to allow helicopter flights from their Westmere property. The case is currently before the Environment Court, where the owners are seeking permission for four flights per day.
4 outlets · Nurses and midwives to join October public sector strike action
Nurses, midwives, and healthcare assistants will join a mass public sector walkout on 23 October. The strike is expected to be one of the largest in decades, coinciding with previously announced action by primary school teachers and allied health workers.
2 outlets · Specialist veterinary hospital planned for Miramar development
WingNut PM and ARC vets have revealed designs for a state-of-the-art specialist veterinary hospital. The facility is planned for Park Road in Miramar as part of a new development by Sir Peter Jackson and Dame Fran Walsh.
2 outlets · Music promoter Pato Alvarez addresses social media misinformation
Convicted sex offender Pato Alvarez has responded to social media comments regarding his case. He stated he wants people to judge him based on facts rather than fiction and said he never intended to deny responsibility for his past mistakes.
2 outlets · Tauranga businesses reduce staff hours following introduction of paid parking
Business owners in Tauranga have cut staff hours due to declining sales since new parking charges were introduced. One café owner reported losing approximately $1,000 per week, while another business owner noted staff are parking much further away to avoid the fees.
4 outlets · Winston Peters avoids protesters at Port Chalmers
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters used a side entrance to avoid a large group of protesters at Port Otago. Approximately 200 people gathered to protest his stance on Palestine, waving flags and carrying placards.
2 outlets · First Christchurch ultramarathon held at Hagley Park
Endurance athletes are competing in a six-day ultramarathon at Christchurch's Hagley Park. Participants are running laps of a 2.8km course, with some nearing the two-thirds mark of the race. Organisers intend for the event to become a permanent fixture on the global circuit.
2 outlets · Canterbury NPC head coach Marty Bourke to step down
Marty Bourke will leave his position as Canterbury head coach at the conclusion of the NPC season. After serving in various coaching roles with the team since 2021, Bourke will depart following the current campaign. Canterbury Rugby intends to begin searching for a replacement once the season ends.
2 outlets · Air New Zealand marks 75 years since first Wellington to Sydney flight
The airline, then known as TEAL, celebrated 75 years since its first flight between Wellington and Sydney. On 3 October 1950, the Solent flying boat Ararangi carried business leaders and dignitaries across the Tasman Sea. Crowds gathered at Evans Bay in Wellington to watch the historic takeoff.
2 outlets · Whanganui traffic delays expected due to State Highway 3 resurfacing
State Highway 3 in Whanganui will undergo resurfacing during October. A one-way road closure between Alma Road and Heads Road on Carlton Avenue is expected to add approximately 10 minutes to travel times.
2 outlets · Hospitality sector fears NCEA changes will increase staff shortages
The hospitality industry has written to Education Minister Erica Stanford regarding proposed NCEA changes. Leaders worry that leaving a Year 11 qualification out of the new system will worsen staff shortages and hinder tourism industry growth.
3 outlets · Extradition efforts fail for Vietnamese officials accused of sexual assault
New Zealand police say attempts to extradite two Vietnamese officials accused of sexually assaulting restaurant workers in Wellington have been unsuccessful. The men will not return to face criminal charges. Authorities have not disclosed why the efforts stalled, noting that the two countries do not have an extradition treaty.
2 outlets · Northbound lane on Auckland Harbour Bridge reopens after police incident
A northbound lane on the Auckland Harbour Bridge was closed around 7.15am following a police incident. The closure caused significant traffic delays and queues reaching the central motorway network interchange. The bridge has since fully reopened to motorists.
2 outlets · Six injured in two-vehicle crash on State Highway 2
Six people were injured following a two-vehicle crash in Waiotahe on Thursday night. One person was flown to Tauranga in critical condition, while others were taken to Tauranga and Whakatane hospitals. The section of State Highway 2 involved in the incident has since reopened.
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