Teenager charged with murder of Greymouth man Donald Baikie
A 16-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of 67-year-old Donald Baikie. Mr Baikie was found dead at a Chapel Street property in Greymouth on 30 September. The teenager was arrested on Friday night and is due to appear in the Greymouth Youth Court on Saturday.
Homicide investigation launched after man found dead in North Dunedin
Police have launched a homicide investigation after a 36-year-old man was found dead at a Great King Street property on Friday afternoon. Initial indications suggest the man died from non-accidental injuries. A scene guard remains in place while forensic experts investigate the circumstances of the death.
Dame Noeline Taurua sidelined as Silver Ferns coach for upcoming series
Netball New Zealand has sidelined Dame Noeline Taurua for the upcoming Constellation Cup series against Australia and the northern tour. While negotiations regarding her coaching future continue, Taurua has stated that her views differ from those issued by the national body.
Free bowel cancer screening age lowered in selected regions
Starting Monday, the free bowel cancer screening age will drop from 60 to 58 for residents in Auckland, Northland, and the South Island. Health Minister Simeon Brown stated this is a step towards matching Australia's screening age. The expansion is expected to allow 122,000 additional people to access home tests in the first year.
Chocolate Fish Cafe to close in Wellington after lease termination
The Chocolate Fish Cafe in Shelly Bay will close at the end of January after landlords Sir Peter Jackson and Dame Fran Walsh ended the lease. The property company stated the closure is necessary to complete renovations on the historic submarine barracks. The decision will result in 28 staff members losing their jobs.
Young child dies following vehicle incident in Papatoetoe
A young child has died after a vehicle incident on McDonald Road in Papatoetoe on Saturday afternoon. Emergency services were alerted to the situation around 4pm, and the Serious Crash Unit is currently on site. Police are investigating the circumstances and providing support to the family.
DOC to trial paid parking at South Island tourist spots
The Department of Conservation expects to earn $1 million from a paid parking trial starting this December. The scheme will be tested at Dolomite Point in Punakaiki and Franz Josef/Waiau to help fund conservation efforts. Drivers will receive the first 20 minutes free, followed by a $5 hourly rate.
Hamas agrees to some terms of Trump's Gaza peace plan
Hamas has expressed willingness to accept certain aspects of Donald Trump's peace proposal, including the release of hostages. However, the group intends to seek further negotiations regarding other terms and has not addressed issues such as disarmament. New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters described the plan as a serious step forward.
Police investigate unexplained sudden death in Beckenham
Police are investigating a sudden death at a property on Eastern Terrace in Christchurch. Emergency services were called to the Beckenham location at approximately 8.20am on Saturday. Authorities are currently treating the death as unexplained.
New Zealand Breakers lose to Sydney Kings at Qudos Bank Arena
The New Zealand Breakers fell 97-75 to the Sydney Kings on Saturday night, leaving them with a 0-4 start to the NBL26 season. Despite Sam Mennenga recording 14 points and 12 rebounds, the Breakers could not overcome the Kings, who were led by Kendric Davis's 28 points.
Boil water notice issued for Rototuna after E. coli detected
Hamilton City Council has issued a boil water notice for the Rototuna suburb after E. coli was found in a water sample. The bacteria was detected during a routine test of the Rototuna reservoir on Saturday. Residents in the northern Hamilton area are advised to boil their water.
Police cordons at Auckland Domain after items found
Police established cordons around Auckland Domain early Saturday morning following reports of human remains. Upon investigation, officers discovered the remains were actually those of a rat. The scene was far less serious than initially feared.
Estimated 8000 modern slavery victims in New Zealand
An anti-trafficking expert suggests there may be 8000 modern slavery victims in New Zealand, disputing lower figures. The minister responsible for fighting organised crime has stated that stronger action is required to improve the country's response to human trafficking.
New Zealand and Australia agree to new trade standards deal
Trade ministers Todd McClay and Don Farrell met in Monarto to discuss global economic changes. The two nations have agreed to strengthen their open trade relationship and deepen economic ties. The discussions also included looking towards WTO reform.
Waikato win consecutive Farah Palmer Cup titles in close final
Waikato secured back-to-back Farah Palmer Cup titles with a 19-13 victory over Canterbury. Fullback Kaea Nepia made a crucial tackle in the final seconds to prevent Canterbury from scoring a winning try. The dramatic win concluded an intense championship match.
International sportsman denied discharge without conviction for drink-driving
A sportsman in his 20s who has represented New Zealand internationally has been fined and disqualified from driving. The man was stopped at a breath-testing checkpoint after failing to secure a ride following a night of drinking. A judge denied his application for a discharge without conviction.
Wellington protesters call for Israeli sanctions and Palestinian statehood
Approximately 1,000 people marched from Pukeahu War Memorial Park in Wellington during heavy rain. The protesters are calling for the government to recognise Palestinian statehood and impose sanctions on Israel. This follows recent comments from Foreign Minister Winston Peters stating New Zealand is not yet ready to recognise a Palestinian state.
New Zealand and Samoa reach compensation deal for Manawanui disaster
New Zealand and Samoa have agreed on compensation regarding the HMNZS Manawanui disaster. While specific details are pending, the deal follows damage to Samoa's fishing and tourism sectors. An official announcement is expected imminently.
Hospitality backlash over trial move of Rotorua Night Market
An original organiser has criticised the decision to trial moving the Rotorua Night Market to Kuirau Park. Mayor Tania Tapsell stated that an alternative solution is required to reduce the weekly event's operating costs.
Government announces funding boost for natural pharmaceutical sector
The government will invest $42.8 million over seven and a half years to establish a Biodiscovery Platform. Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti said the funding aims to increase exports within the fast-growing natural pharmaceutical and bio-based products sector.
Senior departures reshape New Zealand police leadership team
A series of high-level exits has significantly altered the police leadership over the last year. Following Commissioner Andrew Coster's early departure, several senior officials including deputy commissioner Chris de Wattignar have left the organisation.













