Window smashed at Winston Peters' Auckland home
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says a window at his St Mary's Bay residence was smashed on Monday night. The incident occurred while his partner and a guest were inside, and glass reportedly fell on the family dog. Police responded to reports of wilful damage, but the offender had already left the scene.
+26 outlets · New Zealand pays Samoa $6m over HMNZS Manawanui sinking
The New Zealand Government has paid approximately $6 million in compensation to Samoa following the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui. The payment, worth 10 million Samoan tala, follows a request from the Samoan government one year after the navy vessel ran aground on a reef off Upolu.
+48 outlets · Man charged with murder after body found in North Dunedin
A 25-year-old man has been charged with murder following the death of a 36-year-old at a Great King Street property last Friday. Police were called to the Dunedin location around 2pm, where they found the deceased man. The accused is expected to appear in the Dunedin District Court.
+48 outlets · Body found in Whanganui River identified as missing Taumarunui woman
Police have confirmed that a body recovered from the Whanganui River is 56-year-old Tina Gray. Ms Gray had been missing since 25 September, when she was last seen near the flooded river in Taumarunui. The recovery follows an extensive search of the area.
4 outlets · Man arrested after officer shot in Auckland's Flat Bush
An officer was injured after a firearm was discharged at police conducting enquiries on Chapel Road on Monday morning. Following a three-hour standoff involving tear gas, a man was taken into custody. The injured officer has since been discharged from hospital.
4 outlets · Police investigate potential breakthrough in identity of man found dead
Police are following a strong line of inquiry to identify a man found dead on Horotane Valley Road in Heathcote Valley on 19 September. Following a tip from a member of the public, authorities believe they may have made a breakthrough. The death is not considered suspicious.
+26 outlets · Search for missing Christchurch teenager moves to recovery phase
Police have moved the search for 17-year-old Marley Purdue into a recovery phase after he was last seen in Scarborough on 26 September. An aerial search between Sumner and Godley Head failed to locate him. Land Search and Rescue teams will continue land-based efforts in the coming days.
+15 outlets · Bus crashes into property on State Highway 1 in Wellington
A bus crashed into a house fence on State Highway 1 near Hataitai shortly before 6am on Monday. While one report stated a person was seriously injured, police and other sources say one person sustained minor injuries. The road has since reopened, though traffic delays are expected.
+15 outlets · TikTok and Meta warn against social media ban for under 16s
Tech companies have cautioned a New Zealand select committee against proposed legislation to ban social media for those under 16. During a Parliament inquiry into social media harm, TikTok suggested a ban could move young people to less safe platforms. Meta also told the committee that Instagram scrolling is not intentionally addictive.
+37 outlets · Homicide investigation launched after man dies in New Lynn
Police have launched a homicide investigation following the death of a man in Auckland's New Lynn on Monday. Emergency services responded to reports of an injured person on Kaponga Crescent shortly before midday. One person has been arrested in connection with the incident.
4 outlets · Inquest begins for Whakaari-White Island eruption victims
The coronial inquiry into the 2019 Whakaari-White Island eruption has commenced, with the first phase detailing the final moments of the 22 victims. Bereaved families expressed frustration over unanswered questions as footage from the disaster was shared in court.
3 outlets · Christchurch Casino fined $5 million for anti-money laundering breaches
A High Court judge has confirmed a $5.06 million penalty for Christchurch Casinos Ltd. The company admitted to seven breaches of anti-money laundering and terrorism financing laws. An investigation found the casino failed to properly scrutinise 24 customers involving $56 million in transactions.
3 outlets · Portia Woodman-Wickliffe featured in Barbie global campaign
Black Ferns star Portia Woodman-Wickliffe has been honoured with a Barbie doll in her likeness. She is one of four professional rugby players included in Mattel's Team Barbie initiative to mark the United Nations' International Day of the Girl.
3 outlets · Luxon to discuss benefit changes for 18 and 19 year olds
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is expected to address media regarding new rules for youth welfare support. The changes involve stricter eligibility for Jobseeker Support for 18 and 19-year-olds whose parents can provide assistance, alongside a proposed $1,000 incentive for some.
3 outlets · Mother of Marokopa children pleads guilty to drink driving
Catherine Christey, 46, appeared in Te Kūiti District Court on Monday after admitting to drink driving. She was three times over the legal alcohol limit when she crashed her vehicle into a drain and flipped it onto its roof in Waimahora during August.
+26 outlets · Customs seizes $7.3 million cocaine haul at Tauranga port
Customs officers intercepted a duffel bag containing 21 kilograms of cocaine at the Port of Tauranga. The drugs, branded with a 'VESPA' logo and a mouse, were found in a shipping container arriving from Panama. The seizure has an estimated street value of up to $7.3 million.
3 outlets · Police investigate perplexing death of Christchurch pensioner
Police are investigating the unexplained death of a gun-collecting pensioner found at a Beckenham home on Saturday morning. Officers were called to the Eastern Terrace property around 8:20am. Authorities are seeking public assistance to help determine the circumstances surrounding the man's death.
4 outlets · Bluebridge ferry sailings cancelled due to mechanical issue
Two Cook Strait sailings were cancelled on Monday after mechanical issues were discovered with the Bluebridge ferry Connemara. Engineers have been working to repair the fault, which was first identified while the ship was berthed on Sunday night. Tugs are currently assisting the vessel to anchorage off Picton.
3 outlets · Measles cases rise to 11 following new Northland infection
Health New Zealand has confirmed another measles case in Northland, bringing the national total to 11. The individual was in quarantine during their infectious period, meaning no new locations of interest have been identified. Ten of the national cases are linked to the Northland outbreak.
3 outlets · Historic Belvedere Hall in Carterton is up for sale
The 141-year-old Belvedere Hall in Carterton has been put on the market. Once used for socialising and dancing, the rural building features various quirks and requires maintenance to its weatherboards and door sills.
4 outlets · Health NZ criticised after three-year-old boy dies in Greymouth hospital
A three-year-old boy died of septic shock at a West Coast hospital after medical errors occurred. An investigation found that an on-call doctor and a nurse in charge of the children's ward missed critical opportunities to save his life. The Health and Disability Commissioner has since written to Health NZ regarding the incident.
+26 outlets · Julia DeLuney appeals conviction for mother's murder in Khandallah
Julia DeLuney has filed an appeal against her conviction and sentence for the murder of her mother, Helen Gregory. DeLuney was sentenced to at least 18 years in prison for the killing, which occurred at Gregory's home in Wellington.
4 outlets · Vogel's granola and Tom & Luke snackaballs recalled over metal concerns
Certain batches of Vogel's granola and cereal, along with Tom & Luke snackaballs, have been recalled due to the potential presence of small metal pieces. The affected Vogel's products include Cluster Crunch Granola and Daily Protein Plus Almond Pistachio. These items were sold at supermarkets and retailers across New Zealand.
2 outlets · Teacher denies charges of historic sexual abuse of student
A female teacher is appearing in the Wellington District Court to face seven charges of alleged sexual abuse involving a boy. The complainant claims the incidents occurred approximately 20 years ago when he was 12 or 13 years old. The woman, who was a family friend, denies the allegations.
2 outlets · Hastings bars to close an hour earlier under new alcohol policy
Hastings District Council has unanimously voted to change its Local Alcohol Policy. Under the new rules, pubs will close at 2am instead of 3am, and supermarkets can only sell alcohol between 9am and 9pm.
2 outlets · Otago University student dies in Dunedin flat
Nineteen-year-old finance and marketing student Jed Walker died in his bed at a Dunedin flat late last month. His mother said he died from suspected complications related to an epilepsy seizure. He was found unresponsive in his bed by a flatmate.
2 outlets · Weather warnings issued for heavy rain and strong winds
MetService has issued several weather watches and warnings as a frontal band moves across the country. Heavy rain and wind are expected to impact the South Island, with wind gusts reaching up to 120km/h in Wellington and the Canterbury High Country. Snowfall warnings have also been issued for several South Island roads.
2 outlets · Joseph Ahuriri added to Cyclone Gabrielle and weather deaths inquest
The disappearance of Joseph Ahuriri has been included in an inquest into deaths caused by Cyclone Gabrielle and early 2023 extreme weather. Coroner Erin Woolley is investigating 18 deaths related to the Auckland Anniversary Floods and the cyclone.
2 outlets · Napier's Tom Parker Fountain closed due to defective paint
The Tom Parker Fountain in Napier has been closed again because of defective paint used during repairs last year. A Napier City Council spokesperson stated that the contractor is currently rectifying the issue at no cost while the contract remains under a liability period.
4 outlets · Man jailed for six years for manslaughter of his father
Basil Thomas Anderson has been sentenced at the New Plymouth High Court for the manslaughter of his father in Pātea. The 36-year-old killed the man while experiencing methamphetamine-induced delusions, including beliefs regarding mind control and demons.
3 outlets · Group armed with hammers robs Auckland store
Police are investigating an aggravated robbery at a store on Dominion Road in central Auckland on Monday. Up to five men allegedly entered the premises with weapons believed to be hammers around 11.43am. The group reportedly fled in a vehicle after taking several items.
2 outlets · Police seek witnesses after man found critically injured in Auckland CBD
Police are appealing for information after a man was found unconscious and critically injured in Auckland's central city. Emergency services were called to the corner of Pitt Street and Karangahape Road at 4.14am on Saturday, 27 September.
2 outlets · Adrian Orr to receive $400,000 restraint of trade payment
Former Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr will receive a $400,000 restraint of trade payment, according to the bank's 2025 annual report. This follows his resignation in February. The payment is in addition to approximately $766,180 in remuneration received since July 2024.
2 outlets · Police search for missing Tokoroa Intermediate School teacher
Jayleb-Che Dean, 36, has been missing since being last seen in Rotorua on 30 September. Police and family members are concerned for his wellbeing as efforts continue to locate the South Waikato teacher.
2 outlets · Families of New Zealanders detained in Israel seek government action
Families of three New Zealanders detained during a protest flotilla to Gaza spoke at an Auckland press conference. They expressed deep concern for Youssef Sammour, Rana Hamida, and Samuel Leason, with Hamida's sister revealing that one detainee is on a hunger strike.
2 outlets · Calls for child support system reform as parents face hardship
A mother earning $87,000 a year is facing financial hardship due to weekly child support payments of nearly $300. Divorce coach Bridgette Jackson argues the current formula fails to reflect actual living expenses, prompting calls for a system shakeup.
2 outlets · IAG penalised $19.5m for misleading customers and pricing errors
The High Court has ordered IAG New Zealand Limited to pay $19.5 million following widespread failures to apply discounts and correctly calculate levies. The company admitted to overcharging approximately 239,000 customers a total of $35 million. IAG self-reported the issues, apologised, and has since repaid those affected.
2 outlets · Police investigate serious assault at Christchurch house
Emergency services were called to a residence in Addington early Monday morning following an assault. One person was left in serious condition, though the exact nature of their injuries remains unclear. Police are currently investigating the incident.
2 outlets · Flipped caravan causes delays on Hawke’s Bay Expressway
A caravan flipped on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway on Monday morning, blocking the southbound lane near the Pākōwhai/Links Road roundabout. No injuries were reported following the incident. Motorists should expect delays on the highway between Napier and Hastings.
2 outlets · Blenheim bricklayers warned over suspected cartel conduct
The Commerce Commission has issued formal warnings to several Blenheim bricklayers following an investigation into suspected cartel conduct. The probe suggests that coordinated pricing and bid-rigging may have misled customers seeking competitive quotes. The individuals and companies involved include G J Marfell Ltd, Mike Vis Bricklaying Ltd, Benjamin Robertson, and Andrew Dwyer.
2 outlets · Kiwibank reduces one-year special home loan interest rate
Kiwibank is lowering several fixed home loan interest rates starting Monday, 6 October 2025. The one-year special rate for customers with at least 20 per cent equity will drop from 4.75% to 4.49%. This move follows similar rate reductions by other major New Zealand banks.
2 outlets · Health NZ proposes cutting alcohol harm reduction staff and campaigns
Health New Zealand is proposing to reduce alcohol harm reduction staff by one third and end alcohol research and social marketing campaigns. The Public Service Association claims these cuts result from alcohol industry lobbying, though the industry disputes this claim.
2 outlets · Teachers warn proposed NCEA changes could limit student options
Educators are concerned that government plans to change NCEA and the curriculum will reduce student choices. They say the proposed changes to technology, hospitality, and food and nutrition subjects could also lead to job losses.
2 outlets · New parental income test for young jobseekers from November next year
A youth advocate has criticised upcoming government changes that will require parents to undergo means-testing before 18 or 19-year-olds can access Jobseeker support or Emergency Benefits. The new rules are scheduled to take effect in November next year.
+15 outlets · Man fails appeal after knuckleduster assault in Thames bar
Aman Kumar, 22, has had a High Court appeal dismissed following an unprovoked knuckleduster attack on a barman in Thames. Kumar argued he should have been discharged without conviction to protect his permanent residency prospects. The assault left the victim with a concussion and head injuries.
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