Search continues for missing Tokoroa teacher near Rotorua
Police and Search and Rescue are searching for 36-year-old Jayleb-Che Dean, who has been missing since 30 September. He was last seen at the hot and cold pools on Waiotapu Loop Road. Authorities are asking anyone who visited the area last Tuesday or Wednesday to provide information.
+15 outlets · Hundreds must resit driving tests following VTNZ bribery allegations
More than 300 people must resit practical driving tests after five VTNZ officers at the Highbrook branch in Auckland were accused of taking money to pass applicants. The officers have been sacked, and both police and NZTA are investigating the alleged fraudulent activity.
+15 outlets · Police release new details into Miramar homicide investigation
Police believe multiple people and a weapon may have been involved in the fatal attack on 63-year-old Abdul Nabizadah in Miramar. Mr Nabizadah was found with head injuries on Camperdown Road in March and later died in hospital. His family is now seeking answers six months after the incident.
+37 outlets · Man charged after window smashed at Winston Peters' Auckland home
A 29-year-old man has been charged with burglary after a window was smashed at Foreign Minister Winston Peters' St Mary's Bay residence during a protest. Police were called to the property on Monday evening, and the man is expected to appear in court on 10 October.
+26 outlets · Daytona Thompson jailed for manslaughter of Daniel Nganeko
Daytona Thompson, 22, has been sentenced to four years and two months in prison for the manslaughter of Daniel Nganeko. The court heard Thompson filmed and taunted Nganeko as he lay dying after an unprovoked punch in New Plymouth. Nganeko's family and supporters expressed anger, stating the sentence was not tough enough.
+15 outlets · Police investigate death of Oamaru little blue penguin
The Department of Conservation and police are investigating the death of a little blue penguin in Oamaru. The bird was found injured on 28 September after being hit by a vehicle on the waterfront. Authorities are now seeking footage of suspicious vehicle activity from the area.
4 outlets · Seven arrested in Auckland construction industry money laundering investigation
Seven people were arrested following nine search warrants at various Auckland properties during an investigation into alleged money laundering through construction industry cash wages. Police seized drugs, luxury goods, and tens of thousands of dollars in cash. The total number of arrests related to this operation has reached 23.
4 outlets · Air New Zealand flight diverted after being struck by lightning
An Air New Zealand flight from Auckland to Dunedin was struck by lightning shortly after takeoff on Tuesday morning. Passengers reported seeing a large orange flash on the wing, and the aircraft was diverted to Christchurch. A subsequent flight on the same route was cancelled while the aircraft underwent standard engineering checks.
4 outlets · Police investigate death of three-month-old baby girl in Masterton
Police are investigating the death of a three-month-old girl in Masterton after being notified of the incident on Thursday 2 October. Officers are working to establish the circumstances of the death. The family is assisting with inquiries while police await a formal report from a pathologist.
4 outlets · Man charged with murder after death in New Lynn
A 28-year-old man has been charged with murder following an incident at a Kaponga Crescent property in New Lynn on Monday. Emergency services were called to the scene around 11.52am after reports of an injured person, but the victim died at the location.
4 outlets · Six Mongrel Mob members and associates appear in court after brawl
Six to seven Mongrel Mob members and associates have been charged following a mass brawl at a Palmerston North hotel in August. Police say the incident involved weapons such as bottles and bar stools. Investigations into the gang-related violence are ongoing.
4 outlets · Government approves changes to NZ Post mail delivery requirements
The government has approved changes to the Postal Deed of Understanding, allowing NZ Post to reduce the minimum number of mail delivery days for urban and rural areas. These changes aim to ensure service sustainability as the average number of letters received by households has declined.
+15 outlets · New Zealanders detained after Israel intercepts Gaza flotilla
Three New Zealanders detained after Israel intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla are expected to be deported to Jordan on Wednesday. The group was intercepted in international waters last week. Another New Zealander remains in detention with no confirmed release date.
+26 outlets · Body found in search for missing hunter near Lake Manapouri
Police have located a body in the Manapouri area following a search for a hunter. The man was reported missing after failing to return from a hunting trip off Supply Bay Road on Monday. The death has been referred to the Coroner for investigation.
3 outlets · Whanganui explored as potential site for medical student placements
The University of Waikato has signed an agreement with the Whanganui District Council to investigate if the region can host medical students. The initiative aims to determine suitable locations for New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine clinical placements to help strengthen the rural health workforce.
4 outlets · Michael Wood gives evidence in Talley’s defamation trial against TVNZ
Former minister Michael Wood testified in the High Court regarding his 2021 claims of serious health and safety deficiencies at Talley’s. During cross-examination, Wood was questioned about whether his statements regarding the company's safety culture were based on written evidence or reports from unions and the media.
3 outlets · Distressing 111 calls heard at Cyclone Gabrielle inquest
An inquest into the deaths caused by Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland Anniversary floods has heard evidence of distressing 111 calls. Some people stranded on roofs in Hawke's Bay waited nearly an hour to be connected to emergency services and were told there was no timeline for rescue.
3 outlets · Teddy Swims performs surprise lunchtime concert for Christchurch students
International singer Teddy Swims performed a surprise concert for approximately 430 students at Marian College in Christchurch on Tuesday. The performance took place in the school gymnasium ahead of the artist's sold-out show at Wolfbrook Arena that evening.
3 outlets · Wiria Mohamadi jailed for 11 years for abduction and rape
Wiria Mohamadi has been sentenced to 11 years and six months in prison for the abduction and rape of a stranger in Christchurch. The victim told the court the attack left her feeling terrified and haunted by nightmares.
+15 outlets · Footage of Auckland prison guard falling from railing removed online
Video showing a corrections officer falling from a height at Paremoremo prison has been taken down after being shared on TikTok. The footage depicts an incident from July 2022 inside the prison's maximum-security wing.
3 outlets · Released kiwi found dead after suspected dog attack in Porirua
A kiwi released by the Capital Kiwi Project was found dead in Tītahi Bay with injuries consistent with a dog attack. The bird had travelled 25km since its release more than two years ago. This is the first recorded dog attack death from the project.
3 outlets · Woman arrested for driving over alcohol limit after school drop-off
A woman was arrested in Whanganui after allegedly being caught driving 3.5 times over the legal alcohol limit. Police say the incident occurred on Monday morning following a school drop-off. The driver was reportedly oblivious to her offence, according to police.
3 outlets · Canterbury police scrap rural staffing restructure after community backlash
Police have cancelled plans to reduce staffing and close stations in rural Canterbury. The proposal, intended to meet growing demand in other areas, was dropped following approximately 1,000 submissions and opposition from local communities. Police Commissioner Richard Chambers has expressed support for the decision to halt the restructure.
3 outlets · Man identified as victim in North Dunedin homicide investigation
Aneli Helu Katea, 36, was found dead at a Great King St property in North Dunedin last Friday. A 25-year-old man has appeared in court charged with his murder. Police are now appealing for any photos or videos that may assist with their inquiries.
3 outlets · Man charged after officer shot with air rifle in Flat Bush
A 47-year-old man has been charged following a standoff at a Salvation Army housing complex in Auckland on Monday. An officer sustained minor leg injuries from an air rifle shot during enquiries on Chapel Road. The injured officer has since been discharged from hospital to recover at home.
3 outlets · Fast-moving front brings heavy rain and thunderstorms to North Island
A fast-moving weather front has brought heavy rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms across the North Island. MetService recorded 482 lightning strikes between 4am and 7am on Tuesday. Meanwhile, road snowfall warnings have been issued for parts of the South Island.
3 outlets · Actor removed from One NZ ads after sharing Winston Peters' address
One NZ is removing actress Acacia O'Connor from an advertising campaign after she shared the personal street address of NZ First leader Winston Peters online. O'Connor, who also encouraged people to attend a protest at his home, said she regrets the oversight but claims Peters is using the incident as a diversion.
4 outlets · Blenheim man sentenced for indecently assaulting woman lured by fake job
Delfin Cruz has been sentenced for the indecent assault of a 20-year-old woman. Cruz, a winery worker, posed as a talent agent to lure the victim with promises of an overseas modelling career. He convinced her to consume alcohol as part of a purported test before the assault occurred.
2 outlets · Parliament passes Hauraki Gulf marine protection bill
The Hauraki Gulf Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill has passed its third reading, establishing 19 new protected zones. While sailors have called the legislation a milestone, the bill has faced criticism regarding a commercial ring-net fishing exemption in high protection areas.
3 outlets · Senior doctors and dentists to participate in October strike
Members of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists have voted 83 per cent in favour of a four-hour strike. The industrial action is scheduled for 11am on Thursday 23 October and is expected to involve 4,000 doctors and dentists.
+26 outlets · First supermoon of the year visible across New Zealand tonight
New Zealanders can view the year's first supermoon on Tuesday night. The moon will appear brighter and larger in the sky, though its actual size does not change. No telescope is required to see the event if weather conditions remain clear.
3 outlets · Nicola Willis urges Greens to stop protesters from targeting MPs' homes
National Party's Nicola Willis has called on Green co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick to stop activists from protesting at politicians' residences. This follows an incident where a window was smashed at Winston Peters' Auckland home. The Greens have condemned the attack, and a 29-year-old man has been arrested.
3 outlets · New trademark launched to promote New Zealand grown grain
The Foundation for Arable Research has introduced the Grain Mark trademark to highlight locally grown wheat, barley, oats, and maize. The initiative aims to encourage the use of New Zealand grains over imports, as at least three-quarters of bread sold in the country is currently made from imported grain.
2 outlets · US judge dismisses sexual assault lawsuit against Neil Gaiman
A US judge has dismissed a sexual assault lawsuit against author Neil Gaiman due to jurisdictional issues. The court ruled that New Zealand is the more appropriate forum for the case, which involves allegations of sexual assault occurring in Auckland.
2 outlets · Wellington teacher faces trial for historic sexual abuse charges
A female teacher is appearing in Wellington District Court to deny seven charges of historic sexual abuse involving a boy aged 12 or 13. During the trial, the complainant's mother testified that he frequently babysat for the teacher, including staying overnight. The defendant's wife has expressed her support for him in court.
2 outlets · Government releases quarterly plan with 33 priorities for the year end
The Government has unveiled its latest quarterly action plan detailing 33 priorities to be addressed by the end of the year. Key objectives include making a decision on local council rates caps and signing contracts for new Cook Strait ferries. Construction of the new Waikato medical school is also planned.
2 outlets · Adrian Orr received $410,000 restraint of trade payment
Finance Minister Nicola Willis stated that former Reserve Bank governor Adrian Orr's $410,000 restraint of trade payment was part of his negotiated contract. The payment followed his resignation in March and included terms barring him from disparaging the Reserve Bank, its directors, or the Finance Minister.
2 outlets · First responder describes emergency response after Whakaari White Island eruption
A first responder has provided evidence at a coronial inquest regarding the rescue efforts following the Whakaari White Island eruption. Civilian helicopter pilots and tour boats assisted in the operation after the volcano erupted on 9 December 2019.
3 outlets · One NZ to remove actor from advertisements
One NZ will remove an actor from its advertising campaigns after she shared Foreign Minister Winston Peters' home address during a protest. Finance Minister Nicola Willis suggested the company rethink its use of the activist, who also encouraged others to join pro-Palestine protests.
2 outlets · Labour defends opposition to banning protests outside private homes
The Government is accusing the Labour Party of using "weasel words" regarding proposed legislation to outlaw disruptive protests at people's homes. This follows the vandalism of Winston Peters' Auckland property. Chris Hipkins has defended Labour's position on the matter as the legislation moves through Parliament.
2 outlets · Woman seriously assaulted with traditional Māori weapon in Christchurch
A woman was seriously assaulted in Christchurch's Cathedral Square on Tuesday morning. The attack reportedly involved a traditional Māori weapon, and the offender fled the scene. Police are currently investigating the incident.
2 outlets · Boil water notice lifted for north-east Hamilton and Waikato areas
A boil water notice for north-east Hamilton and parts of the Waikato District has been lifted following three days of clear tests. The notice was issued after E. coli was detected at the Rototuna Reservoir. Residents are advised to run cold taps for five minutes before normal use.
2 outlets · Experienced Kiwis squad named for Pacific Championships
Head coach Stacey Jones has selected a 21-man Kiwis squad for the upcoming Pacific Championships. The team will begin their campaign against Samoa and Tonga later this month. Veteran playmaker Kieran Foran is set to play his final matches in the New Zealand jersey.
2 outlets · BNZ reduces several fixed mortgage rates ahead of OCR decision
BNZ has lowered multiple fixed-term mortgage rates in anticipation of the Reserve Bank's official cash rate decision. Reductions include the six-month, 18-month, two-year, and three-year rates. The 18-month rate saw a 26 basis point decrease, while other specified rates dropped by 10 basis points.
2 outlets · Yvette McCausland-Durie returns as interim Silver Ferns coach
Yvette McCausland-Durie has been appointed as the interim Silver Ferns coach for the upcoming Cup tour. This follows the decision for Dame Noeline Taurua to sit out the 2025 season after mediation talks failed.
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