National Party support falls below 30 percent in latest poll
The latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia poll shows the National Party has dropped below 30 percent, with some reports indicating support has entered the 20s. While Labour remains the largest party, the centre-left bloc could potentially form a government. Meanwhile, New Zealand First and the Greens have seen gains.
+15 outlets · Tory Whanau calls out critics in final mayoral speech
Outgoing Wellington mayor Tory Whanau used her final council speech on Wednesday to address harassment, bullying, and defamatory rumours. She criticised the government, certain colleagues, past mayors, and the media during her valedictory address at the council chambers.
+15 outlets · Former real estate agent jailed for concealing assets while bankrupt
Aaron Drever has been sentenced to eight months in prison by the Auckland District Court. He was found to have concealed income and property from the Official Assignee that could have been used to pay creditors while he was bankrupt.
+15 outlets · Police Ten 7 host and veteran detective Graham Bell dies
Former detective inspector and Police Ten 7 host Graham Bell has died at age 78 following a battle with cancer. His family confirmed he passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday.
+37 outlets · Pro-Palestine protesters blockade aerospace summit in Christchurch
Peace Action Ōtautahi activists attempted to shut down the national aerospace summit at Te Pae Convention Centre by chaining themselves to doors. Police carried away several protesters during the demonstration. The group aimed to disrupt the conference, which began on Wednesday morning.
4 outlets · Police treating Bucklands Beach house fire as double homicide
Police are investigating a house fire in Bucklands Beach as a double homicide after determining the blaze was deliberately lit. The fire, which occurred on October 2, killed a 36-year-old man and his 11-year-old son, while injuring two other people.
4 outlets · Coroner calls 2017 Northland child's death a preventable tragedy
A coroner has described the 2017 death of six-year-old Joshwyn Reihana-Ruka-Wikaira as a preventable tragedy. The child died in a car crash after her mother, who was still impaired from drinking the previous night, exceeded the speed limit. The coroner noted the child may have survived if she had been in a car seat.
+15 outlets · Two people rescued after becoming trapped on Whangaparāoa cliff face
Two people were rescued from a cliff face near Tindalls Beach on Auckland's Whangaparāoa Peninsula. The pair became stuck after climbing down to retrieve a dropped item and were unable to climb back up. Emergency services and a police helicopter attended the scene on Wednesday afternoon.
4 outlets · Auckland teacher sentenced to home detention for grooming student
A former primary school teacher in her 30s has been sentenced to home detention after admitting to grooming an 11-year-old student. The woman sent sexually explicit nude photographs to the boy and convinced him to ask her out. She appeared in the North Shore District Court on Wednesday.
+15 outlets · Police investigate suspicious fire that destroyed Wānaka cell tower
Police are investigating a suspicious fire on Upton Street in Wānaka that destroyed a One NZ mobile site on Tuesday night. This is reportedly the third such attack on telecommunications infrastructure in the region within a month. One NZ stated the site was completely destroyed and will take approximately one month to rebuild.
4 outlets · Banks reduce mortgage rates following official cash rate cut
ANZ has become the first bank to lower interest rates after the Reserve Bank cut the official cash rate by 50 basis points to 2.5 per cent. The bank is reducing its floating home, business, and savings rates. Other banks have also begun dropping some home loan rates.
3 outlets · Reserve Bank cuts official cash rate by 50 basis points
The Reserve Bank has reduced the official cash rate from 3% to 2.5%. The decision follows a negative GDP growth result of -0.9% and comes amid discussions regarding inflation and economic growth. This announcement was made by the monetary policy committee on Wednesday.
3 outlets · New Zealander and partner intercepted by Israeli forces in Gaza flotilla
A New Zealander and his German partner were reportedly intercepted by Israeli military forces while aboard the vessel Conscience. The ship was part of an aid flotilla heading towards Gaza. The Israel Foreign Ministry stated that all passengers are safe and expected to be deported promptly.
3 outlets · Man sentenced for manslaughter after supplying loaded shotgun to neighbour
Mathew David Hannon has been sentenced for his role in the death of Sidney Ross Bridson at Waitaanga in October 2023. The two neighbours had a long-standing dispute that ended when Hannon supplied a loaded shotgun. Mr Bridson's body was later discovered in his torched house.
3 outlets · Person critically injured in North Canterbury single-vehicle crash
A person was flown to hospital in critical condition following a single-vehicle crash on State Highway 1 near Domett on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred between Darrochs and Ethelton Roads, causing the highway to close and requiring traffic diversions.
3 outlets · Nicola Willis defends comments following protest at Winston Peters' home
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has defended her use of the phrase 'call off the dogs' following a protest at Winston Peters' Auckland residence. The demonstration, held by pro-Palestine protesters, resulted in a man being arrested for smashing a window at the Foreign Affairs Minister's house.
3 outlets · Chocolate Fish owners apologise for blaming filmmakers for café closure
The owners of Wellington's Chocolate Fish café have apologised to Sir Peter Jackson and Dame Fran Walsh. The owners previously incorrectly blamed the filmmakers for the café's closure, which follows the end of a 15-year lease at the Shelly Bay site.
3 outlets · Shotover wastewater plant repairs and legal fees cost council millions
Queenstown Lakes District Council spent over $1.8 million repairing the Shotover Wastewater Treatment Plant. The council also incurred nearly $600,000 in legal bills following compliance failures. These figures were released under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act.
4 outlets · Rescued sheep with long fleece seeks new home
An 80kg ewe named Millie is up for adoption after being rescued from the Central Otago wilderness. A member of the public spotted the sheep near Millers Flat in late September, and it took four SPCA staff three hours to catch her.
3 outlets · Regional school holiday dates could improve attendance, says Seymour
Associate Education Minister David Seymour is considering different school holiday dates for different regions to combat truancy. An Education Review Office report suggests this could reduce the incentive for families to take children out of school early to secure cheaper airfares, though Seymour noted the change could create problems.
4 outlets · Hundreds of disabled or sick teenagers may lose Jobseeker benefits
Government welfare changes could cut off Jobseeker payments for hundreds of 18- and 19-year-olds with disabilities or health conditions. The policy ends payments for young people whose parents earn more than $65,000, a move intended to encourage employment.
4 outlets · Milford Road reopens as heavy rain is forecast for South Island
Milford Road in Southland has reopened, though motorists are urged to drive carefully. MetService has issued weather warnings as a trough is expected to bring significant rain and strong winds to parts of the South Island and the West Coast from Thursday.
2 outlets · TVNZ news chief defends reporting in Talleys defamation case
TVNZ executive editor Phil O’Sullivan has defended the broadcaster's editorial standards following defamation proceedings brought by food processor Talleys. O’Sullivan maintains that six news stories regarding the company were accurate and fair, despite questioning over filming private homes and internal communications.
2 outlets · NZ Breakers win opening NBL Ignite Cup match against Illawarra Hawks
The NZ Breakers defeated the Illawarra Hawks 117-88 at Spark Arena in Auckland. Parker Jackson-Cartwright scored 20 points and recorded 16 assists in the victory. This win marks the Breakers' first success of the NBL season during the in-season tournament.
2 outlets · Fire truck breaks down while responding to Herne Bay house fire
A fire truck from the Grey Lynn station broke down on Ponsonby Road while responding to a blaze at a house under construction in Herne Bay. The vehicle's accelerator reportedly snapped during the response. Fire crews were called to the Sarsfield Street scene at 5.40pm.
3 outlets · Detection dogs assist in predator eradication mission in South Westland
Specialist detection dogs are being used to locate possums, rats and stoats across 100,000 hectares of South Westland. The animals are part of the Predator Free South Westland project, which aims to eliminate these pests from backcountry, farmland and towns.
2 outlets · Gisborne council candidate was twice struck off medical register
Māori ward candidate Raawiri Gilgen, also known as Dr David Gilgen, has been struck off the medical register on two occasions. His first deregistration occurred in 1989 for over-prescribing benzodiazepines.
3 outlets · Te Pāti Māori co-leader accuses government and media of Treaty attacks
Rawiri Waititi has accused the media and government of relentlessly attacking Te Pāti Māori and Māori providers during a speech in Parliament. The address occurred ahead of a promised party reset and the maiden speech of new Tāmaki Makaurau MP Oriini Kaipara.
2 outlets · Cecil Peak Station in Queenstown hits the market for $33 million
The 13,000-hectare Cecil Peak Station is for sale, featuring high-country pastoral lease and freehold land. Located across Lake Wakatipu, the off-grid property is accessible only by boat, foot, or horseback. It has been owned by Singaporean interests for more than 30 years.
2 outlets · Woman pleads not guilty to interfering with human remains
A woman has pleaded not guilty to charges of interfering with human remains after a newborn baby's body was found in an Auckland wheelie bin in July. The woman is expected to use an insanity defence in court.
3 outlets · Rotorua council issues warnings for ten electoral breaches
Rotorua Lakes Council has identified ten electoral breaches during the current election campaign. This includes a complaint regarding a mayoral candidate's campaign video, which was removed from YouTube following allegations of copyright and electoral rule violations.
2 outlets · Police seek help identifying person seen near Whangārei house fire
Northland police are appealing for information regarding an arson attack on a Raumanga Valley Road home last month. Authorities are looking for a person wearing dark clothing and a balaclava who was seen acting suspiciously in the early hours of 23 September.
2 outlets · Expert outlines how Whakaari survivors endured 2019 eruption
During a coronial inquest, volcanologist Shane Cronin explained that survivors of the Whakaari-White Island eruption relied on shelter and instinct to survive. He noted that visitors had very little time to react to the event, which involved ash particles exceeding 400C.
2 outlets · Invasive weed eradicated from Lake Ngatu in Far North
The invasive South African oxygen weed has been officially eradicated from Lake Ngatu, located northwest of Kaitāia. Five years after the 56-hectare lake was treated with herbicide, the pest weed is no longer a threat. The project involved the Northland Regional Council, Ngāi Takoto, and the Department of Conservation.
2 outlets · Highlanders sign Chiefs playmaker Josh Jacomb for 2027 and 2028 seasons
The Highlanders have secured a two-year deal with Taranaki and Chiefs fly-half Josh Jacomb. The playmaker will remain with the Chiefs for another Super Rugby Pacific season before joining the Dunedin-based franchise. Coach Jamie Joseph stated the signing supports the club's long-term depth plans.
2 outlets · Council land in Havelock North put up for sale
The Hastings District Council is selling a site at 22 Napier Road in Havelock North. Currently used by the Havelock North Scouts and Pottery Havelock North, the land is zoned for medium-density residential housing.
2 outlets · Auckland bus driver pleads guilty to manslaughter of passenger
Mikaele Ah Fook has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Peter Te Kira. The incident occurred at a South Auckland bus stop after the passenger allegedly refused to pay his fare and used racial abuse towards the driver.
2 outlets · Four youths call police after high-speed chase in stolen cars
Four boys, aged 11, 12 and 13, allegedly stole multiple vehicles during a trip from Christchurch. After being spiked on the highway, the group ran out of petrol in Oamaru and contacted police from a McDonald's to collect them.
3 outlets · Woman assaulted following road rage incident in Dunedin
A 24-year-old driver was allegedly punched, kicked, and had her hair pulled by an older woman in central Dunedin. The incident began on Tuesday afternoon at Queens Gardens after the victim tooted her horn at the vehicle in front of her. The older woman reportedly followed the victim through the city before the assault.
2 outlets · Teddy Swims performs to sold-out crowd in Christchurch
American singer-songwriter Teddy Swims performed at Christchurch's Wolfbrook Arena on Tuesday night. The concert was attended by a sold-out crowd of 8,000 people and featured a set lasting nearly two hours.
2 outlets · Peace activists blockade Christchurch convention centre over aerospace summit
Approximately 100 activists blockaded the entrances of Te Pae in central Christchurch on Wednesday morning. The protesters, some of whom were linked in chains, aimed to shut down the National Aerospace Summit. One individual was observed being removed from the building's main entrance during the demonstration.
3 outlets · Reserve Bank expected to cut official cash rate today
The Reserve Bank is anticipated to reduce the official cash rate during its meeting this afternoon. While a cut is expected, economists are divided on whether the central bank will implement a quarter-point reduction or a larger decrease.
2 outlets · Parents less comfortable with long school absences, report finds
An Education Review Office report shows more parents now frown on children missing a week or more of school compared to 2022. While attitudes toward truancy have improved, term-time holidays and family events remain significant attendance challenges for schools.
4 outlets · New policy makes many 18 and 19 year olds ineligible for Jobseeker benefit
The Government has announced changes that will make many 18 and 19-year-olds ineligible for the Jobseeker benefit. While the policy is expected to help meet reduction targets, critics and students suggest the rules do not reflect the difficulty of finding work.
2 outlets · Jakub Mensik to return to Auckland for ASB Classic
The 20-year-old Czech player will compete in the ASB Classic in January. This follows a breakthrough season where he entered the world's top 20 and defeated Novak Djokovic in Miami.
2 outlets ·
