Oriini Kaipara delivers maiden speech as Parliament is suspended
Te Pāti Māori MP Oriini Kaipara has given her first speech in Parliament, addressing the resilience of Māori. Speaker Gerry Brownlee suspended the House after a haka and waiata broke out in the public gallery following the speech. Kaipara, who won the Tāmaki Makaurau by-election, expressed relief after the event.
+37 outlets · Fiji Airways flight returns to Christchurch after bird strike
A Fiji Airways flight bound for Nadi returned to Christchurch International Airport on Thursday after hitting a bird during take-off. The Boeing 737-800 circled above Canterbury for approximately two hours while emergency services were on standby. The aircraft landed safely shortly before 4.45pm.
+26 outlets · Israel and Hamas sign off on first phase of Gaza peace deal
Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a US-proposed peace plan for Gaza. The deal involves the release of all hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli troops to an agreed line. New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters described the development as progress while remaining cautious.
+15 outlets · Parents of Tom Phillips apologise to King Country community
Neville and Julia Phillips have written a public letter of apology to local residents for the distress and disruption caused by their son. Phillips was fatally shot by police on 8 September following a near four-year manhunt involving his three young children.
+48 outlets · Mountain biker rescued after becoming lost in Northland bush
A mountain biker was rescued from the Waimamaku Range after taking a wrong turn during an extreme training session on Saturday. The man, who set off from Kerikeri, suffered from hypothermia and difficulty walking. Police and LandSAR volunteers conducted a challenging overnight mission to reach him in poor conditions.
4 outlets · Multiple people seriously injured in five-vehicle crash south of Ashburton
Several people were seriously injured following a five-vehicle crash on State Highway 1 near Hinds on Thursday afternoon. The incident occurred between Windermere and Swamp roads, approximately 16km south of Ashburton. Emergency services were alerted around 3.20pm, and the NZ Transport Agency warned of significant delays and potential road closures.
4 outlets · Review finds failings in vetting and reporting of Michael Forbes scandal
A Department of Internal Affairs review into the Michael Forbes scandal has identified gaps in ministerial staff vetting and management. The report found that police should have alerted the government sooner regarding allegations against the former deputy press secretary under the "no surprises" convention.
+37 outlets · Former immigration minister Tuariki Delamere declared bankrupt
Tuariki Delamere has been declared bankrupt and stripped of his immigration consultant licence following a court battle. The bankruptcy stems from a debt involving a former client's funds from 2012. Delamere has stated his intention to appeal the decision.
+26 outlets · Police investigate suspected deliberate fire at Massey house
A two-storey home on Colwill Road in Massey was badly damaged by fire early Thursday morning. Police, who were conducting enquiries at the property of interest, suspect the blaze may have been deliberate and linked to suspected drug manufacturing. One person was also taken to hospital following a dog bite.
4 outlets · Winston Peters questions Fonterra sale of brands to Lactalis
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has demanded answers from Fonterra regarding the $3.845 billion sale of consumer brands like Mainland and Anchor to Lactalis. Fonterra responded that information is publicly available and noted that farmers will vote on the deal on 30 October.
4 outlets · Te Pāti Māori announces reset to focus on policy and discipline
Co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi have announced a party reset following recent internal conflict and challenges. The party aims to focus on policy and discipline to steady the organisation after a tumultuous period. The announcement followed the maiden speech of new MP Oriini Kaipara.
3 outlets · Driver fined after towing damaged caravan through Christchurch streets
Dashcam footage captured a vehicle towing a heavily damaged, disintegrating caravan through Christchurch on Thursday morning. The caravan, which appeared to be missing its bottom half, was seen travelling from Riccarton to Aranui. Police say the driver has been fined for the incident in Fendalton.
3 outlets · Body discovered at Scarborough beach in Christchurch
Police are investigating after a body was found at Whitewash Head in Scarborough on Thursday. Authorities were notified of the incident at 11.50am and have asked the public to avoid the area. Police do not believe the deceased is missing 17-year-old Marley Purdue.
3 outlets · Police name victim of New Lynn homicide
Joseph David Walsh, 32, died at a Kaponga Crescent property on Monday morning following a stabbing. Emergency services were called to the scene just before midday, but Walsh died despite efforts from first responders. A 28-year-old person has been charged with murder and is due in the Auckland High Court on 22 October.
3 outlets · Silver Ferns players focus on performance following coach suspension
Interim vice-captain Kelly Jackson says the Silver Ferns are attempting to move past recent off-court drama. The team is preparing for the Constellation Cup against Australia after Netball New Zealand announced Dame Noeline Taurua has been suspended for the remainder of 2025.
2 outlets · Milford Track summer season delayed by avalanche damage
The Department of Conservation has pushed back the Milford Track summer season by two weeks due to damage from spring avalanches, snow, and rain. The track was originally scheduled to open on 28 October, but heavy weather in Fiordland National Park has left sections buried under debris.
2 outlets · Whakaari eruption survivor provides account during coronial inquest
A video of Jesse Langford describing the Whakaari White Island eruption was played in a coroner's court. Langford, who suffered burns to most of his body, detailed being hit by rocks and steam during the disaster. The eruption resulted in 22 deaths and 25 injuries.
4 outlets · Gloriavale Christian School faces potential loss of private school registration
The Secretary for Education is considering cancelling the registration of Gloriavale Christian School on the West Coast. This follows an Education Review Office report which found the school failed to provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for its students.
4 outlets · Banks lower variable mortgage rates following OCR cut
Following the Reserve Bank's 50 basis point reduction of the Official Cash Rate to 2.5%, BNZ and Kiwibank have lowered their variable home loan rates. Finance Minister Nicola Willis stated that early data suggests economic growth returned during the September quarter.
2 outlets · Pacific leader calls for measles vaccinations following Northland cases
A Pacific leader has urged people to get vaccinated following the confirmation of a new measles case in Northland. There are currently 10 cases in Northland and one in Queenstown. The warning follows concerns regarding the impact of the disease, referencing the 2019 outbreak in Samoa.
2 outlets · Public praised after 69-year-old woman assaulted in Rotorua
Police have thanked members of the public who intervened during an assault on a 69-year-old woman on Hinemoa Street. The incident occurred yesterday afternoon and a 39-year-old woman is expected to appear in the Rotorua District Court.
2 outlets · Police Minister Mark Mitchell hospitalised with chest infection
Police Minister Mark Mitchell was admitted to Wellington Hospital on Monday evening after experiencing fever and flu-like symptoms. He has been battling a long-standing chest infection, which may stem from an incident during his time as a police officer. A spokesperson says he is expected to be released within a few days.
2 outlets · Queenstown Lakes District Council restricts freedom camping to 141 carparks
The Queenstown Lakes District Council has approved a new bylaw limiting freedom campers to 141 designated carparks across 15 areas. The decision follows community complaints regarding overcrowding and rubbish. The new regulations cover locations including Wānaka, Queenstown, and Arrowtown.
2 outlets · Wellington teacher denies sexual abuse allegations in court
A 52-year-old teacher has given evidence in her own defence at the Wellington District Court. She denies allegations of sexually abusing a boy in 2005, claiming the alleged incidents did not occur.
2 outlets · Government deficit of $9.3b shows progress, says Nicola Willis
Finance Minister Nicola Willis stated the government's finances showed progress after the June year ended with a $9.3 billion deficit. This figure was $869 million lower than the May budget forecast. The deficit was calculated using a new formula that excludes ACC costs.
2 outlets · Government proposes amendments to restore police information-collecting powers
The government intends to amend the Policing Act to restore intelligence-gathering rights for police. The proposed changes would allow officers to collect and use images in public spaces and other lawful locations. This move follows recent court decisions that the Police Minister says have created uncertainty.
2 outlets · Smiths City owes creditors approximately $26.9 million
Liquidators for the furniture and appliance chain Smiths City report the company owes nearly $26.9 million. The debt includes $10.7 million owed to unsecured trade creditors and $1 million to the IRD. Liquidators do not expect any funds will be available for distribution to unsecured creditors.
2 outlets · Investigation continues into man's sudden death in Beckenham
Police are investigating the unexplained death of a man at a residential property on Eastern Terrace in Beckenham. Following a forensic scene examination, detectives are now working to trace the man's recent movements.
2 outlets · Former Canada coach discusses Olympic drone spying scandal
Jasmine Mander, a former assistant coach for Team Canada, has addressed her involvement in the drone spying scandal during the Paris Olympics. Mander stated that the drone operator contacted her while in police custody following the incident involving the Football Ferns.
2 outlets · Christchurch man and partner detained by Israeli forces
Will Alexander and his German partner, Ava Mulla, have been taken by Israeli forces while on an aid flotilla sailing towards Gaza. The couple was part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition attempting to deliver humanitarian aid. Alexander's family expressed concern for his welfare after losing contact with him.
4 outlets · Fifth person arrested in Kaea Karauria homicide investigation
A 17-year-old male has been arrested in Napier and charged with theft and demands with menace. This is the fifth arrest in the investigation into the fatal stabbing of 15-year-old Kaea Karauria in May. The teenager is scheduled to appear in the Napier Youth Court on 15 October.
2 outlets · Severe wind and rain warnings issued for South Island
MetService has issued weather warnings for heavy rain and severe gales across much of the South Island and lower North Island. Waka Kotahi has also released an area warning for State Highway 7 between Waipara and Springs Junction due to forecast wind gusts of up to 120kph.
2 outlets · Government operating deficit reaches $9.3b according to Treasury
Treasury reports show the Government is facing a $9.3 billion operating deficit, which is $600 million higher than the previous year. Finance Minister Nicola Willis stated that key financial indicators for the year to June 30 were better than forecast, reflecting efforts to restore fiscal discipline.
2 outlets · Officer charged in death of Whangārei teenager can be named
Marthinus Anton Keeve has been named as the officer charged with dangerous driving causing the death of 17-year-old Angel Riley. The charge follows a 2023 police pursuit in Whangārei that ended when Riley's vehicle hit a tree. Keeve has pleaded not guilty.
2 outlets · Rescued sheep Millie seeks new home after surviving in Central Otago
A 80-kilogram ewe named Millie is up for adoption after being rescued from the wilderness near Millers Flat. After being spotted in late September, the sheep was caught by SPCA staff. She requires a new flock to integrate into as she is a social animal.
2 outlets · Government reduces procurement rules to support local businesses
Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis has announced changes to government procurement rules to assist New Zealand companies. The updates, which reduce rules by a third, include a new test where 10% of contract decisions depend on economic gains. The changes are expected to take effect on 1 December.
2 outlets · Drug Foundation calls for reform of New Zealand drug laws
A new report released by the NZ Drug Foundation argues that current drug laws are a failure that increase addiction and inequality. The foundation is calling for decriminalisation and depoliticisation to address the ongoing drug crisis. The report was presented at Parliament on Thursday morning.
2 outlets · Former staffer claims bullying at Starship Hospital unit for abused children
A former healthcare worker says a toxic culture of bullying at an Auckland Starship Hospital unit has diminished the quality of care for abused children. WorkSafe has issued an improvement notice regarding the unit, which must be addressed by 22 October.
2 outlets · Tauranga council abandons Memorial Park pool plans after $4.7m spend
Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale has halted a $105m plan to overhaul the Memorial Park aquatic centre. The mayor expressed disappointment that $4.7m was spent on the abandoned project. He suggested that restarting the planning process could result in a significantly cheaper rebuild.
3 outlets · Te Pāti Māori announces reset amid recent party turmoil
Te Pāti Māori has announced a long-planned reset to move past recent controversies and internal tension. The announcement coincides with new MP Oriini Kaipara delivering her maiden speech in Parliament. The party's recent months have been marked by a public split with ally Toit.
2 outlets · Search continues for missing Tokoroa teacher Jayleb-Che Dean
The family and friends of 36-year-old teacher Jayleb-Che Dean are searching for him after he vanished near Rotorua on 30 September. He was last seen at a swimming spot and missed the start of the new school term. Authorities are looking into his digital footprint to track his movements.
2 outlets · Firearms Safety Authority staffer claims they were asked to cover up affair
A worker at the Firearms Safety Authority has claimed they were asked to engage in actions that violated the Policing Act and employment law. The claims involve an affair between a senior and junior staff member. Police have confirmed a health check review into the agency.
3 outlets · Central Otago council proposes new freedom camping bylaws
A surge in freedom camping across popular South Island holiday spots has prompted a proposal for new bylaws. The plan suggests increasing the number of designated freedom camping sites in the district from one to 15.
3 outlets ·
