Two people dead after Rakaia house fire
Two people have died following a house fire on Dunford Street in Rakaia on Saturday night. An adult was found deceased at the scene, and a child, understood to be two years old, died in hospital on Sunday afternoon.
+37 outlets · Approval ratings for Luxon and Hipkins drop in latest poll
The latest 1News Verian poll shows a significant decrease in approval ratings for Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Labour leader Chris Hipkins. While party support remains relatively steady, the coalition would retain enough seats to form a government if an election were held today.
+15 outlets · Electric bus crashes into New Lynn station in Auckland
An Auckland Transport electric bus crashed into the New Lynn station on Monday afternoon, causing smoke to rise from its batteries. Emergency services attended the scene, and some bus routes are being detoured while work continues to make the area safe.
+15 outlets · Murder accused claims self-defence in Christchurch shooting trial
James Arthur Holder is on trial at the Christchurch High Court for the murder of David Bridgwater. Holder admits to the shooting in Aranui on 4 January 2024 but his lawyer claims he acted in self-defence. The court has also heard reports of a drug sale occurring hours before the incident.
+15 outlets · Government reports increase in primary school phonics achievement rates
Education Minister Erica Stanford and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon addressed media regarding new Ministry of Education data. The figures show phonics achievement at primary schools rose to 58% in term three, up from 36% in term one.
4 outlets · Former building designer fined for forgery and unlicensed work
Lucy Walsh has been fined $10,000 in the Alexandra District Court for forgery and performing restricted building work while her licence was suspended. She used her employer's identity and signature on documents submitted to the council to falsely declare she was licensed.
4 outlets · Two New Zealanders charged over alleged $13m cocaine plot in Sydney
Two 21-year-old New Zealand men have appeared in Parramatta Local Court following their arrest at Sydney International Airport. Australian Border Force officers allegedly discovered 40kg of cocaine hidden in their suitcases during a baggage examination on Friday. The drugs are estimated to be worth $13 million.
4 outlets · Man dies after hitting head during Hastings altercation
A man has died in Wellington Hospital after suffering a head injury during an altercation in Hastings on Saturday morning. Police were called to a Mahora property following reports of a dispute between two males. An investigation into the death is currently underway.
4 outlets · Urgent calls for change as local election turnout falls
Voter turnout for the local elections was just over 32 percent, marking a decrease from 2022. Local Government New Zealand says urgent changes are needed, while Prime Minister Christopher Luxon attributed the low participation to voters and the nature of candidates.
+26 outlets · Police reverse firearms vetting changes ordered by former deputy commissioner
Police have reversed changes to the firearms vetting process previously ordered by former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming. The changes were reportedly made after McSkimming was contacted by an acquaintance regarding potential licence loss due to driving demerit points. An updated policy is now in effect.
+15 outlets · NZ First to withhold support for Gene Tech bill unless changed
New Zealand First has raised concerns regarding the government's proposed Gene Technology Bill. While the party agrees that gene technology regulations require modernisation, it will not support the bill into law without further major changes.
+15 outlets · Coroner rules poor decision-making caused fatal off-road crash near Nelson
Two 18-year-old women died after their ute rolled nearly 100 metres down a steep bank in Mt Richmond Forest Park. A coroner found that the women had been drinking and were driving off the formed track after dark when the accident occurred.
+26 outlets · Canterbury care home told to improve standards following assault claims
Bainlea House in Rangiora has been ordered to improve its care standards following allegations of a sexual assault on a resident during an outing in July 2022. While the resident's daughter raised concerns about her mother's treatment, the resident's son claims the facility falsely accused him of the assault.
4 outlets · Commissioners approve Burger King and Starbucks development in Tīrau
Independent commissioners have granted resource consent for Tahua Properties Limited to build a Burger King and a Starbucks on State Highway 1 in Tīrau. Both outlets will feature drive-throughs. The decision follows significant public opposition regarding traffic, noise, and the impact on the town's character.
4 outlets · Local election results show several tight mayoral races
Preliminary counts for the local government elections show some mayoral races were decided by fewer than five votes. Official results, including special votes, are expected to be confirmed by the end of the week.
3 outlets · Westland mayoral race separated by only four votes
Candidate Jacquie Grant leads the Westland mayoralty race by a four-vote margin over incumbent Helen Lash. The final outcome remains uncertain as special votes are still being counted. Official results for several local elections are expected later this week.
3 outlets · Well-known New Zealander charged with indecent assault
A well-known New Zealander has been charged with indecent assault and sexual abuse. The man was scheduled to appear in the North Shore District Court today, but his hearing has been rescheduled for Thursday.
3 outlets · Heavy rain and thunderstorms forecast for parts of New Zealand
Heavy rain watches and thunderstorm watches are in place for sections of the North and South islands. While some areas face downpours and possible hail, Hawke's Bay is expected to experience high temperatures in the high 20s.
3 outlets · Truck driver released after nine months for fatal expressway crash
Sarah Hope Schmidt has been released from Arohata Women’s Prison after serving nine months of a two-year and four-month sentence. Schmidt was convicted for the crash on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway that killed 22-year-old Caleb Baker. The victim's family expressed shock at her early release.
4 outlets · Wayne Guppy likely to end 24-year tenure as Upper Hutt mayor
Long-serving Upper Hutt mayor Wayne Guppy has conceded defeat following early election results. Urban planner Peri Zee is expected to take the role after Guppy's bid for a ninth term failed. Guppy stated that democracy has spoken and indicated he will not return to local body politics.
3 outlets · Driver killed in Whāngarei crash following police pursuit
A driver died in a crash after fleeing police in Whāngarei over the weekend. Officers observed a vehicle travelling at high speed on Dave Culham Drive at 11.15pm on Saturday. Police investigations into the incident are currently underway.
+37 outlets · Coroner finds church leader drowned after boat capsized in Hauraki Gulf
A coroner has ruled that Tēvita Moeakiola drowned in 2022 while attempting to swim to shore after his boat capsized near Musick Point. The 51-year-old was not wearing a lifejacket during the fishing trip. Coroner Rachael Schmidt-McCleave has urged people to wear lifejackets and carry waterproof devices.
3 outlets · Sophie Barker elected as Dunedin mayor
Sophie Barker has been elected Dunedin mayor following preliminary election results. Barker, an incumbent councillor, secured 16,001 votes to defeat runner-up Andrew Simms. The mayor-elect has already selected a deputy mayor and has begun meeting with councillors.
2 outlets · Aucklanders consulted on proposed fortnightly rubbish collection trial
Aucklanders can provide feedback on a proposal to trial fortnightly rubbish collections in parts of Te Atatū Peninsula, Panmure, and Clendon Park. If approved, the six-month trial is expected to begin in February 2026 and involve approximately 10,000 households.
4 outlets · Councils prioritise chip seal for summer road maintenance programmes
Councils in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty are beginning summer road maintenance using chip seal. While asphalt is often preferred, chip seal is five times cheaper to lay on local roads. NZTA stated these decisions are based on asset management rather than ride quality or customer perception.
3 outlets · Pike River movie premieres in Greymouth
The film about the Pike River mine disaster held its first premiere at the Regent Theatre in Greymouth. Director Robert Sarkies and actress Melanie Lynskey attended the event, which was described as an emotional experience for the local community.
4 outlets · Brian Tamaki denied permission for Auckland Harbour Bridge protest march
Authorities have refused permission for a Labour weekend protest march across the Auckland Harbour Bridge organised by Brian Tamaki. Officials stated the organisers failed to provide necessary information and meet safety and access requirements. Tamaki has vowed to create a new plan following the decision.
2 outlets · MetService forecasts led to inaccurate flood modelling for Cyclone Gabrielle
At a coroner's inquest in Hastings, a principal engineer testified that Cyclone Gabrielle damage estimations relied on MetService rain predictions that were significantly lower than actual rainfall. A hydrologist noted that while the cyclone was expected to resemble the 2018 Esk Valley flood, the peak water discharge was more than double that amount.
2 outlets · Inland Revenue begins calling taxpayers with overdue debts
The Inland Revenue Department has started making phone calls to individuals and businesses with overdue tax. This enforcement includes those with debts exceeding $1,000, such as unpaid GST and employer tax. The department is attempting to recover an estimated $10 billion in outstanding tax debt.
2 outlets · Northland measles cases rise to 12 following two new infections
Two new measles cases have been confirmed in Northland, bringing the regional total to 12. Health NZ stated that both of the latest individuals were already in quarantine while they were infectious. Pop-up vaccination clinics have been active in the region since the outbreak began.
2 outlets · Christopher Luxon open to Electoral Commission running local elections
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is considering having the Electoral Commission manage future local government elections. This follows recent local elections where voter turnout fell to 32.65%, the lowest rate in 32 years. Luxon noted that discussions regarding this change have already begun.
2 outlets · Police appeal for information regarding missing Auckland teenager
Police and family are concerned for the welfare of 16-year-old Dannii, who has gone missing from her Mt Roskill home. She is described as being 163cm tall with brown eyes and dark curly hair. Authorities are asking for public assistance in locating her.
2 outlets · Vehicle crash and fire at Whangārei Heads causes road closures
A single vehicle reportedly fell down a bank and caught fire on Whangārei Heads Road in Tamaterau. Police have implemented road diversions at Mackesy and Owhiwa Roads, advising motorists to avoid the area as closures may remain in place for some time.
2 outlets · Fog causes flight cancellations and diversions in New Plymouth
Heavy fog and low visibility in New Plymouth have resulted in two Air New Zealand flight cancellations. Two other flights were diverted mid-air, including one from Auckland that returned to its origin and another from Christchurch that was diverted to Palmerston North.
2 outlets · Personal data of some New Zealand Qantas customers leaked online
Qantas has confirmed that personal information belonging to some New Zealand customers has been leaked onto the dark web. While Australian media reports suggest 5.7 million customers were affected, the airline noted that most affected individuals are located in Australia. A cyber hacker group has claimed responsibility for the leak.
2 outlets · Aged care sector facing crisis due to short staffing
A Nurses Organisation report has described the aged care sector as being in crisis. Due to staffing shortages, some residents reportedly went two weeks without showers, while staff had to ration wound dressings and incontinence pads.
2 outlets · Sammie Maxwell becomes first New Zealander to win Cross Country World Series title
Taupō mountain biker Sammie Maxwell secured the UCI Cross Country World Series title after finishing second in the final round in Canada. The 23-year-old made history as the first New Zealander to win the series. Maxwell noted that her mental health was challenged during the period leading up to the achievement.
2 outlets · Tauranga teen selected for Commonwealth Chess Championship
Fourteen-year-old Joshua Barnes will represent New Zealand at the 2025 Commonwealth Chess Championship in Malaysia next month. The Tauranga resident has held the New Zealand Junior Master title after playing competitive chess for two years.
2 outlets · New regional park to be established on Banks Peninsula
The Christchurch City Council has purchased the 526-hectare Oashore property on Bossu Road for $3 million. The land, which overlooks Wairewa/Lake Forsyth, will be used for conservation and public recreation as a new regional park.
2 outlets · Police increase presence for gang tangi in Hawke’s Bay
Extra police patrols are monitoring roads in Waipawa and Flaxmere due to two gang tangi taking place on Monday. Authorities have communicated expectations to gang leaders regarding public behaviour, specifically concerning the wearing of gang insignia and intimidating conduct.
2 outlets · Scott Robertson names All Blacks squad for end of year tour
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has announced a largely unchanged squad for the upcoming end of year tour. George Bell is the sole new inclusion, replacing Brodie MacAlister, while Tevita Mafileo will be the only uncapped player in the group.
2 outlets · Andrew Little begins term as new Wellington mayor
Former Labour leader Andrew Little has been elected mayor of Wellington by a landslide. He has pledged to protect ratepayers from rising project costs, stating that council management processes have allowed expenses to spiral out of control.
2 outlets · Luxon blames unions for increase in industrial action
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has accused unions of prioritising politics over their core responsibilities. This comes as secondary school teachers across New Zealand prepare to strike from Tuesday following failed collective agreement negotiations.
2 outlets · Gisborne police seize guns, drugs and cash during arrest
Police arrested a wanted man in Gisborne after spotting his vehicle during a patrol. Officers recovered two sawn-off shotguns, various ammunition, drugs, and $50,000 in cash from the car.
2 outlets · Global leaders and scientists meet in Christchurch for climate conference
The Adaptation Futures Conference has commenced at Christchurch's Te Pae Convention Centre. This event, described as the world's largest climate adaptation gathering, brings together hundreds of scientists and global leaders. Participants are meeting to discuss methods for adapting to the challenges posed by climate change.
3 outlets · Arson attacks on cell towers cause concern in Otago region
A series of arson attacks targeting mobile telecommunications towers has occurred in Wānaka and the wider Otago region. Police are investigating a recent fire that destroyed a One NZ site near the Wānaka cemetery. Authorities are asking the community to report any suspicious behaviour.
2 outlets · Wayne Brown re-elected for second and final term as Auckland mayor
Wayne Brown has won a second term as Auckland's mayor. He has set a three-year deadline to complete his goals, which include focusing on Auckland Transport and technology before the Christmas break.
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