Te Pāti Māori emails members allegations against MP and her son
Te Pāti Māori sent an unsigned email to members on Monday night containing serious allegations against MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi and her son, Eru Kapa-Kingi. The documents claim the MP was on track to overspend her budget by $133,000, while Eru Kapa-Kingi is accused of using intimidating and offensive language towards Parliament security staff.
+26 outlets · Man charged with murder of Foxton Beach baby
A 25-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder following the death of a six-month-old baby. The infant was found with critical injuries at a Seabury Avenue property on 29 June and died at Starship Hospital on 5 July. The man is due to appear in Tauranga District Court.
+48 outlets · Chinese shipyard selected to build new Cook Strait ferries
Guangzhou Shipyard International has been chosen to construct two new 200m Interislander ferries. Rail Minister Winston Peters announced the selection as part of a national replacement programme. The vessels, which will accommodate 1500 passengers, are expected to arrive and enter service by 2029.
+26 outlets · Speaker plans crackdown on Parliament standards and attendance
Speaker Gerry Brownlee has announced plans to tighten attendance records and dress standards in Parliament. This follows Te Pāti Māori MP Oriini Kaipara's maiden speech, which ran over time and was followed by an unsanctioned haka.
+26 outlets · South Island's largest supermarket opens in Rolleston
The 8,100 square metre Pak’nSave Rolleston officially opened on Tuesday in Canterbury. The new supermarket employs approximately 250 staff and features 485 car parks. While the opening included local school performances, some nearby residents have raised concerns regarding increased traffic, noise, and potential impacts on property values.
4 outlets · State Highway 1 closed south of Ward after three-vehicle crash
State Highway 1 is closed in both directions between Ward and Wharenui following a three-vehicle crash on Tuesday afternoon. Police were called to the scene around 2.50pm. One person has sustained critical injuries, while two others have reported minor or moderate injuries.
4 outlets · Man critically injured in Fairview Downs group attack
A young man is in serious condition after being allegedly assaulted by several people at a Northolt Road home in Hamilton on Monday night. The victim underwent surgery following the incident, which occurred around 9.25pm. Police are currently following lines of inquiry and have appealed for public information.
4 outlets · Coroner rules Manapouri house fire that killed mother and son accidental
A coroner has ruled that a house fire in Manapouri last July was accidental. The blaze, which potentially started when a heater ignited bedding, killed 47-year-old Kellyanne Kemble and 11-year-old Kelly Kerr. There were no working smoke alarms in the rented property at the time of the incident.
4 outlets · Silver Ferns selector Gail Parata resigns following coaching suspension
Former Silver Fern Gail Parata has resigned as a national selector following the suspension of coach Dame Noeline Taurua. Parata expressed concerns for the security of coaches in New Zealand and claimed Netball New Zealand spoke to seven players before Taurua was stood down.
3 outlets · Documentary star Isey Cross dies aged 106
Northland centenarian Isey Cross has died at her Kawakawa home on Sunday. She was the star of the 2021 documentary James & Isey, which followed her relationship with her son and caregiver, James Cross. Tributes have been paid to the well-known figure.
4 outlets · Coroner finds errors after woman dies following weight loss surgery
A 50-year-old woman died in 2021 after undergoing bariatric surgery at a private hospital in Gisborne. Coroner Bruce Hesketh found that specialists lacked a full understanding of her heart condition and that staff delayed transferring her to higher-level care as she deteriorated.
4 outlets · Te Pāti Māori documents allege son of MP threatened Parliament staff
Documents emailed to Te Pāti Māori members allege that Eru Kapa-Kingi, the son of an MP, directed a profane tirade and threats of physical violence at Parliamentary security. The alleged altercation occurred on the night of Budget Day 2024. Kapa-Kingi has not responded to requests for comment.
3 outlets · Ruapehu moves to recovery after heavy rain causes slips and flooding
The Ruapehu District Council has moved its emergency operations into a monitoring phase following heavy rain that caused slips and road closures. The Whanganui River breached its banks near Taumarunui, leading to the closure of a river walkway. Officials say clearing the widespread damage will take several days.
3 outlets · National urges Labour to rule out working with Te Pāti Māori
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and National MPs have called for Chris Hipkins to rule out working with Te Pāti Māori following internal allegations. The party recently emailed members claims that Te Tai Tokerau MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi overspent office funds by $133,000.
3 outlets · Ponsonby restaurant Sidart closes after entering liquidation
Award-winning fine dining restaurant Sidart has closed its doors in Ponsonby with immediate effect. Owner and executive chef Lesley Chandra announced the decision on social media following the business entering liquidation. The establishment has been a fixture on Ponsonby Road since 2009.
3 outlets · Tory Whanau considers overseas work after losing council ward election
Outgoing Wellington mayor Tory Whanau is considering job opportunities in Melbourne or New York following her loss in the Te Whanganui-a-Tara Ward election. She has also committed approximately $5,000 toward legal fees for a defamation action against her critics.
3 outlets · Reserve Bank proposes easing lending restrictions for first home buyers
The Reserve Bank is consulting on relaxing loan-to-value ratios to assist more people in entering the property market. The proposal suggests allowing banks to provide up to 25 per cent of new owner-occupier lending to those with less than a 20 per cent deposit.
3 outlets · ACC apologises after Ombudsman investigation into farewell event costs
The Ombudsman found that ACC acted unreasonably after a whistleblower revealed the true cost of a senior manager's farewell event. The agency has apologised to journalists and is now looking to hire an independent whistleblower service.
3 outlets · Rare white humpback whale sighted off the Kaikōura coast
A rare white humpback whale was spotted south of Kaikōura on Friday, October 10, 2025. The sighting has caused excitement among locals who wonder if the whale is the world-famous Migaloo.
3 outlets · New Zealand house sales increase while median prices fall slightly
More homes were sold across New Zealand in September as buyers returned to the market. Despite the rise in sales activity, the national median house price decreased by 1.5% to $770,000. Significant sales growth was noted in Marlborough and Nelson, driven by investors and first home buyers.
4 outlets · Heavy rain causes road closures and slips across North Island
Torrential rain has triggered widespread flooding and slips, closing sections of State Highways 3, 4, 30, 31, and 43. In the Awakino Gorge, police report that some vehicles are trapped on State Highway 3. The weather has left some communities cut off and motorists urged to drive with caution.
2 outlets · Heavy rain causes flooding and road closures in central North Island
Heavy rain in the central North Island has caused flooding and slips, leaving some towns and settlements cut off. Several state highways in the New Plymouth, Ruapehu, and Waitomo areas are closed, and some schools have shut due to the weather.
2 outlets · Person stabbed during armed burglary at Hamilton business
A person was found with stab-like wounds after four people armed with weapons entered a commercial premises in Silverdale on Tuesday morning. Police were notified of the burglary at approximately 9.15am. Officers have since located two of the four offenders involved.
2 outlets · Pregnant women travel to Tauranga as Whakatāne maternity services downgraded
More than 200 women from the Eastern Bay of Plenty travelled to Tauranga Hospital to give birth this year due to a lack of local obstetricians. Data shows Whakatāne Hospital recorded only 86 births since its maternity service was downgraded in mid-January, with one third of transfers being emergency cases.
4 outlets · Doctors raise concerns over rise in botched overseas surgeries
A New Zealand weight loss specialist has expressed concern regarding patients requiring corrective operations after undergoing low-cost surgeries abroad. One woman spent 12 weeks in hospital and requires tube feeding following complications from a gastric sleeve procedure in Turkey.
2 outlets · Districts vote on Māori wards in 2025 local referendums
Preliminary results from the 2025 local polls show 24 districts voted to scrap Māori wards, while 18 chose to keep them. Some Māori councillors expressed confusion over the outcome, though Hamilton's Māori ward appears likely to remain.
2 outlets · Kaipara District records one of New Zealand's highest voter turnouts
Kaipara District's preliminary voter turnout reached 57.4%, which is significantly higher than the 38% national average. Mayoral candidate and former mayor Jason Smith expressed pride in the local community's commitment to democracy.
2 outlets · New Woolworths supermarket approved for St Albans in Christchurch
Independent hearing commissioners have approved plans for a new Woolworths supermarket and small shops on a vacant industrial site in St Albans. The development has faced local opposition regarding its size, potential traffic increases, and impact on existing businesses.
2 outlets · Judge questions expert on media fairness in TVNZ defamation trial
During a High Court trial in Auckland, a judge questioned an independent expert regarding responsible reporting practices. The defamation case involves Talley’s suing TVNZ and journalist Thomas Mead over a series of investigative stories. Lawyers for TVNZ argued that their defence is necessary to protect New Zealand journalism.
2 outlets · Climate Minister denied leave to attend major climate summit
Climate Minister Simon Watts was refused leave by National Party whips to attend the Adaptation Futures Conference in Christchurch. Watts was scheduled to deliver the closing address at the global event, but the decision was made to maintain party numbers in Parliament.
2 outlets · Tourist describes treating Whakaari/White Island survivors at coronial inquest
A coronial inquest into the Whakaari/White Island disaster heard testimony from a tour boat passenger regarding the eruption. Geoffrey Hopkins described using fresh water to help treat survivors following the tragedy, which resulted in 22 deaths and 25 serious injuries.
3 outlets · Five people injured in serious crash on Canterbury state highway
At least five people were injured, including two seriously, following a crash involving two or more vehicles on Tuesday morning. The incident occurred at the intersection of State Highway 79 and Bracefield Road near Fairlie. Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 11.25am.
2 outlets · Brynderwyn Hills to close twice for resurfacing next month
State Highway 1 at the Brynderwyn Hills will close for two four-day periods in November. Waka Kotahi says the closures are for final resurfacing work to ensure the route is in peak condition for the summer season.
2 outlets · Outgoing Buller mayor urges continued climate adaptation for Westport
Outgoing Buller Mayor Jamie Cleine has called on future leaders to maintain climate adaptation efforts to protect flood-prone Westport. Speaking at a conference, Cleine became emotional while discussing the risks facing the town and a council plan that could involve relocating Westport to higher ground.
+15 outlets · One in seven New Zealanders believe violence may be necessary
A Taxpayers' Union-Curia Market Research poll of 1,000 adults found that 14% of respondents believe violence might be needed to get the country back on track. The survey, conducted in early October, also indicated that more than half of those polled want all illegal immigrants deported.
2 outlets · Three new charter schools to open in early 2026
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has announced that three new charter schools will open in Term One of 2026. The new institutions include the online-based Aotearoa Infinite Academy, Te Aratika High School in Hawke’s Bay, and Altum Academy in Wellington.
2 outlets · Partner of man killed in Muriwai sand dune collapse speaks out
Jasmine Cooke has shared her experience following the death of her partner, Kane Watson, at Muriwai Beach. Mr Watson was buried under approximately two metres of sand when a dune collapsed. Ms Cooke, who is pregnant, is now raising their children.
2 outlets · Hollie Davidson appointed to referee All Blacks test against Wales
Scottish referee Hollie Davidson will become the first woman to officiate an All Blacks test match. The 33-year-old has been appointed to referee the final test of the season against Wales next month. Davidson recently officiated her second Women's Rugby World Cup final.
2 outlets · Man accused of murdering mother in Papatoetoe identified as her son
Phillip Beale, 50, has been identified as the man accused of murdering his mother, Joan Beale, in South Auckland. The 84-year-old woman was found dead at her Papatoetoe home on 9 August. Beale was previously charged with assault before facing a murder charge.
2 outlets · New Altum Academy charter school to open in Wellington
Altum Academy is set to open in Wellington during term 1, 2026. The school will occupy the site of Cardinal McKeefry Catholic Primary School in Wilton. Associate Education Minister David Seymour stated this is the first charter school for the Wellington region.
2 outlets · Man dies following motorcycle crash north of Palmerston
Trevor John Harris, 57, of Timaru, has died after a motorcycle crash at the intersection of Horse Range Road and Trotters Gorge Road on Saturday. Police have released his name and expressed gratitude to the father and son who provided assistance at the scene.
2 outlets · State Highway 3 closed near Awakino Gorge due to slips and flooding
Heavy rain has caused multiple slips and flooding on State Highway 3 through the Awakino Gorge. Some vehicles are currently stranded, and parts of the road are impassable. Contractors are working to clear debris, but motorists are urged to avoid the area until it is safe.
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