Wednesday 15 October 2025
38 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Police assist ambulance with critically ill baby in Awakino Gorge
An ambulance carrying a critically unwell newborn was blocked by flooding and slips in Awakino Gorge on Monday. A police officer assisted the medical team as they navigated the impassable road. The baby was eventually flown to Waikato Hospital by air ambulance.
+15 outlets · Father and son identified after fatal Bucklands Beach house fire
Police have named Jung Sup Lee, 36, and his son Ha-il Lee, 11, who died in a house fire on Murvale Drive on 2 October. The blaze is being treated as a double homicide investigation after police determined the fire was deliberately lit.
+15 outlets · Auckland properties worth $36m restrained in meth-laced beer investigation
Four Auckland properties valued at approximately $36 million have been restrained following a two-year investigation. The civil proceedings involve five people and a company connected to the death of Aiden Sagala, who died after consuming methamphetamine-laced beer.
+15 outlets · Peters and Plunket criticise BSA over proposed online media regulation
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has accused the Broadcasting Standards Authority of censorship following a decision to consider regulating podcasts and online media. Broadcaster Sean Plunket also criticised the authority's move to widen its remit beyond television and radio.
+26 outlets · Police seek information on missing Hamilton man and his vehicle
Police have renewed appeals for information regarding 39-year-old Aydan Brown, who has been missing for over eight weeks. Brown was last seen in Chartwell, Hamilton, on August 17. He is believed to have been driving a 2016 grey Mazda ute with the registration QYA209.
4 outlets · Eru Kapa-Kingi expresses no regret over Te Pāti Māori feud
Activist Eru Kapa-Kingi has stated he does not regret making his dispute with Te Pāti Māori public. Kapa-Kingi claims he suffered silently for years, while the party has responded to his allegations of dictatorship within its leadership.
+15 outlets · Senior police officer investigated for bullying and sexist remarks
The Independent Police Conduct Authority found that a senior police officer's behaviour amounted to serious misconduct. Following an investigation into allegations of bullying and derogatory remarks towards women, the officer remains employed but has been moved to a different role.
4 outlets · Police investigate after body found in Te Atatū Peninsula inlet
Police are investigating after a member of the public spotted a body in the water near the Te Atatū Peninsula off-ramp on Wednesday morning. The body was located in the Whau River inlet between 500m and 1km north of the State Highway 16 bridge. Specialist teams are currently at the scene.
4 outlets · Grace Nweke supports sidelined Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua
Silver Ferns shooter Grace Nweke has publicly expressed support for coach Dame Noeline Taurua following her suspension. Taurua and her staff were stood down last month after a review identified significant issues within the team environment. Nweke intends to continue showing support during the upcoming Constellation Cup series against Australia.
3 outlets · Freight train and truck collide at Waikanae level crossing
A freight train collided with a flatbed truck carrying a digger near Waikanae Railway Station on Wednesday morning. Both drivers were uninjured in the accident, which occurred shortly after 6.15am. Local roads were closed following the collision.
3 outlets · Steve Watt to succeed Chris Cahill as Police Association president
Sergeant Steve Watt has been elected to lead the Police Association, taking over from Chris Cahill who has served as president for nine years. In his final speech, Cahill urged the government to provide more support for officer stress and suggested equipping officers with body cameras.
+15 outlets · Teenager pleads guilty to murder in Grey Lynn shooting
Kayden Stanaway has pleaded guilty to the murder of 18-year-old Maxwel-Dee Repia. The fatal shooting occurred on Tuarangi Road in Grey Lynn in September 2024 during a prolonged feud. Stanaway also shot three other young men during the incident.
4 outlets · Hostages released as Gaza ceasefire takes effect amid aid concerns
A ceasefire has ended the hostage crisis, with some hostages reunited with families and Hamas handing over more bodies. However, tensions remain as Israel has delayed aid into Gaza and Hamas fighters have reportedly executed men in the streets. The future of the region remains uncertain following the deal.
3 outlets · Two dead and three injured in State Highway 1 crash
Two people died and three others were seriously injured following a two-vehicle collision near Piarere, north-west of Tīrau. The crash occurred on State Highway 1 near the Horahora Road intersection on Wednesday evening. The Serious Crash Unit is investigating, and the road remains closed with diversions in place.
3 outlets · Wattie's reduces Hawke's Bay crop intake due to cheap imports
Wattie's New Zealand is decreasing the amount of beetroot, corn and tomatoes it sources from Hawke's Bay. The company cited an ongoing struggle against cheaper imports as the reason for the reduction. This follows a previous announcement regarding reduced production of canned peaches.
4 outlets · Greens warn Speaker Brownlee against becoming Parliament's fashion police
The Green Party has warned Speaker Gerry Brownlee to avoid becoming Parliament's fashion police. This follows Brownlee's announcement of plans to take a tougher stance on MPs' dress, attendance, and behaviour. National and Labour have welcomed the attempt to address slipping standards in the House.
3 outlets · Age eligibility for free breast screening expands in New Zealand
The government has begun a four-year rollout to increase access to free breast cancer screening. Starting this week, women aged 70 and 74 are eligible for mammograms every two years. This expansion is expected to include approximately 30,600 additional women in the programme.
+15 outlets · Iconic Cardrona Hotel sold to group of New Zealand investors
The 162-year-old heritage-listed Cardrona Hotel has been sold for an undisclosed sum to a group of New Zealand investors. Led by Wānaka-based businessman Warren Barclay, the new owners are expected to take possession of the Central Otago landmark on 3 November.
4 outlets · Timaru man fined $10,000 for illegal vehicle trading
Kenneth James Michael Cumming has been fined $10,000 in the Timaru District Court for selling 40 cars on Facebook Marketplace while banned from motor vehicle trading. This was Cumming's second prosecution for unlawful trading.
3 outlets · Hundreds protest outside Resene head office for living wage
Approximately 200 people gathered outside Resene's Lower Hutt head office to support striking factory workers. About 45 staff members walked off the job after rejecting what they described as an insulting pay offer. Incoming Hutt City mayor Ken Laban also joined the picket line.
3 outlets · Government launches review of hospitality sector regulations
Regulation Minister David Seymour and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston have initiated a six-month review of the hospitality industry. The process aims to reduce red tape affecting businesses such as cafes, bars, hotels, and food trucks. Gambling regulations will be excluded from the scope of this sector-wide investigation.
3 outlets · Mongrel Mob leader felt trapped in gang position before death
A coroner has found that Napier Mongrel Mob chapter president Neil Angus Benson felt under significant pressure and trapped in his leadership role before his death last December. Benson, also known as 'Heil Dogg', had reportedly wanted to leave the gang in the months prior to taking his own life.
4 outlets · Rocket Lab launch creates space jellyfish effect over New Zealand
Early risers in parts of New Zealand, including the Bay of Plenty, observed a phenomenon known as a "space jellyfish" on Wednesday morning. Rocket Lab confirmed the visual effect was caused by sunlight reflecting off the exhaust plume following an Electron rocket launch from the Māhia Peninsula.
3 outlets · National Party support declines in latest political polls
Recent polling shows the National Party's support has fallen into the 20s, with Labour overtaking them. While the Coalition and NZ First have seen gains, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon faces pressure as nearly half of voters reportedly want him replaced.
2 outlets · Central Otago councillor-elect resigns following allegations of financial misconduct
Dave McKenzie has resigned from his newly elected Central Otago councillor position in the Vincent ward. He cited the pressure of online accusations and destructive misinformation affecting his family as the reason for stepping down. His resignation will result in a by-election.
+26 outlets · AA calls for driving offence fines to be adjusted for inflation
The Automobile Association is seeking an overhaul of driving penalties, arguing that fines frozen since 1999 no longer act as an effective deterrent. The motoring organisation says the current costs have been outpaced by income growth and needs to be adjusted to improve road safety.
2 outlets · Judge to decide on Talley’s defamation case against TVNZ
Justice Pheroze Jagose is considering a defamation lawsuit brought by Talley’s against TVNZ and journalist Thomas Mead. Following four weeks of evidence and closing submissions, a decision is expected before Christmas.
2 outlets · Parole Board apologises after releasing truck driver early
The Parole Board has unreservedly apologised to the family of Caleb Baker after Sarah Schmidt was released from prison two weeks before her eligible date. Schmidt, who killed the motorist, was released from Rimutaka Prison in July after serving nine months of her sentence.
3 outlets · Auckland developer sells mansion amid subcontractor payment disputes
An Auckland developer has hired a PR firm following reports that a mansion near Paritai Drive sold for a secret sum. The sale has caused frustration among subcontractors who are owed millions of dollars from a separate project.
+15 outlets · Coroner recommends safety signs after man drowns in Ngāruawāhia
A coroner has recommended new safety signage at a Waikato River swimming spot following the death of 29-year-old Nathan Eketone-Mahara. The man was playing in the water with his three-year-old son when a strong current likely swept him under at The Point.
2 outlets · Huka Lodge named among the world's best hotels for 2025
The Taupō luxury lodge has been ranked 88th in the World's 50 Best Hotels 51-100 list for 2025. It is the first New Zealand accommodation to be recognised on this expanded list. The achievement follows a $25 million refurbishment completed seven months ago.
2 outlets · Counting Crows to perform in Auckland in March 2026
The Grammy-nominated American rock band Counting Crows will play a one-off show at Auckland's Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre on 23 March. The performance is part of The Complete Sweets! Tour and follows the band's last New Zealand appearance three years ago.
2 outlets · Road closures and isolated towns following heavy North Island rain
Heavy rainfall has caused widespread road closures and isolated several communities across the North Island. Towns including Matiere and Tokorima have been cut off since Tuesday, while rising river levels continue to threaten highways in Waikato and Taranaki.
2 outlets · Lydia Gliddon outlines plans for first 100 days as Selwyn mayor
Newly elected Selwyn mayor Lydia Gliddon has announced her priorities following her campaign to unseat the previous mayor. Gliddon intends to focus on transparency, community engagement, and fiscal responsibility. She has also promised that the next rate increase for the district will remain in the single digits.
2 outlets · Train and truck collide at Waikanae railway crossing
A truck carrying a digger collided with a freight train near Elizabeth Street in Waikanae this morning. Police reported that both drivers were uninjured in the incident. Local roads were closed and services on the Kāpiti line were suspended following the collision.
2 outlets · Coroner calls for warning signs after man drowns at Waikato swimming hole
A Coroner has recommended installing warning signs at The Point in Ngāruawāhia following the 2021 drowning of 29-year-old Nathan Eketone-Mahara. Mr Eketone-Mahara was swimming with his young son when he was caught in a strong current. His child was successfully rescued during the incident.
2 outlets · Kingi Karanga to remain in prison for at least 12 months
The Parole Board has ruled that Kingi Karanga must stay in prison for at least another year. Karanga previously drove a stolen vehicle at high speed the wrong way on an Auckland motorway and later pointed a pistol at his ex-partner while on parole.
2 outlets · Four charged after police find drugs and firearms in raids
Four people, aged between 32 and 46, face charges following police searches at three properties in Mangawhai Heads, Massey, and Kumeū. Officers discovered firearms and clan lab equipment during the raids. The individuals are expected to appear in court regarding the charges.
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