Man charged with manslaughter over disappearance of Jason Butler
A 57-year-old man has been charged with manslaughter in relation to the 2021 disappearance of Jason Butler. Butler went missing in the Raukūmara Ranges after being taken into the bush for unapproved work experience. The charge follows a long investigation into his disappearance from the Ōmāio area.
+37 outlets · Widow seeks tougher penalties after fatal drink-driving crash
Kate Wood is calling for harsher punishments for repeat drink-drivers following a 2023 head-on collision in North Canterbury. The crash, which killed 69-year-old Anthony Thomas Wood, occurred hours after Zejayohn Keyli West Hurinui was disqualified for drink-driving.
+26 outlets · Trial for man accused of murdering police officer moved to Christchurch
Hayden Tasker's trial for the murder of Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming has been transferred to Christchurch. Tasker, 32, appeared via video link in the Wellington High Court and has previously pleaded not guilty to six charges. The incident occurred in Nelson on New Year's Day.
+26 outlets · Cyclist critically injured in collision with car in Sydenham
A cyclist was taken to Christchurch Hospital in critical condition following a collision with a car on Friday afternoon. Emergency services were called to the intersection of Colombo and King streets in Sydenham around 12.40pm. Road closures were implemented at the scene while crews attended to the crash.
4 outlets · Firefighters strike nationwide over pay and safety disputes
Approximately 2,000 union members participated in a one-hour strike on Friday following stalled negotiations with Fire and Emergency New Zealand. Protests occurred in locations including Tauranga, Rotorua, Kawerau, and Hamilton. The union is seeking better pay, staffing, and equipment, while FENZ claims the action puts the public at risk.
4 outlets · Heavy rain and strong wind warnings issued for South Island
MetService has issued orange warnings for heavy rain and strong winds across much of the South Island this weekend. Drivers are urged to plan ahead as a cold front brings wet and windy conditions, particularly affecting areas like Buller and Grey.
4 outlets · Three charged after man suffers life-threatening injuries in Hamilton assault
Three people, including two 20-year-old men and an 18-year-old woman, have been charged following a group attack in Fairview Downs on Monday night. The victim sustained critical injuries at a Northolt Road residence and underwent surgery on Friday. The group faces charges including intent to cause grievous bodily harm and aggravated burglary.
4 outlets · Injunction over Tom Phillips case details remains in place
A High Court injunction preventing the publication of certain details regarding the investigation into Tom Phillips and his family remains in effect. During a recent hearing in Wellington, the mother of the Phillips children was joined to the legal proceedings. The judge has reserved a decision on the matter.
+48 outlets · Kaipara councillors vote to lodge election process complaint
Kaipara District Council has voted in a secret meeting to support an election process complaint from outgoing mayor Craig Jepson. The complaint, regarding alleged irregularities, will be lodged with the Department of Internal Affairs. The decision followed an emergency meeting after a previous session was abandoned due to unruly behaviour.
4 outlets · State Highway 28 closed after serious two-vehicle crash near Putāruru
Three people were injured, including two in critical condition, following a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 28 near Putāruru early Friday morning. Police were called to the scene at Whites Road around 5.20am. The highway is currently closed at both ends with diversions in place via State Highway 1 and State Highway 5.
4 outlets · Around 2000 firefighters walk off job in nationwide strike
Approximately 2000 firefighters participated in a one-hour national strike on Friday due to a pay and work conditions dispute with Fire and Emergency New Zealand. The New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union described the action as a last resort following failed collective agreement negotiations. The walkout caused warnings of serious emergency service delays.
3 outlets · Winston Peters urges farmers to reject Fonterra brand sale
NZ First leader Winston Peters has written an open letter to Fonterra farmers urging them not to sell iconic brands like Anchor and Mainland to French company Lactalis. Peters has also suggested that Fonterra could face increased regulation if the sale proceeds.
+15 outlets · Jonathan Larsen elected Kaipara mayor by 21 votes
Current deputy mayor Jonathan Larsen has been elected as the new Kaipara mayor. He secured 3,138 votes, finishing just 21 votes ahead of runner-up Snow Tane. The final election results were released by the council on Friday.
4 outlets · Two dead after truck and car crash at Brynderwyns
Two people died at the scene after a car and a truck collided on State Highway 1 near Brynderwyns early Friday morning. The truck driver sustained minor injuries. The crash caused the main Northland route to close in both directions.
3 outlets · Otago defeat Bay of Plenty to reach NPC final
Otago have secured a place in the NPC final after defeating Bay of Plenty 41-17. The semifinal match was held at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin. Otago are aiming to reach their first final since 1998 following the victory.
3 outlets · Samoan villagers seek compensation following Manawanui shipwreck
Villagers in Tafitoala are requesting compensation after the Royal New Zealand Navy vessel Manawanui sank off the coast of Upolu last year. Although New Zealand paid NZ$6 million to the Samoan government, local communities report they have not yet received any funds to support their livelihoods.
4 outlets · Whittaker's to increase prices across its product range
Whittaker's will raise prices on its chocolate range starting 20 October. The company cited rising operating and ingredient costs as the reason for the increase. The specific amount of the price hike has not been specified.
3 outlets · Severe road damage and slips reported following Waitomo flooding
Torrential rain in the central North Island has caused extensive flooding, slips, and infrastructure damage in Waitomo and Ruapehu. Aerial images show cracked roads and debris near cliff edges, with the Waitomo District Council warning that repairs could take years. Some major highways are expected to reopen.
3 outlets · Mobile speed cameras in SUVs generate over $900,000 in fines
The New Zealand Transport Agency's mobile speed cameras, operating from 34 SUVs, have detected 67,308 offences since May. These enforcement tools have generated more than $900,000 in fines during their first four months of operation. One specific camera recorded $104,270 in fines between May and August.
3 outlets · All Blacks to tour South Africa for four tests in 2026
The All Blacks will visit South Africa in August and September 2026 for a multi-fixture tour. The series will include three tests in South Africa and a fourth match on neutral territory, alongside fixtures against four provincial sides.
3 outlets · Western Line train services cancelled after collision in Avondale
Train services between Avondale and Swanson have been cancelled after a train hit a car at a Chalmers Street level crossing. Emergency services are attending the scene, and the road remains closed. Auckland Transport says western services will only run from Waitematā to Avondale for the time being.
3 outlets · Health Minister considers law change amid dispute with striking doctors
Health Minister Simeon Brown has accused doctors of crossing an ethical line during industrial action. Speaking at a senior doctors' annual conference, Brown stated he may consider a law change as the dispute over a mega strike escalates.
+26 outlets · Emirates Team New Zealand adds four sailors to crew
Emirates Team New Zealand has recruited four new sailors, including Olympic gold medallist Jo Aleh, to bolster their crew. The additions aim to provide fresh energy as the team prepares to defend the America's Cup in Naples in 2027.
2 outlets · Ray Chung re-elected to Wellington City Council by narrow margin
Wellington mayoral candidate Ray Chung has retained his seat on the city council. Representing Independent Together, Chung secured the final spot in the Wharangi/Onslow-Western ward, narrowly defeating Labour's Joy Gribben by approximately 44 votes.
+15 outlets · South Island leads recent surge in job listings
TradeMe data shows job listings increased by 13 percent last quarter, suggesting a potential job market rebound. The South Island is leading this recovery, while national job listings remain 0.8 percent lower than last year.
+15 outlets · Breakers secure second NBL win against Tasmania JackJumpers
The New Zealand Breakers defeated the Tasmania JackJumpers 82-65 at Spark Arena on Friday night. This victory marks the team's second win of the NBL season. Parker Jackson-Cartwright led the Breakers with 21 points.
2 outlets · Ken Couper elected as Whangārei mayor
Waipū farmer and district councillor Ken Couper has been elected mayor of Whangārei. He defeated incumbent Vince Cocurullo by a margin of 435 votes. Cocurullo's departure follows 12 years on the council and one term as mayor.
2 outlets · Eight artists honoured at the 2025 Arts Laureate Awards
Eight artists across various disciplines have been recognised at the 25th annual Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureate Awards. Held at Auckland's Aotea Centre, the recipients will each receive $50,000 for their contributions to New Zealand's cultural life.
1 outlet · Wellington teacher acquitted of historical sexual abuse charges
A 52-year-old teacher has been found not guilty of seven charges involving the sexual abuse of a student approximately 20 years ago. Judge Bill Hastings ruled that the teacher's account of the events was a reasonable possibility. The woman remains under name suppression.
2 outlets · Mining company buys part of Bendigo Station in Central Otago
Australian-listed Santana Minerals has purchased approximately 800 hectares of Bendigo Station for $55 million. The land acquisition, made through its subsidiary Matakanui Gold Limited, is intended to progress the proposed Bendigo-Ophir gold mine project.
+15 outlets · Jayden Meyer found guilty of sexually violating teenage girl
A jury has found Jayden Meyer guilty of sexually violating a 15-year-old girl. The incident occurred when Meyer was 16, only hours after he had been released on bail regarding previous charges of rape and sexual violation.
3 outlets · St John worker reports sleep issues following Whakaari eruption response
A St John worker told a coronial inquest that they struggled to sleep for weeks following the 2019 Whakaari / White Island eruption. The worker described the period as a very challenging time and noted they repeatedly replayed decisions made during the disaster response.
3 outlets · Ngāti Toa buys back ancestral land at Whitireia from RNZ
Ngāti Toa Rangatira has purchased 53 hectares of land at Whitireia in Porirua from RNZ for just under $5 million. This acquisition returns the iwi's sacred maunga to their ownership more than 170 years after the land was originally gifted to the Anglican Church.
2 outlets · Coroner calls for clearer limits on mental health text services
A coroner has urged mental health helplines to clarify their roles and improve staff training following the suicide of a 23-year-old Canterbury man. The man had exchanged hundreds of messages with support services before his death. The coroner noted that text-based services are not designed to manage acute mental health crises.
2 outlets · Drink driver jailed after Auckland crash killed two sisters
Carl Reti has been sentenced to prison following a high-speed crash in Auckland that killed sisters Crystal-Alizae Emery and Aria-Sativa Kapene. The incident occurred in November 2024 when Reti's vehicle shunted the sisters' car into the back of a truck. Family members expressed their grief during the court proceedings.
2 outlets · New mayors elected across New Zealand in close local elections
Several mayoral races were decided by five votes or fewer. In Westland, incumbent Helen Lash retained her position by a margin of eight votes over Jacquie Grant.
2 outlets · Government provides $21.5 million for Canterbury flood defence projects
The Government is providing $21.5 million in co-funding to accelerate nine priority river protection projects in Canterbury. This investment includes $6.6 million dedicated to increasing flood resilience within Mid and South Canterbury.
2 outlets · Air New Zealand completes first electric aircraft test flight in Tauranga
Air New Zealand's first electric aircraft, the BETA ALIA CX300, has completed its maiden test flight from Tauranga Airport. The US-made aircraft arrived in New Zealand last week and is being used as a four-month technical demonstrator.
2 outlets · Barker’s to expand South Canterbury fruit factory later this year
Barker Fruit Processors is undertaking a $60 million expansion of its Pleasant Valley factory near Geraldine. The project aims to future-proof the business following challenges regarding discharge consenting. The expansion is expected to be completed later this year.
2 outlets · Former Christchurch CEO referred to police over alleged document forgery
A Family Court judge has referred former Christchurch City Holdings Ltd chief executive Tim Boyd to police and the Law Society. The referral follows findings that Boyd falsified documents and misled the court during a property dispute with his former partner.
2 outlets · Police dog suffers severe burns after falling into geothermal water
Police dog Teo and her handler, Senior Constable Adam Johannsen, were injured in Rotorua when soft ground collapsed during a search. Teo sustained severe burns from the scalding water, while Johannsen suffered minor burns while rescuing her. The dog is currently recovering after being taken to a vet.
2 outlets · Police search for man linked to Pahīatua homicide investigation
Police are searching for a man aged 40 to 50 following the discovery of a woman's body on Arthur Street in Pahīatua on Wednesday. A vehicle taken from the Pahīatua address was located at a lookout in Rotorua on Wednesday. Investigators have opened a homicide inquiry into the death.
2 outlets · Partnership aims to provide swimming lessons for 10,000 New Zealand children
Water Safety New Zealand and Stuff Group are working together to provide swimming lessons for 10,000 children this summer. The initiative aims to address the issue of more than 130,000 Kiwi children who have never had a swimming lesson.
1 outlet · Charities face crisis due to rising costs and funding cuts
New Zealand's charitable sector is reaching a breaking point as the cost-of-living crisis deepens. One head of philanthropy reports that up to 15 charities have closed this year due to dwindling donations, increasing costs, and government funding cuts.
2 outlets · Government announces $90m for flood resilience projects across New Zealand
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones has announced more than $90 million for 32 flood resilience projects nationwide. The funding aims to protect 30,000 homes and 350,000 hectares of land. In the Bay of Plenty, the regional council has secured $9 million in co-investment for $15.2 million worth of local upgrades.
2 outlets · Former eye surgeon seeks return to Canterbury after attempted murder conviction
Ian Dallison has been sentenced to prison after admitting to the attempted murder of his landlord. The former Christchurch surgeon attacked the man and his wife following financial difficulties. Dallison has expressed a desire to move back to the Canterbury region.
3 outlets · Waikato councils see mayoral changes following 2025 local elections
The 2025 local elections resulted in a leadership shake-up across the Waikato region. Only the mayors of Hauraki, South Waikato, Waitomo, and Ruapehu retained their positions. Peter Revell has been elected as the new mayor of the Thames-Coromandel District.
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