Man killed by falling branch as severe weather hits New Zealand
A man was killed by a falling branch in Mount Victoria, Wellington, as wild weather lashes the country. Severe winds and heavy rain have caused power outages for thousands, damaged homes, and disrupted flights and roads across the South Island and lower North Island.
+15 outlets · Labour calls for investigation into Public Service Commission strike advertisements
The Labour Party is seeking an investigation into Public Service Commission Facebook advertisements regarding upcoming strike action. The ads, which claim students and patients will miss services, have been criticised for lacking impartiality. This comes as an estimated 100,000 public service workers prepare to strike this Thursday.
+26 outlets · Labour MP Duncan Webb to stand down at next election
Christchurch Central MP Duncan Webb has announced he will not seek re-election at next year's general election. The justice spokesperson said he intends to spend more time with his family and outdoors before pursuing other interests.
+15 outlets · Rock thrown through Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey's car window
Waimakariri MP and Minister Matt Doocey discovered his branded van had been vandalised after a rock was thrown through the rear window. Doocey expressed disappointment on social media, noting that CCTV cameras are located near the site of the incident.
+15 outlets · Man dies after being struck by falling branch in Wellington
A man has died after being hit by a falling branch on Lookout Road in Mount Victoria on Tuesday morning. The incident occurred during severe winds in Wellington, with gusts reaching up to 130km/h. Emergency services responded to the scene around 9:20am.
4 outlets · One person dies after failing to return from crayfishing trip
A person has died following a boating incident off the Napier coast. Police were alerted at 1.40pm after two people failed to return from a crayfishing trip. Coastguard Hawke's Bay located one person alive in the water at 3.10pm.
4 outlets · Alliance Group shareholders approve $270 million Dawn Meats deal
Alliance Group farmer-shareholders have voted in favour of a $270 million joint venture with Irish company Dawn Meats. The deal involves Dawn Meats acquiring a 65 per cent stake, while farmers retain 35 per cent. Approximately $200 million of the investment will be used to reduce the company's debt.
4 outlets · Chris Hipkins surprised by Labour health policy announcement
Labour leader Chris Hipkins admitted he was unaware his health spokesperson, Ayesha Verrall, had released a new policy. The proposal involves creating an independent body to set GP service costs. Hipkins took responsibility for the oversight, stating he had forgotten the announcement was scheduled for Tuesday.
4 outlets · Eru Kapa-Kingi rejects Te Pāti Māori allegations
Former Te Pāti Māori vice-president Eru Kapa-Kingi has described allegations of assault and abuse made by the party as defamatory. He claims the party leadership is attempting to discredit him to protect their own power. The allegations involve Kapa-Kingi and his mother, MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi.
4 outlets · Man charged after fatal Te Mapara boat trailer crash
A 19-year-old man has been charged with dangerous driving causing death following a July crash on State Highway 3. The incident occurred when a boat and trailer became detached from a vehicle, resulting in a collision that killed Nateisha-Kurstyn Hana-Wetere. Four other people were also injured in the accident.
4 outlets · Man charged in Dilworth School historical abuse investigation
A 72-year-old man has been charged with three counts of indecency with a boy aged between 12 and 16. The charges are part of an ongoing police investigation into historical sexual offending at Auckland's Dilworth School. Police continue to appeal for more victims to come forward.
4 outlets · Two women found after going missing on Hākarimata Summit Track
Maria, 29, and Rumetati, 28, have been found after being reported missing from a bush track near Ngāruawāhia. The pair were last seen entering the Hākarimata Summit Track at 4.30pm on Monday. Police had previously launched a search for the women after they failed to return home.
4 outlets · Multiple vehicles catch fire in Whangārei Hospital staff carpark
Emergency services responded to a blaze in a Whangārei Hospital staff carpark on Tuesday afternoon. At least 12 vehicles were reportedly damaged, with explosions heard as the fire spread. Police have advised nearby residents to keep windows closed and requested that the public avoid the area.
3 outlets · Coroner rules four-year-old girl died in Tauranga fountain drowning
Coroner Matthew Bates has ruled that Nia Lohchab died from accidental drowning in a Memorial Park fountain in May 2023. The coroner expressed concern that at least three people saw the child floating face down in the water but did not attempt to help her.
4 outlets · Man found dead in Heathcote Valley has been formally identified
Police have formally identified a man whose body was discovered on Horotane Valley Road on 19 September. While his identity is protected by a suppression order, police believe his death was not suspicious. The identification follows a month-long effort to determine who the man was.
4 outlets · Former ACT Party President Tim Jago charged with indecent assault
Tim Jago has appeared in North Shore District Court facing one charge of indecent assault involving a male in Auckland in 1995. His lawyer sought to have him remanded without entering a plea. The former ACT Party President is scheduled to reappear in court in November.
+26 outlets · Name suppression continues for man accused of North Dunedin murder
A 25-year-old man remains unnamed after appearing in the Dunedin High Court for the alleged murder of Aneli Helu Katea. The 36-year-old victim was found dead at a Great King Street property in October. Identity suppression will continue while mental health reports are prepared.
3 outlets · Northland schools to close during nationwide public service strike
Most primary, secondary and area schools in Northland will close this Thursday as an estimated 100,000 to 110,000 public service workers strike nationwide. The action includes approximately 1,200 ACC workers protesting government funding of public services. Marches are planned in Whangārei and Kaitāia.
3 outlets · Outgoing Carterton mayor Ron Mark considers future political roles
Former NZ First MP and outgoing Carterton mayor Ron Mark has decided not to seek re-election. While finishing his mayoral term, Mark has not ruled out returning to Parliament or pursuing other public roles.
4 outlets · TVNZ correspondent escorted from Pentagon meeting with Judith Collins
TVNZ correspondent Logan Church was escorted out of the Pentagon after his accreditation was revoked for a meeting between Judith Collins and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. Following the meeting, Collins stated that the Pentagon is positive regarding New Zealand's increased defence spending.
2 outlets · Police appeal for information two years after Baby Ru's death
On the eve of the second anniversary of toddler Ruthless Empire Ahipene-Wall's death, police are appealing to those responsible to come forward. The child died after suffering blunt-force trauma to the head in Lower Hutt in October 2023. No arrests have been made, and the Crown Solicitor is deciding on potential criminal charges.
+26 outlets · Toddler dies after being found unresponsive in water in Kaikohe
A 22-month-old girl died on Monday after being found unresponsive in water at a private rural property in Kaikohe. Her mother reported that the family is unsure how the child entered the water. The toddler was two months away from her second birthday.
2 outlets · Finance Minister rejected advice to remove Reserve Bank governor from board
Finance Minister Nicola Willis declined Treasury advice to remove the Reserve Bank governor from the bank's board. The proposal followed the resignation of Adrian Orr in March, which the Reserve Bank initially described as a personal decision.
2 outlets · Mathew David Linch jailed for assaulting Nelson woman over rent dispute
Mathew David Linch has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison for hitting and strangling a woman in Nelson. The assault occurred during a violent argument regarding unpaid rent. Linch also reportedly threatened to burn down a house and later attempted to pull the woman from a car while on bail.
2 outlets · Man jailed for attempted murder after Taumarunui stabbing
James Tuwhangai has been sentenced to five years and four months in prison for the attempted murder of a woman. The attack occurred outside the Taumarunui Police Station, where the victim suffered severe head trauma after being stabbed 18 times.
2 outlets · Health NZ warns of rising measles risk after new cases
Health New Zealand has reported three new measles cases in Manawatū and Nelson, including two children. There are now four active cases across Manawatū, Nelson, and Auckland. Officials are currently tracing locations visited by those who were infectious to manage the escalating national risk.
+26 outlets · Torpedo7 to transition to online-only sales by February 2026
Outdoor and sports retailer Torpedo7 will move to an online-only model by the end of February 2026. Owner Tahua Group stated that all physical stores will remain open throughout the summer. This follows previous store closures and the conversion of several locations into The Outlet retail concept.
2 outlets · Vehicles damaged in Whangārei Hospital car park fire
Dozens of cars were damaged in a blaze at a Whangārei Hospital car park. Investigators believe a hot exhaust pipe ignited long grass nearby, a theory supported by CCTV footage. Fire investigator Jason Goffin is looking into the incident.
2 outlets · Stuff masthead websites reach one million monthly viewers
The Post, The Press, and the Waikato Times have surpassed one million unique monthly viewers for the first time. According to Nielsen data, this represents an 8.5% increase from August. The Press specifically saw a surge in its South Island audience, reaching over 640,000 readers.
2 outlets · Large fire breaks out on hills near Pōrangahau
Firefighters are battling a large fire in the hills near Pōrangahau village in Central Hawke’s Bay. Strong winds have helped spread flames across multiple hotspots in the district, with thick smoke visible from several kilometres away.
2 outlets · NZ police officer investigated for groping woman in the UK
A New Zealand police officer was investigated in the United Kingdom for grabbing a woman's bottom while on leave. UK prosecutors decided not to pursue charges, and the officer reportedly failed to notify New Zealand Police about the investigation upon returning home.
3 outlets · Emergency services battle multiple vegetation fires near Kaikōura
Fire and Emergency NZ crews are fighting six large vegetation fires north of Kaikōura. Police have closed several roads and established evacuation centres at a golf club and high school. Residents and schools in the surrounding areas are being evacuated as some structures have caught fire.
2 outlets · Survey finds road workers face verbal and physical abuse
A survey of road workers reveals many face routine verbal and physical abuse from frustrated drivers. Nearly two-thirds of traffic controllers report being verbally abused weekly, while one in five workers has been physically assaulted over the past year.
2 outlets · Fire crews respond to vegetation blaze near Christchurch Airport
Firefighters have been battling a vegetation fire on the Memorial Road overbridge near State Highway 1 since Monday afternoon. Three crews from the airport and Ilam stations are responding to the blaze, which has caused major delays and visible smoke near the airport.
2 outlets · Strong winds cause flight cancellations and disruption at Wellington Airport
High winds in Wellington caused flight cancellations and rocky landings on Tuesday morning. Air New Zealand paused flights until 1pm as gusts exceeded 110km/h. Passengers faced long queues at the airport information desk while seeking updates on their travel.
2 outlets · South Auckland woman finds $500,000 Lotto ticket in handbag
A woman from South Auckland discovered a forgotten bonus ticket worth $500,000 after being contacted by Lotto NZ. The ticket, which was left in a zipped pocket of her handbag, related to a First Division prize from 31 May 2025.
2 outlets · Hipkins defends Labour economic policy amid National criticism
Labour leader Chris Hipkins has defended the absence of costings for the party's first major economic policy. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon criticised the plan, while also stating that asset sales are not currently being considered for a second National-led term.
2 outlets · Police investigate construction director accused of taking homeowners' money
Police are investigating Enzed Construction director Hemi Arapeta Tiopira following allegations from former clients. Homeowners claim they paid tens of thousands of dollars upfront for work that was either poorly completed or not finished at all. The director has not responded to requests for comment.
3 outlets · New R360 rugby competition aims to launch next October
A new rugby venture called R360 plans to launch in October next year, aiming to blend union and league styles. Fronted by Mike Tindall, the competition intends to target top-tier players with high salaries, though debate exists regarding its potential impact on the sport.
2 outlets · Police spike stolen car containing youths in Dunedin
Police spiked a stolen vehicle following an alleged burglary in Palmerston, causing it to be driven on its rims through Dunedin. Two teenagers were arrested during the incident, with one being pepper-sprayed and bitten by a police dog. Investigations are ongoing.
2 outlets · Employers in Queenstown and Wānaka struggle to find staff
Despite high job demand, some employers in Queenstown and Wānaka are finding it difficult to recruit staff. TradeMe Jobs data shows a 15 percent decrease in job applications in the district over the last financial year. Some businesses are now offering sign-on bonuses to attract workers.
2 outlets · MetService warns of heavy rain and gales across New Zealand
A powerful spring weather system is bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and falling temperatures to parts of the South Island. High winds in the Canterbury high country reached 163kph, leaving over 850 homes without power near Christchurch. MetService has issued warnings for erratic weather continuing through the week.
2 outlets ·
