Wednesday 29 October 2025
47 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Luxon holds first face-to-face meeting with Donald Trump
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon met US President Donald Trump for a one-on-one meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea. The discussion occurred on the sidelines of the APEC summit prior to a leaders' dinner. Luxon declined to provide specific details regarding the contents of the meeting.
+26 outlets · Hipkins targets Luxon over property earnings during capital gains tax debate
Labour leader Chris Hipkins has criticised Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's real estate portfolio while promoting a new 28% capital gains tax policy. The proposed tax, intended to fund three free GP visits, would exclude farms and family homes. Hipkins claimed Luxon earned more from property sales than his parliamentary salary.
+26 outlets · Tributes paid to American tourists killed in Waikato crash
Joshua Laroy Greenway and Amber Kory Stephens died in a two-vehicle crash at Piarere on State Highway 1 on 15 October. Friends and family are remembering the Arizona couple as creative and selfless. Loved ones are now raising funds to cover funeral costs.
+15 outlets · ANZ mobile app and website outage has been resolved
Thousands of ANZ customers experienced disruptions to the goMoney app and internet banking on Wednesday afternoon. Service issues began around 2.30pm, with Downdetector recording over 1,000 reports. The bank has since resolved the outage and apologised for the significant disruption.
4 outlets · New Zealand woman found dead in Phuket hotel room
A 47-year-old New Zealand tourist was found unresponsive in a hotel room near Kata Beach on Tuesday. Police in Phuket are investigating the death, which occurred earlier that week. A preliminary forensic report suggested a possible reaction as a cause.
4 outlets · Police seek vehicle sightings in Gisborne homicide investigation
Police are appealing for information regarding the movements of a Hyundai Sonata linked to the murder of Bill Maangi. Maangi was fatally shot in Elgin in the early hours of 29 September. Although the vehicle has been recovered, investigators are still seeking sightings of the car.
4 outlets · Elijah Wood surprises couple at Hobbiton wedding
Actor Elijah Wood appeared at a Lord of the Rings-themed wedding held at the Hobbiton Movie Set on Monday. The Rotorua-based couple, Sharik and Jessica Burgess-Stride, were surprised when the actor, who played Frodo Baggins, visited the grounds while touring the Waikato site.
+15 outlets · Ben McNulty named as Wellington deputy mayor
Incoming Wellington Mayor Andrew Little has appointed Takapū/Northern Ward councillor Ben McNulty as deputy mayor. McNulty, who ran on the Labour ticket with Little, will hold the position for an 18-month term. The appointment is intended to promote accountability within the council.
4 outlets · Australia Diamonds regain Constellation Cup after series decider win
The Australian Diamonds won the Constellation Cup after defeating the Silver Ferns 12-11 in a series decider in Christchurch. Following a Silver Ferns victory in the fourth test, the teams entered a 14-minute tiebreaker format to determine the outright winner.
3 outlets · New Zealand's first all-female professional firefighter calendar launched
Thirteen female firefighters from nine stations across three cities have released the Wāhine Toa Firefighter Calendar. The initiative aims to raise funds for breast cancer research. The project was co-organised by Nicole Koch and Zoe Feau.
3 outlets · Thousands remain without electricity in Southland and Otago after storm
More than 5,000 properties in the lower South Island remain without power following last week's severe winds. While supplies are being restored, outages in Southland and Otago could continue until the weekend. A state of emergency remains in place for Southland and the Clutha district.
3 outlets · Government considers less frequent vehicle warrant of fitness inspections
Transport Minister Chris Bishop has opened public consultation on proposed land transport reforms. The changes could include two-year warrants of fitness for some cars and a four-year initial certificate for new light vehicles to reduce unnecessary costs.
3 outlets · Crown challenges self-defence argument in Christchurch murder trial
Prosecutors have argued that James Arthur Holder's claim of self-defence is illogical during his murder trial in Christchurch. Holder is accused of fatally shooting David Bridgewater in the abdomen in Aranui in January 2024. Closing arguments have now been heard in the High Court.
3 outlets · Kelston Boys' High School principal does not support charter school bid
The Bangerz Education and Wellbeing Trust has applied to convert Kelston Boys' High School into a charter school from early 2026. The Auckland school has written to parents stating that the takeover proposal is not supported by the institution.
3 outlets · Principals and associations criticise new draft school curriculum
The release of draft primary and intermediate school curriculums has prompted a revolt by the Principals Federation and criticism from subject associations. Critics claim the documents are old-fashioned and sideline Māori knowledge and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. One Porirua principal described the changes as a recolonisation of the education system.
3 outlets · Forty-three arrested and 96 guns seized in firearms crackdown
Police arrested 43 people and seized 96 weapons during Operation Black Onyx. The week-long, coordinated raids took place across New Zealand between 13 and 19 October. The operation involved a transnational partnership between New Zealand and Australian police officers.
4 outlets · Winston Peters' account appears to correct Christopher Luxon on X
The official X account for Foreign Minister Winston Peters briefly reshared a post by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon with the word "We..." before deleting it. The interaction followed Luxon's announcement of a new trade deal with Southeast Asian nations while attending a summit in Malaysia. A spokesperson for Peters said they were unaware of the circumstances.
3 outlets · Canterbury identified as New Zealand's fastest growing region
Canterbury's population grew by 1.1% in the year to June 2025, making it the country's fastest-growing region. This growth was largely driven by increases in Christchurch. Meanwhile, Hamilton has been identified as the fastest-growing city in New Zealand.
4 outlets · Child airlifted to hospital after becoming unwell at Northland school
A child was flown to Starship Hospital in a critical condition after becoming acutely unwell at Kaikohe East School on Tuesday. Hato Hone St John responded to the Northland primary school with an ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, and a rescue helicopter.
3 outlets · Strong winds damage irrigation equipment in North Canterbury
Gales in North Canterbury have caused tens of millions of dollars in damage to hundreds of pivot irrigators. Farmers in the Amuri Basin face long waits for replacement parts from overseas, causing concern ahead of the summer season.
3 outlets · First North Island Brown kiwi chick hatches on Waiheke Island
Trail camera footage has captured the first North Island Brown kiwi chick hatching on Waiheke Island. The chick was born near the Te Matuku Peninsula following the release of ten kiwi on the island's eastern side in May. Save the Kiwi described the event as a major conservation milestone.
4 outlets · Erica Stanford defends new draft school curriculum amid criticism
Education Minister Erica Stanford is supporting the new draft curriculum for Years 0 to 10, which was released on Tuesday. While some teacher groups have criticised the draft as being rushed, Stanford says the updated learning areas will provide students with essential knowledge for future success.
+15 outlets · Two more queen yellow-legged hornets found in Auckland
Biosecurity New Zealand has located two additional queen yellow-legged hornets in Auckland. These were found within 2km of a queen discovered on the North Shore on 17 October. Experts warn the species preys on honeybees and could impact the honey industry.
4 outlets · Fire and Emergency New Zealand grounds all powered watercraft
Fire and Emergency New Zealand has grounded all powered watercraft used by local fire stations for water emergencies. Two Waikato stations have expressed concerns that this decision leaves riverside communities exposed. Currently, police vessels are the only ones able to respond along the Waikato River.
3 outlets · Marlon Williams wins top honour at 2025 Silver Scroll Awards
Marlon Williams and KOMMI won the Apra Silver Scroll Award for the song Aua Atu Rā. The 60th edition of the awards ceremony was held on Wednesday night at the Isaac Theatre Royal in Christchurch.
2 outlets · Black Caps win series after defeating England in Hamilton
New Zealand secured the three-match series by beating England by five wickets in the second one-day international. Blair Tickner took four wickets for 34 runs, while Daryl Mitchell scored 56 not out to help chase down England's total of 175.
2 outlets · Alpine Medical Hardware director sentenced for bribing health board manager
William MacKenzie, a director of Alpine Medical Hardware Limited, has been sentenced to community detention. He arranged 28 payments totalling more than $170,000 to a former Auckland District Health Board manager to secure contracts. The bribery involved millions of dollars in contracts awarded to his company.
2 outlets · Two men charged with murder over Te Puke shooting
Two men, aged 39 and 40, have been arrested and charged with murder following the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Tristan Oakes in Te Puke. The incident occurred at Mr Oakes' home on Saturday. The pair are scheduled to appear in the Tauranga District Court on Thursday.
2 outlets · Insurance claims exceed 5000 following severe weather
Insurance companies have received more than 5,000 claims following last week's severe weather, with costs already reaching millions of dollars. Damage includes roofs, farm buildings, and windows. A state of emergency remains in place for Southland and Clutha, where thousands still lack power.
2 outlets · Lawyers describe Gloriavale working structure as resembling a sweatshop
Lawyers for former members told the Court of Appeal that people born into the Gloriavale community are trapped in a working system similar to a sweatshop. While lawyers claim members suffered exhaustion and felt trapped, counsel for the Christian community argued that members did not expect payment and were supported by the collective.
3 outlets · NZDF officer deployed to Israel to monitor Gaza peace efforts
A New Zealand Defence Force officer has been sent to Israel to provide information regarding the Gaza peace deal. The officer will work from a United States-led Civil Military Coordination Centre for an initial period of six weeks. Defence Minister Judith Collins stated the deployment aims to improve understanding of ground efforts.
2 outlets · Person seriously injured in Hamilton hospital fence crash
A person sustained serious injuries after a car crashed into the fence of Braemar Hospital on Ōhaupō Road. Police were called to the scene just after 4.30pm. The single-vehicle accident has resulted in the blockage of Ōhaupō Road.
2 outlets · Police use of number plate spotting technology continues to rise
Police usage of automated number plate recognition technology has increased by 70 per cent over two years. The system now records almost 600,000 hits annually, with more than 8,000 personnel accessing the technology for various law enforcement applications.
2 outlets · Man jailed for violent assault on woman over meth pipe
Kole Stratford was sentenced in the Nelson District Court following a violent assault on a woman. The attack, which was fuelled by alcohol and drugs, involved head-butting, slamming the victim's hand in a car door, and kicking her. Stratford also faced additional drug charges laid while on bail.
2 outlets · Government and Auckland Council deadlock over housing plan continues
A three-week impasse between the Government and Auckland Council is affecting approximately 700 property owners. Housing Minister Chris Bishop has vetoed a request to remove rural fringe development references from a 30-year housing plan, instead directing a panel to consider greenfield growth options.
2 outlets · Waikato concreter cleared of most fraud charges
Jason Mark Lambert has been cleared of most charges involving unfinished concreting and landscaping jobs in Waikato. While accused of leaving clients out of pocket after taking deposits, the judge described him as an incompetent businessman with good intentions.
3 outlets · Domino's Pizza store in Red Beach enters liquidation
A Domino's Pizza outlet in Auckland's Red Beach has closed after its operating company, Red Pepper Pizza Limited, went into liquidation. Liquidators stated that sales were not enough to cover the business's expenses and noted that creditors are unlikely to receive any money.
2 outlets · National sprinter revealed as winner of NPC mascot race
Canterbury mascot Larry the Lamb won a mascot race during the NPC final half-time show on Saturday. It has been revealed that national sprint champion Tiaan Whelpton was performing inside the mascot costume during the event.
2 outlets · Police investigate after air rifle fired into Sawyers Bay home
A resident in Kaira Street was woken by sounds outside their home last Friday to find a window damaged. Police believe an air rifle was used in the incident and no one was injured. Authorities are now appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
2 outlets · Waiheke winery ordered to pay former manager after unjustified dismissal
Cable Bay Wine Limited must pay approximately $18,000 to former restaurant manager Giulia Carozzi. The Employment Relations Authority found her February 2024 sacking for serious misconduct was unjustified after she mistakenly approved helicopter landings that exceeded resource consent limits for one weekend.
2 outlets · Carnival Adventure to homeport in Auckland during 2027 winter season
Carnival Cruise Line will use Auckland as a home port for its Carnival Adventure ship from May to July 2027. This marks the first time a cruise ship has homeported in Auckland since 2023. Tourism Minister Louise Upston stated the move shows confidence in New Zealand tourism.
2 outlets · Government changes online gambling bill to include community funding
The government has agreed to require online casino operators to provide a portion of their profits to community organisations. This decision follows backlash from grassroots groups regarding the proposed Online Casino Gambling Bill, which seeks to license up to 15 offshore operators.
2 outlets · Christchurch man flies to Melbourne to avoid scalped festival tickets
Lennon Cameron is travelling to Melbourne to see singer Kesha perform because it is more affordable than purchasing scalped tickets for the Electric Avenue festival in Christchurch. The Hagley Park event sold out in less than 20 minutes, leaving some fans unable to attend.
3 outlets · Measles outbreak concerns grow as second case identified at Wellington school
A second measles case has been confirmed at Wellington Girls' College. Health officials are contacting close contacts of the infected student. Professor Michael Baker has warned that the current outbreak could potentially exceed the scale of the 2019 outbreak.
2 outlets · Police seek public help to find wanted woman in Canterbury
Police are searching for 20-year-old Aaliyah Ah Tong, who has an outstanding warrant for her arrest. Officers believe she may have connections within the Canterbury region and are appealing for information regarding her whereabouts.
2 outlets · TSB reduces one-year fixed mortgage rate to 4.39 per cent
TSB has lowered its one-year fixed mortgage rate by 10 basis points to 4.39 per cent. This new rate is lower than those offered by other major banks. The rate is available to customers with a deposit of at least 20 per cent.
2 outlets · Think tank proposes four-year parliamentary terms and more MPs
The New Zealand Initiative has released a report suggesting reforms to improve parliamentary efficiency. The proposal includes extending the parliamentary term to four years and increasing the number of MPs to 170. A bill to extend the parliamentary term was previously introduced in February.
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