Department of Conservation pleads for end to sign vandalism
The Department of Conservation is urging the public to stop damaging its signage, which has been shot, graffitied, and stolen. Over 900 signs in the South Island alone require repair or replacement. This destruction is creating safety risks and diverting significant financial resources away from conservation work.
+48 outlets · Fonterra farmers overwhelmingly approve sale of brands to Lactalis
Fonterra shareholders have voted in favour of selling consumer brands, including Anchor and Mainland, to French company Lactalis. The deal is valued at approximately $4.2 billion. The sale marks a shift in focus towards advanced ingredients and food service products.
+15 outlets · Global Microsoft outage disrupts websites and services worldwide
A Microsoft Azure configuration error caused a global outage affecting various websites and services. The disruption impacted Air New Zealand's payment and boarding systems, as well as police and Customs websites. Some services are reportedly recovering after the incident.
+37 outlets · One person dead after two-vehicle crash in Matamata
One person died following a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Waharoa Road East and Pohlen Road on Thursday afternoon. Police were alerted to the crash in Matamata at approximately 4.40pm. The Serious Crash Unit attended the scene to conduct an examination.
4 outlets · Large fire breaks out at abandoned Palmerston North pub
Firefighters are battling a third alarm blaze at the former Fitzherbert Tavern on Ferguson Street. Residents have been advised to stay indoors and keep windows closed due to heavy smoke billowing across the city. Emergency crews, including eight fire trucks, were called to the scene around 5.15pm.
+15 outlets · Whakaari/White Island alert level raised after possible eruption
The volcanic alert level for Whakaari/White Island has been increased to level three following a possible small, low-energy eruption. Scientists observed the activity around 12.30pm on Thursday via monitoring cameras. The aviation colour code has also been raised to orange.
4 outlets · Truck driver jailed for fatal crash near Waimate
Jeremy Lee has been sentenced to three years and two months in prison for drug-impaired driving causing death. The defendant caused a fiery two-vehicle crash on State Highway 1, which resulted in the death of 65-year-old Alan George Weir.
4 outlets · Winston Peters sanctions 65 vessels involved in shipping Russian oil
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has sanctioned 65 "shadow fleet" vessels used to transport Russian oil. The decision aims to target revenue used to fund the war in Ukraine. The announcement was made while Peters met with Nordic foreign ministers in Stockholm.
3 outlets · Hong Kong tourist ordered to pay $40,000 after Wānaka crash
Ka Ho Cheung, a 31-year-old photographer from Hong Kong, has been sentenced in Dunedin District Court following a serious crash in Wānaka. After admitting to four counts of aggravated careless driving causing injury, he was ordered to pay $40,000 and received a temporary driving disqualification. The crash, which involved crossing the centre line, left four people hospitalised.
3 outlets · Storm damage hits Invercargill's Queens Park
Severe winds reaching up to 120km/h have caused extensive damage to Invercargill's Queens Park, uprooting massive trees and damaging the rotunda roof. Council workers are currently clearing fallen trees and blocked pathways. A state of emergency remains in effect for Southland.
3 outlets · Incoming Wellington mayor outlines priorities ahead of swearing in
Andrew Little will be sworn in as Wellington's mayor today. His early priorities include reviewing the Golden Mile plan and discussing a potential supercity-style council for the region. He also intends to review spending during his first 100 days in office.
3 outlets · Matthew Kinghorn appears before parole board after murdering New Plymouth jogger
Matthew Kinghorn, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for the 2012 murder of Anne McCullough, appeared before the Parole Board on Wednesday. Kinghorn admitted he is not yet ready to be released from prison. He previously stated that listening to thrash metal music influenced his mindset during the fatal incident.
4 outlets · Group behind Kelston Boys' charter school bid says battle lines drawn
The Bangerz Education and Wellbeing Trust and former board member Siaosi Gavet are attempting to convert Kelston Boys' High School into a charter school. The school says the bid is unsupported, while the trust claims it is facing abuse and has stopped taking feedback on the proposal.
4 outlets · Crown argues soldier who attempted espionage should serve prison time
The Crown has argued that a soldier sentenced to two years of military detention for attempted espionage should instead serve time in a civilian prison. The soldier, whose name is suppressed, has links to far-right groups and was sentenced at a court martial at Linton Military Camp.
+37 outlets · One person dead after single-vehicle crash in Epsom
One person has died following a serious single-vehicle crash on Great South Road in Epsom on Thursday night. Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 6.45pm. Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
2 outlets · New granny flat rules could increase council rates
An economist warns that new laws allowing backyard structures up to 70 square metres without building consent could lead to higher rates. The government recently announced these simplified rules for building granny flats.
4 outlets · Tauranga City Council to spend $1.49m to fix leaking landfill site
Tauranga City Council will spend $1.49 million on infrastructure upgrades at the former Cambridge Rd landfill. The work aims to stop leachate and stormwater from discharging into the Kopurererua Stream. These upgrades are required to comply with an abatement notice issued by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council in July 2024.
3 outlets · Women report issues with Estradot oestrogen patches
A menopause support group claims women feel ignored after Medsafe declined to recall Estradot oestrogen patches. Despite 149 complaints regarding efficacy and adhesion, officials stated there was insufficient evidence to warrant a recall.
+15 outlets · Several police staff under investigation following internet usage audit
Multiple police staff are being investigated following an audit of internet usage. The probe was prompted by the resignation of former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming. One officer has been stood down after inappropriate material was discovered on a police-issued device.
+48 outlets · Hurunui Garden Festival proceeds following storm clean up
The Hurunui Garden Festival in North Canterbury will go ahead after a significant community clean up. The event follows a storm last week that brought wild winds and downed trees across the district.
2 outlets · History teachers criticise proposed changes to school curriculum
The NZ History Teachers Association has described the government's draft social sciences curriculum as unrealistic and unmanageable. Teachers claim the proposal is overcrowded and lacks focus by including topics such as the French Revolution and Ancient Egypt instead of New Zealand history.
2 outlets · Multiple people injured in Rolleston two-vehicle crash
At least four people were injured, including one person in critical condition, following a two-vehicle crash on Hoskyns Road near Rolleston on Thursday. Emergency services responded to the incident shortly before 5pm, and a road closure remains in place near the West Melton Road intersection.
2 outlets · Man jailed for shooting teenager during Auckland road rage incident
Alfred Latu has been sentenced after shooting a 15-year-old girl during a road rage incident on Auckland's Southern Motorway in May 2023. The shooter fired a Glock pistol from a vehicle following a 12km pursuit. A judge noted it was lucky the teenager's injuries were not fatal.
2 outlets · Two Auckland women sentenced after dog dies from starvation and hypothermia
Two women have been sentenced to community work following the death of their dog, Princess. The animal died from starvation and hypothermia after being found tethered to a fence with inadequate shelter. The sentencing follows an SPCA inspection of the property in July 2024.
2 outlets · Suspected suicide deaths increase while long-term rate falls
The Chief Coroner has released new statistics showing 630 suspected suicides in the last financial year, up from 617 the previous year. While the number of deaths has risen, the overall rate has fallen slightly and Māori remain the most affected group.
+15 outlets · Clutha district farmers seek assistance following wind storm damage
Farmers in the Clutha district are requesting further support after a wind storm caused significant damage across the south. Some producers report that the financial impact may be greater than expected, noting that insurance may not cover the cost of replacing kilometres of destroyed fencing.
2 outlets · Dunedin rugby player sentenced for posting intimate video
Thomas Ryan, 24, has been sentenced in Dunedin District Court after pleading guilty to charges involving an intimate visual recording. The Green Island Premier 2 player shared the video in a group chat containing more than 30 people. The court denied his application for a discharge without conviction.
2 outlets · Measles outbreak in New Zealand reaches 13 confirmed cases
Health New Zealand has confirmed two additional cases of measles, bringing the national total to 13. Authorities have warned that the risk of further cases and exposures across the country remains very high.
+15 outlets · Plunket offers measles vaccinations for entire families at multiple sites
Whānau Āwhina Plunket has launched a pilot immunisation programme funded by Health NZ to provide measles vaccines to families. The initiative targets households with babies who are currently too young for the vaccine. Twenty sites are already operational, with four more expected to open by late November.
3 outlets · Police discover major cannabis operation in Pāremoremo
Armed police discovered a significant cannabis growing operation in the Auckland suburb of Pāremoremo on Thursday morning. The operation was initiated following reports of armed threats. Forensic teams remain at the property as searches continue.
2 outlets · Luxon dismisses Hipkins' comments regarding his personal finances
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has responded to claims by Labour leader Chris Hipkins concerning his personal finances. Speaking from South Korea, Luxon described the criticism as a political diversion from recent policy failures by the Labour Party.
3 outlets · Aged care sector seeks solutions through new Ministerial Advisory Group
The aged care sector is looking to a new Ministerial Advisory Group to find solutions for growing challenges. As the population ages, the group aims to bring key stakeholders together to address the increasing demand for services.
2 outlets · Fire destroys two-storey Remuera home in early morning blaze
Firefighters responded to multiple calls regarding a house fire in Remuera shortly after 1am on Thursday. Nine crews worked to battle the flames in the two-storey building. This was one of two separate fire incidents attended by Auckland crews early this morning.
2 outlets · Cameron Norrie confirmed for tenth ASB Classic appearance in Auckland
Auckland-raised tennis player Cameron Norrie will return to the ASB Classic this January. This marks his tenth appearance at the event, following his recent victory over world number one Carlos Alcaraz at the Paris Masters.
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