Man found guilty of murdering visitor in Christchurch
James Arthur Holder has been found guilty of murdering David Bridgwater, who was shot outside a home in Aranui in January 2024. The jury rejected Holder's claim that he acted in self-defence. Police are also investigating whether Holder is a suspect in a cold case involving a missing Marlborough woman.
+37 outlets · Coroner finds contaminated fuel caused fatal kerosene fridge explosion
An 80-year-old Picton man died from multi-organ failure following an explosion at a Marlborough Sounds holiday home in 2019. The coroner found that a mixture of kerosene and methylated spirits ignited while the man was lighting a kerosene-powered fridge. The incident resulted in severe burns to 55 per cent of his body.
+15 outlets · Mayor Wayne Brown sworn in at Auckland Council inauguration
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown and 19 councillors were sworn into office during a ceremony at the Auckland Town Hall on Friday evening. During his speech, Brown criticised the Government, stating that Auckland deserves more respect and control over its own affairs.
+48 outlets · Auckland Grammar School students told to stay home after measles exposure
Year 9 and Year 10 students at Auckland Grammar School have been advised to stay home following exposure to an infectious measles case on 24 October. Health NZ has confirmed the case, which brings the total number of confirmed measles cases in New Zealand to 14.
4 outlets · Schools closed after suspicious fire at abandoned Palmerston North bar
Several schools in Palmerston North have closed due to concerns that asbestos from a fire at the old Fitzherbert Tavern may have spread. The blaze occurred on Thursday evening and has been deemed suspicious. Fire investigators are attending the scene to continue their enquiries.
+15 outlets · Person dies after car plunges into Waipā River
A person has died after a vehicle went into the Waipā River near Te Pahu Road in Whatawhata on Friday evening. Emergency services were alerted to the incident around 5.15pm. The Serious Crash Unit is currently examining the scene, and the road remains closed.
4 outlets · Auckland bus driver killed in Tāmaki Drive crash named
Sean James Cleary, 61, died last Wednesday when a car collided with the bus he was driving on Tāmaki Drive. Colleagues and the community are mourning the driver, while police continue investigations into the circumstances of the crash.
4 outlets · Major power outage affects 23,000 customers in Far North
An extensive power outage has impacted approximately 23,000 homes and businesses across the southern Far North. Top Energy reported the outage was caused by a tree falling on a 33 kV line to Mt Pokaka, near Kerikeri. Crews have been working to restore electricity to the affected area.
3 outlets · Waitangi Tribunal finds citizenship law breaches Treaty of Waitangi rights
The Waitangi Tribunal has ruled that the Citizenship Act 1977 breaches Te Tiriti o Waitangi by failing to recognise Māori as tangata whenua. The current law limits citizenship by descent to one generation, preventing some Māori children born overseas from receiving automatic citizenship. The Tribunal has recommended that these rights be extended.
4 outlets · Person seriously injured after car crashes into Carterton house
A person standing outside a home in Carterton was seriously injured on Friday afternoon when a car crashed into the building. Police were notified of the incident, which appeared to occur in a shared driveway, just before 4pm. Emergency crews attended the scene to assist the individual.
4 outlets · Measles cases rise as health officials work to contain outbreak
Health New Zealand reports between 13 and 14 confirmed measles cases nationwide, with three people hospitalised. As cases are linked to a third school, the government has made measles vaccines free for everyone in New Zealand over the age of one.
3 outlets · CCTV released following Whangārei Hospital car park fire
Health NZ has released CCTV footage of a fire that damaged approximately 28 vehicles in the Whangārei Hospital staff car park on 21 October. Investigators determined the blaze began from a hot exhaust before spreading through rows of cars. The footage was released to address online speculation and misinformation regarding the cause.
4 outlets · Luxon says Andrew Bayly should have been sacked as minister
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has stated that MP Andrew Bayly made the right decision to resign from Cabinet in February. Bayly, who previously held commerce and ACC portfolios, claims he was misled regarding allegations of inappropriate touching. Luxon confirmed he would have sacked Bayly if the resignation had not occurred.
3 outlets · Over 100 police officers investigated for falsified breath tests
Approximately 120 police officers are facing disciplinary processes after 30,000 alcohol breath tests were recorded falsely or erroneously. Acting Deputy Commissioner Michael Johnson described the situation as incredibly disappointing and concerning.
+48 outlets · Oyster farmers face impact from major Mahurangi River sewage spill
A large wastewater overflow, estimated by Watercare at 1,200 cubic metres, has entered the Mahurangi River. Ten marine farms have been battling the water company over contamination, with one farmer reporting a 28-day closure. The affected growers are seeking compensation following the incident.
4 outlets · Beauden Barrett returns for All Blacks test against Ireland
Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, and Ethan de Groot will return from injury for the All Blacks' match against Ireland in Chicago. The game is the first leg of a potential Grand Slam tour. Quinn Tupaea has also earned a second consecutive start at centre.
2 outlets · Te Mana Kuratahi returns to Tauranga for 25th anniversary
Sixty-two primary school teams from 17 regions will compete in the Te Mana Kuratahi kapa haka competition. The event will be held at Mercury Baypark in Tauranga from 3 to 7 November.
2 outlets · Man arrested after drugs and cash found in Glenorchy search
A 46-year-old Glenorchy resident is in custody following a police search of a local property. The Otago Lakes Central Organised Crime Team reportedly found cocaine, methamphetamine, cannabis, drug paraphernalia and approximately $11,000 in cash. The search was part of an ongoing operation targeting methamphetamine supply.
2 outlets · Three men charged after two serious assaults in Westport
Three men are facing court following two violent assaults in Westport on Wednesday, 29 October. Police say one man was seriously injured after being allegedly lured to an address by an acquaintance and assaulted by two others. The charges follow the incidents that occurred earlier this week.
2 outlets · Son questions circumstances of Kiwi woman's death in Phuket
The son of 47-year-old Karla Anne Drescher believes there is more to his mother's death than local police are reporting. Drescher was found dead in a hotel room near Kata Beach while on a holiday.
2 outlets · Six kilometres of Transmission Gully motorway to be rebuilt this summer
Waka Kotahi will begin $32 million of drainage and resurfacing work on the Transmission Gully motorway next week. The project involves digging up and rebuilding a six-kilometre section of the $1.25 billion highway. These works are expected to continue throughout the summer.
2 outlets · Nurses and midwives vote for further strike action over staffing levels
Thousands of nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants have voted to strike next month. The Nurses Organisation says the action highlights unsafe staffing levels and claims Health NZ Te Whatu Ora is attempting to cover up chronic short-staffing by moving workers to fill roster gaps.
2 outlets · Iwi leaders request meeting to address Te Pāti Māori internal issues
The National Iwi Chairs Forum has requested a meeting with Te Pāti Māori to help resolve internal political strife. This follows the party's recent decision to suspend MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. The forum, which represents more than 70 iwi, aims to address these distractions through the principle of kotahitanga.
2 outlets · Four sentenced for violent Auckland home invasion and kidnapping
Four individuals have been sentenced following an armed home invasion in Beach Haven. During the incident, masked intruders entered a North Shore home to collect a debt, resulting in a woman being dragged from the property and kidnapped for two hours.
2 outlets · Person seriously injured in two-vehicle crash in Addington
A person was seriously injured following a collision between two vehicles at a Christchurch intersection on Friday afternoon. Emergency services attended the crash at Brougham and Antigua streets around 3pm. The incident caused significant traffic gridlock in the Addington area.
2 outlets · Woman rescued after getting lost on Southland hiking track
A woman was rescued after becoming lost while solo hiking the Makarewa Falls Track in Hokonui on Labour Day. Police were alerted to her location via an iPhone emergency signal shortly after 5pm. The rescue occurred while Southland was under a state of local emergency.
2 outlets · Mixed emotions for New Zealand netball community
The Silver Ferns' recent performance in the Constellation Cup has brought both optimism and questions to the netball community. While the team showed resilience in a close match against Australia, the decision regarding Dame Noeline Taurua's coaching status has caused ongoing debate.
2 outlets · Two short-lived eruptions observed at Whakaari/White Island
Two small, low-energy eruptions occurred at Whakaari/White Island on Thursday afternoon, at 12.30pm and 6.40pm. The second event deposited ash near the island. Scientists are currently monitoring the activity, and the volcanic alert level remains at 3.
2 outlets · Wild weather delays reopening of several South Island Great Walks
Severe spring weather has forced the Department of Conservation to delay the reopening of several Great Walks in the lower South Island. The Milford, Routeburn and Kepler tracks are affected by track damage, heavy snow and avalanche risks. Hikers are being urged to exercise caution due to unpredictable conditions.
2 outlets · Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke receives Time 100 Next award in New York
Te Pāti Māori MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke has collected her Time 100 Next award at a ceremony in New York. The magazine recognised the Hauraki-Waikato MP as one of the world's most influential rising stars.
2 outlets · One person dead and two critically injured in State Highway 3 crash
A two-vehicle accident near the Narrows Road intersection has resulted in one fatality and two people being taken to hospital with critical or serious injuries. State Highway 3 near Hamilton Airport was closed following the incident on Friday afternoon.
2 outlets · State of emergency in Clutha extended for one week
The state of emergency for the Clutha District has been extended for another week following severe weather. This decision follows similar action taken in Southland. Approximately 1,500 properties in the Clutha district remain without power.
2 outlets · New charter school for secondary students with autism to open next year
The Autism NZ Education Hub will open in Term 3 next year to support neurodivergent teenagers struggling with traditional schooling. Sponsored by Autism NZ, the charter school will initially enrol 96 students across campuses in Auckland and Wellington.
+15 outlets · Hundreds lose power after car crashes into pole in South Dunedin
A car crashed into a power pole on Macandrew Road at approximately 4.25am this morning. The incident, involving a father and son, left several hundred people without electricity. Emergency services attended the scene where both the vehicle and the pole sustained significant damage.
2 outlets · Thousands in Southland remain without power after severe storms
More than 2,800 properties in Clutha and Southland are still without electricity one week after extreme weather hit the region. Residents are using generators and gas bottles for basic needs while PowerNet increases efforts to reconnect homes. A state of emergency has been declared following the intense storms.
2 outlets · Luxon highlights value of Trump and Xi Jinping meeting
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated that the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping demonstrates the importance of face-to-face diplomacy. Following the talks held at Gimhae Air Base, Luxon also indicated an intention to bolster trade relations with China.
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