Wednesday 5 November 2025
39 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Police will not prosecute Stuff over Tom Phillips audio reporting
Police have decided not to take legal action against Stuff for publishing radio communications from the night Tom Phillips was shot dead. Although Commissioner Richard Chambers stated the publication broke the law and met the test for prosecution, authorities have opted not to proceed.
+48 outlets · Government invests $61.6 million to strengthen mental health crisis response
The Government will invest $61.6 million over four years to improve mental health crisis services. Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey announced the funding will increase frontline clinical staff, peer-support services, and recovery cafes to provide faster, community-based care.
+15 outlets · Government considers banning begging and rough sleeping in Auckland CBD
Ministers are considering measures to move homeless people out of Auckland's city centre. While the exact details of the proposed ban remain unclear, opposition parties and housing advocates have expressed concern that such actions may only displace the problem.
+15 outlets · Wellington street reopens after armed police search fails to find person
Armed police cordoned off Hopper Street in Mount Cook to execute an arrest warrant. The street has since reopened after officers were unable to locate the individual they were seeking. No weapons were found during the operation.
+15 outlets · Police renew appeal for missing woman Te Anihana Pomana
Police are searching for 25-year-old Te Anihana Pomana, who has been missing for over 10 weeks. She was last seen on CCTV leaving Auckland's SkyCity Hotel at 5.06am on 21 August. Authorities say they have not yet identified any positive leads in the case.
4 outlets · One person dead after two-vehicle crash in Gordonton
One person has died following a collision between a car and a truck in Gordonton on Wednesday afternoon. Police were called to the intersection of Puketaha Road and Taylor Road around 1pm. The crash has resulted in the closure of both roads.
3 outlets · At least three killed in UPS cargo plane crash in Kentucky
A UPS wide-body cargo plane crashed and exploded into a fireball shortly after takeoff near Louisville international airport. Kentucky governor Andy Beshear reported that at least three people died and 11 others were injured. The aircraft was reportedly en route to Hawaii when the accident occurred.
3 outlets · Minister proposes increasing annual concert limit at Eden Park
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has requested feedback from Auckland Council regarding a proposal to allow up to 20 medium-sized concerts at Eden Park annually. The current limit is 12 concerts per year. The move follows a review suggesting existing restrictions could cost the region hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue.
4 outlets · Masked gunman remains at large after Wellington apartment shooting
A masked individual armed with a shotgun fired a weapon during a targeted attack at the Pukehinau Flats in Brooklyn on Sunday. A man was injured after jumping from a second-floor balcony to escape the offender. Police are currently seeking public assistance to locate the suspect.
4 outlets · Graves of motorsport legend Bruce McLaren and family vandalised
The graves of Bruce McLaren and his wife Patricia have been repeatedly vandalised at Waikumete Cemetery in Auckland. The damage includes graffiti and attempts to glue toy cars to the headstones. McLaren's family and the Bruce McLaren Trust expressed shock at the repeated incidents.
4 outlets · Two men caught illegally whitebaiting in Southland
Police and the Department of Conservation caught two men whitebaiting illegally near the Waiau River mouth on Tuesday night. The men were caught during Operation Īnaka after the official season ended on 30 October. Authorities seized nets, waders, and other equipment used during the incident.
4 outlets · Mawera Karetai wins Kōhi Māori ward seat at Bay of Plenty Regional Council
Dr Mawera Karetai has been elected as the Kōhi Māori ward councillor for the Bay of Plenty Regional Council. Despite not using billboards or spending money on her campaign, she secured the seat following encouragement from her teenage son.
3 outlets · Woman found dead in Auckland CBD apartment identified
Police have named 38-year-old Luisa Qelesenikau Mate, who was found dead in an apartment on Day Street last Saturday evening. A homicide investigation was launched after officers arrived at the central Auckland address following an incident report. Her family has requested assistance to bring her home.
3 outlets · Waikato police officer convicted of assault for using pepper spray
A Waikato constable was convicted of assault in Hamilton District Court after pepper-spraying a motorist three times. The judge found the officer acted unlawfully and without warrant when demanding car keys. The officer has been ordered to pay the victim $1,000 in compensation.
4 outlets · Unemployment rate rises to 5.3 percent
New Stats NZ data shows the unemployment rate has reached a near nine-year high of 5.3 percent. Approximately 160,000 people were without work in the September quarter, an increase from 148,000 in the previous period. Annual wage growth has also slowed to 2.1 percent.
3 outlets · Eastern Bay of Plenty councillors to install home security after threats
At least two newly elected councillors in the Eastern Bay of Plenty will have security systems installed in their homes. This follows harassment and threats received during the local government elections, including racist abuse and explicit messages reported by councillor Toni Boynton.
3 outlets · New Zealand First proposes bill to ban private fireworks sales
New Zealand First has introduced a member’s bill to prohibit the private sale and use of fireworks. The proposal follows concerns regarding animal distress, fire risks, and the impact on emergency services. A select committee will also consider three petitions calling for a ban on public fireworks sales.
3 outlets · Democrats secure key victories in US elections
Democrats achieved significant wins across the East Coast during the first major election since Donald Trump's return to the White House. Notable victories include Abigail Spanberger winning the Virginia governorship and Mikie Sherrill being elected governor of New Jersey.
2 outlets · Black Caps level T20 series against West Indies
The Black Caps have evened the five-match T20 series at 1-1 after a victory against the West Indies. The match took place at Eden Park in Auckland, where Kyle Jamieson helped secure the win in the final over.
2 outlets · New weight loss drugs could be life-changing for youth with diabetes
A paediatrician says drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy could help reduce the number of young people affected by type 2 diabetes. Diabetes NZ has warned that rising diagnoses could lead to a major health crisis. These medications are not currently government-funded.
3 outlets · Resource consent lodged for service station near Hawke’s Bay Expressway
A resource consent has been submitted to the Hastings District Council for a large service station on fertile land beside the Hawke’s Bay Expressway. The proposed development is expected to include a cafe, a truck stop, and 62 car parks.
4 outlets · Police seek public assistance to locate wanted Lower Hutt man
Police are searching for Trident Turner, who is wanted on a warrant for arrest. He is believed to be in the Lower Hutt area. Authorities advise the public not to approach him and to call 111 immediately if he is spotted.
2 outlets · Santana Minerals secures key permit for Central Otago gold mine
Australian mining company Santana Minerals has been granted a 30-year mining permit for a gold mine near Cromwell. The permit, issued by New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals, is one of two major approvals required to begin work on the project.
3 outlets · Whanganui MP Carl Bates cleared of wrongdoing over property disclosures
A Parliamentary inquiry has cleared National MP Carl Bates of any wrongdoing regarding 25 properties not disclosed in the Pecuniary Interest register. Parliamentary Registrar Maartin Wevers agreed that Bates complied with existing rules, though he suggested that the current disclosure regulations may require changes.
2 outlets · Power restoration continues for remaining customers in Otago and Southland
PowerNet has made significant progress in restoring electricity following last month's damaging storms. Currently, 115 customers remain without power, including fewer than 50 properties in Southland and 67 in South Otago. The outages were caused by wild winds that downed trees and power poles.
2 outlets · University of Otago investigates fireworks shot at emergency services
The University of Otago is investigating student behaviour after fireworks were directed at police and firefighters in Dunedin's Castle Street on Monday night. Emergency services responded to reports of approximately 50 people discharging fireworks, including one instance where a fire truck was missed. Two people have been arrested following the incident.
2 outlets · Crown apologises to Ngāti Pāoa as Treaty settlement bill passes
The Crown has apologised to Ngāti Pāoa for actions that left the iwi virtually landless. Approximately 500 iwi members travelled to Parliament to witness the third reading of the Ngāti Pāoa Claims Settlement Bill, which settles long-standing historical grievances.
2 outlets · Advocates fear plans to move homeless people from Auckland CBD
Housing advocates are concerned that officials may be planning to push rough sleepers out of central Auckland. Following a meeting with Minister Simeon Brown, several organisations expressed fears that the government is pursuing an urgent move-on strategy.
2 outlets · Biosecurity NZ deploys 120 traps to track yellow-legged hornets in Auckland
Authorities are increasing efforts to find invasive yellow-legged hornets on Auckland's North Shore. Since 17 October, four queen hornets have been detected in the area. Biosecurity New Zealand aims to have 120 traps installed by the end of Wednesday to help track and eliminate the species.
2 outlets · Whanganui District Council admits mistake regarding citizens' assembly secrecy
The Whanganui District Council admitted it failed to inform 39 assembly members they would be in the public spotlight. This admission follows an Ombudsman investigation into the council's previous refusal to release the names of those appointed to the assembly regarding outdoor pools.
2 outlets · Six new average speed safety camera locations confirmed
The New Zealand Transport Agency has announced six new point to point speed camera locations across the lower North Island and South Island. These cameras will calculate average speeds along specific road stretches. The first set is expected to begin enforcement on Matakana Road in Warkworth from 1 December.
2 outlets · Government announces changes to climate policy and emissions targets
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts has proposed changes to the Climate Change Response Act, including delaying a public sector emissions goal by 25 years. The government also plans to delink the Emissions Trading Scheme from the Paris Agreement and end certain public and expert consultations regarding greenhouse gas limits.
2 outlets · Four gang members sentenced for murder of Charles Pongi
Four members of the FITUS gang have been sentenced for the August 2023 murder of Head Hunters member Charles Pongi. The fatal shooting occurred in an Auckland park during a clash between the two groups. Devonte Iakopo, Lika Feterika, Vili Laungaue, and George Mahoni received life sentences.
2 outlets · Wellington Phoenix player Carlo Armiento reveals battle with cancer
Wellington Phoenix wingback Carlo Armiento has shared his experience of being diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin lymphoma in March 2024. The player, who was playing for Brisbane Roar at the time, has since undergone treatment and returned to professional football.
4 outlets · South Canterbury museum owner open to changing Nazi exhibit
The owner of the Geraldine Military Museum is willing to modify a controversial display depicting a 1st SS Panzer Division camp. Don Pelvin stated he is open to including more information regarding Nazi war crimes within the exhibit.
3 outlets · Critics warn of fishing exemptions in new Hauraki Gulf protection law
A City Councillor and a marine science professor have raised concerns regarding the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act. They claim a last-minute amendment allows commercial netting to continue within two of the newly established protected zones, potentially risking the recovery of the marine park.
2 outlets · Secondary school teachers strike during second day of NCEA exams
More than 20,000 secondary school teachers participated in a nationwide strike today. The industrial action occurred between 1.15pm and 3.15pm during the second day of NCEA and scholarship exams. The Post Primary Teachers' Association hopes the strike will encourage a better pay offer from the government.
2 outlets · Ministry of Education defends draft curriculums with less Māori content
The Ministry of Education states that draft school curriculums contain less Māori content because they are more specific regarding teacher requirements. The Ministry also clarified that it, rather than foreign contractors, is responsible for the drafts covering six learning areas for Years 0-10.
2 outlets · Venus Williams confirmed for 2026 ASB Classic in Auckland
American tennis player Venus Williams will compete in the 2026 ASB Classic in Auckland. The seven-time Grand Slam champion is scheduled to play from 5 to 11 January. At 45 years old, Williams will be returning to the tournament as she pursues her 50th career title.
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