Firefighters battle massive blaze in Tongariro National Park
A large fire on the Central Plateau has burned through approximately 2500 hectares and is estimated to be 20% contained. The blaze, which began on Saturday, triggered evacuations of residents and trampers, including those in Whakapapa Village. Crews are currently aided by light rain and misty conditions.
+37 outlets · Te Pāti Māori expels MPs Mariameno Kapa-Kingi and Tākuta Ferris
Te Pāti Māori's national council has voted to expel MPs Mariameno Kapa-Kingi and Tākuta Ferris following a period of internal conflict. The decision was announced by party co-leaders. Both MPs have rejected the decision, with Kapa-Kingi vowing to appeal the move.
+26 outlets · State Highway 73 blocked after serious crash in Kirwee
A person was critically injured in a fiery collision between a ute and a milk tanker on State Highway 73 near Kirwee. Emergency services were called to the scene around 8am on Monday. One person was reportedly trapped in the ute and airlifted to hospital.
4 outlets · NZSAS trackers assisted police in search for fugitive Tom Phillips
The military has confirmed that elite NZSAS trackers supported police operations in the Marokopa bush to find Tom Phillips. These soldiers assisted the Special Tactics Group during three separate missions in 2024 and 2025. Phillips, who disappeared with his children in 2021, was shot by police on 8 September.
4 outlets · Doctor told to apologise after missed bowel cancer diagnosis
The Health and Disability Commissioner found that a doctor missed three opportunities to refer a patient for testing over four months. Despite suffering severe stomach pains and significant weight loss, the woman only discovered her terminal bowel cancer during a follow-up for an unrelated condition. She has since passed away.
4 outlets · Coroner finds hospital decision unwise after woman died by suicide
A coroner has ruled that Palmerston North Hospital's decision to grant Gabriella Freeland leave was unwise. The 28-year-old died by suicide in Auckland the day after being released from a mental health unit. Family members were reportedly unaware of her recent suicide attempt.
4 outlets · Pilot describes chaos during Whakaari eruption aftermath
A helicopter pilot who was the first civilian to land on Whakaari/White Island after the 2019 eruption has described the chaotic scenes. Speaking at a coroner's inquiry, the pilot detailed tending to survivors while the volcano posed a further threat of eruption.
4 outlets · NZTA revokes 440 fraudulent commercial driver licences
The New Zealand Transport Agency has revoked 440 commercial driver licences following an audit in July. The agency discovered that individuals used false or altered documentation to convert overseas licences to New Zealand ones. NZTA is currently in the process of contacting those involved.
3 outlets · Liquor store burglarised and stolen vehicle dumped in Lake Whakatipu
Two people targeted a liquor store in Remarkables Park during an early-morning burglary. After stealing approximately $900 worth of alcohol, the offenders abandoned their stolen vehicle in Lake Whakatipu at Kelvin Heights. Police are currently appealing for information regarding the incident.
3 outlets · Former ACT Party president pleads not guilty to indecent assault charge
Tim Jago, the former president of the ACT Party, has pleaded not guilty to an indecent assault charge at the North Shore District Court. The charge relates to an allegation from 1995. Jago has elected a trial by jury.
3 outlets · Whirinaki flood protection project begins with vegetation clearing
Work has commenced on a $22 million flood mitigation project in the cyclone-hit community of Whirinaki. The project involves strengthening stopbanks and raising a 440m section of State Highway 2 by 1.8m. A sealed diversion road will be built to allow highway elevation work to start in January 2026.
3 outlets · Efforts underway to save five lions at Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary
Animal welfare group HUHA is working to save five lions from euthanasia at Whangārei's Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary closed to the public in early November following liquidation. HUHA is currently in discussions with potential investors and property buyers to secure the animals' future.
3 outlets · Missing eight-year-old girl found safe in Rotorua
An eight-year-old girl reported missing in Rotorua on Monday morning has been found safe. She was last seen around 7:30am near her Mountain Road home after telling a family member she was walking to school. Police confirmed she was located safely around noon.
3 outlets · Caleb Clarke ruled out of England test after head knock
All Blacks wing Caleb Clarke will miss the upcoming test against England at Twickenham. Clarke entered a 12-day stand-down period following a head knock sustained during the recent victory over Scotland at Murrayfield.
3 outlets · Ashburton parking camera trial sparks public backlash
The Ashburton District Council has begun trialling an automated number plate recognition system to monitor parking compliance. The trial involves a vehicle fitted with a detachable camera system, which has caused concern and online backlash among local residents.
3 outlets · Prime Minister to address government action on methamphetamine
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is expected to hold a press conference at the Beehive to discuss government measures against methamphetamine. The announcement follows recent actions released by Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith regarding the drug issue.
2 outlets · German and New Zealand air forces conduct joint training exercise
German Luftwaffe aircraft were spotted flying low over Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa on Monday. The flight is part of a large-scale training exercise between the German Air Force and the Royal New Zealand Air Force. The operation tests New Zealand's ability to support combat operations.
2 outlets · Chris Hipkins says Te Pāti Māori is not ready for government
Labour leader Chris Hipkins has denied claims that serious discussions regarding future governing arrangements have begun with Te Pāti Māori. While Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi suggested constructive talks were underway, Hipkins stated he has not met with the party since before the September by-election.
2 outlets · Civil Defence leader explains delay in Cyclone Gabrielle emergency alert
The acting group controller for Hawke's Bay Civil Defence has defended the delay in issuing an emergency evacuation alert during Cyclone Gabrielle. Speaking at a coronial inquest, Edaan Lennan stated he feared sending the alert could have put lives at risk. The inquiry is investigating 19 deaths related to the cyclone and Auckland floods.
2 outlets · Gisborne landowners seek regular maintenance for Cyclone Gabrielle bypass
Pourau Incorporation chair Philip Hope is calling for dust mitigation and consistent upkeep of the Pourau Rd bypass. The 2.2km temporary route provides heavy vehicle access to State Highway 35 following the destruction of the Hikuwai No 1 Bridge. Landowners claim the road is rundown, while the district council maintains that regular maintenance is performed.
2 outlets · Pensioners forced to choose between food and student loan repayments
Some New Zealand pensioners are struggling to afford basic necessities due to student loan repayments being deducted from their income. One woman from Taupō reports that her pension and accommodation supplement barely cover her rent and bills while she manages a $58,000 debt from a degree completed twenty years ago.
2 outlets · Luxon to introduce legislation banning social media for under-16s
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon intends to restrict social media use for children under 16 through a two-track approach. The government plans to introduce legislation before the next election to protect young people in the online space.
4 outlets · Three people arrested after refusing to leave Dunedin courtroom
Two men and a woman were arrested for trespassing at the Dunedin District Court on Monday afternoon. Police say the group refused to leave a room after a man allegedly barricaded himself inside with others. The arrests occurred around 2.40pm.
2 outlets · Te Pāti Māori leaders expel two MPs despite calls for unity
Te Pāti Māori has expelled MPs Mariameno Kapa-Kingi and Tākuta Ferris following failed peace talks. The decision occurred despite efforts by the Iwi Chairs Forum to maintain party unity. Spokesperson Bayden Barber expressed surprise at the expulsions during the mediation process.
2 outlets · Cyclist dies following charity ride crash in Wairarapa
A cyclist has died after two riders crashed on Kokotau Road near Carterton on Saturday morning. The individual was participating in the Martinborough Charity Fun Ride and was airlifted to hospital in critical condition before passing away.
2 outlets · Warm temperatures expected before rain arrives later this week
Summer-like conditions have arrived on the East Coast of both islands, with Hastings reaching nearly 29°C. However, a low pressure system is expected to bring rain to many parts of the country later this week.
2 outlets · Auckland vehicle owner fined for refusing to identify illegal dumpers
A car owner has been fined $750 after refusing to provide the names of people using their vehicle to dump rubbish in Māngere. The vehicle was filmed at a south Auckland cul-de-sac that has been targeted by illegal dumping 55 times since February.
3 outlets · Federated Farmers loses seat on Taranaki environment committee
Federated Farmers has lost its long-held position on the Taranaki Regional Council committee responsible for monitoring pollution and consent compliance. The decision occurred during the committee's first meeting of the year.
2 outlets · Luxon says National may consider asset sales for 2026 election
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has indicated that the sale of government assets, such as state-owned farms, could be included in National's 2026 election manifesto. While he has ruled out sales during the current term, he suggested the government should consider recycling assets to redeploy funds.
2 outlets · Greyhound racing industry withdraws judicial review of government ban
Greyhound Racing New Zealand has withdrawn its application for a judicial review regarding the government's decision to ban the sport next year. Chief executive Edward Rennell stated there was no longer a purpose in pursuing the matter through the courts as the case had progressed in Parliament.
2 outlets · Man fined for dumping and burning rubbish on Canterbury beach
A person has been fined $400 after being filmed dumping and burning trash on Dorie Beach near the South Rakaia Huts. The incident was captured by fisherman Adam Williams, who reported the matter to authorities.
4 outlets · ANZ New Zealand reports record $2.53 billion annual profit
ANZ New Zealand's net profit after tax rose 21% to a record $2.53 billion for the year ending September. The bank attributed the increase largely to $163 million in gains from economic hedges. Revenue grew by 2% during the period, reflecting growth in deposits and lending.
2 outlets · Councillor salaries to rise in Whanganui, Ruapehu and Rangitīkei
The Remuneration Authority has set new pay rates for elected members in Whanganui, Ruapehu, Rangitīkei and Horizons Regional councils. Mayoral salaries will increase by between 3% and 6.5%, while councillor salaries could rise by as much as 30.5% for the 2025-28 term.
2 outlets · Lando Norris wins Sao Paulo Grand Prix as Liam Lawson finishes seventh
Lando Norris won the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil, extending his Formula One lead to 24 points. New Zealander Liam Lawson finished seventh after avoiding a collision with his teammate during the race.
2 outlets · Teenager charged after staff member injured at Auckland youth justice facility
A 15-year-old boy has been charged with assault with a weapon following an incident at the Korowai Manaaki Youth Justice residence in Auckland. Police responded to reports of an assault at the Kiwi Tamaki Road address around 7.30pm, resulting in an injury to a staff member.
2 outlets · Rocket Lab spacecraft begin journey to Mars via NASA mission
Two spacecraft designed and built by Rocket Lab are set to travel to Mars as part of NASA's ESCAPADE mission. The spacecraft will launch from Florida on a Blue Origin New Glenn rocket.
2 outlets · Rural bootcamp in Pukehina supports mental health and fitness
An early morning bootcamp in the Pukehina community is helping local residents, including farmers, improve their fitness. The sessions are also providing opportunities for social connection and boosting mental health through conversation and friendship.
2 outlets · Education Review Office calls for stronger consequences for struggling schools
The Education Review Office's annual report criticises the current lack of support for under-performing schools. The office is calling for tougher actions and stronger consequences for institutions that fail to demonstrate progress.
2 outlets · Drug Foundation supports government action plan to combat methamphetamine harm
The Drug Foundation has welcomed a new government plan to address methamphetamine use in New Zealand. The organisation praised the focus on health interventions to support families and communities. This comes as seizures of the drug have reportedly increased by 266 per cent over the last five years.
2 outlets ·
