IPCA report finds serious misconduct in McSkimming complaint handling
The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found serious misconduct and significant failings in how police handled sexual offending allegations against former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming. The report criticises the actions of former Commissioner Andrew Coster and other senior officers regarding their response to the complaints.
+59 outlets · Government to create police watchdog after damning McSkimming report
The Government will appoint an Inspector-General of Police following an IPCA report into the handling of sexual accusations against former deputy commissioner Jevon McSkimming. Police Commissioner Richard Chambers described the actions of former senior leaders as inexcusable. The report also revealed that police previously prosecuted a woman who had complained about McSkimming.
+48 outlets · Police hunt gunman after woman is shot in Wainoni
A woman is in critical condition after suffering a serious gunshot wound at a Shortland Street property in Wainoni on Monday night. Emergency services were called to the scene around 8.45pm, and police are currently searching for a suspect who fled the area in a vehicle.
+48 outlets · Luxon and Peters clash over potential state asset sales
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and NZ First leader Winston Peters have disagreed over the possible sale of state assets. Peters criticised the suggestion as a silly argument following a failure to fix the economy, while Luxon dismissed the critique, citing Peters' entrenched views.
+15 outlets · Crews monitor hotspots after Tongariro National Park wildfire
Fire and Emergency crews are working to extinguish remaining hotspots in Tongariro National Park following recent rainfall. The blaze has burned between 2800 and 3000 hectares, leading to track closures and evacuations. Investigators are now seeking dashcam footage from State Highway 47 to assist with their enquiries.
4 outlets · Labour to campaign for Māori seats and Te Pāti Māori's removal
The Labour Party intends to campaign vigorously to win back the Māori seats in the 2026 election. Campaign manager Willie Jackson stated the party is comfortable if Te Pāti Māori is removed from Parliament and confirmed that ousted Te Pāti Māori MPs will not join Labour.
+15 outlets · Giraffe Kevin arrives at Hamilton Zoo after cross-country road trip
Kevin, a two-and-a-half-year-old giraffe, has arrived at Hamilton Zoo from Orana Wildlife Park in Christchurch. The 4.3-metre-tall animal travelled north via a planned route that included a ferry crossing. The journey required meticulous planning to manage the giraffe's size and weight.
+15 outlets · South New Brighton School lockdown following vehicle crash and firearm reports
South New Brighton School entered lockdown on Tuesday afternoon after a car collided with two parked vehicles on Rocking Horse Road. Police are searching for an offender reported to have fled the scene with a firearm. The school's lockdown has since been lifted.
4 outlets · New roadside drug testing for drivers to begin next month
The Government has announced a new roadside testing regime targeting cannabis, methamphetamine, MDMA, and cocaine. Testing will involve a device that swipes a driver's tongue and is set to launch in Wellington next month. The rollout is expected to reach the rest of New Zealand by mid-2026.
4 outlets · Recount ordered for Porirua Māori ward seat
The Porirua District Court has granted an application for a vote recount in the Porirua City Council’s Māori ward. Candidate Jess Te Huia filed for the recount after losing to Kylie Wihapi by 11 votes. The council cannot meet or swear in councillors until the recount is completed.
4 outlets · Police renew appeal for information one year after Kāpiti man disappeared
Police are seeking help to find 77-year-old Graham Russell Smith, who has been missing for one year. He was last seen walking in the Rangituhi/Colonial Knob area near Porirua on 10 November 2024.
4 outlets · Andrew Coster placed on leave following police misconduct report
Social Investment Agency chief executive and former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster has been placed on leave following an Independent Police Conduct Authority report. The report alleges serious misconduct and a failure to address sexual offending complaints against former deputy Jevon McSkimming. Coster is currently involved in an employment investigation and has declined to comment.
+15 outlets · Thousands attend the 2025 New Zealand Trotting Cup at Addington
Approximately 15,000 people attended the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup Day at Addington Raceway in Christchurch. The event featured a fashion competition where 55 competitors participated. Winners included Anna Campbell, Danni Alfeld, and Pauline Pattullo.
3 outlets · Wesley College hostel closed following violent incident involving senior students
Education officials ordered the closure of the hostel at Wesley College in Pukekohe after a violent incident involving more than 30 senior boarders. The Education Review Office cited a history of abuse, but the school principal has criticised the office, claiming it was disrespectful to students.
3 outlets · Remand prisoner missing after escaping hospital escort in Auckland
A remand prisoner from Mt Eden Corrections Facility has been on the run for four days. The individual escaped from staff during a hospital escort in Auckland just before 9am on Friday. Police were notified immediately and are currently conducting an active search.
+15 outlets · Solway College student Emma Heathcote dies in Masterton accident
Emma Heathcote died on Monday following an accident involving an All-Terrain Vehicle in Masterton. The Solway College student was described as a valued member of the school community. Tributes have been shared following the crash.
3 outlets · Hastings horticultural contractor jailed for raping and exploiting two workers
Parminder Singh has been sentenced to over 14 years in prison for raping and exploiting two migrant workers. The 46-year-old businessman was found guilty of rape, unlawful sexual connection, and migrant exploitation. He was sentenced in the Napier District Court.
4 outlets · Hunter sentenced to three years for killing friend during night hunt
Mark Kelvin Jefferson has been jailed for three years after shooting Stuart Stobie during an illegal night hunting trip near Minginui. Jefferson, who had smoked cannabis before the incident, initially told police that the victim had shot himself.
3 outlets · Police justified in shooting armed carjacker in West Auckland
The Independent Police Conduct Authority has ruled that an officer was justified in shooting an armed man in West Auckland in September 2023. The investigation found the officer's use of force was reasonable and proportionate to the imminent threat posed by the offender, who attempted to hijack vehicles at gunpoint.
3 outlets · Government to repeal and rewrite Arms Act as part of gun law reforms
Cabinet has approved an overhaul of New Zealand's gun laws, which includes repealing and replacing the Arms Act 1983. The reforms will shift responsibility for the firearms regulator from the Police Minister to a new Firearms Minister. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee stated the changes aim to improve safety and fairness.
3 outlets · Trump threatens BBC with $1 billion lawsuit over speech edit
US President Donald Trump has threatened the BBC with a $1 billion lawsuit following the editing of a 2021 speech. The broadcaster admitted the edit was an error of judgment. Following accusations of bias, the BBC's director general and CEO of News have both resigned.
3 outlets · Coroner finds Leonard Collett's fatal hospital fall was preventable
A coroner has ruled that the death of Leonard Collett was foreseeable and preventable. The 78-year-old man died following a fall in the Taranaki Base Hospital Emergency Department in July 2020. The coroner warned that the risk of catastrophic events at the facility remains high.
3 outlets · Nelson shop profits fall 70 per cent due to roadworks
The Nelson Turkish Kebab House has experienced a 70 per cent drop in profit following the start of infrastructure upgrades on Bridge Street. Owner Hayati Unudulmaz attributed the decline to reduced foot traffic and limited street parking. The water infrastructure project is expected to continue for approximately 18 months.
2 outlets · Powerball jackpot reaches $45 million for Wednesday draw
The Powerball jackpot has rolled over to $45 million for Wednesday night's Lotto draw. This is the largest jackpot offered since an Auckland family won $44.67 million in August last year.
2 outlets · Albany councillor Victoria Short shares personal history in maiden speech
Newly elected Albany councillor Victoria Short delivered an emotional maiden speech in Auckland's councillor chambers on Tuesday. She reflected on her personal journey, including surviving domestic violence and a teenage pregnancy, to describe how these experiences shaped her.
2 outlets · Kingman wins New Zealand Trotting Cup at Addington
Australian pacer Kingman, driven by Luke McCarthy, won the New Zealand Trotting Cup at Addington on Tuesday. The horse defeated fellow Australian competitor Leap To Fame to claim the prize, which reports value between $540,000 and $1 million.
2 outlets · Candace Owens remains keen to visit New Zealand despite Auckland event cancellation
American commentator Candace Owens still intends to visit New Zealand to continue her tour. This follows the cancellation of a planned Auckland event in January, which occurred after the commentator was denied entry into Australia.
2 outlets · New Zealand population growth slows to less than one per cent
New Zealand's population growth has declined to 0.7% for the year ending June 2025. This downward trend follows a significant drop in net inward migration. The slowdown is also being seen in regions such as Wairarapa.
3 outlets · Central Wellington street closed following emergency services incident
Police and emergency services responded to an incident on Willis Street in central Wellington around 3.30pm on Tuesday. The road has been closed between Manners and Dixon streets. Firefighters were observed using a crane to reach the upper levels of a building at the scene.
2 outlets · OceanaGold granted five-year consent for Macraes mining operation
The Otago Regional Council has approved OceanaGold's Macraes gold mine in East Otago to continue operations until 2030. This consent was granted through a non-notified process and is separate from the company's wider resource consent application.
2 outlets · Person dies in ATV accident at rural Tararua property
A person died at a property on Weber Road in Waitahora on Monday morning. Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 8.30am following an accident involving an all-terrain vehicle. WorkSafe has been advised of the incident.
2 outlets · IKEA to open first New Zealand store in Auckland next month
The Swedish furniture retailer is scheduled to open its flagship Auckland store on 4 December. The new location will feature a walk-through layout and a menu containing New Zealand-only options.
2 outlets · Government will not remove firearms regulator from police
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee has announced the scope of the Government's rewrite of the Arms Act. The plan will not remove the firearms regulator from police or expand access to semi-automatic weapons. The Minister aims to create a simpler, logically structured law focused on public safety.
2 outlets · Consumer NZ releases Yeah Nah awards to highlight product issues
Consumer NZ has published its latest Yeah Nah awards to identify problematic products and business practices. The report highlights issues including Pams plasters that fail to stick, HelloFresh subscription difficulties, and frequent sales at Harvey Norman.
3 outlets · Man arrested after allegedly setting fire to Dunedin police station
A 32-year-old man has been arrested for arson after allegedly dousing the entrance of the Dunedin Central Police Station in petrol and setting it alight. The incident occurred around 4.40am on Tuesday. The man reportedly filmed the scene before calling police to report himself.
2 outlets · Wesley College kitchen worker charged with alleged sexual offending of student
A 24-year-old kitchen worker at an Auckland school has resigned following allegations of sexual offending involving a student. The man has been charged with sexual connection with a young person. Wesley College had not informed the school community about the allegations.
2 outlets · Total health worker strike numbers rise to 16,700
The Public Service Association says an additional 5,200 health workers will join a strike scheduled for 28 November. This brings the total number of participants to approximately 16,700. The group includes mental health and public health nurses alongside various specialist and policy workers.
2 outlets · Rubbish and furniture litter Dunedin's Castle Street
Castle Street and the surrounding student quarter are covered in broken glass, rubbish, and discarded furniture. The mess has appeared as University of Otago students pack to leave for the summer following their final exams.
2 outlets · Phillip John Smith denied parole at 18th hearing
Convicted murderer and child sex offender Phillip John Smith has been denied parole. During his hearing, Smith admitted to using forbidden cellphones to trade cryptocurrency while in prison.
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