Wednesday 12 November 2025
44 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
IPCA report finds serious misconduct in police handling of McSkimming case
An Independent Police Conduct Authority report has found serious misconduct at the highest levels of New Zealand Police regarding the handling of sexual offending accusations against former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming. The findings have prompted an urgent parliamentary debate following revelations of a potential cover-up.
+26 outlets · Police hunt shooter after woman was shot in Wainoni
Police are searching for a gunman following a shooting on Shortland Street in Wainoni on Monday night. A woman was found with a single gunshot wound and is currently in stable condition at hospital. Officers have increased their presence in Christchurch and say they are following strong lines of inquiry.
+26 outlets · Minister says police blocked emails regarding Jevon McSkimming
Police Minister Mark Mitchell says 36 emails containing allegations against former deputy commissioner Jevon McSkimming were diverted from his office to police headquarters. An IPCA report alleges that former commissioner Andrew Coster and other senior officers failed to act on warnings regarding McSkimming's behaviour.
+15 outlets · Third person charged with murder of Te Puke man
A 24-year-old man has been charged with the murder of Tristan Oakes, who died in hospital after being shot at his Te Puke home in October. Three others face burglary charges, while two people have been charged with kidnapping and disfiguring another man. Six people are due to appear in Tauranga District Court.
4 outlets · One person dies and another injured in Whitianga vehicle crash
A two-vehicle crash at the intersection of State Highway 25 and Moewai Road left one person dead and another with minor injuries on Wednesday morning. The incident blocked access to Whitianga from the south, and police advised motorists to avoid the area as no diversions were in place.
4 outlets · Orange heavy rain warning issued for Bay of Plenty and Gisborne
MetService has issued an orange heavy rain warning for the Bay of Plenty and parts of Gisborne/Tairāwhiti. A low-pressure system moving across the North Island is expected to bring heavy downpours, thunderstorms, and wind gusts of up to 100km/h through Thursday.
4 outlets · Transpower lifts grid emergency after severe solar storm subsides
Transpower has ended a grid emergency declared on Wednesday following a severe G4-class geomagnetic storm. The storm prompted the operator to temporarily take some South Island electricity transmission lines out of service to protect the grid. No power outages were expected during the event.
4 outlets · Labour gains support in latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia poll
The Labour Party has increased its support by 2.1 percentage points following a capital gains tax announcement. Despite this rise, the centre-right coalition of National, ACT, and NZ First would still hold power with 62 seats compared to the opposition's 60.
4 outlets · Second Costco Wholesale store to be built in Drury
Costco Wholesale has conditionally agreed to purchase a 6.4-hectare site in South Auckland's Drury development. The US-based retailer will buy the land from Kiwi Property to establish its second New Zealand location. The new store aims to serve shoppers in the Auckland, Hamilton, and Waikato regions.
4 outlets · Abdul Ahmadi sentenced for running $800,000 stolen car chop shop
Abdul Ahmadi, an Afghan refugee, has been sentenced in the Christchurch District Court. He directed a dismantling business that processed $800,000 worth of stolen vehicles. These stolen cars were dismantled at two yards before being shipped to overseas markets.
3 outlets · Senior police officers named in IPCA misconduct report
The Independent Police Conduct Authority found serious misconduct regarding how police handled sexual offending accusations against former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming. Identified senior leaders include Andrew Coster, Tania Kura, and Paul Basham. The report found that certain officials failed to act on key allegations.
4 outlets · Crews work to dampen hotspots after Tongariro National Park fire
Fire and Emergency NZ and Department of Conservation crews are dampening down hotspots following a wildfire that scorched almost 3000 hectares of Tongariro National Park. After containing the blaze, management of the site was handed back to the Department of Conservation on Wednesday.
3 outlets · Two brands of children's coloured sand recalled over asbestos concerns
Educational Colours Rainbow Sand and Creatistics coloured sand have been recalled due to the potential presence of tremolite, a naturally occurring asbestos. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has advised consumers to stop using these products immediately following lab testing results.
+15 outlets · Andrew Coster on leave following IPCA report
Former police commissioner Andrew Coster is on leave from his role as chief executive of the Social Investment Agency. This follows an Independent Police Conduct Authority report that identified serious misconduct within the upper echelons of the police.
+15 outlets · New Zealand house prices remain flat as Tauranga values fall
National average home values remained unchanged at $902,020 for the quarter ending October. While the national market showed early signs of recovery, Tauranga recorded a 1.3% decrease in average home values.
3 outlets · One-tonne Peace Bell stolen from Henderson's Japanese Garden
A one-tonne bronze Peace Bell was stolen overnight from the Japanese Garden in Henderson, Auckland. The bell was gifted by Kakogawa City, Japan, in 1997 as a symbol of friendship between New Zealand and Japan. Auckland Council staff discovered the theft on Tuesday morning.
3 outlets · Man charged with arson after fire at abandoned Palmerston North pub
An 18-year-old man has been charged with arson following a suspicious fire at the abandoned Fitzherbert Hotel in Palmerston North. The blaze occurred on 30 October and caused significant smoke across the city. Police indicate that further arrests may be likely.
3 outlets · IPCA finds significant failings in police handling of McSkimming allegations
An Independent Police Conduct Authority report has identified significant failings and inaction by senior officers regarding allegations against Jevon McSkimming. The report reveals that warnings about the high-ranking officer were repeatedly ignored over several years, raising questions about police leadership and accountability.
3 outlets · Man charged with 13 offences after Henderson assaults
A 30-year-old man has been arrested and charged with 13 offences following a series of violent attacks in Henderson. Police say the incidents occurred on Railside Avenue on Tuesday evening, resulting in several injuries. The suspect was apprehended within minutes of the reported assaults.
3 outlets · Police seek help identifying two people linked to Gisborne murder
Police have released CCTV images of two people believed to be directly linked to the September murder of Bill Maangi in Gisborne. Maangi died at Gisborne Hospital after being shot on 29 September. One person was seen running from Forrester House, while the other was seen walking towards town.
3 outlets · IPCA report finds misconduct in handling of sexual offending allegations
The Independent Police Conduct Authority has identified serious misconduct regarding how police managed sexual offending allegations against former deputy commissioner Jevon McSkimming. Advocate Louise Nicholas expressed disgust at the handling of the case, stating the treatment of the complainant reflects why many victims fear coming forward.
3 outlets · Man pleads not guilty to double murder after Bucklands Beach fire
A 38-year-old man appeared in the Auckland High Court charged with murdering 36-year-old Jung Sup Lee and his 11-year-old son. The victims were found following a house fire in Bucklands Beach in October. The accused pleaded not guilty, and a trial has been scheduled for February 2027.
3 outlets · Employment investigations launched into police leaders following misconduct report
An employment investigation has been launched into three serving police leaders following an Independent Police Conduct Authority report into the handling of allegations against former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming. The report found serious misconduct at senior levels, and the Police Minister stated further inquiries remain an option.
2 outlets · Embers from unextinguished fire cause blaze at Fairy Falls Track
Embers from an overnight fire that was not properly extinguished caused a significant blaze at Fairy Falls Track in the Waitākere Ranges. The fire caused extensive damage to the popular bush track, forcing its closure. Council rangers are currently cleaning up the area.
4 outlets · Fire and Emergency NZ proposes restructuring and job cuts
Fire and Emergency New Zealand is proposing sweeping organisational changes to reduce costs and meet rising demand. The PSA union reports that approximately 169 non-firefighting roles could be cut, potentially saving around $70 million. Chief executive Kerry Gregory stated that redundancy would be a last resort.
2 outlets · Mike King to step down as I Am Hope Foundation chief executive
Founder Mike King is stepping down as chief executive of the mental health charity I Am Hope Foundation. King stated the organisation requires fresh leadership and a new vision to move forward. He intends to continue playing a key role within the foundation in a different capacity.
+26 outlets · IPCA finds serious misconduct regarding sexual offending accusations
The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found serious misconduct at the highest levels of police. The investigation focused on how the organisation handled accusations of sexual offending involving former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming.
4 outlets · PSA urges government to stop proposed Fire and Emergency job cuts
The Public Service Association has called on the government to intervene in a Fire and Emergency New Zealand proposal to cut almost 170 jobs. The union claims the restructure is short-sighted and could affect emergency response capabilities. FENZ is currently circulating the proposal to staff but has not released it publicly.
+15 outlets · Oyster farmers receive $1 million after Warkworth sewage overflow
Watercare has paid $1 million in compensation to north Auckland oyster farmers following a wastewater overflow at Warkworth. The incident, caused by a power surge, contaminated parts of the Mahurangi River and Harbour. Aquaculture New Zealand stated that while this provides immediate relief, further settlements for total losses may be sought.
3 outlets · Five people arrested at Auckland Airport for methamphetamine smuggling
Customs officials have arrested five people at Auckland Airport since 2 November. Officers seized 51kg of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $15.2 million. The first incident involved three United States nationals arriving on a flight from Los Angeles.
2 outlets · Wairoa charity boxing event cancelled due to safety concerns
A charity boxing event in Wairoa has been cancelled after police declined to issue a permit. Authorities cited concerns that the presence of gang members could lead to violence or confrontations. The Wairoa Boxing Club expressed devastation over the decision.
2 outlets · Youth charged after stolen car used in Queenstown ram-raid
A youth has appeared in Queenstown Youth Court charged with burglary and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle. The incident occurred early Monday morning when a stolen car was used to ram-raid a Frankton bottle store. Approximately $900 worth of alcohol was stolen before the vehicle was dumped in Lake Whakatipu.
2 outlets · Guy Williams pays tribute to father after death at Kohimarama Beach
Comedian Guy Williams has honoured his father, Gary, following a water incident at Auckland's Kohimarama Beach on Saturday. Emergency services were called to the beach around 11.20am after reports that a man had been retrieved from the water.
2 outlets · Haast residents challenge requirement to chlorinate drinking water
A small West Coast community of approximately 80 people is contesting new orders to chlorinate its water supply. Residents claim the township previously enjoyed some of the purest water in the country before new regulations were introduced by Taumata Arowai.
3 outlets · Most customers restored after storm hits lower South Island
Following strong winds in late October, electricity has been restored to most people in Southland and South Otago. PowerNet has reconnected more than 50,000 customers, though a small number of people remain without power. A state of emergency for the region was lifted last Friday.
2 outlets · Beach volleyball rivals Polley and Macdonald to compete at world championships
Shaunna Polley and Olivia Macdonald have become the first New Zealand women to compete at the beach volleyball world championships in 24 years. Formerly rivals, the pair began playing together last October and recently won the World Beach Pro Tour Nuvali Futures event in the Philippines.
2 outlets · Tributes for young woman killed in Rotorua bus and car crash
Teleia Thompson died after a car she was travelling in collided with a bus in Rotorua on 6 November. The accident injured 31 people, including students from Gisborne. Two people from the car remain in critical condition in hospital.
2 outlets · Silver Ferns defeat Scotland as Maddy Gordon shines in Glasgow
The Silver Ferns secured an 80-48 victory against the Scottish Thistles in Glasgow. Maddy Gordon recorded 31 feeds and 24 goal assists during the first half of the match. Meanwhile, the team clarified that interim assistant coach Liana Leota has remained in New Zealand.
2 outlets · Department of Conservation confirms car parking trial at Aoraki Mt Cook
A seven-month paid parking pilot will begin in December at White Horse Hill car park. Visitors will be charged $5 per hour with a $25 daily cap, while locals can access annual parking for $10. The trial aims to increase financial contributions to conservation sites.
2 outlets · Parliament passes bill to allow congestion charging
Legislation has passed its third and final reading in Parliament, granting councils and NZTA the power to implement time-of-use charging. While the Automobile Association supports the concept in principle, questions remain regarding how the scheme will be implemented.
2 outlets · Christchurch murderer asks to remain in prison for five years
Lewis Blackburn told the New Zealand Parole Board he does not wish to be released from jail. Blackburn, who strangled his ex-partner Christine Hindson, requested to be stood down from early release consideration for another five years, stating, "A life for a life."
3 outlets · All Blacks call up Lio-Willie following loose forward injuries
The All Blacks have called up Lio-Willie ahead of their test against England at Twickenham. This follows the departure of Samipeni Finau due to family illness and Luke Jacobson, who is recovering from a head knock.
2 outlets · New Zealand ranking drops in global tobacco industry interference index
New Zealand has been described as the most deteriorated country in a study assessing tobacco industry interference. The nation's position has fallen from second in the world in 2023 to 53rd in the 2025 Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index.
2 outlets · First-home buyers account for 27% of property purchases
First-home buyers made up 27% of house purchases during the September quarter. Lower mortgage rates and improved affordability are reportedly encouraging more people to enter the property market.
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