Thursday 13 November 2025
50 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Police apologise to McSkimming accuser but continue prosecution
Police have apologised to a woman for failing her after she accused former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming of sexual offending. Despite the apology, she faces charges for allegedly harassing another police officer and his wife through emails.
+26 outlets · Nathan Boulter pleads guilty to murdering a Christchurch woman
Nathan Boulter, 36, has pleaded guilty in the Christchurch High Court to the murder of a woman in Parklands earlier this year. Boulter, who has a history of violence including a 2012 kidnapping conviction, admitted the charge on Thursday morning.
+26 outlets · Canterbury Royal A&P Show returns at full strength
The 162nd annual Canterbury Agricultural & Pastoral Show is being held over three days from Thursday to Saturday. After being scaled back last year, the event has returned with a prestigious royal title and a new Wool Zone feature. Thousands of people are expected to attend the festival.
4 outlets · Homicide investigation launched after death of Hastings woman
Police are treating the death of a 37-year-old woman as a homicide. The woman was found dead at a property on Kotuku Street in Camberley on 29 October. Detectives from other districts have joined the investigation.
4 outlets · Three people rescued after being caught by tide at Whiritoa blowhole
Emergency crews rescued three people at the Whiritoa blowhole on the Coromandel coast on Thursday morning. Two men were initially trapped by strong surf and an incoming tide, with one suspected to have a broken leg. A third person was rescued after falling into the sea while taking photos of the incident.
4 outlets · Police Commissioner admits to receiving a speeding ticket
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers admitted he was pulled over for speeding last week while travelling in an unmarked police vehicle. Speaking to recruits in Porirua, he described the incident as being "away with the fairies."
+37 outlets · Aviation security boss on leave following IPCA report
Former Deputy Commissioner Chris de Wattignar is on leave from the Civil Aviation Authority. An IPCA report criticised his handling of sexual offending allegations involving former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming. The authority is currently working through an employment process.
4 outlets · Jacob Duffy leads Black Caps to T20I series victory
New Zealand won the fifth T20 international against the West Indies in Dunedin to claim a 3-1 series win. Jacob Duffy took four wickets as the West Indies were bowled out for 140, before the Black Caps chased the target in 15.4 overs.
3 outlets · Police search for prisoner who escaped hospital escort in Auckland
Police have issued an arrest warrant for 42-year-old Paul Kyle Peekay Rehua after he escaped custody during a hospital escort. Rehua, a remand prisoner from Mt Eden Corrections Facility, has been on the run for six days. Authorities believe he is in the wider Waitematā area.
3 outlets · Regulatory Standards Bill passes with coalition support
The Regulatory Standards Bill has passed following support from National, New Zealand First, and ACT. Despite more than 98% of public submissions being opposed, the legislation was passed as part of coalition agreements. Labour has stated they will scrap the law if they win the next election.
4 outlets · Labour party support rises to 38 per cent in new poll
The Labour Party has reached its highest polling level in three years, hitting 38 per cent following the announcement of a capital gains tax plan. The Talbot Mills/Anacta Poll suggests the centre-left bloc could form a government, provided Te Pāti Māori wins an electorate seat.
3 outlets · Nelson woman jailed for indecent act on Air New Zealand flight
Bronte LeLievre has been sentenced to prison by a Nelson court for performing an indecent act on an Air New Zealand flight. The incident, involving excessive kissing with her partner, caused embarrassment to passengers and crew. LeLievre faced 12 charges, including burglary.
3 outlets · Weeks needed to assess Tongariro National Park fire damage
The Department of Conservation says it will take weeks to determine the long-term environmental impact of a wildfire that scorched nearly 3000ha of Tongariro National Park. The blaze began on 8 November, and authorities have ruled out a nearby controlled burn as the cause.
3 outlets · Rotorua supermarkets reject Kmart's trolley bond system
Rotorua supermarkets have decided not to adopt Kmart's 50c trolley bond system. While Kmart introduced the deposit earlier this month, local retailers have ruled out the measure. Meanwhile, a council bylaw introduced in August has reportedly halved the number of abandoned trolleys requiring retrieval.
4 outlets · Police search for missing 61-year-old woman in Upper Hutt
Police and family have serious concerns for Anita Hart, who has been missing in the Hutt Valley since Wednesday morning. She was last seen on CCTV on Gillespies Road around 11.43am walking towards Akatarawa Road. Her vehicle has been located nearby.
3 outlets · One person dies in single-vehicle crash near Wellsford
A driver died at the scene after their car hit a tree on Waiteitei Road early Thursday morning. The crash occurred around 1.40am, and police have closed the road between Farmers Lime and Whangaripo Valley Roads. An investigation into the incident is currently underway.
3 outlets · Coroner finds heart disease and exertion caused diver's death
A coroner has ruled that Gideon Te Ahuru died from a cardiac event caused by heart disease and physical exertion while scuba diving at Barrett's Reef. The 60-year-old Lower Hutt man died on Waitangi Day while diving for kina. He had been on a waiting list to see a specialist.
3 outlets · Te Pāti Māori MPs meet following expulsion of two members
Te Pāti Māori MPs met without party co-leaders after the National Council expelled Mariameno Kapa-Kingi and Tākuta Ferris. Kapa-Kingi, now an independent MP, has received support from Te Rūnanga-Ā-Iwi O Ngāpuhi, which described her removal as unconstitutional.
3 outlets · Seaview residents warned of sewage plant odours following operational error
Wellington Water has warned Seaview residents to expect bad smells following an operational maintenance error at the local wastewater treatment plant. The mistake occurred during work performed by contractor Veolia. Although the error has been fixed, locals are being advised to prepare for the return of the odour.
3 outlets · Inquiry into McSkimming scandal remains an option, says Police Minister
Police Minister Mark Mitchell says a deeper inquiry into the Jevon McSkimming scandal is possible following a report release. Mitchell noted a protocol was used to divert emails containing allegations away from his office staff. He stated he would not have expected a receptionist to identify such correspondence.
2 outlets · Driver found not guilty by reason of insanity in cyclist ramming case
A man was found not guilty by reason of insanity for the attempted murder of a cyclist in Paraparaumu. The driver, who believed the victim was associated with the devil, has been ordered into compulsory mental health care.
3 outlets · Scott Barrett to captain All Blacks against England at Twickenham
Scott Barrett will return to lead the All Blacks for their match against England this Sunday at Twickenham. Despite a recent leg laceration sustained in Chicago, the captain has been cleared to play in what is considered a major tour challenge.
2 outlets · Man charged after series of thefts from tourists' vehicles in Canterbury
A 38-year-old man has been arrested and charged following an investigation into multiple vehicle break-ins across the Canterbury district. The thefts included a campervan break-in at Castle Hill last month. The man has been remanded in custody.
2 outlets · Charter school contract signed with non-existent trust
Associate Education Minister David Seymour described the contracting of a non-existent trust to establish the NZ Performance Academy Aotearoa as a mistake. The NZ Performance Academy Aotearoa Charitable Trust was not listed on the Charities Register. Despite the error, the sport-focused charter school is expected to open as planned.
2 outlets · Ten arrested as police dismantle four methamphetamine labs in North Island
Police executed ten search warrants across Waikato, Counties Manukau, and Northland on Wednesday. The raids resulted in ten arrests and the dismantling of four methamphetamine laboratories. Officers also seized chemicals, equipment, cash, electronic devices, and a loaded pistol.
2 outlets · Two people critically injured in crash near New Plymouth Airport
Four people were injured in a two-vehicle collision on a major highway north of New Plymouth. Two individuals are in critical condition and two others are seriously injured. All victims were transported to Taranaki Hospital following the incident, which occurred around 5.05pm.
2 outlets · Schools and early learning centres urged to stop using contaminated sand
The Ministry of Education has alerted schools and early learning centres to stop using coloured play sand containing tremolite asbestos. Approximately 30 schools and 30 early childhood services have already contacted Ministry staff regarding the recall.
2 outlets · One person dead after truck hits tree in Culverden
A person has died following a crash on State Highway 7 in Culverden, North Canterbury. The incident occurred just after midday when a truck struck a tree. Police are investigating the crash, which caused blockages on the highway.
2 outlets · North Dunedin liquor store agrees to earlier closing hours
Bottle-O Cumberland has agreed to shut its doors an hour earlier following an opposed licence renewal application. During a district licensing committee hearing, police and health officials raised concerns that late-night sales contribute to alcohol harm in the student quarter.
3 outlets · Rain and wind affect North and South Islands
A low-pressure system is bringing rain and wind across much of New Zealand. While the top of the South Island faces heavy rain, the North Island is experiencing strong winds and potential thunderstorms. Sunny conditions are expected to arrive by Sunday.
2 outlets · Nathan Boulter admits to murdering Christchurch woman in knife attack
Nathan Boulter, 36, has pleaded guilty to the murder of a Christchurch woman in the High Court. Court documents reveal the victim was stabbed 55 times in front of her children. The attack followed a period of stalking in which Boulter reportedly phoned the woman 581 times in less than two weeks.
3 outlets · Kylie Wihapi confirmed as Porirua Māori Ward councillor
Kylie Wihapi has been confirmed as the Porirua City Council Māori ward councillor following a judicial recount. The recount showed Wihapi won by nine votes over rival Jess Te Huia after two special votes were disallowed. The process took place in Christchurch on Thursday.
2 outlets · Three people rescued from Whiritoa rocks after being caught by surf
Three people were winched to safety at Whiritoa Beach on Thursday morning after being caught by heavy surf and an incoming tide. The group included a photographer who was swept into the water while attempting to document the scene.
2 outlets · Record number of New Zealanders move overseas in year to September
Stats NZ data reveals that 72,700 New Zealanders left the country in the year ended September. During the same period, Australian visitor arrivals increased to 1.48 million. The country's net migration gain reached its lowest level since 2013.
3 outlets · Police responding to incident at Bay View petrol station
Police are attending an incident at the BP Bay View on State Highway 2, north of Napier. Armed officers and multiple police vehicles were observed at the scene on Thursday morning. A spokesperson stated that further information will be provided when it becomes available.
2 outlets · Bill introduced to transition road user charges to digital system
The Government has introduced the Land Transport (Revenue) Amendment Bill to Parliament. The legislation aims to move road user charges towards a digital tracking system and represents initial steps to replace petrol tax with road user charges for light vehicles.
2 outlets · Hawke's Bay Hospital worker sentenced for sharing cannabis-laced cake
Michelle Webster has been sentenced to three months of home detention after bringing a cannabis-laced cake to a shared meal at Hawke's Bay Regional Hospital. The incident on 30 June caused multiple staff members to feel ill, resulting in two colleagues being sent to the emergency department and the outpatient unit closing for the day.
2 outlets · Hawaiian waka Hōkūleʻa returns to Waitangi after 40 years
The Hawaiian waka Hōkūleʻa is expected to arrive at Waitangi this Friday as part of a four-year Pacific voyage. The vessel's first visit 40 years ago helped spark a revival of Māori ocean voyaging. Master navigator Stan Conrad will join the crew for the final leg across the Bay of Islands.
3 outlets · Former financial adviser David McEwen pleads guilty to stop order breaches
David McEwen, a former Auckland-based financial adviser, has pleaded guilty to all charges regarding breaches of a Financial Markets Authority stop order. The order, issued in December 2023, prohibited McEwen and several associated entities from making offers or issuing financial products.
2 outlets · Dunedin teenager pleads guilty to online bomb threat against mosque
An 18-year-old man from Dunedin has admitted to posting a harmful digital communication regarding a bomb threat against the Kilbirnie Masjid in Wellington. He appeared in Dunedin District Court and was granted interim name suppression. His lawyer intends to apply for a discharge without conviction.
2 outlets · Ian Taylor questions government leadership following Hobson’s Pledge claims
Sir Ian Taylor has questioned who is running the country following a government announcement regarding school boards and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The move was claimed as a victory by the group Hobson’s Pledge.
2 outlets · Dynamic lanes proposed to reduce Park Road congestion
Auckland Transport has unveiled a proposal to introduce dynamic lane technology on Park Road near Auckland Hospital. The plan aims to improve road safety and increase traffic flow on the corridor connecting the CBD, Auckland Domain, and Newmarket.
2 outlets · Sir Brian Roche labels Jevon McSkimming a devious liar
Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche has accused Jevon McSkimming of being a manipulative liar who made extreme efforts to cover up accusations against him. Sir Brian stated the situation served as a wake-up call for the commission, which has since implemented improvements to its processes.
2 outlets · South Brighton residents express concerns over proposed emergency housing
A housing trust has been granted a peppercorn lease to build up to 10 relocatable homes for people living rough on Blake Street. South Brighton residents have raised concerns that the development on the local reserve could lead to increased crime and nuisance in their neighbourhood.
2 outlets · Ikea to host three secret Auckland parties before store opening
The Swedish home-furnishing brand will hold three secret housewarming parties at mystery locations in Auckland. These events are scheduled to take place before the first New Zealand Ikea store officially opens on 4 December.
2 outlets · Think tank proposes automatic KiwiSaver enrolment for children at birth
The Institute for Democratic Engagement and Analysis has proposed a scheme where children are automatically enrolled in KiwiSaver from birth. The report suggests government seed payments and matched savings could help children reach between $10,000 and $20,000 in savings by age 18.
4 outlets · Former deputy police commissioner to retain pension following conviction
Jevon McSkimming will keep his pension despite being convicted of offences involving sexual assault and child exploitation. The former deputy police commissioner was suspended last year and has cost taxpayers an estimated $1.5 million.
2 outlets · Passenger dies in single-vehicle crash near Mangapai
A passenger died at the scene following a single-vehicle crash on Waiotira Road near Mangapai on Wednesday night. Emergency services were called to the incident north west of Whangārei at approximately 10.50pm. Police are investigating the crash.
2 outlets · Mystic Park wins Group 3 TAB Mile at Riccarton
The gelding Mystic Park won the Group 3 TAB Mile at Riccarton yesterday. Trained by Michael and Matthew Pitman, the horse secured the victory with jockey Daniel Stackhouse. The win follows a period of improvement for the horse during this preparation.
2 outlets · Survivors demand explanation from former commissioner over McSkimming scandal
A watchdog report has found that police ignored sexual offending allegations against senior officer Jevon McSkimming. Advocates are now calling on former commissioner Andrew Coster to address the findings and the alleged cover-up.
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