One person dead and two injured after 4WD rolls on beach
One person died and two others were injured, including one person with critical injuries, after a four-wheel-drive vehicle rolled on Tokerau Beach on Friday evening. Emergency services were called to the Karikari Peninsula around 7.30pm. Police inquiries into the single-vehicle crash are ongoing.
+15 outlets · Police officer rescues woman stranded on rocks at Castor Bay
A woman was rescued from rocks between Castor Bay Beach and Kennedy Park on Friday afternoon. After she called for help around 1.30pm, a police officer jumped into the sea to assist her as the incoming tide and waves threatened her position.
4 outlets · Dozens of schools contact Ministry of Education over asbestos-contaminated sand
Nearly 60 schools and early childhood centres have reported using recalled rainbow and coloured play sands containing tremolite asbestos. The Ministry of Education confirmed that seven facilities have closed due to the contamination. Educational Colours and Creatistics have recalled their products following lab testing.
4 outlets · Steam and gas plume rises 3km from Whakaari/White Island
A steam and gas plume from Whakaari/White Island rose approximately 3km above sea level and was visible from the mainland. The volcano remains at Volcanic Alert Level Three, and the aviation colour warning is orange. Bay of Plenty residents may smell sulphur odours.
+15 outlets · BBC apologises to Donald Trump over documentary editing scandal
The BBC has issued a personal apology to US President Donald Trump following a documentary edit that his lawyers described as defamatory. While the broadcaster has apologised, it maintains there is no legal basis for a lawsuit regarding the Panorama programme.
3 outlets · Severe thunderstorm warnings issued for east coast of North Island
MetService has issued severe thunderstorm warnings for Wairoa, Hastings, and central Hawke’s Bay. Radar has detected storms near Tiniroto and Ruakitatu, with torrential rain and potential flooding expected. Warnings also cover parts of Gisborne, Taupō, and the Bay of Plenty.
3 outlets · Police select device for roadside drug testing rollout in Wellington
Police have chosen the Securetec DrugWipe 3 S, supplied by an Australian company, for roadside drug screening. Starting in the Wellington District in mid-December, officers will test for cannabis, methamphetamine, MDMA and cocaine. The scheme is expected to expand nationwide by April 2026.
3 outlets · Australian man removed from cruise ship following onboard assault
A 44-year-old Australian man was kicked off the Anthem of the Seas after allegedly assaulting another male passenger on Thursday night. The incident occurred while the ship was travelling from Fiordland to Dunedin. The man must now find his own way home, leaving his family behind.
2 outlets · Scott Robertson focused on result ahead of All Blacks clash with England
The All Blacks will face England at Twickenham in a significant end-of-year tour match. Despite local bookmakers installing England as favourites, coach Scott Robertson says his side is simply looking for a result.
2 outlets · Rural Wairarapa communities face increased climate change risks
Wairarapa leaders have been warned that a hotter and drier regional climate could increase the risk of floods and fires. The community faces potential challenges from droughts, severe weather, and invasive pests, which may put pressure on local infrastructure and resources.
3 outlets · Auckland retirement village considers banning electric vehicles
Management at Fairview Lifestyle Village in Albany is considering a policy to ban new electric cars from the property due to safety concerns. Some residents have criticised the move as unreasonable, and there are suggestions the ban could extend to electric bikes and wheelchairs.
2 outlets · Teacher's registration cancelled after being fired for working while on sick leave
Natarsha Ikiua has had her teaching registration cancelled following her dismissal from Westland High School. She was fired for working as an actor while on sick leave and subsequently deleted student and teaching resources from the school's system.
2 outlets · Family violence unit unaware of man's relationship with Christchurch murder victim
Nathan Boulter pleaded guilty to the murder of a woman in Parklands, Christchurch. Before fatally stabbing her 55 times, the man made nearly 600 calls to the victim in two weeks. A specialist family violence unit was reportedly unaware of their relationship or his history of stalking and harassing her.
2 outlets · Warriors confirmed for Christchurch and Wellington matches in 2026 NRL draw
The New Zealand Warriors will play at Christchurch's One New Zealand Stadium on 21 June 2026 against the North Queensland Cowboys. The club's 2026 schedule also includes a match against the Dolphins in Wellington and two games against the Brisbane Broncos.
2 outlets · Two people bitten by group of loose dogs in Pāpāmoa
Two people were bitten by a pack of loose dogs in the Pāpāmoa Beach area on Thursday afternoon. Police and emergency services responded to the scene after reports were received around 3pm. One person required assistance from St John.
2 outlets · Allan Bunting steps down as Black Ferns head coach
Allan Bunting has resigned as the Black Ferns head coach following New Zealand's failed attempt to defend their World Cup title. After losing to Canada in the semi-finals in England, New Zealand Rugby has begun a recruitment process to find a replacement.
2 outlets · Masterton man identified after fatal collision during charity bike ride
Raymond Allan Putt, 70, has been identified as the cyclist who died following a collision on Kokotau Rd near Carterton. The accident occurred during the Wairarapa Charity Fun Ride on Saturday morning. Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash between the two riders.
2 outlets · Greens claim benefit changes will increase food bank usage
The Green Party has accused the government of driving young people toward food banks by tightening Jobseeker benefit access. From next November, the coalition plans to end payments for 18 and 19-year-olds whose parents earn over $65,000. The government aims to reduce the number of people on benefits by 50,000 by 2030.
2 outlets · Most primary school principals likely to quit within five years
A survey of 228 primary school principals found that 73% are likely to leave the profession within five years. Respondents cited workload pressures and curriculum changes as key factors, with 96% reporting that their health and wellbeing have been affected.
4 outlets · Government provides $2 million for Dunedin Tunnels Trail extension
The government is investing $2 million to extend the Dunedin Tunnels Trail. The funding will support the second and third stages of the project, which will use historic railway tunnels to link Dunedin to Mosgiel via Fairfield, Abbotsford and Green Island.
2 outlets · Police investigate reported firearms incident in Bay View
Armed police cordoned off Main North Road on Thursday morning following reports of shots being fired. Officers remained at the scene on Friday morning as a precaution while investigations continued.
2 outlets · Developer fined for illegal earthworks on Auckland's North Shore
COD Crown Projects Limited has been fined $48,750 after pleading guilty to two charges regarding unlawful earthworks. The offences occurred at properties in Browns Bay and Northcross, which had significant effects on the environment and neighbouring properties.
2 outlets · Industry urges caution over proposed road tolling changes
Transporting New Zealand has called for a cautious approach to the Land Transport (Revenue) Amendment Bill introduced by Transport Minister Chris Bishop. The proposed legislation would expand road user charges and allow corridor tolling to fund new projects. The lobby group expressed concerns regarding the difficulty of justifying some of these changes.
2 outlets · Resident calls for stronger police response after Welcome Bay disorder
Police attended Victory Street in Welcome Bay on Saturday night following reports of a brawl. A local resident claims disorder, including drinking and vandalism, is at its worst in a decade. Police stated that a delay in responding to the multiple complaints was due to officers being occupied with another incident.
2 outlets · Advocate questions plan to introduce Inspector-General of Police
The government plans to establish an Inspector-General of Police within the Independent Police Conduct Authority. Shannon Parker, founder of the Police Conduct Association, has described the move as a knee-jerk reaction that may not significantly improve how police misconduct complaints are handled.
2 outlets · Auckland disability advocate and local board member remembered
Tunumafono Fa'amoetauloa Avaula Colenso Fa'amoe MNZM died on 3 November. The former local board member and disability advocate was recognised for his work in disability rights and lifejacket safety reforms in Auckland.
3 outlets · Firefighters battle mechanical workshop blaze in Sydenham
Firefighters were called to a mechanical workshop in Sydenham on Friday morning after reports of a car on fire. The blaze sent smoke across southern parts of Christchurch, but crews have since contained the fire and are working to extinguish hotspots.
2 outlets · Woman punched in stomach by e-scooter rider in Auckland park
A woman was punched in the stomach by a man riding an e-scooter in Grey Lynn Park. The incident occurred on a Tuesday evening as part of a group of four males. Police are currently seeking CCTV footage from the area to assist with their investigation.
2 outlets · Little blue penguins nesting under Coromandel home disturb local couple
Tracey and Peter Kendall say little blue penguins have tunnelled under their Coromandel home and are nesting near their bedroom. Department of Conservation staff advise that the protected birds must be left undisturbed until the nesting period concludes.
+15 outlets · Four-month-old baby undergoes chemotherapy for brain tumour
Four-month-old Declan is undergoing chemotherapy after a 4cm tumour was discovered in his brain. The diagnosis of Choroid Plexus Papilloma followed his mother noticing a raised fontanelle on his skull.
3 outlets · Justice system fails to manage high risk offenders, says advisor
The chief victims advisor is seeking answers following the murder of a Christchurch woman by Nathan Boulter. The advisor stated that the criminal justice system is not equipped to handle obsessive and manipulative repeat offenders like Boulter, who has a history of stalking and assaulting ex-partners.
3 outlets · More New Zealanders moving to Australia than returning home
Recent Stats NZ data shows nearly 73,000 New Zealanders left the country in the past year, while only 26,000 returned. One 27-year-old from Whangārei described moving to Melbourne as an easy decision due to higher wages and a lower cost of living.
3 outlets · Fire destroys abandoned Mornington rest home
A large fire destroyed the derelict former Glamis Hospital in Mornington overnight. Emergency crews responded to the three-storey building on Montpellier Street at 1am. The unoccupied property had reportedly been subject to years of vandalism.
2 outlets · Lotto NZ announces $55 million Powerball jackpot for Saturday
A record-breaking $55 million Powerball jackpot is up for grabs this Saturday. Following a rollover on Wednesday, the draw is considered a must-win event under Lotto NZ rules.
2 outlets · Experts criticise New Zealand workplace safety on Pike River anniversary
Fifteen years after the Pike River mine disaster, experts say New Zealand's workplace safety record remains poor compared to other developed nations. Some relatives of those killed in the 2010 tragedy are now opposing government efforts to change health and safety legislation.
3 outlets · Coroner finds disqualified driver caused fatal crash after consuming drugs and alcohol
A coroner has found that disqualified Christchurch driver Carla Murray caused a fatal crash after driving into the path of a truck. Ms Murray had alcohol, methamphetamine, cannabis and prescription medication in her system and was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision.
2 outlets ·
