Saturday 15 November 2025
15 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Winning numbers drawn for record $55 million Lotto jackpot
The winning numbers for the record-breaking $55 million must-be-won Lotto draw have been released. The numbers are 38, 28, 2, 5, 14, 19, with bonus ball 29 and Powerball 6. More than 1.2 million Powerball tickets were sold ahead of the historic draw.
+15 outlets · One body found and another person missing from overdue boat
A body has been recovered and a second person remains missing after a 17-foot fishing boat failed to return to Pātaua South on Friday night. Search efforts involving police, Coastguard, and air support were conducted near the southern Ngunguru Bay area.
+15 outlets · Emergency services respond to house fire in Sanson
A large emergency response is underway at a house fire southwest of Sanson. Police have confirmed several fatalities at the scene, including a man and a child. A section of State Highway 1 between Phillips Street and Speedy Road has been closed.
+15 outlets · Kmart sand products recalled after asbestos is detected
The recall of coloured play sand has expanded to include four Kmart products after testing identified tremolite asbestos. The affected items include a 14-piece Sandcastle Building Set and Blue, Green, and Pink Magic Sand sets. Authorities have urged parents, schools, and early learning centres to stop using the products immediately.
+15 outlets · Damaging hailstorms hit parts of Canterbury
Severe thunderstorms brought large hail and heavy rain to parts of Canterbury, causing damage to cars, gardens, and glasshouses. MetService has lifted thunderstorm warnings for South Canterbury and the Christchurch and Selwyn areas after detecting storms moving across the region.
+15 outlets · Two more yellow-legged hornet nests found on Auckland's North Shore
Biosecurity staff have located two additional yellow-legged hornet nests in Glenfield, approximately 100 metres apart. The nests, which contained queens, have been removed. This discovery brings the total number of queens found in Auckland to nine.
3 outlets · New measles case linked to Wellington College student
Health authorities have confirmed a new measles case connected to a Wellington College student, bringing the national total to 19. The individual travelled through Wellington and Auckland airports and caught school buses while infectious. The student has since travelled to Asia and remains there.
4 outlets · Coroner finds cardan shaft braking system inherently dangerous
A coroner has described a specific braking system as inherently dangerous, linking it to six deaths since 2010. Selwyn Rabbits, whose son died in a vehicle accident involving these brakes, has been campaigning for Waka Kotahi to take action regarding the 70,000 affected vehicles. NZTA currently disagrees with the findings.
3 outlets · All Blacks face England in Twickenham test match
The All Blacks will play England at Twickenham on Sunday morning NZT following recent wins against Ireland and Scotland. New Zealand coach Scott Robertson has highlighted the need to improve game management and discipline to address a third-quarter points differential slump.
3 outlets · Joseph Parker faces potential ban after failed drug test
Former heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker has refuted reports that he tested positive for traces of cocaine. The test was taken in London last month on the day he lost to Fabio Wardley. Queensberry Promotions confirmed the result, and Parker could face a lengthy ban from boxing.
2 outlets · Report reveals failures in police handling of complaints against former official
An IPCA report has detailed how senior police officers failed to investigate complaints against former deputy commissioner Jevon McSkimming. The findings have led to a clean-out of top officers and calls for greater transparency to rebuild public trust.
4 outlets · More than a quarter of trucks fail brake tests in police blitz
Police inspected 910 heavy vehicles on central North Island roads between 3 and 6 November. Out of 58 vehicles tested for braking, 15 were found to have faulty brakes.
2 outlets · Aged Care Association seeks government funding for Alzheimers Otago
The Aged Care Association is urging the government to provide temporary funding for Alzheimers Otago. Association chief executive Tracey Martin stated the organisation's services are on the brink of collapse. Martin warned that losing dementia support services would be a mistake.
2 outlets · Severe thunderstorm and hail disrupt Cup Week at Riccarton Park
Heavy rain, thunder, and hail hit the Canterbury region on Saturday afternoon. The weather caused disruption to the New Zealand Cup meet at Riccarton Park and resulted in roof damage in Timaru. MetService has issued a new thunderstorm warning for the Christchurch and Selwyn areas.
2 outlets · Nelson woman found not guilty by reason of insanity
A Nelson woman has been found not guilty by reason of insanity in a body-tampering case. Police discovered a man's decomposed body on a deck after he had been dead for up to 14 days. The body was found surrounded by a shrine-like arrangement.
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