Ikea to host pop-up stores in Wellington and Christchurch
Ikea will host pop-up installations in Wellington and Christchurch to showcase products and prices. These events will allow customers to view items before the company's first New Zealand store opens at Sylvia Park in Auckland on 4 December.
+26 outlets · Three children and father identified after fatal Sanson house fire
August, Hugo, and Goldie died alongside their father in a Sanson house fire on Saturday. Police have recovered the body of the third child, and the deaths are being investigated as a suspected murder-suicide. Community donations are being raised to support the children's mother.
+48 outlets · Labour leader Chris Hipkins announces engagement to partner Toni Grace
Chris Hipkins has announced his engagement to partner Toni Grace via Instagram. The former Prime Minister revealed he proposed over the weekend, stating he feels as though he has hit the jackpot.
+26 outlets · Supreme Court rules Uber drivers are employees
The Supreme Court has dismissed Uber's appeal, ruling that four drivers are employees rather than contractors. This decision upholds previous court judgments and may allow other gig economy workers to claim similar rights.
+15 outlets · Man seriously injured after being lured from Southland home
A man in his 50s suffered a broken nose and fractured eye socket after being assaulted in Edendale on Saturday night. Police say the victim was lured from his home by a woman claiming to have a flat tyre before being attacked by an accomplice.
+15 outlets · Government to slash emissions charges for imported vehicles
Transport Minister Chris Bishop has announced urgent changes to the Clean Car Standard to prevent rising vehicle prices. The government will reduce carbon dioxide charges for new and used imports because most importers cannot meet current targets. A full review of the scheme is expected to reach Cabinet by June 2026.
4 outlets · Schools and early learning centres contact ministry over asbestos sand recall
Hundreds of schools and early learning centres have contacted the Ministry of Education following the recall of Kmart magic sand containing tremolite asbestos. At least seven schools have closed to undergo contamination testing. The country's largest teachers' union has called for an urgent investigation into the matter.
4 outlets · All three winners claim share of $55 million Powerball jackpot
Three players have claimed their $18.3 million shares of Saturday's record-breaking $55 million Lotto Powerball draw. The winning tickets were purchased at Pak'nSave Moorhouse in Christchurch, New World Kawerau, and via the MyLotto platform to an Auckland player. Lotto NZ has confirmed that all prizes have now been claimed.
4 outlets · Man dies after being found unresponsive in Takapuna Beach water
A man has died after being pulled from the water at Takapuna Beach on Auckland's North Shore on Monday. Emergency services were alerted around midday and provided medical assistance, but the man could not be revived. The death will be referred to the coroner.
4 outlets · Two separate antibiotic-resistant bacteria outbreaks at Christchurch Hospital
Health NZ has confirmed two separate outbreaks of different vancomycin-resistant enterococci strains on a single ward at Christchurch Hospital. Fewer than 10 patients have been affected by the bacteria, with many being carriers rather than infected. The outbreaks were identified as of 14 November.
+15 outlets · Government performance rating reaches record low in latest survey
The latest Ipsos Issues Monitor survey shows the government's performance rating has fallen to 3.9 out of 10, the lowest since the poll began in 2017. While inflation and the cost of living remain the primary concerns for New Zealanders, Labour is now perceived as better able to manage 15 of the top 20 issues.
+15 outlets · Selwyn District to trial New Zealand's first rubber road
The Selwyn District Council plans to trial a rubber road surface in Glentunnel on State Highway 77 this January. The project involves using recycled rubber granules to test sustainable uses for end-of-life tyres. This trial is part of several infrastructure innovations being explored by the council.
+15 outlets · Health Canterbury delays leave patient permanently blind in one eye
A man has lost sight in his right eye due to significant delays in receiving treatment for age-related macular degeneration. After being transferred to a Health New Zealand eye clinic in Canterbury, the patient waited over a year for necessary injections. The Health and Disability Commissioner has found that staff had been warned about these risks since 2016.
+15 outlets · NZTA unveils proposals for new Mt Victoria tunnel and highway upgrades
The New Zealand Transport Agency has released plans for a major State Highway 1 upgrade in Wellington, which may include new tunnels at Mt Victoria and The Terrace. The project, estimated to cost between $2.9 billion and $3.8 billion, will involve public feedback events held from 23 November to 6 December.
4 outlets · Auckland remand prisoner found after escaping during hospital visit
Paul Kyle Peekay Rehua, 42, has been arrested and charged with escaping custody. The Mt Eden remand prisoner slipped away from an escort during a hospital visit in Auckland on 7 November. He was located by police after being on the run for approximately ten days.
3 outlets · Green Party pledges to revoke fast-track mining consents
The Green Party has announced it will cancel consents for coal, seabed, and hard-rock gold mining projects granted under current fast-track legislation. The policy targets seven ongoing projects, including two located in Otago, if the party enters government following the 2026 general election.
3 outlets · Christchurch and Dunedin schools close for asbestos testing
Several schools in Christchurch and Dunedin have closed or partially closed for asbestos testing. This follows a recall of Kmart Magic Sand products after they tested positive for tremolite asbestos. The Ministry of Education has received queries from approximately 150 schools and 90 preschools regarding the contamination.
4 outlets · Retiree loses $250,000 in cryptocurrency scam
A retired man lost nearly $250,000 after being deceived by scammers posing as cryptocurrency traders. Financial Services Complaints Limited investigated the case and warned that scammers are using increasingly sophisticated methods, such as fake apps and remote access, to target New Zealanders.
4 outlets · NZTA reopens State Highway 30A after Rotorua traffic gridlock
NZ Transport Agency has reopened State Highway 30A between Te Ngae Road and Fenton Street following major traffic delays in Rotorua's eastern suburbs. The decision to reopen the road follows significant backlash from local businesses, residents, and the Mayor after the highway closure caused morning gridlock.
2 outlets · Murder trial begins for man accused of killing Gurjit Singh
The trial of a man known as Rajinder has commenced in the Dunedin High Court. He is accused of murdering 27-year-old Gurjit Singh, whose body was found with stab wounds at his Liberton home in early 2024. The accused has pleaded not guilty.
4 outlets · Woman charged with murder after man dies in Kaitāia
A 57-year-old woman has been charged with murder following an assault at an Okahu Road property in Kaitāia on Sunday. Emergency services responded to the scene shortly after midday, where a man was found with critical injuries and died. The deceased has been identified as well-known entrepreneur and former politician Monty Knight.
3 outlets · Family speaks out after father and son die in Auckland fire
The family of Jung Sup Lee and Ha-il Lee has spoken for the first time following a house fire in Bucklands Beach. Jung Sup Lee died after entering the flames to attempt to save his 11-year-old son. The incident occurred six weeks ago in East Auckland.
4 outlets · Canterbury apartment prices exceed Wellington and Auckland averages
The average asking price for a Canterbury apartment reached $807,348 in October. This figure is nearly $250,000 higher than apartment prices in Wellington and exceeds averages in Auckland.
2 outlets · Police to begin random roadside drug testing in Wellington
Under new government laws, police can now conduct random oral-fluid roadside testing for cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA. Testing is scheduled to begin in Wellington this December. The policy aims to improve road safety, though questions remain regarding its ability to detect actual impairment.
2 outlets · Atmospheric river to bring heavy rain and warm temperatures to New Zealand
An atmospheric river is expected to bring heavy downpours and muggy conditions to parts of the North and South islands this week. Two weather systems are converging to drive the moisture stream towards New Zealand, with heavy rain warnings issued for both ends of the country.
2 outlets · Warm air mass to bring humidity and heavy rain to New Zealand
MetService has forecast a warm and humid week as a tropical air mass moves towards the country. The weather system is expected to bring heavy rain warnings to parts of the North Island, alongside strong winds and heavy gales.
2 outlets · Hungarian couple sentenced for long-term immigration and identity fraud
A 50-year-old man and his 44-year-old partner have been sentenced in the Auckland District Court after pleading guilty to 16 charges. The pair used forged documents and false identities over eight years to obtain visas and residency in New Zealand. The man received a three-year prison sentence.
2 outlets · Army corporal faces court martial over alleged assault of former partner
An Army corporal is facing a court martial after pleading not guilty to two charges of assaulting his former partner. The accused is alleged to have strangled the other soldier, who was also in the Defence Force, on two occasions in 2019. Both individuals are currently under name suppression.
2 outlets · Three injured in two-vehicle crash on Twizel-Omarama Road
Three people were injured in a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 8 near Lake Ohau Road on Monday afternoon. One person was seriously injured and airlifted to hospital following the incident. Police have advised motorists to avoid the area and expect delays.
2 outlets · Auckland woman jailed for Covid-19 relief fraud
Kahureremoa Fleur Mantell has been sentenced to more than three years in prison for making false Covid-19 relief claims. Following her conviction on 33 dishonesty charges, the Manukau District Court ordered she serve three years and two months behind bars for claiming over $120,000.
2 outlets · Ministry of Education reviews future of Gloriavale Christian School
Education officials are considering whether to close Gloriavale Christian School. The Ministry of Education is currently reviewing the school's response to official concerns. A former resident has claimed the school focuses on teaching girls domestic duties and childcare.
2 outlets · Hungarian fugitive used false name to avoid prison in Auckland
A Hungarian tax collector who moved to Auckland under a false identity to escape a prison sentence will serve his time in New Zealand. A judge rejected his claims that he fled the country to escape the mafia, finding he instead lied on visa documents to avoid incarceration.
2 outlets · Wellington residents challenge flight path changes in High Court
Residents from Khandallah and Broadmeadows are seeking a judicial review against Airways, the Director of Civil Aviation, and Wellington Airport. They claim a 2022 flight path change is unlawful and has increased noise levels in their suburbs. The group argues that the new paths, which involve 38 daily flights, have disrupted their peace.
3 outlets · Dunedin man on trial for alleged murder of former employee
Rajinder, 35, is facing trial at the High Court in Dunedin for the alleged murder of 27-year-old Gurjit Singh. Prosecutors claim the victim was stabbed at least 46 times at a Liberton property in January last year. The defence maintains the accused had no reason to harm the victim.
2 outlets · Person hospitalised in serious condition following incident in Christchurch
A person was taken to hospital in serious condition following an incident on Monday. Reports indicate the person experienced a medical event at a childcare centre in St Martins and difficulty in the water at Taylors Mistake.
3 outlets · Man in his 50s dies after drowning at Riversdale Beach
A man in his 50s has died after being seen struggling in the water at Riversdale Beach on Thursday afternoon. Despite members of the public and lifeguards performing CPR, he could not be saved. Police have referred the death to the Coroner.
2 outlets · Schools close following asbestos recall in coloured sand
Multiple schools and early learning centres in the Australian Capital Territory have closed after recall notices were issued for coloured sand containing asbestos. In Christchurch, a family is preparing to move out of their home after discovering a recalled kinetic sand product may contain the substance.
2 outlets · Search resumes for missing fisherman off the coast of Pātaua South
Police and rescue crews have resumed searching for a missing fisherman near Whangārei. The man's companion was found dead on Saturday after their boat was discovered adrift on Saturday morning. The search operation includes the Royal New Zealand Navy and the National Dive Squad.
3 outlets · Heavy rain warnings issued for Bay of Plenty and Coromandel
MetService has issued heavy rain warnings for the Bay of Plenty, the Coromandel Peninsula, and Tongariro National Park. A slow-moving trough is expected to bring wet and muggy conditions to these areas throughout the week.
2 outlets · Deftones to perform in Auckland in May 2026
American alternative rock group Deftones will headline a concert at Auckland's Spark Arena on Wednesday, 13 May 2026. This marks the band's first New Zealand performance in nearly 10 years. They will be supported by Interpol and Ecca Vandal.
2 outlets · ACC to use artificial intelligence for long-term claimants
ACC plans to use artificial intelligence to help determine which long-term claimants should return to work. This decision follows instructions from the minister to reduce the pool of approximately 25,000 people receiving compensation for a year or more. An advocate has described the move as shocking.
2 outlets · Tongariro Alpine Crossing reopens after week-long rāhui
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing has reopened following a seven-day rāhui after a wildfire affected 3,000 hectares of Tongariro National Park. Fire investigators are currently requesting dashcam footage from motorists who were travelling on State Highway 47 during the event.
2 outlets · Multiple people reported missing on the Clarence River
A group of people is reported missing on the Waiau Toa-Clarence River in the South Island. Local rafting businesses have confirmed the missing group was not from their company. Authorities are currently dealing with the situation.
3 outlets · Air New Zealand to launch seasonal Queenstown to Brisbane flights
Air New Zealand has announced a new seasonal non-stop service between Queenstown and Brisbane. Starting on 22 June 2026, the airline will operate flights three times a week. This new route joins Jetstar in providing competition on the trans-Tasman service.
2 outlets · New Zealand property sales increase in October
Nationwide property sales rose 6.4 per cent year-on-year in October, reaching 7,505 transactions. Real Estate Institute of New Zealand data shows rising market confidence, with significant sales increases noted in Gisborne and the West Coast.
4 outlets · Trump proposes 50-year mortgage terms to assist first-home buyers
US President Donald Trump has suggested implementing 50-year mortgage terms to improve housing affordability. While this could provide immediate savings on repayments, one economist noted that such a long-term option might be expensive over time.
3 outlets · Disability advocate's Facebook account disabled for unspecified reasons
Disability advocate Blake Forbes has had his long-standing Facebook account shut down. Meta stated the account breached community standards, but Mr Forbes believes he was targeted due to his political activism following a post criticising government policy.
3 outlets · One person dead after single-vehicle crash in Ngāruawāhia
One person was found dead following a single-vehicle crash on Soulbrey Road in Ngāruawāhia on Sunday night. Police were called to the scene around 8pm and the road was closed overnight while investigations were conducted.
3 outlets · Prime Minister calls police cover-up in sex allegation case
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has described the treatment of a woman who made sex allegations against former deputy commissioner Jevon McSkimming as appalling. The Prime Minister agreed with Police Commissioner Richard Chambers that a cover-up occurred in the case, which saw charges against the woman withdrawn months after McSkimming's resignation.
2 outlets · Rising numbers of Type 2 diabetes cases among New Zealand children
The number of New Zealand children diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes is increasing. While Type 1 was previously referred to as juvenile diabetes, specialists note that Type 2 is no longer limited to adults. Some children may be biologically predisposed to the condition, though new medicines could potentially lead to remission.
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