Wednesday 19 November 2025
50 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Government announces $1.86 billion Cook Strait ferry replacement programme
Rail Minister Winston Peters has confirmed a $1.86 billion programme to replace the Interislander fleet with two new ferries and port upgrades. A $596 million contract has been signed with a Chinese shipyard for the vessels, which are expected to enter service in 2029.
+26 outlets · One person dies in two-vehicle crash near Sheffield
A person has died and two others sustained moderate injuries following a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of State Highway 73 and Deans Road. The crash occurred near Sheffield on Wednesday afternoon, resulting in the closure of part of the highway.
+15 outlets · Police investigate around 20 staff for device misuse and inappropriate content
Approximately 20 police staff are under investigation for misuse of work-issued devices and accessing inappropriate content. The audit was triggered by a security review following the Jevon McSkimming scandal. Police have stated that criminal investigations into the staff cannot be ruled out.
+15 outlets · Government halts new puberty blocker prescriptions for gender dysphoria patients
Health Minister Simeon Brown announced that Cabinet has agreed to stop doctors from prescribing puberty blockers to new young patients with gender dysphoria. The government is taking a precautionary approach due to uncertain evidence regarding risks and benefits. These new rules will remain in place until a major clinical trial in the United Kingdom is completed.
+48 outlets · Former Wellington mayor Tory Whanau to move to Melbourne
Tory Whanau has confirmed she is moving from Wellington to Melbourne. The former mayor cited economic, professional, and personal reasons for the decision, including ongoing harassment. She noted that the move is not a permanent goodbye to the city.
4 outlets · Cliff Richard and Priscilla Presley reunite in Christchurch
Music icons Sir Cliff Richard and Priscilla Presley met for dinner and drinks in Christchurch on Tuesday. The pair, who are currently on separate tours, were spotted at the King of Snake restaurant before their scheduled performances.
4 outlets · Bluebridge ferry passengers delayed in Picton due to stuck ramp
Passengers on the Bluebridge ferry Connemara were unable to disembark in Picton after the vessel's ramp became jammed. The ferry arrived from Wellington just before midday, and staff worked for several hours to resolve the issue.
4 outlets · New domestic measles case linked to Auckland Airport
Health New Zealand has confirmed a new domestic measles case connected to Auckland Airport. The individual is currently isolating, and immunity checks are being conducted at the airport. This latest report brings the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 19.
4 outlets · Woman charged after fatal hit and run in Henderson
A 47-year-old woman has been arrested and charged following a hit and run in West Auckland on Sunday morning. 58-year-old Dion Raymond Kainamu died from critical injuries sustained on Tango Place. Police stated they are not seeking anyone else in relation to the incident.
4 outlets · Pike River families call meeting with minister a waste of time
On the 15th anniversary of the Pike River disaster, family members met with Workplace Safety Minister Brooke van Velden at Parliament. The families described the meeting as a complete waste of time, while Winston Peters labelled the mine a murder scene.
+26 outlets · Summer concert featuring Iggy Pop relocated from Whitianga to Auckland
The summer concert tour featuring Iggy Pop and Joan Jett has been moved from Whitianga's Sherriff Block Arena to Auckland's Spark Arena. Organisers cited public feedback regarding the original date as the reason for the relocation. The new Auckland performance is scheduled for 29 January.
3 outlets · Teacher censured after snorting white powder at school function
A teacher has been censured after being caught snorting white powder from a classroom desk during a 2022 Christmas party. The teacher, who is under interim name suppression, admitted the incident was the most stupid thing he had ever done.
4 outlets · Fire in classroom block at Saint Kentigern College
A fire broke out in a two-storey classroom block at Saint Kentigern College in Pakuranga on Wednesday afternoon. Students were evacuated to the school field while firefighters attended the scene. The blaze has since been extinguished and classes have resumed.
3 outlets · Body found during search for missing Upper Hutt woman
Police have located the body of 61-year-old Anita Hart following searches in Upper Hutt. Hart was reported missing last week after being seen on CCTV on 12 November. The matter has been referred to the Coroner.
4 outlets · Two arrested and firearms seized after Te Kauwhata dirtbike incident
Police arrested two people and seized firearms and a dirtbike during a search at a Te Kauwhata property on Tuesday. The operation followed an incident on Monday when a man was observed riding a dirtbike without a helmet on Main Road.
3 outlets · Masterton man arrested after $3 million methamphetamine haul was intercepted
A 43-year-old man from Masterton has been arrested following the interception of 10 mail packages containing approximately 10kg of methamphetamine. The drugs, valued at an estimated $3 million, were concealed inside items such as a painting and roller-skate knee pads.
3 outlets · Manawatū Prison reopened after bomb threat and lockdown
Manawatū Prison was placed on lockdown on Wednesday morning following a threatening phone call regarding a bomb on site. Police conducted an extensive search of the facility but found no device. The prison has since reopened.
3 outlets · Hone Harawira calls for unity within Te Pāti Māori
Former MP Hone Harawira has called for a reconciliation tour and the reinstatement of ousted MPs to resolve internal Te Pāti Māori factions. He stated that constituents want to see the party rebuild and make a public declaration of commitment to move forward.
3 outlets · Man arrested in Sri Lanka after allegedly exposing himself to Kiwi woman
A man has been arrested in Sri Lanka after a video of him allegedly propositioning and exposing himself to a New Zealand woman went viral. The victim was travelling solo in a tuk tuk through the Thambiluvil area when the incident occurred.
3 outlets · Metallica perform 2.5 hour concert for 55,000 fans at Eden Park
The American heavy metal band played a sold-out show at Eden Park in Auckland as part of their M72 World Tour. The performance lasted approximately two and a half hours before an audience of 55,000 people. Suicidal Tendencies and Evanescence joined the group on stage.
2 outlets · Heavy rain and flooding risks across North Island
MetService has issued heavy rain warnings for parts of the North Island, including Auckland and the Bay of Plenty. The Bay of Plenty Regional Council activated its flood room on Tuesday morning to monitor river levels and flood defences. More rainfall is expected in the Bay of Plenty and Gisborne regions.
2 outlets · Former deputy police commissioner visited Jevon McSkimming after charges were laid
Former Deputy Police Commissioner Tania Kura and another senior leader visited Jevon McSkimming while he faced charges of possessing child sexual exploitation and bestiality material. Police Commissioner Richard Chambers stated the meeting fell short of his expectations, while Kura expressed surprise that the visit was viewed as a problem.
+37 outlets · Burst water main floods Shambles Theatre in Rotorua
The Shambles Theatre has been flooded after a burst water main released an estimated million litres of water. Members of the Rotorua Little Theatre group are currently clearing the building. The incident has impacted upcoming plans for a Christmas production and anniversary celebrations.
2 outlets · Black Caps win second ODI against West Indies in Napier
New Zealand defeated the West Indies at McLean Park to secure their 11th successive home ODI series win. Despite Shai Hope scoring 109 not out, the Black Caps reached the target in 33.3 overs. Devon Conway contributed 90 runs during the successful chase.
2 outlets · Queenstown high school volleyball team injured in Invercargill crash
Twelve people were taken to Southland Hospital following a three-vehicle crash in Invercargill on Tuesday night. The accident occurred at the intersection of Yarrow and Isabella Streets just after 8pm. The victims included members of a Queenstown high school volleyball team who had been competing at Stadium Southland.
3 outlets · Experts warn ultra-processed foods are driving global obesity rise
A series of papers in The Lancet warns that ultra-processed foods are linked to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. International experts state these products are a major public health threat and require urgent policy changes. Recent data shows New Zealand obesity rates have risen to 34.2%.
2 outlets · Mortuary technician loses medical licence after inappropriate social media posts
A forensic pathologist has had his medical registration cancelled following an investigation. The technician shared an image of a dissected human skull and engaged in inappropriate online discussions regarding cannibalism and providing post-mortem tissue.
2 outlets · Air New Zealand flight returns to Auckland after weather prevents landing
An Air New Zealand flight from Auckland to Rarotonga was forced to turn back due to poor weather conditions in the Cook Islands. Passengers spent nearly eight hours in the air before the aircraft returned to its departure point.
2 outlets · Police investigate suspicious item in Wellington suburb of Newtown
Police cordoned off Riddiford Street near Constable Street on Wednesday evening following reports of a suspicious item. The area was closed to the public while investigations took place, but cordons have since been lifted.
3 outlets · New Zealand misses Smokefree 2025 target as smoking rates stall
New Zealand has failed to reach its Smokefree 2025 goal according to the latest Health NZ survey. Smoking rates fell slightly to 6.2%, while daily smoking prevalence plateaued at 6.8%. Meanwhile, vaping rates have continued to rise, particularly among young people.
2 outlets · Asbestos and waste discovered at old Tolaga Bay recreation site
Recent testing has identified asbestos and waste refuse at an old dump site in Tolaga Bay, near Gisborne. The land, known as the Uawa league reserve, was used for recreation and rugby until 2018. The district council now faces significant clean-up costs.
2 outlets · Police respond to incident in Waikanae on Kāpiti Coast
Emergency services were called to Kakariki Grove in Waikanae just before 3.30pm. Police have closed the street and advised the public to avoid the area while they respond to the incident.
2 outlets · Rescue helicopter pursues car after lasers targeted paramedics
An Otago rescue helicopter pursued a vehicle for 30km north of Dunedin after lasers were pointed at paramedics during a hospital transfer mission. The incident occurred near Palmerston on Tuesday night. Helicopters Otago has stated the pilot's actions should serve as a warning regarding the dangers of laser strikes.
2 outlets · New Zealand receives Dirty Ashtray award for tobacco control progress
New Zealand has been given the Dirty Ashtray award at a biennial meeting in Geneva, Switzerland. Researchers state the label reflects poor progress in tobacco control, specifically regarding high vaping rates among youth and the undermining of Indigenous tobacco-free goals.
2 outlets · Ecuador defeats All Whites in New Jersey international friendly
The All Whites lost 2-0 to Ecuador in their final match of 2025 at Sports Illustrated Stadium. This first-ever meeting between the two sides saw Nilson Angulo score the opening goal in the second half.
2 outlets · Trust withdraws application to convert Kelston Boys’ High School
Bangerz Education and Wellbeing Trust has withdrawn its proposal to convert Kelston Boys’ High School into a charter school. The youth charity cited public pressure and student safety concerns following backlash from staff and the community. The application had been lodged with the Charter School Agency.
2 outlets · Rotorua SH30A roadworks postponed to 2026 after traffic disruption
Roadworks on State Highway 30A have been delayed until next year following significant traffic disruption in Rotorua on Monday. The NZ Transport Agency faced criticism from the local mayor and MP regarding the impact the lane closures had on businesses, schools, and medical providers.
2 outlets · Fabian Holland and Tupou Vaa'i receive World Rugby award nominations
Highlanders lock Fabian Holland has been nominated for World Rugby’s breakthrough player of the year award. Additionally, Tupou Vaa'i has been nominated for try of the year following his score in Wellington during the July series against France.
2 outlets · Three men found guilty of murdering teenager in Auckland
Zak Kameta, Matthew Snaylam, and Hassan Al Fadhli have been found guilty of the premeditated murder of Jayden Mamfredos-Nair. The victim disappeared in April 2023 and was later found buried underground. Prosecutors stated the killing was motivated by a dispute over more than one kilogram of methamphetamine.
2 outlets · Italian military plane lands safely in Christchurch after mid-air issue
A Lockheed C-130 Hercules supporting Antarctic operations landed safely in Christchurch after experiencing a minor technical issue. The aircraft circled above the airport, becoming the most tracked flight globally on Flight Radar during the incident.
2 outlets · Ministry of Education website error may affect abuse redress claims
A senior human rights lawyer warns that incorrect information on a Ministry of Education website may have discouraged survivors of state school abuse from seeking compensation. The website previously stated that survivors later convicted of serious offending were ineligible for redress. The Ministry has since removed the error.
2 outlets · Chris Bishop warns of challenges funding road programme
Transport Minister Chris Bishop has noted difficulties in funding the Government's $56 billion Roads of National Significance programme. He indicated that meeting these costs would require a petrol tax increase of nearly 50 cents per litre. Bishop also warned that some road projects may face long delivery times.
2 outlets · Christchurch unveils performer lineup for 2026 World Buskers Festival
The 33rd World Buskers Festival will take place in Christchurch from 23 January to 1 February 2026. The event features performers from 12 countries across five city locations, aiming to establish the city as a major hub for street performance.
2 outlets · Police mental health call responses decrease following deliberate plan
Police attended 7,370 fewer mental health-related requests in the year to June. This decline follows a deliberate plan to reduce responses to these calls. The department expects the number of responses to decrease further this year as phase three of the plan began on Monday.
2 outlets · Police suggest more hidden campsites may exist in Waikato bush
Investigators looking into the case of Tom Phillips believe additional campsites may have been used to hide him and his children. While four primary locations have been identified following his death in a September shootout, police say they are receiving helpful information regarding further sites.
2 outlets · Two teenagers charged over burglaries and arson in Otaua
Two 15-year-old boys have been identified by police in connection with 12 burglaries and an arson attack in Otaua. The alleged offences, which occurred since October, targeted several residential properties and local facilities, including Otaua School.
2 outlets · Pike River families seek criminal charges 15 years after mine disaster
Families of the 29 men killed in the Pike River mine disaster are still waiting to learn if police will lay criminal charges. To mark the 15th anniversary, families will hold a roll call to remember those who died.
3 outlets · Calls for broader inquiry following police corruption allegations
The government is being pressured to act following an IPCA report alleging high-level cover-ups and corruption within the police. The scandal involving the handling of McSkimming complaints has triggered a national reckoning and a crisis of public confidence in the force.
2 outlets · Jesse Ryder to make cricket comeback in T20 Black Clash
Former Black Caps batter Jesse Ryder will return to the crease for the T20 Black Clash. He will play for Daniel Vettori's Team Cricket against Kieran Read's Team Rugby at Tauranga's Bay Oval on 17 January.
2 outlets · Calls for corporate manslaughter law mark Pike River anniversary
Fifteen years after the Pike River Mine explosion killed 29 men, unions are urging the government to introduce corporate manslaughter laws. The disaster prompted new regulations and a regulator, but reports indicate little progress has been made regarding workplace deaths and rising costs of harm.
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