Thursday 20 November 2025
52 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Swiss man charged after fatal Canterbury vehicle crash
A 32-year-old Swiss national has been charged with careless driving causing death following a two-vehicle crash in Sheffield, Canterbury. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon at the intersection of State Highway 73 and Deans Road, resulting in one death and two minor injuries. The man has been barred from leaving New Zealand.
+26 outlets · Foodstuffs South Island fined for selling recalled hummus products
Foodstuffs South Island has been fined $39,000 in the Christchurch District Court. The company sold hummus products that had been recalled in 2023 due to potential salmonella contamination. The recall involved tahini and hummus products from a Turkish manufacturer.
+26 outlets · Lyttelton landlord ordered to pay $33,000 for tenancy law breaches
Murray Lawrence Hill has been ordered by the Tenancy Tribunal to pay $33,000 in penalties for serious breaches at a Lyttelton boarding house. Following an investigation, Hill must also remove industrial rubbish and repair various structural issues, including holes in the roof and ceiling.
+15 outlets · Winston Peters vows to repeal Regulatory Standards Bill if re-elected
NZ First leader Winston Peters has promised to campaign for the repeal of the Regulatory Standards Bill, which became law two days ago. ACT leader David Seymour responded by suggesting Peters may be preparing to side with the Labour Party.
+15 outlets · Wellington City Council pauses Golden Mile project for review
Wellington City Council has voted to pause the Golden Mile revitalisation project to conduct an independent review. Council staff warned that the project's cost could rise from $139 million to as much as $220 million. The review aims to establish a clearer financial picture and test the project's viability.
4 outlets · Police investigate 16 electoral fraud complaints in Ōtara-Papatoetoe
Police are conducting two separate investigations into 16 complaints of alleged electoral fraud involving the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board election. The complaints, referred by Election Services, include allegations of voting-paper theft and voter intimidation.
4 outlets · Takapuna Grammar teacher Kevin Hu dies after diving accident in Fiji
Takapuna Grammar School is mourning mathematics teacher Kevin Hu, who died following a diving accident in Fiji. The school described Hu as a much-loved staff member and head of calculus. Colleagues and students have paid tribute to his dedication and impact on the school community.
4 outlets · One person hospitalised after two-bus crash in Glen Innes
One person was taken to Middlemore Hospital in moderate condition following a crash involving two buses and a car on Apirana Avenue. Emergency services attended the scene in Glen Innes just after 9am. The incident has caused heavy traffic delays in the area.
4 outlets · Police officer hospitalised after alleged assault at Christchurch Airport
A police officer was taken to hospital with moderate injuries after being allegedly assaulted at Christchurch Airport around 1.50am on Thursday. The incident occurred when an officer approached two people behaving in a disorderly manner. Two people have been arrested following the encounter.
4 outlets · Homicide investigation launched after man dies in Waikanae
Police have launched a homicide investigation following an altercation at a Kakariki Grove property on Wednesday afternoon. A man died at the scene, and another person was seriously injured. Three men, aged 20, 25 and 26, have been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
+15 outlets · Criminal investigations begin into three police staff over device misuse
Three police staff are facing criminal investigations following an audit of police devices and internet usage. Six staff members have been stood down after a review of information security controls identified inappropriate content and misuse. The audit was reportedly prompted by a staff resignation.
+15 outlets · Man charged after explosives allegedly used to ignite Dunedin house
A 48-year-old man has been arrested and charged following a fire that destroyed an empty house in central Dunedin on Tuesday morning. Police say the blaze, which occurred around 12.30am, was allegedly started using explosives. The man faces charges including wilfully setting fire to property and endangering life.
3 outlets · Darryl Bridgeman sentenced to additional years for sexual offending
Darryl Grant Bridgeman has been sentenced to five more years in prison for sexually offending two young boys. The 55-year-old, who has previously raped two women, will now serve a total 22-year term and will not be eligible for parole until 2041.
4 outlets · Kmart sold 67,000 units of potentially asbestos-laced play sand
Kmart NZ has sold 67,000 units of potentially asbestos-laced children's play sand since 2015. The affected products include 380g craft pots available in 15 different colours.
+37 outlets · Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke addresses Te Pāti Māori internal divisions
Te Pāti Māori MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke has commented on the party's recent breakdown and the expulsion of former colleagues. Comparing the split to a divorce between parents, she stated that those involved on both sides have been in the wrong and is calling for unity.
4 outlets · New stalking and harassment law passes final reading
Parliament has passed the Crimes Legislation (Stalking and Harassment) Amendment Bill, making stalking a specific criminal offence. The new law allows for a maximum prison sentence of five years and is expected to take effect in May 2026.
3 outlets · Five people injured in West Coast multi-vehicle crash
Five people were injured, including two seriously, in a three-vehicle crash in Ross on Thursday afternoon. The incident occurred at the intersection of State Highway 6 and Donoghues Road. Emergency services attended the scene, and the highway was closed following the crash.
3 outlets · Digger becomes submerged during Waitaria Bay jetty replacement work
A digger became stuck in the sand and was submerged by the tide during replacement work at the Waitaria Bay jetty. Contractors were working on the Marlborough Sounds structure after the previous jetty was closed in January due to safety concerns.
+15 outlets · Young woman dies following Manawatū car and truck collision
An 18-year-old woman has died from injuries sustained in a crash involving a car and a truck. The collision occurred around midday on Tuesday at the intersection of Kairanga Bunnythorpe Rd and Roberts Line in Manawatū.
3 outlets · Sophie Ellis-Bextor to perform in Hamilton and Christchurch
British pop singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor will perform in New Zealand in February 2026. She is scheduled to play at the Waikato Regional Theatre in Hamilton on 3 February, followed by a performance at the James Hay Theatre in Christchurch on 4 February.
3 outlets · Off-duty officer accessed police database following road incident
An off-duty Waikato police officer used a police database to find a driver's details after a merging incident in Hamilton. The Independent Police Conduct Authority found the officer used poor judgement and made an aggressive phone call, though he did not act dishonestly. Police say they accept the findings.
3 outlets · New Zealand citizenship application fees to increase from tomorrow
The Department of Internal Affairs has announced the first fee increase for New Zealand citizenship applications in 22 years. From Friday, adult application costs will rise from $470.20 to $560, while fees for children under 16 will increase to $280. The changes aim to meet rising costs.
3 outlets · Feral cats added to Predator Free 2050 eradication list
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka has announced that feral cats will be included in the Predator Free 2050 strategy. This marks the first addition to the official eradication list since the programme began. The cats will join other predators such as rats, possums, and mustelids.
+26 outlets · Mayor proposes revisiting tidal barrier plans for Christchurch estuary
Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger has requested that council staff reconsider building a tidal barrier across the Ihutai Avon-Heathcote Estuary to mitigate flooding. The proposal, which would span from Southshore Spit to near Shag Rock, has faced criticism and little support from several councillors.
2 outlets · Auckland business owner jailed for manslaughter after roadworker's death
Ashik Ali has been sentenced to three years in prison for the manslaughter of Jonathon Walters. The incident occurred in Remuera in May 2024 when the brakes of Ali's unregistered 20-tonne truck failed, causing it to roll backwards and crush the worker. Walters died in hospital two days after the accident.
3 outlets · Chatham Islands waka dated to the mid-1400s
Interim radiocarbon testing shows a partially excavated waka arrived in the Chatham Islands during the mid-1400s. The vessel was discovered by Vincent and Nikau Dix and is believed to be of pre-European construction.
2 outlets · All Blacks announce rotated team for final test against Wales
Coach Scott Robertson has made 13 changes to the All Blacks side for their upcoming match against Wales in Cardiff. The selection includes Ruben Love in the starting lineup and Otago loose forward Christian Lio-Willie on the bench. The match is scheduled for Sunday morning at Principality Stadium.
2 outlets · Crowds gather at Parliament for visit by China's Zhao Leji
A crowd gathered on Parliament's lawn ahead of a visit by Zhao Leji, the chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee. The third-highest-ranking member of the Chinese government held a bilateral meeting with Speaker Gerry Brownlee during the visit.
2 outlets · New report shows a quarter of women have experienced partner abuse
A World Health Organisation report reveals that 24.5 per cent of women in Australia and New Zealand have been physically or sexually abused by a partner. Following these findings, there are calls for new public awareness and education campaigns regarding domestic violence.
2 outlets · Three people arrested following drug operation in Invercargill
Three people have been arrested and charged with drug offences following a planned police operation in Invercargill. Authorities executed four simultaneous search warrants across Southland properties, seizing various illicit drugs and $10,000 in cash. The arrested individuals have appeared in court.
2 outlets · Two people killed in State Highway 1 crash north of Timaru
Two people died at the scene following a collision between a car and a truck near Brosnan Road. Emergency services responded to the crash at approximately 5:10pm. The Serious Crash Unit is investigating the incident, and motorists are advised to expect delays.
2 outlets · Doctors criticise government pause on new puberty blocker prescriptions
Health Minister Simeon Brown has announced a pause on new puberty blocker prescriptions for young people with gender dysphoria. Medical professionals have described the decision as politically motivated and discriminatory. Critics noted that the pause does not apply to the same medications used for other medical conditions.
3 outlets · Wildfire recovery offers chance for native regeneration in Tongariro National Park
A wildfire scorched 3000 hectares of Tongariro National Park, forcing evacuations of residents and trampers. Conservation leaders suggest the blackened landscape may provide a rare opportunity for large-scale native regeneration as recovery efforts begin.
2 outlets · Blenheim rubbish treatment plant closed following cardboard fire
A fire broke out at the Blenheim Transfer Station and Resource Recovery Centre on Wither Road on Thursday afternoon. Fire crews attended the scene, and the facility has been closed. Nearby residents have been advised to close their windows to avoid inhaling residual smoke.
2 outlets · Auckland dentist named in charges regarding suspended licence
Dr Jacob Goldenberg and his Ponsonby company, Total Health Dentistry, face 21 charges. The Dental Council suspended Goldenberg's practising certificate in March 2023. He is accused of treating patients while his licence was suspended.
2 outlets · Queenstown Lakes District Council issued abatement notices for Wānaka wastewater plant
The Queenstown Lakes District Council has received two abatement notices following failures at the Wānaka wastewater treatment plant. Recent heavy rain occurred while the facility was being upgraded and operating at reduced capacity. This resulted in spiked nitrogen levels and treated wastewater flooding disposal fields.
2 outlets · Air New Zealand flight returns to Auckland due to engine issue
An Air New Zealand flight from Auckland to Nelson was forced to return to Auckland after an engine shutdown occurred near Mt Taranaki. Emergency services were called to the airport on Thursday afternoon, but the aircraft landed safely.
2 outlets · Superdeal NZ issues further recall for coloured sand due to asbestos
Superdeal NZ has issued a voluntary recall for 15 coloured sand products sold at over 100 stores nationwide after laboratory tests detected asbestos. In Auckland, concerned parents and teachers are delivering potentially contaminated play sand to designated council drop-off sites.
2 outlets · Comedian John Bishop rides motorbike up Dunedin's Baldwin Street
English comedian John Bishop filmed himself riding a motorbike up Baldwin Street in Dunedin. While on tour in New Zealand, Bishop expressed doubts about the safety of the attempt before successfully completing the ride up the steep street.
2 outlets · Mereana Muriwai passes away aged 21 after cancer battle
Mereana Muriwai has died at age 21 following a battle with a rare and aggressive form of ovarian cancer. The Waikato woman was married to Hurricanes halfback Nui Muriwai.
2 outlets · Cheap fruit and vegetable imports pressure local New Zealand production
Supermarkets and shoppers seeking the lowest prices are putting pressure on New Zealand's local crops. In Hawke's Bay, Wattie's New Zealand has recently reduced the local production of canned peaches, tomatoes, beetroot, and corn.
2 outlets · New bill to prevent schools from opting out of international testing
The Education and Training (System Reform) Bill has been introduced to Parliament. The legislation will require schools to participate in international maths and reading tests and allows for faster intervention in failing schools. It also grants a new property agency power over school building expenditure.
3 outlets · Police officers stood down following breath test investigation
A small number of officers have been stood down for additional misconduct following an investigation into falsely or erroneously recorded alcohol breath tests. While some staff were found to have committed serious misconduct, police say no cases are being treated as criminal offending.
3 outlets · Police release footage of attempted dairy robbery in New Plymouth
Police have released CCTV footage of a masked man attempting to rob a dairy on Ngamotu Road on Saturday, 8 November. The man, wearing a black hoodie and face mask, reportedly brandished a knife and demanded staff open the register. Authorities are now seeking public assistance to identify the individual.
2 outlets · Winston Peters declines to rate Christopher Luxon's performance as prime minister
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters refused to rate Christopher Luxon's performance as prime minister on Thursday. Peters stated that stability is critically important and said he would provide an update on the state of play next year.
2 outlets · Customs seizes 1.5 million cigarettes and $500,000 in Auckland raids
Customs and police arrested two men following searches of five storage facilities and private residences across Auckland. The operation uncovered 1.5 million cigarettes, representing an estimated $2.2 million in evaded excise taxes, along with approximately $500,000 in cash.
2 outlets · Man charged with murder after death in central New Plymouth
A 44-year-old man has been charged with murder following an altercation on St Aubyn Street in New Plymouth. Emergency services responded to the incident shortly before 7pm on Wednesday, where a man was found with critical injuries and died at the scene despite CPR efforts.
2 outlets · Ministry of Education supplied asbestos-tainted sand to schools
The Ministry of Education has confirmed it supplied sand containing asbestos to approximately 260 schools. Following the recall, Nawton School has closed its junior classrooms after discovering the product was in use. Dozens of schools across the country have closed this week due to the discovery.
2 outlets · Woman's death in Ōtāhuhu not considered suspicious by police
Police have ruled out suspicious circumstances regarding the death of a woman at an Atkinson Avenue property in Ōtāhuhu. Emergency services attended the scene at approximately 1.50am on Monday, where the woman was pronounced dead. The matter will now be referred to the Coroner.
2 outlets · Bank claims it is the only one passing on full OCR cuts
The Co-operative Bank says it has passed on the full benefit of official cash rate reductions to floating mortgages. The bank claims it cut floating home loan rates by 3.1 per cent since mid-2024, while other major banks have not matched the full 3 per cent Reserve Bank reduction.
2 outlets · Kākāpō numbers rising as breeding conditions improve for 2026
Kākāpō populations are recovering quickly, leading to a shortage of pest-free islands for the birds. Experts suggest 2026 could see a significant leap in the breeding programme due to an upcoming mast year for rimu trees.
+15 outlets · Authorities test sand products for asbestos following three brand recalls
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is testing various sand products after quartz-based sand from Education Colours, Creatistics and Anko was found to contain asbestos. Experts advise parents not to panic, noting that asbestos is common in New Zealand building materials.
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