Mother speaks after three children die in Sanson house fire
Chelsey Field has issued a statement following the deaths of her three children, August, Hugo, and Goldie, in a Sanson house fire. Police are investigating the incident, which also claimed the life of the children's father, Dean Field, as a murder-suicide.
+48 outlets · Former Labour minister Michael Wood to seek political comeback
Former Labour Cabinet minister Michael Wood has announced he will contest the Mt Roskill electorate at the next election. Wood, who resigned in 2023 following controversy regarding undeclared shares, was selected by the Labour Party to run in the Auckland seat he previously lost to National.
+26 outlets · Two killed in car and truck crash north of Timaru
Two people died at the scene following a collision between a car and a truck on State Highway 1 near Brosnan Road on Thursday. Another person was airlifted to hospital in serious condition. Police are now seeking witnesses to the incident.
+15 outlets · Christchurch temperatures reach 30C due to hot nor'wester
Christchurch hit 30C on Friday as a hot nor'wester wind pushed temperatures well above November norms. The city was the hottest place in New Zealand during the heatwave. A southerly change is expected to bring cooler conditions to the region.
+15 outlets · Man charged after baby found with serious injuries in Hutt Valley
A man has been arrested and charged after a baby was found with serious, unexplained injuries at an Avalon home on Thursday morning. Police were called to the address following a report of a disorder. The infant remains in hospital in serious condition.
+15 outlets · Former police leader quits Civil Aviation Authority role
Chris de Wattignar has resigned from his position at the Civil Aviation Authority. His departure follows an IPCA report criticising how police managed sexual offending allegations against former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming. The report stated de Wattignar failed to act on integrity warnings during his time as a senior police leader.
+48 outlets · Truck crash causes delays on Auckland's Northern Motorway near Ōrewa
A truck crashed on State Highway 1 near the Millwater off-ramp on Friday around midday. The incident damaged a median barrier, blocking one lane in both directions. No injuries were reported, but motorists have been advised to seek alternative routes due to significant congestion.
4 outlets · Man charged after series of suspicious fires in Dunedin
A 48-year-old man has been charged following a series of suspicious fires across Dunedin this week. Police allege the fires included a blaze at a vacant Lees Street property on Tuesday, which was reportedly started by Molotov cocktails. Other fires involving a building and vegetation have also been linked to the investigations.
4 outlets · Minister's electorate office replied to emails alleging sexual abuse
Police Minister Mark Mitchell confirmed his electorate office received 17 emails containing sexual abuse allegations against former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming in early 2024. Mitchell stated he was not aware of the allegations until months later, though staff had responded to and forwarded the emails to his ministerial office.
4 outlets · Air Force to replace Boeing 757s with new Airbus fleet
The Royal New Zealand Air Force will replace its two ageing Boeing 757 transport aircraft with two new Airbus A321XLRs. The $620 million lease-to-buy deal with Air Lease Corporation includes aircraft capable of carrying 120 passengers and 9100kg of cargo. Details regarding the new planes' livery have also been released.
3 outlets · Over 1000 schools reaffirm commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
More than 1000 school boards, kura, and principals' associations have pledged to continue upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi. This movement follows government changes to the Education and Training Act that removed Treaty obligations. In the Tairāwhiti region, 20 schools have joined the list compiled by lawyer Tania Waikato.
3 outlets · One person critically injured in Epsom three-vehicle crash
A person was taken to hospital in critical condition following a three-vehicle collision at the intersection of Gillies Avenue and Owens Road in Epsom. The crash occurred at approximately 2.20pm on Friday, prompting the Serious Crash Unit to be notified. Emergency services remained at the scene as traffic was affected.
3 outlets · Kāpiti Coast man jailed for possessing child sexual abuse material
A 32-year-old Kāpiti Coast man has been sentenced to nine years and five months in prison. He was found guilty of possessing, distributing, and importing objectionable child sexual abuse material, with over 31,000 files discovered on his electronic devices.
3 outlets · Katikati schools and medical centre placed in lockdown during police incident
Katikati College, Katikati Primary School, and a medical centre were placed in lockdown following a police incident. Police directed the lockdown while searching for a person of interest. A person has since been arrested, and schools have reported that all students are safe and accounted for.
3 outlets · Police have sufficient evidence for Pike River manslaughter charges
Lawyer Nigel Hampton KC says police believe they have enough evidence to lay manslaughter charges regarding the Pike River disaster. The evidence reportedly links specific acts of gross negligence to the explosion that killed 29 men.
3 outlets · Nathan Boulter was investigated for rape allegations four years ago
Convicted killer Nathan Boulter was investigated four years ago regarding an allegation that he raped a 15-year-old girl when he was 14. While serving time at the Otago Corrections Facility, Boulter was spoken to about the matter but denied any wrongdoing.
+26 outlets · Jenny-May Clarkson bids emotional farewell to Breakfast after 20 years
Presenter Jenny-May Clarkson signed off from TVNZ's Breakfast show on Friday morning. After nearly two decades with the broadcaster, she expressed feeling anxious yet ready for her next chapter. Her final broadcast included tributes from colleagues and the presence of her whānau.
2 outlets · Dunedin businesses fear loss of carparks due to hospital roading upgrades
Central city businesses have expressed concerns that proposed roading changes near the new Dunedin hospital could result in the loss of carparks. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi recently released a summary of public feedback regarding these safety-focused upgrades.
2 outlets · Students struggle to find employment as summer job applications rise
Students are applying for record numbers of jobs but are finding it difficult to secure work. This comes as student allowance and loan payments wrap up for the year, leaving some uncertain about how they will afford food.
3 outlets · Arrest warrant issued for prisoner who breached bail conditions
Police are searching for 56-year-old Dean Shedden after he failed to return to Mt Eden Corrections Facility. Shedden, a remand prisoner, was granted bail on compassionate grounds but did not return to custody by the required deadline last Friday. An arrest warrant has been issued for his whereabouts.
2 outlets · Hamilton firefighters strike for one hour over resourcing dispute
Eighteen unionised career firefighters in Hamilton walked off the job for one hour on Friday. This is the second strike in a month regarding staffing levels. Fire and Emergency reported receiving 17 callouts during the industrial action.
2 outlets · Hastings on-demand public transport trial to end due to costs
The Hawke’s Bay Regional Council is scrapping its MyWay on-demand service in January 2026. Although the service had high customer satisfaction, it was found to be financially unsustainable and cost 159% more to operate than original bus routes. The service will be replaced by new bus routes.
2 outlets · Government education reforms face opposition as changes continue into 2026
The government's overhaul of the school system is continuing as the year ends. Major national organisations representing principals and teachers have recently expressed opposition to various aspects of the reforms. These changes are expected to continue into 2026.
2 outlets · Hawke’s Bay man hits two holes in one at Lake Taupō
Forestry manager Haze Nukunuku achieved two holes in one during a single day at the Lake Taupō Hole in One Challenge. The feat occurred at a challenge featuring holes with a 30cm diameter. This achievement is described as a first for the event.
2 outlets · Tensions emerge within the coalition Government
Differences between the three coalition parties are becoming more visible as the 2026 general election approaches. Winston Peters has been seeking recognition for policy wins, leading to public disagreements with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and ACT leader David Seymour.
2 outlets · Blenheim recycling centre suffers significant damage from fire
A fire broke out at the Resource Recovery Centre on Wither Rd on Thursday afternoon. The blaze caused significant damage and produced thick smoke, leading authorities to advise nearby residents to close their windows. The facility will remain closed for an extended period while investigations into the cause continue.
2 outlets · Stalker receives intensive supervision after harassment charges in Dunedin
Joshua Moffatt, 44, has been sentenced to 18 months of intensive supervision for two harassment charges. The Dunedin man, who has nine protection orders against him, narrowly avoided imprisonment after appearing in the Dunedin District Court on Friday.
2 outlets · Man remanded in custody after alleged kebab shop assault in Henderson
A 30-year-old man has been remanded in custody following an incident at a Rathgar Road eatery on 26 October. Police say the man allegedly intimidated a worker and assaulted them before stealing cash, despite being offered a free kebab to keep the peace.
2 outlets · Fire causes evacuation at COP30 climate summit in Brazil
A fire at a pavilion in Belem disrupted negotiations at the COP30 UN Climate Change Conference on Thursday. The incident triggered an evacuation of the venue. A New Zealand disability advocate reported that her group was left to manage the situation without support.
2 outlets · Sam Hoyle and Tania Kura visited Jevon McSkimming for welfare check
Police Assistant Commissioner Sam Hoyle and former Deputy Commissioner Tania Kura visited Jevon McSkimming to check on his well-being. The visit occurred while McSkimming faced charges of possessing child sexual exploitation and bestiality material.
4 outlets · Matamata-Piako District Council fined for wastewater discharges
The Matamata-Piako District Council has been fined $105,000 by the Hamilton District Court. An investigation found the Waihou wastewater treatment plant near Te Aroha released sewage and wastewater exceeding consent limits between late 2022 and October 2023.
2 outlets · Wellington council to review Golden Mile project following cost blowouts
Mayor Andrew Little has called for a review of the Golden Mile project due to concerns regarding budget increases. The council aims to determine why several projects have exceeded their original costs to ensure future work remains affordable.
2 outlets · Coalition reports 38,000 fewer victims of serious violent crime
The coalition government says its tough-on-crime approach has led to 38,000 fewer victims of serious violent crime. According to the Justice Ministry's latest survey, this figure is nearly double the government's target of 20,000 fewer victims of assault, robbery, or sexual assault annually by 2029.
2 outlets · Feral cats to be included in Predator Free 2050 programme
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka has announced that feral cats will be added to the Predator Free 2050 hit list. Campaigner Gareth Morgan expressed satisfaction with the decision, following the Minister's description of the animals as killers.
2 outlets · Winston Peters to campaign against new regulatory services law
Winston Peters has stated he will campaign against the new regulatory services law, prompting Labour MP Willie Jackson to suggest the coalition government is in trouble. Meanwhile, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith dismissed rumours regarding the Prime Minister's position, describing Christopher Luxon as a decent and intelligent leader.
2 outlets · Tauranga Harbour pontoon proposal faces opposition from residents and rowers
Plans for a maritime emergency response pontoon in Tauranga Harbour have met resistance from local residents and the Tauranga Rowing Club. While the regional council states the facility will reduce emergency response times, opponents argue the structure will affect rowing training areas.
2 outlets · Recreational fishers to protest Hauraki Gulf marine protection reforms
A convoy of boat-towing fishermen plans to block Auckland roads this Saturday to protest the Hauraki Gulf Marine Protection Act. Organiser Ben Chissell says the protest targets laws preventing fishing in protected areas. Fisheries Minister Shane Jones stated that leaders previously agreed to the policy.
3 outlets · Prescription errors in Manawatū and Bay of Plenty pose high harm risk
An audit of 68 pharmacies in Manawatū and the Bay of Plenty identified 1,247 issues across 1,145 reports. Approximately 26 per cent of these prescriber mistakes carried a high risk of patient harm. The most frequent errors involved incorrect doses, followed by issues with quantities, missing details, and inappropriate medications.
3 outlets · Teen receives three-year care order for fatal Massey security guard attack
A teenager involved in the December 2023 killing of security guard Ramandeep Singh will remain in a secure facility for at least three years. The fatal assault occurred in a Massey park carpark. A judge stated the youth must prove he will not cause serious harm to others again.
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