National promises to increase KiwiSaver contributions to 12%
National leader Christopher Luxon has announced the party's first election policy in Lower Hutt. If re-elected, the party plans to gradually increase default KiwiSaver contributions to 6% each for employers and employees by 2032 to match the Australian combined rate.
+26 outlets · Filmmaker Costa Botes dies after nearly a decade with cancer
Prolific documentary and film-maker Costa Botes has died following a nearly ten-year battle with cancer. He gained recognition for his work on the mockumentary Forgotten Silver alongside Peter Jackson. Botes also received multiple awards for various short films and documentaries throughout his career.
+37 outlets · Craig Renney selected as Labour candidate for Wellington Bays
Economist and Council of Trade Unions policy director Craig Renney has been chosen as the Labour candidate for the new Wellington Bays electorate. His campaign for the 2026 general election will focus on health, housing, jobs, and the cost of living. Ayesha Verrall has also been confirmed as the party's candidate for Wellington North.
4 outlets · Fire breaks out in Auckland nightclub basement
Emergency services responded to an automatic fire alarm at a Karangahape Road nightclub around 1.40am on Sunday. One person received treatment for smoke inhalation following the basement blaze. Police and fire investigators are currently looking into the cause of the incident.
3 outlets · State Highway 1 reopened following crash near Rakaia
A two-vehicle crash near the Rakaia River Bridge caused delays on State Highway 1 on Sunday morning. Police were called to the scene around 7.20am, involving at least 16 to 18 people. One person was taken to hospital with moderate injuries, and the road was reopened before 9am.
3 outlets · Search and rescue underway for person missing near Cape Reinga
Police are conducting a search and rescue mission for a person who went missing in the water near Cape Reinga. The person reportedly fell from rocks near Tapotupotu Bay Beach on Sunday afternoon. Emergency services were alerted to the person in distress around 3.25pm.
2 outlets · Fabian Holland named World Rugby breakthrough player of the year
All Blacks lock Fabian Holland has been named World Rugby’s breakthrough player of the year for 2025. The 23-year-old Highlander becomes the sixth New Zealander to receive the award following a successful debut season.
2 outlets · Vegetation fire extinguished in Bottle Lake Forest near Christchurch
Firefighters from three stations responded to a vegetation fire in Bottle Lake Forest on Saturday morning. Seven crews worked to battle the blaze, which had started in the popular recreational area. The fire has since been extinguished.
2 outlets · Driver discharged without conviction after fatal New Year's Day crash
Jasmine Donaldson has been found guilty of careless driving causing the death of Jade Richards. The crash occurred on New Year's Day while the pair were travelling from Gisborne to Rotorua. A judge noted that an apology would have been significant during the proceedings.
3 outlets · Nelly Sione sentenced for stealing from Christchurch trust
Nelly Sione has been sentenced for stealing more than $8,000 from the Tangata Atumotu Trust. The Christchurch-based organisation provides health and social services to the Pacific Island community.
2 outlets · All Blacks defeat Wales 52-26 in Cardiff
New Zealand secured a 52-26 victory over Wales at Principality Stadium on Saturday. The All Blacks scored seven tries during the match, including doubles from Caleb Clarke and Sevu Reece. Despite the loss, Welsh winger Tom Rogers made history by scoring a hat-trick of tries.
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