Body found in search for man missing in Christchurch lake
Police have located the body of a man believed to be the person reported missing in Lake Rua, Harewood, on Sunday evening. Search and rescue teams and a dive squad were conducting operations at the lake near Johns Road. A formal identification process will take place.
+15 outlets · Expelled MP denies allegations of overspending parliamentary budget
Mariameno Kapa-Kingi has refuted claims that she overspent her parliamentary budget, stating that official records show she actually underspent. The former Te Pāti Māori MP also reported that an iwi at a recent Te Tai Tokerau hui called for party president John Tamihere to step down.
4 outlets · Disney cruise delayed after man goes overboard in Tasman Sea
A 73-year-old Melbourne man is presumed dead after falling overboard from the Disney Wonder on Saturday morning. The cruise ship was travelling from Melbourne to Auckland when the incident occurred. The vessel is expected to arrive in Auckland a day late following a five-hour search.
+15 outlets · Body found in search for missing woman Te Anihana Pomana
A body has been found in dense bush near Pukekohe during the search for Te Anihana Pomana. The 25-year-old has been missing since 21 August after leaving an Auckland hotel without her belongings. Her family has criticised police for announcing the discovery before formal identification was completed.
+15 outlets · Rainbow sand art toy recalled due to asbestos concerns
A rainbow sand art toy sold at various discount stores across New Zealand is being recalled after samples tested positive for asbestos. MBIE confirmed the recall of the children's product. Some parents are now considering a class action lawsuit regarding potential contamination in sand products sold at Kmart and stationery stores.
4 outlets · Police seek man and woman after Edendale assault
Police have released descriptions of two suspects following a violent, unprovoked assault in Edendale on 15 November. A man was allegedly lured from his home after a woman requested help with a tyre, resulting in serious injuries. Investigators are continuing to seek the man and woman involved in the incident.
4 outlets · Christopher Luxon dismisses leadership speculation and vows to lead National in 2026
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has rejected claims of a leadership coup involving Housing Minister Chris Bishop. Luxon expressed confidence that he will remain leader of the National Party heading into the 2026 election.
3 outlets · Luxon to address proposed increase to default KiwiSaver contribution rate
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is expected to speak in Auckland regarding the National Party's proposal to raise the default KiwiSaver contribution to 6%. While the policy is a key election priority, ACT leader David Seymour has expressed concerns regarding potential impacts on wages and investment.
3 outlets · Luxon says coalition remains strong after Peters and Seymour dispute
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has dismissed concerns regarding coalition stability following a public disagreement between Winston Peters and David Seymour. The dispute arose after Peters vowed to repeal the Regulatory Standards Bill if re-elected, prompting criticism from the ACT leader.
3 outlets · Woodhill Mountain Bike Park closed following rider's death
Woodhill Mountain Bike Park in Auckland has closed for two days following the death of a rider on Monday afternoon. Police stated there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident. The park will remain closed until Thursday to support staff and the riding community.
3 outlets · Trial begins for man accused of murdering Taranaki rugby league player
Rakai Jacob Thompson, 26, appeared in the New Plymouth High Court charged with the murder of 17-year-old Te Omeka Pairama Akariri-Buckley. The court heard the men were involved in a failed sheep rustling attempt in Waitara before the fatal attack occurred.
3 outlets · Health NZ criticised over stillbirth care at Waitākere Hospital
The Health and Disability Commissioner identified system failures following a stillbirth at Waitākere Hospital. A husband was unable to contact a midwife because a bedside phone had been accidentally set to block callers. Deputy commissioner Rose Wall noted that vital monitoring was also missed overnight.
3 outlets · Second arrest made following Wellington daylight shooting
Police have arrested a 22-year-old man in Palmerston North after finding a shotgun. The arrest is related to a targeted shooting at the Pukehinau Flats in Brooklyn earlier this month. The victim escaped the incident by jumping from a balcony.
3 outlets · No charges for burn pile owner after Kaikōura fires
No charges will be laid against a burn pile owner after fires ignited by wind-blown embers destroyed four homes and 33 structures in Kaikōura. The fires, which occurred last month, spread across nearly 200 hectares.
+26 outlets · Wellington High School closes due to burst water main on Cuba Street
Wellington High School closed early on Monday after a burst water main on Cuba Street cut its supply. The outage, which began around 10.20am, has also affected the Te Aro area. Students sitting NCEA exams this afternoon are reportedly not affected by the disruption.
3 outlets · Waikato piggery fined record $437,000 for unlawful effluent discharges
Rawhiti Environmental Park Limited has been fined $437,000 in the Hamilton District Court for persistent discharges of raw piggery effluent. The company was convicted on eight charges involving effluent being discharged into land and streams north of Te Aroha.
3 outlets · First recipients of $50m social investment funding announced
The government has revealed the first seven programmes to receive $50 million in funding from the Social Investment Agency. The funds will prioritise supporting children with parents in prison or in the care system, as well as those stood down from school before age 13. A Dunedin group is among the initial recipients.
4 outlets · British comedian Alan Davies announces New Zealand tour for 2026
British comedian and actor Alan Davies will perform his new show, Think Ahead, across New Zealand in 2026. The tour includes dates in nine centres, beginning at the Waikato Regional Theatre in Hamilton on 31 July. This marks his first tour of the country in ten years.
3 outlets · Former soldier blames trauma from training Ukrainian recruits for taxi assault
Jack Wesley says the New Zealand Defence Force failed to provide support after he returned from training Ukrainian civilians in the UK. Wesley, who assaulted a taxi driver in Palmerston North while intoxicated, claims he has been sober since the incident.
4 outlets · Second phase of inquest begins into prison death after pepper spray use
The second phase of a coronial inquest has commenced regarding the 2022 death of 26-year-old Caleb Moefa'auo at Mt Eden prison. Mr Moefa'auo died following cardiac arrest after being pepper sprayed by an officer. His family is seeking answers and meaningful change to prevent similar incidents.
2 outlets · Truck driver jailed for manslaughter after fatal Remuera accident
Ashik Ali has been sentenced to three years in prison for manslaughter. In May 2024, a faulty truck owned by Ali rolled backwards in Remuera after brake failure, killing roadworker Johnathon Walters. Police had previously made two attempts to revoke Ali's transport service licence.
4 outlets · Senior Auckland detective faces investigation over objectionable material
An experienced Auckland-based detective is facing a criminal investigation for allegedly possessing objectionable material. The investigation involves three police staff members regarding the misuse of inappropriate content. The detective, who has decades of experience and has received awards, has been stood down.
4 outlets · KiwiSaver provider supports National plan but warns of potential flaws
A KiwiSaver provider has welcomed National's proposal to increase total contributions to 12 per cent by 2032. However, the provider warned that employers might avoid the increase by moving staff to total remuneration packages. They have called for the change to be made compulsory to prevent this.
3 outlets · Two participants appear to knock each other out in Utah trial
Two men involved in a 'run it straight' competition in Utah appeared to knock each other unconscious during a collision. The incident has gained significant attention online, with video footage of the clash reaching millions of views on Instagram.
2 outlets · Fundraiser reaches nearly $400,000 for mother of children killed in Sanson fire
A Givealittle page has raised almost $400,000 for Chelsey Field following a house fire in Sanson on 15 November. The blaze resulted in the deaths of Field's three children, August, Hugo, and Goldie, while the children's father, Dean Field, was also found dead. Police are investigating the incident as a suspected homicide.
2 outlets · Two more coloured sand products found to contain asbestos
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has identified asbestos in two additional coloured sand products. Approximately 1,300 units of these products were sold at discount stores across New Zealand. Testing remains ongoing as part of an interagency response to potential contamination in play sand.
2 outlets · Road closed in Auckland CBD after glass falls from building
A street in central Auckland was closed for nearly three hours on Monday after a window fell from the upper level of a multi-storey building on Wyndham Street. Fire and Emergency NZ and police attended the scene, where commercial abseilers were called to secure the remaining windows.
2 outlets · Invasive Chilean needle grass discovered on Te Mata Peak
Biosecurity teams have identified Chilean needle grass on Te Mata Peak, a weed considered a serious threat to the Hawke's Bay environment and economy. Caretakers have removed the plant from the area, and biosecurity teams have since conducted spraying. Landowners have been issued warnings regarding the invasive pest.
2 outlets · Milford Track reopens after avalanche damage
The Milford Track has reopened to the public following repairs by Department of Conservation staff. Severe weather and large avalanches had previously damaged the track and covered sections in debris, causing multiple delays to the opening date.
2 outlets · Worker critically injured in Ōpōtiki kiwifruit packhouse accident
A worker was critically injured during a machinery accident at the Riverlock Packhouse on Waioeka Road. Emergency services and a rescue helicopter attended the scene, and the patient was airlifted to Waikato. Worksafe is investigating the incident.
2 outlets · Cleaner finds $20,000 cash hidden in old chair in Wellington
A cleaner discovered $20,000 in $100 notes hidden inside a retro chair at a Wellington property. The money was found in a plastic bag inside a cushion during a cleaning job. The chairs had reportedly been kept in a basement for over 20 years.
4 outlets · Cricket players brawl with bats and stumps during Upper Hutt match
A violent fight involving cricket players occurred during a T20 match at Trentham Park on Saturday. The altercation, which reportedly began after an umpire's decision, involved players from HDCC Royal Blues and Upper Hutt United Cricket Club using bats and stumps. Cricket Wellington is currently investigating the incident.
2 outlets · Labour leader Chris Hipkins criticises potential coalition partners in Auckland
During a visit to Auckland, Labour leader Chris Hipkins criticised Winston Peters and Te Pāti Māori. The comments follow Hipkins attending a business roundtable and meeting with a delegation from Shandong. He also addressed National's new KiwiSaver policy.
2 outlets · Labour MP Greg O’Connor uncertain about political future
Third-term Labour MP Greg O’Connor is considering his next steps after losing selection for a new seat and seeing his Ōhāriu electorate abolished. While he is not ready to retire, he is undecided on whether he will seek a list placing or continue in politics.
2 outlets · Sunny start to the week before rain and wind arrive
MetService forecasts a fine start to the week for most areas, including Christchurch. However, rain and wind are expected to arrive midweek, with wild conditions predicted for the West Coast. Meanwhile, the North Island is set to experience warm and humid conditions.
2 outlets · New Zealand wastes 237kg of food per person annually
A new report finds that more than 1.2 million tonnes of food is wasted in New Zealand each year. This total is equivalent to 237kg per person, with nearly one third of the waste originating from households.
2 outlets · New variable speed limits activated outside schools in Auckland and Northland
Electronic speed signs are being switched on outside six schools along state highways in Northland and north Auckland. The variable limits will display lower speeds during peak school traffic times to improve safety for children during drop-off and pick-up periods.
2 outlets · Kane Williamson returns to Black Caps squad for West Indies Test
Kane Williamson has rejoined the 14-player Black Caps squad for the first Test against the West Indies next month. While Williamson returns after missing the Zimbabwe series, Glenn Phillips and Kyle Jamieson will be unavailable for the series opener due to injury.
2 outlets · New building reforms to mandate home warranties and insurance
Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk has announced reforms to the Building Act to protect homeowners. The changes will introduce mandatory warranties for building work and insurance requirements for designers to address liability for defective work.
2 outlets · Tenancy Tribunal rulings highlight landlord restrictions in New Zealand rental market
Recent Tenancy Tribunal decisions show some landlords are breaching rules regarding tenant rights. While renters currently have more options due to softer rents, some landlords continue to ignore regulations, such as failing to respect a tenant's right to quiet enjoyment.
3 outlets · State Highway 1 closed after truck rolls on Desert Road
State Highway 1 is closed between Waiōuru and Rangipo following a truck rollover near the Tukino Access Road. The crash occurred around 9am on Sunday. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi confirmed the closure affects the entire stretch of the Desert Road.
2 outlets · Police recovering body from water near Tauranga Chapel St
Police are working to retrieve a body from the water near Chapel St in Tauranga. A heavy police presence was reported in the area this morning. Formal identification of the person has not yet taken place.
2 outlets · Police investigate early morning assault at Tauranga bakery
A business owner was assaulted at the Sand Bakery and Cafe on Cameron Road in Tauranga at 5.20am on Monday. Police were called to the scene and have taken one person into custody following the incident.
2 outlets · Jacinda Ardern discusses death threats and writes letter to younger self
Former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has shared reflections on her life in a recent interview and a letter to her younger self. The former leader discussed managing death threats and her views on political leadership. She also wrote a candid letter about her upbringing for a British publication.
2 outlets · Police search for missing 29-year-old man in Rotorua
Police are seeking public assistance to locate Hemi, a 29-year-old man reported missing from the Ōwhata suburb of Rotorua. He was last seen on the evening of Saturday, 22 November, wearing a dark grey onesie.
2 outlets · Liam Lawson apologises after Las Vegas Grand Prix crash
New Zealander Liam Lawson apologised to his team after a first-corner collision at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The incident forced the driver into the pits and prevented him from scoring points after starting the race in sixth position.
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