Thursday 27 November 2025
36 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Cracroft Reserve selected as preferred site for Erebus Memorial
The Ministry for Culture and Heritage has identified Cracroft Reserve in Christchurch as the preferred location for the National Erebus Memorial. The memorial will honour the 257 people killed when Air New Zealand flight 901 crashed in Antarctica in 1979.
+48 outlets · Public inquiry announced into disappearance of Phillips children
The government will hold a public inquiry in 2026 regarding the disappearance of Tom Phillips' children. The investigation will examine whether government agencies took all practicable steps to protect the children's safety and welfare. Recommendations from the inquiry are expected in July next year.
+26 outlets · Lake Alice survivors awarded compensation of up to $600,000
Thirty-seven former patients of the Lake Alice psychiatric hospital have been awarded individual compensation between $160,000 and $600,000. This follows an independent report by arbiter Paul Davison KC regarding survivors of torture at the facility. Additionally, a significant privacy breach involving survivors' details has been referred to the Public Service Commissioner.
+59 outlets · Firefighters battle multiple blazes across Otago and Southland
Emergency crews and helicopters are fighting several vegetation fires in Otago and Southland driven by high winds and heat. A fire near Mataura has closed a section of State Highway 96, while a blaze in Palmerston has burnt through 25 hectares of pine trees.
4 outlets · Police justified in using Tasers on armed man in Khandallah
The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found Wellington police were justified in using Tasers on a man wielding a hedge trimmer blade in January. The man sustained a serious head injury after falling onto the road during the incident on Cockayne Road. Police were responding to reports that the man had trapped a woman and baby at a bus stop.
+15 outlets · One person dies in motorcycle crash near Kaikōura
A motorcyclist died at the scene following a single-vehicle crash near Waipapa Bay on Thursday morning. Police were called to the incident on State Highway 1 north of Kaikōura at approximately 10am. The crash resulted in the closure of the highway between Blenheim and Kaikōura.
4 outlets · Dunedin man charged with arson over 2024 Waikaia house fire
A 35-year-old Dunedin man has been charged with arson following a suspicious fire on Elswick Street in Waikaia on 21 February 2024. The blaze caused extensive damage to a home and two vehicles, though no injuries were reported. The man is due to appear in Gore District Court on 17 December.
4 outlets · Two people safe after launch catches fire in Hauraki Gulf
Two people escaped to a dinghy after their 38-foot launch caught fire in the Hauraki Gulf on Thursday morning. Emergency services were called to the incident between Browns Island and Musick Point around 8.15am. No injuries were reported.
4 outlets · Surfer rescued after drifting 1.5km offshore from Piha Beach
A hypothermic surfer was rescued in darkness on Tuesday night after being swept out to sea by a rip near Lion Rock. Emergency services and an Eagle helicopter located the man approximately 1.5km offshore. His family expressed gratitude to the responders following the multi-agency search effort.
3 outlets · Customs seize $11.5 million worth of cocaine at Port of Tauranga
Customs officers discovered 33kg of cocaine hidden in two refrigerated containers at the Port of Tauranga on 20 November. The drugs were found on a vessel that travelled from Ecuador through Panama. The illicit bricks are estimated to have a street value of $11.5 million.
3 outlets · Man charged after stabbing in Henderson
A 45-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm following a stabbing in Henderson. The man allegedly attacked someone known to him off Edsel Street on Wednesday afternoon. The victim is currently in stable condition at an Auckland city hospital.
3 outlets · Record November temperatures recorded in Whanganui, Hastings and Auckland
Several parts of New Zealand have experienced record-breaking November temperatures. Whanganui hit a new high on Wednesday, while Auckland recorded its hottest November day on Thursday with temperatures reaching 26.2C at the airport. Hastings also saw its highest November temperature in at least 60 years.
4 outlets · Aucklanders oppose proposed fortnightly rubbish collection trial
Public consultation shows strong opposition to a proposed six-month trial to move kerbside rubbish collection to fortnightly in parts of Auckland. Approximately 78 per cent of written submissions rejected the plan, which would affect areas including Te Atatū Peninsula, Panmure, Tāmaki, Clendon Park and Weymouth.
4 outlets · Local board vote against more Eden Park concerts sparks outrage
An Auckland business association is angry after a local community board voted against increasing the number of concerts at Eden Park. While the government aims to expand the venue's capacity from 12 to 32 annual gigs, Auckland Council has expressed support for the plan in principle.
3 outlets · Rotting lake weed causes stench at Rotorua lakefront
A 70 tonne-a-day clean-up of Lake Rotorua is underway to remove decomposing weed and dead fish. Local businesses report that the resulting odour is causing customers to complain or avoid the area. The removal process is continuing this week.
4 outlets · Video evidence and police interview presented in Taranaki murder trial
Rakai Thompson is on trial in the New Plymouth High Court for the murder of Te Omeka Pairama Akariri-Buckley. During the proceedings, a witness's phone recording from the scene and a police interview with Thompson were played. Thompson has claimed he acted in self-defence during the fatal stabbing.
2 outlets · HMNZS Aotearoa transited through the Taiwan Strait earlier this month
Defence Minister Judith Collins confirmed that New Zealand's largest navy ship, the HMNZS Aotearoa, sailed through the Taiwan Strait in early November. The vessel was en route to the North Asian region. One source reported that Chinese forces tracked and followed the ship during its transit.
2 outlets · Tekoteko Hāmama returned to Rānana Marae after century in museum
The carving Hāmama, representing a Ngāti Hine tūpuna, has been returned to Rānana Marae on the Whanganui River. The tekoteko was handed over by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa following four decades of negotiations and more than a century in national collections.
2 outlets · Advocate responds to Minister over Te Tiriti school list
Lawyer Tania Waikato has rejected claims by Education Minister Erica Stanford that schools are facing pressure to reaffirm their commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. More than 1,300 schools have currently signed the pledge known as Te Rārangi Rangatira.
2 outlets · Covid-19 risk at lowest level since 2020
New Zealanders face the lowest risk of catching Covid-19 since 2020 despite continuous Omicron circulation. Experts Michael Baker and Nikki Turner suggest getting a booster ahead of the busy Christmas season.
2 outlets · Dunedin City Council to seek providers for homelessness outreach service
The Dunedin City Council has decided to seek expressions of interest from community providers to run a three-year homelessness outreach programme. The service is intended to address the growing homelessness crisis and is expected to begin in April next year.
2 outlets · Waikaraka Park speedway reopens following $11m upgrade
A new speedway track at Auckland's Waikaraka Park has been completed following an $11 million construction project. The facility is set to host the first Auckland race of the 2025-2026 season this Saturday, marking the end of a legal dispute regarding the council's decision to move the speedway.
2 outlets · Willis urges banks to pass on official cash rate cuts
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has called on banks to reduce home loan rates following the Reserve Bank's decision to cut the official cash rate to 2.25 per cent. Banks began lowering floating rates on Wednesday after the 25 basis point reduction.
2 outlets · New Zealand sea lion visits Dunedin dry cleaning shop
A New Zealand sea lion was filmed approaching a dry cleaning store in Dunedin early Wednesday morning. The animal arrived at the shop on the corner of Kitchener and Wharf Streets around 4.30am. This sighting occurs during the species' breeding season.
2 outlets · New Zealand Super Rugby Pacific teams unveil 2026 jerseys
Five original New Zealand Super Rugby Pacific teams have revealed their jersey ranges for the 2026 season. The new kits feature throwback designs to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the competition.
2 outlets · Two climbers killed in fall on Aoraki Mt Cook
American lawyer Kellam Conover and guide Thomas Vialletet have died after falling from the west ridge of Aoraki Mt Cook. The pair were roped together while climbing from Empress Hut towards the summit on Monday night.
2 outlets · Medicinal cannabis users may be affected by new drug-driving laws
A clinic founder warns that hundreds of thousands of legal medicinal cannabis users could be impacted by new driving laws. Police are preparing to test drivers for THC, methamphetamine, MDMA, and cocaine. Two positive saliva tests can result in a 12-hour driving ban.
2 outlets · MIKI Sand Art Set recalled due to potential asbestos contamination
More than 570 MIKI Sand Art Sets sold nationwide between July and December 2023 are being recalled. Preliminary testing detected mineral fibres consistent with asbestos in the coloured sand product.
2 outlets · Beef mince prices have risen by 18 percent since start of year
The average price for a one-kilogram pack of beef mince has increased by 18 percent since the beginning of the year. Analysts suggest that beef mince is losing its status as the most affordable red-meat option and prices may remain high for years.
2 outlets · Nurses enter second week of work-to-rule action against Health NZ
Nurses nationwide are refusing to work extra shifts or fill roster gaps during a second week of work-to-rule action. Health NZ expects some cancellations of planned care and appointments due to the strike. The agency says extra monitoring is in place to protect patients.
2 outlets · Hawke’s Bay Regional Council to phase out cyclone flooding labels
The Hawke’s Bay Regional Council plans to remove controversial land categorisation labels from its hazard portal. This move will phase out the 'Category 3' or red zone designations applied to thousands of properties following Cyclone Gabrielle.
2 outlets · Wellington hospital frontline roles face long delays for recruitment approval
Frontline health roles in Wellington hospitals are facing delays of over six months to receive recruitment approval from Health NZ. Data obtained by the Public Service Association shows 219 requests took more than two months to be authorised, with some roles remaining vacant for several months.
2 outlets · Rodger Finlay appointed as new Reserve Bank board chair
Former investment banker Rodger Finlay has been appointed chairperson of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. Finlay has been acting in the role since August following the resignation of Neil Quigley. Finance Minister Nicola Willis stated the appointment is part of a leadership refresh.
2 outlets · Stan Wawrinka granted wildcard for 2026 ASB Classic
Three-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka has been confirmed to play at the ASB Classic in January. The 40-year-old will make his first appearance in New Zealand in 19 years.
2 outlets · Class action filed against Transpower and Omexom over Northland power outage
A class action lawsuit has been launched against Transpower and contractor Omexom following a pylon collapse near Glorit in mid-2024. The incident caused major electricity disruptions for approximately 180,000 people and 20,000 businesses across the Northland region.
2 outlets · Coroner rules diving death near East Cape was preventable
The death of 43-year-old Aaron Matthews while diving for seafood in 2022 was preventable, according to a coroner. The ruling stated that inexperience and a lack of sufficient training contributed to the drowning near Lottin Point.
3 outlets ·
