Police arrest 43 people in Auckland Airport drug smuggling probe
Operation Matata has resulted in 43 arrests, including 20 baggage handlers and eight members of the Brotherhood 28 MC gang. The investigation targets an organised crime syndicate allegedly using unattended baggage to import large quantities of drugs through Auckland International Airport.
+15 outlets · Man seriously injured in targeted Chartwell shooting
A 37-year-old man sustained serious injuries following a suspected targeted shooting in Chartwell, Hamilton, late Thursday night. Police were called to a property on Sapphire Place around 11.50pm. Investigators are now searching for two specific vehicles, one red and one white, and are requesting public assistance and CCTV footage.
+15 outlets · Man arrested after allegedly using speargun in Papatoetoe carjacking
A 42-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly brandishing a speargun to steal a vehicle from an elderly man in Papatoetoe. The incident occurred on Friday following an attempted break-in on Wyllie Road. The man faces charges including aggravated robbery and is expected to appear in Manukau District Court.
4 outlets · Plan unveiled for $50m redevelopment of Waiwera Thermal Springs
A $50 million project aims to transform the vacant Waiwera geothermal site into a high-end wellness destination featuring 28 pools and saunas. Waiwera Thermal Springs Property LP plans to lodge a resource consent with Auckland Council on 1 December. The redevelopment is intended to reopen the site by late 2027.
+15 outlets · Drivers warned of delays for IKEA's Auckland opening next week
Motorists are being warned to expect significant travel delays when IKEA opens its first New Zealand store in Auckland on 4 December. Worst-case scenarios include 40-minute queues to exit the motorway and hour-long waits to find a car park at the Sylvia Park location.
4 outlets · Mother files judicial review over fatal police shooting of Kaoss Price
Jillian Hana has launched a judicial review challenging the police investigation into the 2022 fatal shooting of her son, Kaoss Price, near New Plymouth. The legal action follows a decision not to prosecute or pursue disciplinary action against the officer involved in the shooting.
+26 outlets · Labour shifts into campaign mode at Auckland annual general meeting
Labour leader Chris Hipkins says the party is moving from policy review into campaign mode ahead of next year's election. During the annual general meeting in Auckland, Hipkins expressed confidence in the party's changes and stated they aim to win every Māori electorate.
4 outlets · Man arrested after attempted carjackings and police chase in Auckland
A 33-year-old man has been arrested following a high-speed police pursuit across Auckland in the early hours of Thursday. He allegedly attempted to carjack two motorists, forcing one person from their vehicle. The man faces multiple charges, including assault with intent to rob and dangerous driving.
3 outlets · Search suspended for missing Tokoroa teacher
Police have suspended the physical search for Jayleb-Che Dean, a 36-year-old teacher who has been missing since 30 September. He was last seen at a swimming spot on Waiotapu Loop Road in Rotorua. Despite conducting aerial and ground searches, authorities have been unable to locate him.
3 outlets · Man sentenced after attempting unlawful citizen's arrest
Steven Gardiner has been sentenced after attempting to make a citizen's arrest at a Christchurch man's home. The decision followed Gardiner's frustration regarding the police investigation into an assault he suffered a month earlier.
3 outlets · Remuneration Authority introduces home security allowance for elected members
The Remuneration Authority has introduced a new home security allowance for elected members following incidents of abuse and threats. This allows some councillors to access up to $5,500 for security equipment and installation, with an additional $1,000 annually for monitoring and repairs.
3 outlets · Man jailed for animal welfare charges after horse starved to death
A Manawatū man has been sentenced to six months in prison after a horse died from starvation on his Ohakune property. He was also fined $1,500 and banned from owning horses for five years following an investigation into the neglect of three animals. Two surviving horses were found emaciated and without adequate shelter.
4 outlets · Mother pays tribute to son and partner killed in Timaru crash
Hana Kroon has shared a tribute to her five-year-old son, Ivar, and his father, Steven, following their deaths on 20 November. The pair died after a car and a truck collided on State Highway 1 north of Timaru. Kroon thanked the local community for their support during her grief.
3 outlets · New Zealander dies in sailing accident during round the world trip
Lyall Babington, a 74-year-old New Zealander, has died after being pulled into a faulty winch on his yacht. The accident occurred while he was on a round the world trip aboard his 17m yacht, Mollie. British authorities released findings into the incident on Friday.
4 outlets · Auckland records highest November temperature to date
Auckland reached a record-breaking 27.1°C on Thursday during a period of warm and thundery weather. MetService reports that while much of the country remains warm, a reprieve from humid nights is expected soon.
3 outlets · Police appeal for help to find missing 14-year-old in south Auckland
Counties Manukau South Police are seeking public assistance to locate 14-year-old Tracey. She was reported missing from her home in Conifer Grove and is believed to be in the south Auckland area. Police and her family are urging anyone with information to come forward.
3 outlets · Peter Burling cleared to race in SailGP grand final
Peter Burling has been cleared to lead the Black Foils in the SailGP championship-deciding races in Abu Dhabi this weekend. The driver was previously in doubt for the event following a right index finger injury sustained during practice.
2 outlets · Irish tramper dies in his sleep while hiking Te Araroa Trail
Stephen Andrew Eric Barrington, 66, died suddenly in his sleep on Tuesday. The Irish hiker passed away after completing a 19km stretch of the 3000km Te Araroa Trail, following what he had described as his best day yet.
2 outlets · Humpback whale breaches near boat in Northland's Bream Bay
A group of friends fishing in Bream Bay witnessed a large humpback whale leap from the water. Michele Adams captured images of the animal breaching just 50 metres from her boat. The encounter included the whale flapping its fins during the display.
3 outlets · Public inquiry announced into handling of Tom Phillips case
Attorney-General Judith Collins has confirmed a public inquiry will examine the Tom Phillips case. The investigation will assess whether government agencies took all practicable steps to ensure the children's safety and welfare.
2 outlets · New action plan announced to revitalise Auckland CBD
Minister for Auckland Simeon Brown and Mayor Wayne Brown have unveiled a joint plan to make the city centre safer and cleaner. The initiative aims to address concerns regarding crime and anti-social behaviour. However, some critics suggest the plan lacks detail and repackages existing work.
4 outlets · Guide and lawyer die after fall on Aoraki Mt Cook
Wānaka-based guide Thomas Vialletet and American lawyer Kellam Conover died after falling near the summit of Aoraki Mt Cook on Monday. The pair were roped together while completing a traverse of the mountain.
2 outlets · Hamilton concrete contractor ordered to pay reparations to 12 victims
Jason Lambert must pay $21,000 in reparations to 12 victims after failing to complete any work for which he received deposits. The Hamilton contractor also threatened one client with a visit from gang members.
2 outlets · State Highway 36 closed near Tauranga after car hits power pole
A section of State Highway 36 was closed on Friday afternoon after a car collided with a power pole between Taumata Road and Oropi Road. Emergency services attended the scene around 3.10pm. Police confirmed the driver involved in the crash was not seriously injured.
2 outlets · Mainlander passenger train service to return to South Island
The Mainlander passenger train will return to the South Island as early as January. Operated by Rail and Tourism Group, the service will initially run a three-day timetable during the January school holidays, linking Dunedin, Christchurch, and Invercargill.
2 outlets · PSA health workers strike in Northland and Waikato
More than 500 PSA health workers in Northland and others across Waikato are striking for better pay and working conditions. Health NZ stated that Northland hospitals remain open, though appointments will be rescheduled.
2 outlets · Expelled Te Pāti Māori MP urges Labour to create electoral overhang
Former Te Pāti Māori MP Tākuta Ferris has called on the Labour Party to show strategic restraint by refusing to run in Māori electorates. Ferris suggests this would create an electoral overhang to remove the Government, but Labour has rejected the proposal.
2 outlets · City Rail Link opening delayed until second half of 2026
Auckland's $5.5 billion City Rail Link project is now expected to open to passengers in the latter half of 2026. Government and local leaders confirmed the timeline as the underground rail project enters its final testing and commissioning phase.
2 outlets · Thirty-two more dairy farms approved in Canterbury
The Canterbury regional council has approved 32 additional dairy farms for the region. Low wheat prices and high milk payouts are believed to be driving grain growers to convert their crops to dairy farming. This could add up to 25,000 cows to the local herd this year.
2 outlets · Westpac NZ fined $3.64 million for breaching lending laws
The Auckland High Court has fined Westpac NZ $3.64 million for systemic failures regarding responsible lending laws. These breaches resulted in thousands of customers missing key loan information and agreed interest rate discounts. This penalty is the largest ever imposed under the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act.
2 outlets · Banks do not pass on official cash rate cut to customers
Major banks have not reduced fixed mortgage rates following the Reserve Bank's 25-point official cash rate cut this week. While ANZ offered cashback incentives to attract new customers, other banks have countered these offers, and some advisers suggest banks are making it difficult for existing customers to refix.
3 outlets · Fire crews attend alarm at new Ikea store in Auckland
Three fire crews responded to a false alarm at the new Sylvia Park Ikea store on Thursday. The incident occurred after a sprinkler was activated, but a spokesperson confirmed the store's scheduled opening on 4 December will proceed as planned.
2 outlets · Repairs to Canterbury rail bridge to begin next week
Work will start on the Tinwald Viaduct in Canterbury next week following its closure four months ago. The bridge, which is frequently struck by vehicles, was damaged in June when an excavator being towed on a trailer hit it. Repairs are expected to be completed by Christmas.
3 outlets · Police exhaust all leads in gang-related Christchurch shooting investigation
Police have finished all lines of inquiry regarding a gang-related shooting in Wainoni on 10 November. The incident, described as a bungled drive-by shooting, left a woman in critical condition. Investigators have now stood down the search for the offender.
2 outlets · Volunteers prepare floats for Christmas parades in Dunedin and Auckland
Warren Ockwell has spent 25 years building floats for the Dunedin Santa Parade. Meanwhile, a team of volunteers in Auckland has been working to create a new nativity float for the city's annual parade on Queen Street.
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