Saturday 29 November 2025
17 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Air New Zealand and Jetstar flights grounded due to Airbus software issue
Air New Zealand and Jetstar have grounded their Airbus A320neo aircraft following a global software issue. The problem, which may involve solar radiation affecting flight controls, caused multiple flight cancellations and disruptions for travellers. Air New Zealand has since been cleared to temporarily resume flights with its A320 fleet.
+15 outlets · One person dead and two injured after car enters Wairoa River
A vehicle left the road and entered the Wairoa River near the intersection of Carroll Street and River Parade early Saturday morning. Emergency services responded to the crash, which resulted in one person being found dead in the water and two others being taken to hospital.
4 outlets · One person seriously injured in Upper Hutt industrial fire
A person sustained serious burns during a large building fire at a car yard in Trentham on Saturday afternoon. Firefighters were called to the blaze, which involved tyre piles, and have since extinguished the flames. Police are now investigating the cause of the fire.
4 outlets · Labour Party delegates rally in Auckland ahead of election year
Labour Party members gathered at Auckland's ASB Waterfront Theatre for their annual conference. While union leader Sandra Grey called for different economic choices, finance spokeswoman Barbara Edmonds emphasised the need for fiscal discipline. The event comes as recent polling shows the party tracking ahead of National on several issues.
+15 outlets · Police seek information after unattended kayak found off Raumati Beach
Police are investigating after a blue kayak containing rope and fishing nets was found 500 metres off Raumati Beach on Saturday. A hoodie was also discovered on the beach. Authorities fear a kayaker may be missing and are asking the public for any information.
3 outlets · One person seriously injured in Picton vehicle collision
A truck and a motor home collided on Dublin Street in Picton around 7.45am on Saturday. Police report that one person has been seriously injured in the crash. Emergency services attended the scene and the road has been closed with diversions in place.
3 outlets · Auckland man died after being swept away at Omaha Beach
Younchang Ko, 67, died after being swept away by a surging tide while fishing at the Omaha Beach estuary in March 2024. The man, who was wearing a wetsuit but no lifejacket, reportedly called for help twice before disappearing. A coroner has issued warnings regarding fishing alone and the use of lifejackets.
4 outlets · Hardship rising for vulnerable people in Southland
Social service providers report an increase in people struggling with poverty in Southland. Issues include rising food distribution needs at schools, homelessness due to severe weather, and a stretched middle class.
4 outlets · A320 software recall causes flight cancellations and queues in New Zealand
New Zealand travellers faced flight cancellations and queues of up to six hours following a global grounding of Airbus A320 aircraft. The software recall has caused significant disruption to airline schedules and led to passengers missing family events.
2 outlets · Akatarawa Road closed after serious two-vehicle crash near Upper Hutt
A person was seriously injured following a collision involving two vehicles, including a motorcycle, on Saturday afternoon. Police closed Akatarawa Road near Upper Hutt after the crash occurred at approximately 4.20pm. Motorists have been advised to avoid the area due to expected delays.
2 outlets · Employment Relations Authority orders PR firm to pay deceased worker
The Employment Relations Authority has ordered PR firm Lily & Louis to pay Makena Houston following a workplace dispute. Ms Houston passed away in August while the legal battle was ongoing. Her mother, Tracey Richardson, says the decision brings justice for her daughter.
2 outlets · Whangārei man banned from collecting seafood for misusing fishing rights
Jonathan Moon has been handed a three-year ban on collecting seafood. He was found to have issued customary permits and taken unauthorised catches around the Matapōuri area in Northland for the past 10 years.
2 outlets · Person dies following water-related incident in Glenbrook
Emergency services were called to the Falston Road area in Glenbrook at approximately 8.40am after a person was pulled from the water unresponsive. Despite CPR being performed at the scene, the individual died. Police stated the death would be reported.
2 outlets · First-year teacher censured for slapping and elbowing student
A first-year teacher has been censured by the Teachers' Disciplinary Tribunal for serious misconduct. The woman used excessive force by slapping and elbowing an eight-year-old student with behaviour challenges after the child threw yoghurt at her.
3 outlets · Heavy rain and strong winds expected across South Island on Sunday
A deep low-pressure system moving across the lower South Island is forecast to bring heavy rain and strong winds this Sunday. MetService has issued wind watches for Wellington, Canterbury, and areas south of Middlemarch, including Dunedin and Invercargill. Heavy rain watches are also in place for the Tasman ranges.
2 outlets · Tall Blacks lose to Boomers in World Cup qualifier
New Zealand's Tall Blacks lost 84-79 to Australia in a World Cup qualifying match in Hobart. Despite leading for much of the game, the Tall Blacks were unable to secure a victory against the Boomers.
2 outlets · Tips for hosting a summer Christmas celebration in New Zealand
Hosting a seasonal party does not require extravagant or expensive decorations. Using local elements like silver ferns and pohutukawa can add a New Zealand touch to the festivities.
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