Christchurch school warns parents after students ate contaminated lunches
Haeata Community Campus has recalled school lunches after receiving meals that were rancid and covered in mould. Some students had already eaten the contaminated food, leading the school to warn parents to monitor for food poisoning symptoms.
+26 outlets · Coroner rules Dunedin hunter's death a terrible accident
A coroner has ruled that 48-year-old Kate Aynsley died in a terrible accident while hunting in Otago's Blue Mountains Conservation Area in June 2023. It is believed her rifle accidentally discharged after she fell or fumbled in steep, slippery terrain.
+48 outlets · Media challenge reporting restrictions on Tom Phillips case in High Court
A two-day hearing has begun in the Hamilton High Court regarding legal restrictions on the Tom Phillips case. Media organisations are seeking a judicial review to overturn Family Court orders that prevent the publication of certain details. These restrictions currently apply to the media, police, and Oranga Tamariki.
+48 outlets · Government announces new rates cap policy for local councils
The Government has introduced a rates cap policy to limit annual council rate increases to a target range of 2% to 4%. A new regulator will oversee the system, which is expected to take effect from 1 January 2027. Local Government Minister Simon Watts said the move aims to address cost of living pressures.
+15 outlets · Swiss national pleads guilty to careless driving causing death in Canterbury
Patrick Keusch, 32, pleaded guilty in Christchurch District Court to careless driving causing death following a two-vehicle crash on 19 November. The accident on State Highway 73 near Sheffield resulted in the death of 68-year-old Glenda Douglas and left two others injured.
+26 outlets · New Zealand International Convention Centre to open in February
The New Zealand International Convention Centre in Auckland is scheduled to open on 11 February 2026. The project, which has faced delays due to a fire and the pandemic, is expected to contribute an initial $90 million annually to the economy.
4 outlets · Body of Te Anihana Pomana formally identified by police
Police have formally identified the body of 25-year-old Te Anihana Pomana, which was discovered in dense bush in Pukekohe on 22 November. Ms Pomana went missing in Auckland in August after leaving a hotel. Her death has now been referred to the coroner.
4 outlets · Social Investment Agency head on leave following misconduct report
Former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster has been on leave from the Social Investment Agency for three weeks following a report finding serious misconduct. Acting head Alistair Mason says the agency's work continues as expected while Coster's future remains unresolved.
4 outlets · Motorcyclist seriously injured after crashing while fleeing police in Lower Hutt
A motorcyclist is in serious condition after crashing into a fence on Taita Drive in Lower Hutt around 10.30pm on Sunday. Police say the rider was observed driving dangerously before allegedly accelerating and overtaking another vehicle to avoid being stopped. The rider sustained serious leg injuries and was taken to hospital.
4 outlets · Ikea prepares for Auckland Sylvia Park store opening this Thursday
The Swedish furniture retailer is set to open its first New Zealand store at Sylvia Park on Thursday, 4 December. Management expects between 15,000 and 20,000 visitors on opening day. The 34,000sq m retail hub is expected to cause longer than usual traffic delays across the city.
3 outlets · One person dies after car hits tree and catches fire
A person has died following a single-vehicle crash on State Highway 5 near Tapapa, Waikato. The vehicle collided with a tree and caught fire on Monday morning, with the blaze spreading to nearby vegetation. The road remains closed while a serious crash unit examines the scene.
3 outlets · Australia Boomers defeat Tall Blacks with buzzer-beating shot in Wellington
The Australia Boomers secured a 79-77 victory over the New Zealand Tall Blacks during a FIBA World Cup qualifier at the TSB Arena. Will Hickey hit a buzzer-beating shot to complete a 2-0 sweep in the trans-Tasman series. Some fans reportedly missed the tense finish on screen.
3 outlets · Auckland mayor proposes 7.9 per cent rates increase for next year
Mayor Wayne Brown has unveiled a proposed 2026/27 budget featuring a 7.9 per cent rates rise. The increase is intended to cover City Rail Link operating costs and address a budget deficit. The mayor also suggested selling underutilised public reserves to assist with financial pressures.
3 outlets · Canadian man arrested after $4.5m of methamphetamine found at Auckland Airport
A 19-year-old Canadian national has been charged with importing Class A drugs after Customs officers found 15.17kg of methamphetamine in his luggage. The man was identified as a risk passenger during pre-arrival screening upon arriving from Vancouver on Sunday.
4 outlets · Ministers defend $357,000 exit payment to former Pharmac chief executive
Pharmac Minister David Seymour and board chairwoman Paula Bennett have defended a $357,058 payout made to former chief executive Sarah Fitt following her resignation. While Labour described the payment as well beyond the public sector norm, Seymour stated the departure was well managed and essential for the agency.
3 outlets · Police appeal for help finding missing 13-year-old Auckland girl
Police are seeking public assistance to locate Metallica, a 13-year-old girl missing from Manurewa since 14 November. She is approximately 160cm tall with long black hair and is known to visit the Wellsford area. The teenager has been missing for more than two weeks.
3 outlets · Driver freed after logging truck rolls off road in South Otago
A driver was freed by firefighters after being trapped in a logging truck crash on Coe Road, north of Balclutha. The accident occurred just after 11am on Monday in the Stony Creek area. The driver was reported to be seriously injured.
3 outlets · Burial plaques stolen from Invercargill cemetery graves
Southland Police are investigating the theft of several burial plaques from St John's Cemetery in Invercargill. The stolen items include plaques from the graves of First and Second World War veterans. The thefts are believed to have occurred between 28 October and 22 November.
3 outlets · Victim identified in New Plymouth waterfront killing
Police have named 68-year-old Martin James Mooney as the man killed during an altercation on St Aubyn Street on 19 November. A man has been charged with his murder and is due to appear in the New Plymouth High Court on 5 December.
3 outlets · One NZ fined $1.1 million for 111 emergency call breaches
The High Court has ordered One NZ to pay a $1.1 million penalty after the company admitted to ten breaches of the 111 Contact Code between 2021 and 2023. The failures involved obligations to vulnerable customers relying on landline connections during power cuts. One NZ stated that no customers were harmed by these breaches.
3 outlets · One person dies in serious crash at Bucklands Crossing
A person died at the scene following a serious crash on Lamb Hill Rd in Bucklands Crossing on Saturday evening. Emergency services were called to the rural Otago location shortly after 7pm. The police serious crash unit is investigating the incident.
3 outlets · Hipkins signals distance from Te Pāti Māori amid new polling
Labour leader Chris Hipkins is signalling a harder stance against Te Pāti Māori. A Taxpayers’ Union/Curia poll suggests 48% of voters want him to rule out any deals with the party following the 2026 election. Meanwhile, Hipkins has denied that Labour MPs are discussing coalition opportunities with Winston Peters.
3 outlets · Masterton District Council considers permanent holiday alcohol bans
A report presented to the Masterton District Council suggests that permanent holiday-time alcohol bans could be implemented at popular Wairarapa hotspots, such as Riversdale Beach, from next year. The council is currently considering renewing its annual alcohol bylaw.
4 outlets · Christchurch teenager selected for prestigious Prix de Lausanne ballet competition
Fifteen-year-old Tamison Soppet from Christchurch has been chosen as a candidate for the Prix de Lausanne in Switzerland. She is the only New Zealander and one of only two dancers from Australasia selected from 444 candidates across 43 countries.
3 outlets · David Nyika discusses fiancée's cancer diagnosis ahead of boxing return
New Zealand boxer David Nyika has spoken about his fiancée Lexy Thornberry's diagnosis with head and neck cancer. Nyika described the personal challenge as he prepares to return to the ring following a difficult year.
2 outlets · Auckland beaches flagged due to sewage overflows
Thirteen central Auckland beaches have been marked with black flags following sewage overflows. The water quality issues were caused by thunderstorms over the weekend. SafeSwim has warned swimmers to stay out of the affected areas.
+26 outlets · Two children critically injured in State Highway 1 crash near Wellsford
Two children were taken to Starship Hospital in critical condition following a serious crash near Wellsford. State Highway 1 is currently closed in both directions between State Highway 16 and Davies Road. Emergency services, including a helicopter, attended the scene.
2 outlets · Cyclist injured after being hit by vehicle wing mirror in Taupō
Veteran cyclist Tod Penberthy was hospitalised after being struck by a ute's wing mirror on Poihipi Road during the Taupō Enduro race. The 67-year-old sustained six broken ribs and deep cuts to his arm. He is now facing surgery following the incident.
2 outlets · Jailed Christchurch car parts dealer faces loss of property empire
Abdul Karim Alizadah, a jailed Christchurch chop shop operator, faces the sale of his property empire following his imprisonment. The High Court has authorised police to sell two of his wrecking yards in Wellington. Alizadah's business was used as a front for a criminal operation involving stolen vehicles.
3 outlets · Rio Tinto to invest $50m in Tiwai Point waste facility
New Zealand Aluminium Smelters will spend $50 million on a new facility at Tiwai Point to process spent cell liner. Construction is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2026 and is projected to create 26 jobs.
2 outlets · Thunderstorms and varying weather conditions forecast for the week
MetService predicts a broad range of weather this week, including thunderstorms, heavy rain, and sunny spells. The North Island may experience warm and humid conditions, while the south is expected to remain cooler. Whanganui is specifically forecast to have a wet week due to a low-pressure system.
2 outlets · Five injured in Woolston house fire caused by e-scooter
Emergency services responded to a house on Smith Street in Woolston just after 11pm on Sunday. An e-scooter caught fire inside the property, resulting in minor injuries for five people.
2 outlets · Police Commissioner aims to prevent repeat of McSkimming investigation failure
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers says he is determined to avoid the "group think" that saw senior executives block an investigation into former deputy commissioner Jevon McSkimming. McSkimming is scheduled to be sentenced on 17 December.
3 outlets · New Zealand faces narrow window to prevent yellow-legged hornet incursion
Experts warn that New Zealand must rapidly increase search efforts to stop the Asian yellow-legged hornet. After two males were spotted in Auckland during winter, the invasive species poses a significant threat to local honey and wild bees.
2 outlets · Jimmy Barnes discusses his connection to New Zealand
Australian rock singer Jimmy Barnes has expressed his strong affinity for New Zealand. He revealed that he once considered moving to Dunedin, though the cooler climate was a deterrent for his wife.
2 outlets · Truck rolls on Eastern Hutt Road in Lower Hutt
A truck rolled on Eastern Hutt Road in Taita on Monday morning between Peterkin Street and Page Grove. Two people were injured in the crash, one with moderate injuries and another with minor injuries. Police are asking motorists to use alternative routes while work continues to right the vehicle.
2 outlets · Luxon to address social media lobbyist texts and KiwiSaver changes
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is expected to face media questioning regarding texts received from a lobbyist prior to a social media policy announcement. The Prime Minister will also address recent changes to KiwiSaver.
2 outlets · Lewis Capaldi performs first Christchurch concert after music break
Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi performed at Christchurch's Wolfbrook Arena on 30 November. The event marked his first show in the city following a two-year hiatus from music. The concert was part of his 2025 New Zealand tour, which includes upcoming dates in Auckland.
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