Teen arrested after Christchurch dairy owner stabbed during robbery
A 14-year-old boy has been arrested following an aggravated robbery at the Opawa Discounter in Christchurch on Tuesday morning. The store owner, Kamlesh Patel, was seriously injured after being stabbed during the incident involving three offenders. Police are still searching for the other two individuals involved.
+26 outlets · Mouldy lunches served to Christchurch students likely left unrefrigerated for days
New Zealand Food Safety says rotten meals were likely delivered to Haeata Community Campus on Thursday and left without refrigeration until being re-served on Monday. While some students had already eaten the rancid food, the school principal has disputed the findings.
+37 outlets · Former Covid response lead jailed for stealing $1.8 million
Alister Thorby has been sentenced to two years and eight months in prison for fraudulently obtaining more than $1.8 million in Covid-19 response funding. The former district health board employee used the money, intended for quarantine facility security, to purchase a home, vehicles, and overseas travel. He was arrested at Auckland Airport in July 2022.
+15 outlets · Woman in McSkimming case calls for wider police culture inquiry
Ms Z, the woman whose allegations led to the downfall of former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming, is calling for a wider government investigation into police culture. In response, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers has announced that internet usage of senior officers will be audited over the last 12 months.
4 outlets · Man in custody after fleeing police and crashing on State Highway 6
A man is in custody after fleeing police in Invercargill on Tuesday evening. The vehicle was stopped using spikes on State Highway 6, south of Winton, before crashing into a water table. State Highway 6 remains closed while the Serious Crash Unit investigates the incident.
4 outlets · Paeroa business fined for exploiting migrant workers
Dev Trading Limited has been ordered to pay $159,250 after pleading guilty to exploiting two Indian migrant workers. The business, trading as Super Clearance, provided false information to Immigration New Zealand and failed to pay lawful entitlements to workers who worked long hours.
4 outlets · Man charged after allegedly swallowing pendant in Auckland jewellery theft
A 32-year-old man has been charged after allegedly swallowing a Fabergé pendant worth more than $33,500 during a theft in central Auckland last Friday. Police were called to the jewellery store at approximately 3.30pm. The item has not yet been recovered.
+15 outlets · Vandalism on Wellington mountain bike trails sparks safety concerns
Wellington City Council is installing motion-activated cameras on Matairangi/Mt Victoria following a series of deliberate acts of vandalism. Logs, stumps, and timber have been placed across mountain bike priority trails, creating obstacles that could cause serious injury to riders.
+15 outlets · Gordon Wilson flats demolition to begin this month
Victoria University of Wellington will demolish the Gordon Wilson flats near its Kelburn campus later this month. The university cited safety concerns and high restoration costs for the earthquake-prone buildings. The 1950s-era complex has been unoccupied since 2012 after losing its protected heritage status.
+15 outlets · West Indies gain advantage in first test against Black Caps
The West Indies have taken control of the first test match against the Black Caps at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Disciplined fast bowling left New Zealand at 231 for nine at the end of the first day. Play continued into the second day of the summer series.
3 outlets · Heavy rain and thunderstorms forecast for North Island
An active low-pressure system is expected to bring heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds to much of the North Island this week. MetService has warned of potential hail and possible tornadoes. While a severe thunderstorm warning for Waikato and Bay of Plenty has been lifted, more unsettled weather is expected.
3 outlets · Crown closes case in Dunedin murder trial of Gurjit Singh
The Crown has closed its case against Rajinder, who is accused of the premeditated murder of Gurjit Singh in Dunedin last January. Prosecutors allege the defendant lied to police and left DNA evidence at the scene. The victim was reportedly stabbed at least 46 times during the attack.
4 outlets · Mike King and Ingrid Leary clash over Gumboot Friday contract audit
Mental health advocate Mike King has criticised Taieri MP Ingrid Leary following an Auditor-General report that cleared the I Am Hope Gumboot Friday contract of mismanagement. King urged Leary to focus on her electorate, while Leary defended her position and accused King of cherry-picking information.
3 outlets · Person seriously injured after car crashes into Whakatāne river
One person sustained serious injuries after a car went off the road and into a river near Tāneatua on Tuesday evening. The incident occurred on White Pine Bush Road, causing State Highway 2 to be blocked between Foster and Tāneatua roads. Motorists are advised to expect delays due to traffic management.
3 outlets · New Reserve Bank governor appears before parliamentary committee
Reserve Bank Governor Anna Breman appeared before Parliament's Finance and Expenditure Committee during her second day in office. The former Swedish deputy governor expressed a focus on low inflation and stability, while exploring whether individual Monetary Policy Committee votes should be made public.
3 outlets · Hastings Art Gallery exhibition featuring New Zealand flag sparks controversy
An exhibition at the Te Whare Toi o Heretaunga Hastings Art Gallery has drawn criticism after featuring a New Zealand flag on the floor with an invitation for people to walk on it. A Hastings District councillor and a local resident have expressed concerns regarding the installation.
4 outlets · Government proposes rates cap to limit annual council increases
Local Government Minister Simon Watts has proposed a 2% to 4% band for annual rates increases to assist households on fixed incomes. The plan includes a rates floor based on inflation to fund infrastructure, though local authorities have expressed concerns regarding potential impacts on critical investment.
3 outlets · Investigation launched after mouldy mince served in Christchurch school lunches
The School Lunch Collective is investigating a food quality issue after mouldy mince was served to students at Haeata Community Campus. While the school recalled the meals, some children had already eaten them, and one student's mother reported her daughter is now unwell.
+26 outlets · Liam Lawson confirmed for Racing Bulls 2026 Formula 1 seat
New Zealand driver Liam Lawson will remain in Formula 1 during the 2026 season. He has been confirmed for a seat with Racing Bulls, marking his first full season with a single team. Lawson previously moved from Red Bull to the junior team during the 2025 season.
2 outlets · Wayne Brown criticises government rates cap policy
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has stated the government's proposed rates cap will not work. The policy, set to begin in January 2027, targets increases between 2% and 4%. Brown suggested the cap could impact major projects such as the City Rail Link.
3 outlets · Big Bang Theory actor Simon Helberg visits Te Awamutu restaurant
Actor Simon Helberg visited Fahrenheit Restaurant in Te Awamutu on Sunday night. Staff confirmed the Big Bang Theory star was present after matching his hat to an Instagram post.
2 outlets · Christchurch mosque terrorist likely to give evidence at Court of Appeal
Brenton Harrison Tarrant is expected to testify in an attempt to overturn his conviction and life sentence. The Court of Appeal will hear evidence regarding an extension of time for his appeal in February next year. Tarrant is currently serving a sentence without parole for the 2019 murders of 51 people.
3 outlets · Mixed responses to government proposal to cap annual rates rises
The government has proposed capping annual local authority rates increases between 2% and 4%. While the Masterton Ratepayers and Residents Association welcomed the move, South Wairarapa Mayor Fran Wilde has called for more detail regarding how the banded cap would function.
2 outlets · New Plymouth mayor may revive cancelled winter festival of lights
Mayor Max Brough says his council may bring back the cancelled Festival of Lights in New Plymouth. Brough, who campaigned on cost-cutting and a rates cap, recently dressed as the Grinch for a Christmas parade.
3 outlets · Football Ferns defeated by Matildas in Adelaide friendly
The Football Ferns lost 2-0 to the Matildas during their second international friendly at Coopers Stadium. The match marked the final international appearance for veteran midfielder Annalie Longo. This result follows a 5-0 victory for Australia in the previous match of the series.
2 outlets · Hearing on media injunction for Tom Phillips investigation concludes
A High Court hearing in Hamilton has concluded regarding orders that prevent the media from publishing specific details of the Tom Phillips investigation. The injunction also restricts information that police and Oranga Tamariki can disclose. Phillips died following a shootout with police in September.
2 outlets · Government considers legislation to overturn veterans' entitlement court ruling
The Government is considering legislative action to overturn a High Court ruling that makes defence veterans eligible for billions of dollars in additional support. Veterans' Affairs Minister Chris Penk said the government is exploring options to provide clarity following the decision, which could result in a liability of up to $1.4 billion.
2 outlets · Police seek man wanted for multiple dishonesty offences
Counties Manukau police are searching for 52-year-old Robin Dion Leslie Martin, who is wanted on an arrest warrant. He is believed to be avoiding police and is known to frequent the Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions.
2 outlets · Black Friday spending falls compared to 2024
New Zealanders spent 6.2% less on Black Friday this year than they did in 2024. While the event remained the busiest shopping day of the year so far, payment company Worldline suggests tightened budgets led to the decrease.
2 outlets · Government will not buy overseas carbon offsets to meet climate targets
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has stated the Government does not intend to spend on overseas carbon offsets if New Zealand fails to meet Paris Agreement emissions targets. The Green Party has responded by saying New Zealand cannot honour the agreement without purchasing offshore credits.
2 outlets · Man arrested after hiding under child's bed during police chase
A man was taken into custody after fleeing police in a stolen vehicle on the Northern Motorway near Puhoi. During the pursuit, the suspect allegedly discarded a firearm on a shed roof before attempting to hide under a child's bed.
2 outlets · Air New Zealand to increase domestic flight capacity in 2026
Air New Zealand will add tens of thousands of extra seats across several major domestic routes from March to October 2026. This capacity increase includes 50,000 additional seats for Queenstown and new flight times for Rotorua routes to support business and tourism.
2 outlets · Decision on Andrew Coster's future expected soon
Social Investment Agency chief executive Andrew Coster is on leave following an Independent Police Conduct Authority report regarding allegations against former deputy commissioner Jevon McSkimming. Sir Brian Roche has indicated that a decision regarding Coster's position will be made in the not too distant future.
2 outlets · Police seek help identifying suspect in Christchurch scrap metal theft
Police are asking for public assistance to identify a person captured on security footage during a theft at Resource Recycling Technologie in Woolston. The individual is suspected of stealing copper radiators worth approximately $150 on 27 November. The person was seen wearing a dark cap and a green hooded jacket.
2 outlets · Auckland businesses prepare for IKEA opening day traffic
Local businesses near the new Mt Wellington IKEA are preparing for significant disruption ahead of the store's opening on Thursday. Traffic experts anticipate daily crowds of up to 20,000 people, which may cause 40-minute delays on the nearby motorway and parking searches.
3 outlets · Hope Group Limited licence cancelled for misleading clients
The Financial Markets Authority has cancelled the licence of Christchurch-based financial advice provider Hope Group Limited and its director, Junpu Wang. The regulator found the firm deliberately misled clients regarding insurance applications, resulting in over $42,000 in commissions. Mr Wang denies all allegations.
2 outlets · Fur seal pup enters Richmond pub on Sunday evening
A young New Zealand fur seal waddled into Sprig + Fern The Meadows in Richmond on Sunday. Co-owner Bella Evans initially mistook the animal for a dog while staff were setting up decorations. The pup caused a stir among customers and staff at the Tasman establishment.
2 outlets · Police seek witnesses after fatal Mercedes crash near Tapapa
One person died on Monday morning after a black Mercedes hit a tree and caught fire on State Highway 5 near Tapapa. Police are appealing for witnesses, dashcam footage, or CCTV to assist with their investigation into the crash.
2 outlets · Many New Zealanders have given up hope of owning a home
A Kiwibank survey shows that while 85 per cent of respondents view home ownership as a core part of the Kiwi Dream, 46 per cent have given up hope of achieving it. Although confidence is improving, 57 per cent of people still feel locked out of the property market.
2 outlets · WHO conditionally recommends GLP-1 drugs for long-term obesity treatment
The World Health Organization has released its first guidelines regarding GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy. These drugs are conditionally recommended for adults as part of a comprehensive approach to obesity that includes exercise, healthy diets, and professional health support.
2 outlets · Government begins work on regional council reform
The Government has announced plans for a significant local government shake-up aimed at reducing bureaucracy and overlapping roles. Ministers Chris Bishop and Simon Watt are leading the effort to reform how regional councils operate.
2 outlets · Ms Z alleges former deputy police boss groomed her for sex
A woman known as Ms Z has come forward alleging that former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming groomed her for sex when she was a 21-year-old student. McSkimming has denied the claims, stating the relationship was a consensual affair.
2 outlets · Shop owner seriously injured during robbery in Opawa
A business owner was stabbed during a robbery at a dairy on Opawa Road in Christchurch. Police were called to the scene early Tuesday morning and have cordoned off the area. Investigations are currently underway to locate the alleged offenders.
2 outlets · State Highway 2 delays following crash and diesel spill
Traffic delays are expected on State Highway 2 following a three-vehicle crash at the Ngaruroro River Bridge. Additionally, a diesel spill near Remutaka Hill in Upper Hutt has created hazardous conditions. Police have notified the council to manage the clean-up.
2 outlets · Yellow-eyed penguin death marks start of High Court hearing
A High Court case regarding the protection of mainland yellow-eyed penguins began following the death of a hoiho in a set net near Stewart Island. The Environmental Law Initiative has filed proceedings against the fisheries minister, alleging a failure to protect the species from extinction.
2 outlets · Helen Clark Foundation calls for reform of sexual violence laws
The Helen Clark Foundation has released a report calling for urgent modernisation of New Zealand's sexual violence laws. The foundation describes current practices as inadequate and has identified four specific areas for reform to better protect survivors.
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