Wednesday 3 December 2025
47 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Andrew Coster resigns as head of Social Investment Agency
Former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster has resigned as chief executive of the Social Investment Agency, effective immediately. His departure follows an Independent Police Conduct Authority report regarding the police response to sexual offending allegations against former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming. Coster had been on leave for three weeks prior to his resignation.
+59 outlets · Mariameno Kapa-Kingi challenges Te Pāti Māori expulsion in court
Expelled Te Pāti Māori MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi has filed for an interim injunction against party president John Tamihere. Kapa-Kingi is challenging her expulsion from the party, which occurred in early November alongside Tākuta Ferris. A judge has reserved his decision on the matter, with a judgment expected tomorrow afternoon.
+26 outlets · Police seize 820kg of stolen pounamu in Dunedin raid
Police executed a search warrant at a Dunedin property on Monday, seizing 820kg of stolen pounamu that had been cut for sale. A 29-year-old man was arrested for obstruction and has appeared in the Dunedin District Court. Authorities are considering further charges.
+26 outlets · Five new measles cases confirmed across New Zealand
Health authorities have confirmed five new measles cases in Auckland, Waikato, and Dunedin. This brings the national total to 27 cases since 8 October, with 22 no longer being infectious. Officials have described the increase in cases as concerning.
4 outlets · Dispute over responsibility for mouldy lunches at Christchurch school
New Zealand Food Safety investigators believe mouldy lunches served at Haeata Community Campus were likely due to human error and left unrefrigerated for days. Principal Peggy Burrows denies these claims, citing a systems failure in the contract. David Seymour has maintained his comments regarding the cause of the contaminated meals.
4 outlets · One person injured after reported tornado hits Manawatū motor camp
A man was injured after a caravan was reportedly overturned by a tornado near Dudding Lake in rural Rangitīkei. The incident, which occurred around midday, left nearly 200 properties without power. Emergency services attended the scene to assess several people following the severe weather.
+15 outlets · Police seek witnesses after man stabbed in Te Aro carpark
A young man is in hospital after being stabbed multiple times in the arm and back. The incident occurred around 4.10am on Sunday in a carpark between Wakefield and Tory streets. Police say they are following strong lines of enquiry and are asking for witnesses or footage to come forward.
4 outlets · Second teenager charged with murder over death of American student
A 17-year-old has been charged with murder and aggravated robbery following the death of Kyle Whorrall. The 33-year-old American PhD student was attacked with a large, bladed weapon at a Meadowbank bus stop in April. This marks the second teenager charged in the ongoing investigation.
4 outlets · One dead and another seriously injured in Tāneatua crash
One person died at the scene and another was seriously injured after a car crashed into a river on White Pine Bush Road near Tāneatua on Tuesday evening. Emergency services responded to the single-vehicle incident shortly after 6pm.
4 outlets · Severe thunderstorms and heavy rain sweep across the North Island
An active low pressure system has brought thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds to the North Island. More than 3500 lightning strikes were recorded, and a tornado was reported in Manawatū, where a caravan was knocked over. MetService has issued various watches and warnings for several regions.
4 outlets · Police investigate suspicious fire damaging four trucks in Invercargill
Four vehicles belonging to Christchurch company Treetech were damaged by a suspicious fire at Queens Park in the early hours of Wednesday. Police believe the trucks were deliberately torched while the company was assisting with storm recovery at the park.
3 outlets · Housing Minister encourages tenants to negotiate lower rents
Housing Minister Chris Bishop has urged renters to negotiate cheaper deals with landlords following a drop in rental prices. Prices reached their lowest level in two years in September. Bishop stated that tenants currently have more power than they have had in decades to seek lower rates.
3 outlets · ACT Party chief of staff Andrew Ketels resigns
Andrew Ketels is leaving his position as ACT Party chief of staff at the end of the month. Having worked in Parliament for 12 years, Ketels previously served five ministers before taking on the role. He is expected to finish his tenure in five years' time.
3 outlets · High profile prisoner charged with historic sexual assault
A well-known prisoner in his 70s appeared in Auckland District Court on Wednesday facing a charge of serious sexual assault. The alleged incident occurred in Onehunga in 1988. His lawyer has entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.
3 outlets · Horse of the Year 2026 cancelled due to funding issues
The 2026 Horse of the Year show in Hastings has been cancelled. Organisers cited rising operational costs and a lack of major sponsorship as reasons for the decision. The event is considered one of the largest equestrian events in the Southern Hemisphere.
3 outlets · Six60 and Synthony to headline first concert at new Christchurch stadium
Six60 and Synthony will perform at the 'Once In A Lifetime' show on 16 May next year. This event marks the first live music performance at Christchurch's new One New Zealand Stadium. The concert will feature full sets from both acts and a joint finale.
3 outlets · Former political figure appears in court following alleged Dunedin bar brawl
A former political figure appeared in Dunedin District Court on Wednesday facing charges of assault, disorderly behaviour, and escaping police custody. The incident allegedly occurred at a central city pub last week. The defendant has been granted interim name suppression and released on bail.
3 outlets · Ikea to open first New Zealand store at Sylvia Park
Ikea is opening its first New Zealand store at Sylvia Park in Auckland this Thursday. Authorities warn of significant traffic delays on local roads and motorways, with potential one-hour waits for car parking. A nearby high school has advised parents to avoid school drop-offs due to the expected crowds.
4 outlets · IKEA prepares for first New Zealand store opening in Auckland
IKEA is set to open its first New Zealand store in Auckland. Up to 20,000 shoppers are expected on the first day, with officials warning of significant traffic delays and long queues for parking.
3 outlets · Special Olympics National Summer Games to be held in Christchurch
The Special Olympics National Summer Games will take place in Christchurch next week. The event will feature nearly 300 competitors, including 41 athletes from Waikato and local participants such as swimmer Samantha McLachlan and sprinter Andrew Oswin.
2 outlets · New Zealand authors included in US settlement over AI training data
A US class action settlement involving Anthropic AI will see the company pay up to US$2.6 billion. Waikato author Catherine Chidgey is among those included after books were allegedly downloaded illegally to train a chatbot. While some authors may receive US$3,000 per title, many others may not receive compensation.
+37 outlets · Family upset after coroner declines inquiry into ice-skating death
The parents of 13-year-old Kymani Hiley-Hetaraka are seeking legislative changes to make helmets compulsory at ice rinks. The girl died in a Christchurch hospital after hitting her head during a fall at Alpine Ice last year. The family expressed anger that the coroner will not open an inquiry into the accident.
4 outlets · Māori Television journalist struck by seagull during Auckland report
Reporter Jessica Tyson was hit in the face by a red-billed gull while filming outside Commercial Bay in Auckland. The incident occurred during windy conditions and left the journalist with a visible cut. Tyson shared the video of the encounter on Instagram.
2 outlets · Thunderstorms signal the arrival of summer in New Zealand
A combination of heat, humidity and unstable air has triggered thunderstorms across the country this week. Geography professor James Renwick explains that these storms form when warm, moist air rises into cooler atmospheric layers.
2 outlets · Jacob Duffy takes five wickets as Black Caps lead West Indies
Seamer Jacob Duffy claimed 5-34 to help the Black Caps secure a first innings lead against the West Indies at Hagley Oval. After the West Indies collapsed from 100-2 to 167 all out, New Zealand gained control on the second day of the opening test.
2 outlets · Hamilton Uber driver jailed for raping teenage passenger
Satwinder Singh has been sentenced to seven years and two months in prison for the rape and indecent assault of a 17-year-old passenger in February 2023. During sentencing, a judge questioned the vetting processes for Uber drivers. The defence is currently seeking to prevent the media from publishing Singh's photograph.
2 outlets · NZ Breakers defeat Sydney Kings to secure consecutive wins
The NZ Breakers beat the Sydney Kings 95-90 at Claudelands Arena in Hamilton on Wednesday night. Parker Jackson-Cartwright scored 24 points, including a decisive three-pointer, to help the team secure the victory and strengthen their position for the Ignite Cup.
2 outlets · Kmart sand product recalled after testing positive for asbestos
Kmart has recalled its Make Your Own Unicorn Sand Ornaments after it tested positive for asbestos. This is the eighth sand product to be recalled for containing the toxic substance. An Auckland mother is seeking answers after her daughter played with the contaminated sand for six months.
2 outlets · Hawke’s Bay pair complete New Zealand-first drone surfing feat
Jack Jensen and a drone pilot successfully towed a surfer behind a drone at the Clive River mouth in Hawke’s Bay. The stunt, described as a New Zealand-first, was performed as part of the Spark That Chat mental health campaign.
2 outlets · Twelve non-financial sanctions applied to beneficiaries in six months
The Ministry of Social Development has applied 12 non-financial sanctions to beneficiaries over the last six months. This follows the government's decision to introduce non-financial options as an alternative to cutting benefits for non-compliance.
2 outlets · Name released of woman found dead in Hastings homicide inquiry
Police have identified 37-year-old Teishallia TePaea, who was found dead at a residence on Kotuku Street in Camberley, Hastings, on 29 October. An ongoing homicide investigation, known as Operation Knell, continues as authorities appeal to the community for information regarding her death.
2 outlets · Hikers risking lives by entering closed areas of Hooker Valley track
Up to 20 people a day are entering restricted areas of the Hooker Valley Track in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. The Department of Conservation reports that hikers are ignoring safety barriers while construction and explosive work for a new suspension bridge is underway.
2 outlets · All Whites to play final home games before 2026 World Cup
New Zealand will host its first FIFA Series in March 2026, featuring a four-team tournament. The All Whites will play two final matches on home soil ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, though the participating international teams are yet to be confirmed.
2 outlets · Man faces firearms charges after police welfare check near Sylvia Park
A 42-year-old man is due to appear in Manukau District Court after police discovered a shotgun, a rifle and ammunition in his vehicle. Officers found the man asleep in his car near Mt Wellington on Tuesday afternoon during a welfare check.
2 outlets · City Rail Link cleared of asbestos after potential discovery
Auckland's City Rail Link has tested negative for asbestos following concerns regarding access panels and tunnel fire doors. The supplier, Pacific Doors, notified Link Alliance that some small panels may have contained the substance. Project officials have since confirmed that the components are clear of asbestos.
2 outlets · Northland Regional Council urges closure of Kai Iwi Lakes boat ramp
The Northland Regional Council's deputy chair is calling for the immediate closure of the Kai Iwi Lakes boat ramp. This request follows growing concerns regarding the threat of invasive freshwater gold clams. The Kaipara District Council has previously decided to keep the ramp at Lake Taharoa open.
2 outlets · Global dairy prices fall for eighth consecutive auction
Average prices at the latest Global Dairy Trade auction dropped 4.3% to US$3507 a tonne. This decline follows seven previous consecutive falls, bringing prices to a near two-year low. Whole milk powder prices also decreased by 2.4% as supply continues to exceed demand.
2 outlets · Ian Taylor criticises lack of clarity in NZ political speeches
Sir Ian Taylor has commented on the recent Labour Party conference in Auckland. He suggests that neither the Government nor the Opposition is articulating a clear future regarding issues such as climate change, education, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
2 outlets · Coroner calls for fishing ban at Papanui Point
Coroner Erin Woolley has recommended a total ban on fishing at Papanui Point following several drownings. The recommendation follows investigations into the deaths of Olson Canatoy and Eric Dabalos, who disappeared while fishing at the Waikato west coast location in October 2021.
+15 outlets · Haeata principal denies political agenda over mouldy school meals
The principal of Haeata Community Campus in Christchurch has denied any political motive for speaking out about students being served mouldy mince meals. The school lunch programme provided the food, which some children consumed before noticing it was spoiled. Authorities suggest some meals from the previous week may not have been refrigerated.
2 outlets · Herne Bay clifftop estate becomes New Zealand's most expensive 2025 home sale
A property at 64 Sentinel Road in Herne Bay, Auckland, sold for $35 million in September. This sale was the highest in New Zealand for 2025, leading a list of ten high-end property sales that totalled nearly $250 million.
4 outlets · Driver critical after car and truck collide near Māngere
A person is in critical condition following a collision between a car and a truck on Auckland's South-Western Motorway. The crash occurred around 4am in the northbound lanes near the Coronation Rd off-ramp. Two northbound lanes were closed following the incident.
2 outlets · Waikato mayors express concerns over proposed rates caps
Local Government Minister Simon Watts has proposed a 4% cap on council rates rises. Waikato mayors warned that while they understand the need for affordability, mandatory caps may require difficult service trade-offs. Some leaders noted that the cost of delivering basic services is increasing.
2 outlets · Otago athletes to compete in national secondary schools championships
Approximately 35 Otago junior and senior athletes will attend the national secondary schools track and field championships in Hastings this weekend. The event is expected to host around 4,000 people and features near-record numbers of entered athletes.
2 outlets · Casper Ruud confirmed as second seed for 2026 ASB Classic
World No 12 Casper Ruud will return to Auckland for the ASB Classic in January. The Norwegian player will be the second seed in the tournament, following American Ben Shelton.
2 outlets · Wellington and Hamilton councils face upcoming government rates cap
Councils in the Wellington and Hamilton regions are preparing for a new Government-imposed rates cap. Mayors have warned that the spending limits could lead to service reductions, including public transport cuts and increased road maintenance issues.
2 outlets · Parole Board denies early release for Ponzi schemer Barry Kloogh
The New Zealand Parole Board has refused early release for Barry Kloogh, ruling he remains a serious risk to the community. Kloogh was sentenced in 2020 for his role in a Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors of approximately $16 million. Victims reported significant harm, including the loss of retirement savings.
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