People injured by corrosive chemical at Christchurch daycare centre
Several people, including children, were hospitalised after a corrosive chemical was mistakenly used instead of detergent on a waterslide at a Woolston childcare centre on Friday. Emergency services attended the scene, where dozens of people were assessed. Reports indicate at least one person is in serious condition.
+48 outlets · High Court reinstates Mariameno Kapa-Kingi as Te Pāti Māori member
Mariameno Kapa-Kingi has been reinstated as a member of Te Pāti Māori following an interim High Court ruling. The Te Tai Tokerau MP challenged her expulsion, which occurred alongside Tākuta Ferris in November. Kapa-Kingi will attend the party's annual general meeting this weekend, with a full hearing scheduled for early February.
+26 outlets · Feral cat caught a year after destroying endangered tern colony
A 6kg feral tomcat has been captured a year after attacking an endangered black-fronted tern colony on Canterbury's Waiau Toa/Clarence River. In December 2024, the cat destroyed dozens of nests, leading the birds to abandon the site. Trappers believe the animal would have eventually reached the island again as river levels dropped.
+15 outlets · Dunedin man jailed for manslaughter after partner's fatal trailer fall
Andrew Jayden Mercer has been sentenced at the Dunedin High Court for the manslaughter of Robert Douglas Ralston. Mr Ralston died in hospital following a fall from a moving trailer in Brockville in March. The sentencing follows Mercer's admission of guilt and his refusal to undergo a compulsory impairment test.
+15 outlets · One person hospitalised after car crashes into Grafton villa
A person was taken to hospital in moderate condition after a Toyota RAV4 crashed into a house on Seafield View Road in Grafton on Friday morning. Police were alerted to the incident shortly after 7.30am. Fire and Emergency Services attended the scene and isolated the power.
4 outlets · Temperatures to reach 30C in parts of the South Island
MetService has forecast highs of 30C for Christchurch, Ashburton, and Oamaru on Friday. A heat alert has been issued for Oamaru, while a strong wind watch is in place for the lower South Island. The warm weather is expected to move to the North Island's east coast over the weekend.
+15 outlets · FMA chairperson steps aside during MBIE investigation
Financial Markets Authority chairperson Craig Stobo has agreed to temporarily step aside while the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment investigates matters raised about him. The Commerce Minister requested the probe after concerns were raised that warranted further investigation. Stobo will also step away from his other Crown governance and advisory roles.
+26 outlets · Homicide investigation launched after man dies from stab wounds in Mt Wellington
Police have opened a homicide investigation after a man died in Auckland City Hospital following a stabbing. The man arrived at a Lunn Avenue medical centre with critical injuries after an altercation involving a group of people. Authorities have cordoned off two areas in Mt Wellington as they appeal for information.
4 outlets · Fabergé pendant swallowed during Auckland jewellery theft has been recovered
Police have recovered a Fabergé James Bond Octopussy Egg pendant valued at more than $33,500. The item was allegedly swallowed by a man during a theft at a central Auckland jewellery store last Friday. While the pendant is back in police custody, officials have not disclosed how it was found.
+15 outlets · Haeata Community Campus launches internal investigation into mouldy lunch reports
Haeata Community Campus in Christchurch has launched an internal inquiry following disputes regarding the delivery and handling of school lunches. Principal Dr Peggy Burrows has rejected claims of mishandling and expects to release the investigation findings next week.
4 outlets · South Korean man jailed for smuggling rare geckos
Gunak Lee, 23, has been sentenced to 14 months in prison at Manukau District Court. He was caught in an October sting involving an undercover Department of Conservation officer at an Auckland hotel while attempting to purchase 10 rare jewelled geckos for export.
+15 outlets · Residents evacuated in Hāwera after item of concern discovered
Police evacuated residents from Quin Crescent in Hāwera on Friday afternoon after an item of concern was found at a property. Emergency services responded to the scene around 2.10pm, resulting in road closures and cordons at nearby intersections. A bomb disposal team has been called to attend the site.
3 outlets · Teen arrested after attempted $20,000 clothing theft in Albany
A 16-year-old has been arrested following a smash-and-grab burglary at JD Sports in Albany early Friday morning. Police responded to alarms at approximately 2:54am and recovered more than $20,000 worth of clothing. Officers located a vehicle containing the stolen merchandise in front of the shop.
3 outlets · Former Auckland councillor awarded $225,000 in defamation case
The High Court has ordered social media activist Morgan Xiao to pay $225,000 in damages to former Auckland councillor Paul Young. The ruling follows a 23-month campaign of vilification on WeChat, where Xiao made claims regarding Young's fitness for office and foreign influence. Xiao must also remove the defamatory posts.
3 outlets · One person dead and another seriously injured in State Highway 2 crash
A two-vehicle crash near Okane Road at Matamau has resulted in one fatality and one person with serious injuries. The incident occurred on Friday morning, and the road remains closed. One person is being flown to Palmerston North Hospital for treatment.
3 outlets · Auckland doctor links crowded housing to measles spread
An Otara-based GP says crowded living conditions increase measles vulnerability for children. There are currently six infectious cases nationwide, including three in Auckland. Additionally, Waikato Hospital’s Emergency Department has been identified as a location of interest for the virus.
+15 outlets · Residents fear fire risks from IKEA pine plantations in Hawke's Bay
A rural community in Central Hawke's Bay is concerned about fire risks following IKEA's conversion of six farms into pine forestry since 2020. The company believes it is the district's largest forestry owner. Approximately 200 hectares of the company's forestry burned in October.
4 outlets · Auckland man reunited with cat missing for 14 years
Paul Myburgh has been reunited with his ginger tabby, Mo, after the cat vanished 14 years ago. The pet was originally adopted from the SPCA in 2010. Mr Myburgh described the reunion as the best Christmas present he has ever received.
3 outlets · Stallholders report sales drop during Rotorua Night Market trial
Rotorua Lakes Council is trialling the relocation of the Night Market from the central city to Kuirau Park. Stallholders and retailers have expressed concern after reporting reduced foot traffic in the CBD and significant drops in trade. The trial began in October to reduce costs and address health and safety issues.
3 outlets · Whakatāne woman named following fatal Tāneatua vehicle crash
Ngahina Takarangi, 44, died after a vehicle crashed into a river on White Pine Bush Rd near Tāneatua on Tuesday evening. Another person was seriously injured in the incident. Police are now seeking witnesses and sightings of a red Honda Accord in the area between 5.30pm and 6pm.
2 outlets · Concept video shows planned Wairoa flood spillway
A new video provides a visual representation of the planned Wairoa River flood spillway. The project follows $70 million in Crown funding intended to protect the town from future flooding after Cyclone Gabrielle and subsequent flooding in June 2024.
2 outlets · Rotorua athletes prepare for Special Olympics National Summer Games in Christchurch
A delegation of 56 people from Rotorua, including 39 athletes, is travelling to Christchurch for the Special Olympics National Summer Games. The event features 1,200 athletes competing across ten sports at six different venues. This marks the first time the games have returned to the city in 20 years.
2 outlets · Minister concerned as warming waters drive fish south
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has raised concerns regarding fish species moving from the North Island to Te Waipounamu. This shift is attributed to warming waters, leading to fishing boats netting species previously unknown to those areas. The minister is seeking changes to fishing rules in response.
2 outlets · Controversial flag artwork stolen from Hastings art gallery
The installation titled Flagging the Future was stolen from Te Whare Toi o Heretaunga Hastings Art Gallery on Thursday. The artwork, which invited people to walk on the New Zealand flag, had previously prompted 101 complaints in a single week.
4 outlets · Two people in custody after firearm incident in Kumeu
Police were called to a house on Koraha Road in Kumeū at 1.45pm after a man pointed a firearm at occupants. Two people have been taken into custody and a weapon was recovered. Two nearby schools in Helensville were placed into lockdown during the police activity.
2 outlets · Jacinda Ardern reveals pregnancy details and conversation with Queen Elizabeth II
Former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern has shared that she kept her pregnancy hidden for 20 weeks due to morning sickness. In separate comments, she also revealed that Queen Elizabeth II personally phoned her during the Covid-19 pandemic.
2 outlets · Two new measles cases confirmed in Auckland and Queenstown
Health New Zealand has confirmed two additional measles cases, bringing the national total to 30. One of the new cases attended an Auckland concert last week, while the other was identified in Queenstown. Authorities have also issued alerts for several Auckland malls and Wellington ferries.
2 outlets · Hamilton woman sentenced to home detention for sexual offending
Kate Rochelle Gough has been sentenced to 12 months of home detention for sexual offences against a 14-year-old boy. The 37-year-old woman pleaded guilty to charges including unlawful sexual connection and committing an indecent act.
3 outlets · Auditor-General investigates Chatham Islands Council spending
The Auditor-General is scrutinising procurement and sensitive spending at the Chatham Islands Council. The investigation follows concerns raised by a whistleblower. Paul Eagle, a former Labour MP, has served as the council's chief executive since November 2023.
2 outlets · Auckland FC supporters target Wellington Phoenix coach with offensive post
Wellington Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano has dismissed an offensive social media post from Auckland FC supporters that depicted him as a clown. The supporters group shared the image online ahead of the two clubs' upcoming A-League match on Saturday evening.
2 outlets · New picnic table stolen from Wairarapa campsite two days after installation
A macrocarpa picnic table built by volunteers was stolen from the Bucks Road Campsite west of Greytown. Most of the table was sawn off, with approximately 2.4 metres of dressed wood worth an estimated $4,000 missing. The Department of Conservation reported the theft occurred shortly after the table was installed on Tuesday.
2 outlets · Ground broken for new Waikato University medical school
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon attended a ceremony at Waikato University to mark the start of construction for a new medical school. The project is expected to create 120 doctor training places. The building is being funded by $83 million from the Government and $150 million from the university.
2 outlets · Auckland man jailed for involvement in global child abuse ring
A 35-year-old Auckland man has been sentenced to four years and 10 months in prison for his role in an international child exploitation network. The sentencing followed a Customs investigation that uncovered thousands of graphic files on his phone during an airport search. He has been placed on the child sex offender register.
2 outlets · Suitcase of imitation firearms and weapons found after Auckland police chase
A police pursuit on State Highway 1 ended after a vehicle was spiked following a 55km dash. Officers discovered a suitcase containing drugs, a knife, a revolver, and three high-powered BB guns. The incident occurred near Puhoi on Thursday night.
2 outlets · Sprinter Eddie Osei-Nketia switches allegiance to Australia
New Zealand national 100m record holder Eddie Osei-Nketia has officially switched to competing for Australia. The 24-year-old sprinter last represented New Zealand at the 2022 World Championships and has not run for the country in over three years.
2 outlets · Woman accused of murdering Kaitāia businessman appears in High Court
A 57-year-old woman accused of murdering Monty Knight has appeared in the Whangārei High Court. Name suppression for the defendant has been extended until April while experts assess her mental fitness to stand trial.
2 outlets · Heavyweight boxer Semisi Kalu drowns while saving sons in Tonga
New Zealand heavyweight boxer Semisi Kalu died while attempting to save his sons during a family holiday in Tonga last month. The Tongan-born athlete, who also competed in sumo wrestling, will be laid to rest in Papatoetoe tomorrow.
2 outlets · Air New Zealand cabin crew may strike before Christmas
Some Air New Zealand cabin crew are scheduled to walk off the job on 18 December. While a strike planned for this coming Monday has been cancelled, the union is defending the timing of the upcoming industrial action.
+15 outlets · Electrical inspectors warn rule change creates electrocution risk
Electrical inspectors claim a recent rule change has exposed homes and businesses to a lethal risk of electrocution. The group has reportedly made unsuccessful attempts to persuade officials to reverse the decision during meetings and through correspondence over the past month.
2 outlets · Dunedin swim coach celebrates nearly 40 years with Special Olympics
Margaret van Betuw has coached Special Olympics athletes at Dunedin's Moana Pool every Wednesday since 1987. She says her long-term commitment to the role is driven by a desire to promote inclusion and community belonging.
2 outlets · City Rail Link testing underway before expected opening next year
Auckland's $5.5 billion City Rail Link is undergoing extensive testing, including crowd emergency evacuations. While officials are confident in the new timetable, they have not confirmed a specific opening date for the project, which is expected to open in the second half of next year.
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