Minister denies claims regarding McSkimming complaint timeline
Police Minister Mark Mitchell has rejected claims by former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster that he knew about allegations against Jevon McSkimming earlier than stated. Mitchell maintains he was first informed of the misconduct concerns on 6 November 2024. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has ruled out a wider inquiry into the matter.
+37 outlets · Emergency services battle multiple fires in Tongariro National Park
Firefighters and helicopters are responding to multiple vegetation fires in Tongariro National Park. State Highway 47 has been closed, and residents have been urged to prepare for potential evacuation. One blaze has been mapped at more than 320 hectares and remained uncontained as of Monday evening.
+37 outlets · Woolston childcare centre reopens after chemical burns incident
Kindercare in Woolston has reopened after five children and two staff members were hospitalised with chemical burns last Friday. The injuries occurred when a kitchen steriliser was mistakenly used on a waterslide. The childcare provider has since removed the detergent from all of its centres.
4 outlets · Te Pāti Māori support drops to 1 per cent in latest poll
Te Pāti Māori's support has fallen to 1 per cent in the latest 1News Verian poll following internal disputes. Meanwhile, the National Party rose to 36 per cent and Labour increased to 35 per cent. The poll suggests the current government coalition would retain enough support to stay in power.
+15 outlets · Customs seizes $15.75m of cocaine at Port of Tauranga
Customs officers intercepted 45kg of cocaine hidden in a shipping container at the Port of Tauranga on 4 December. The container originated in Houston, USA, and travelled via Panama. The seized bricks, valued at approximately $15.75 million, featured various brandings including a hamster wearing a crown.
4 outlets · New Zealander accused of importing 21kg of heroin into Australia
A 21-year-old New Zealand man is due to appear in a Sydney court after allegedly attempting to smuggle 21kg of heroin. The drugs, valued at approximately $10 million, were reportedly found inside floral-patterned bags within his luggage following a flight from Thailand. He was intercepted by Australian Border Force officers at Sydney Airport.
4 outlets · Vaginal packing left inside woman for six weeks after birth
The Health and Disability Commissioner has investigated a case where a woman had vaginal packing left inside her for six weeks following a public hospital birth. The woman experienced pain and infection before a GP discovered the swab during a post-natal check. Health NZ was criticised for the mistake.
+15 outlets · Qantas to launch new Auckland services and lounge overhaul
Qantas will introduce year-round flights from Auckland to Samoa and the Gold Coast starting in June 2026. The airline is also opening a refurbished international lounge at Auckland Airport on 17 December, which will accommodate over 370 travellers.
4 outlets · Father of former Prime Minister Helen Clark dies aged 103
Frederick George Clark passed away peacefully at his Waihi Beach home on 6 December. Former Prime Minister Helen Clark announced the death on social media, describing her father as a dedicated family man who supported his daughters.
+37 outlets · Man charged after Papakura shooting leaves victim critically injured
A 20-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm following a shooting on Maadi Place in Papakura. The victim was rushed to Auckland City Hospital in critical condition on Saturday morning. The suspect was arrested on Sunday and is due to appear in court.
4 outlets · Heat alerts issued as North Island temperatures soar
A heat alert has been issued for Hastings, where temperatures are expected to reach 34C. Gisborne is also under alert as temperatures climb into the 30s. Residents are advised to stay hydrated and seek shade during the warm weather.
4 outlets · Kmart recalls sensory sand sets due to asbestos risk
Kmart has recalled licensed sensory activity sets branded with Bluey, Frozen, and Paw Patrol after testing detected asbestos. Between 684 and 864 units were sold in New Zealand. The products may pose a health risk to consumers.
4 outlets · Second man arrested following fatal Mt Wellington stabbing
Police have arrested a second man in Te Awamutu regarding the fatal stabbing of a 33-year-old motorcyclist on Harris Road last Friday. A 21-year-old man has already appeared in court charged with murder in connection with the incident.
3 outlets · Seven Chinese warships shadowed New Zealand navy vessel in East Asia
The HMNZS Aotearoa was monitored by seven Chinese warships while patrolling the East China and Yellow Seas. The New Zealand Defence Force confirmed the vessel was conducting surveillance and deterrence activities to support United Nations sanctions against North Korea.
4 outlets · Two injured in North Otago crash caused by cellphone distraction
Two people were hospitalised with moderate injuries after a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 1 near Hampden on Sunday. Police say the driver of one vehicle admitted to being distracted by changing music on a cellphone. The highway was closed for several hours following the incident.
3 outlets · Te Pāti Māori leadership defends unity after annual general meeting
Te Pāti Māori leadership described their annual general meeting as a success despite unresolved issues regarding the party presidency and the expulsion of an MP. Former MP Tākuta Ferris criticised president John Tamihere, suggesting the party faces ongoing instability if current leadership remains.
4 outlets · Electric bikes are technically illegal on the Timber Trail
Thousands of riders are using electric bikes on the 85km Timber Trail in Pureora Forest Park despite the vehicles being prohibited. Trail operators say the situation highlights complex regulatory hurdles facing the cycling industry.
4 outlets · Christchurch man cancels insurance after premium increase
Trevor Taylor has ended his home insurance after premiums rose by more than 30 per cent. Tower Insurance attributed the increase to new risk pricing regarding sea surges, landslips, earthquakes, and flooding. The insurer stated the sea surge rating reflects potential flooding through nearby water systems.
2 outlets · Gastroenteritis outbreak affects staff at Canterbury school
A number of staff members at a Canterbury school have fallen ill with gastroenteritis. The outbreak occurred after a shared morning tea held last week. Health New Zealand is providing support to the school following the incident.
2 outlets · Wellington Rugby sells 50 per cent stake in Hurricanes
The Wellington Rugby Football Union is selling its 50 per cent share in the Hurricanes ahead of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season. This sale follows financial difficulties for the union, which reported losses of over $1 million across the last two seasons.
2 outlets · Mongrel Mob associate sentenced for kidnapping and assault
Rameka Joseph Rangi-Te Rito has been sentenced for a 2022 kidnapping involving a beating with weapons. The victim, a patched gang member, sustained serious injuries including a collapsed lung and broken bones. The incident occurred during a period of violent activity by the Mongrel Mob chapter.
3 outlets · Contactless payments for Wellington buses and trains by April 2026
Wellington commuters will be able to use phones or debit cards to pay for bus and train fares by April 2026. The $5.5m ticketing upgrade will function similarly to Auckland's system for adults, though Snapper cards will remain valid until the Motu Move system is fully implemented in 2027.
3 outlets · Police cordon New Lynn home following house fire
Emergency services responded to a fire at a two-level home on Kohekohe Street in New Lynn on Monday afternoon. Approximately 20 firefighters attended the blaze, and police were called to the scene to assist.
2 outlets · Prime Minister Luxon to speak after Cabinet meeting
Christopher Luxon is scheduled to address the media at 4pm today following a weekly Cabinet meeting. The Prime Minister will discuss his government's plans for the remainder of the political year before Parliament sits for its final session on 18 December.
2 outlets · Erica Stanford receives petition to reinstate Treaty obligations for school boards
Education Minister Erica Stanford met with iwi leaders outside Parliament to receive a petition signed by nearly 24,000 people. The petition calls for the government to reverse recent changes that removed explicit requirements for school boards to give effect to the Treaty of Waitangi. Stanford and iwi leader Rahui Papa later held a joint press conference.
2 outlets · Auckland man fined $9800 for animal welfare offences
Kevin Maurice Dell has been fined $9800 and received ownership restrictions after pleading guilty to three Animal Welfare Act charges. The Ministry for Primary Industries stated he failed to provide adequate care or veterinary treatment to a heifer, a bull calf, and a thoroughbred horse. He is barred from owning more than two horses and 10 cows for two years.
2 outlets · The decline of lavish New Zealand office Christmas parties
Large-scale workplace Christmas celebrations in New Zealand have changed from the excessive and expensive events seen in previous decades. During the 1980s and 1990s, some firms reportedly spent more than $1 million on these festivities.
2 outlets · Two little spotted kiwi chicks discovered in South Westland
Two little spotted kiwi chicks have been found in South Westland following the first mainland discovery of the species in fifty years. Due to predator risks, the chicks have been moved to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch for protection.
2 outlets · North Canterbury gorse fire reignites following strong winds
Firefighters and helicopters returned to Eyrewell on Monday to battle a flare-up of a Sunday scrub fire. The blaze, located near Poyntzs Road on the Waimakariri River, was reignited by strong winds. Approximately 45 firefighters were called to the scene at around 5.10am to contain the fire.
2 outlets · Coroner suppresses name of man stabbed to death in Mt Wellington
A coroner has issued suppression orders preventing the media from identifying a man who was fatally stabbed in Mt Wellington last week. A 21-year-old man has been charged with murder following an altercation on Harris Road. The accused was scheduled to appear in the Auckland District Court today.
3 outlets · Emergency crews battle fire flare-up near Eyrewell
Firefighters and two helicopters were deployed on Monday to combat a rekindled vegetation fire in Eyrewell, north of Christchurch. Eleven crew members are working to contain the blaze in the Waimakariri area following an overnight flare-up.
2 outlets · Lando Norris wins first Formula One championship in Abu Dhabi
McLaren's Lando Norris secured his first Formula One title after finishing third at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The result ended Max Verstappen's four-year championship reign.
2 outlets · Two teenagers charged after aggravated robbery in Mt Wellington
Two boys, aged 14 and 15, have been charged with aggravated robbery following an incident outside a Mt Wellington petrol station late Monday night. Police say the teenagers approached a man on the forecourt shortly after 11.30pm, allegedly assaulting him and stealing his necklace.
2 outlets · Safety concerns rise over toy recalls and asbestos contamination
Parents are facing challenges shopping for Christmas presents following several toy recalls. Concerns have been raised regarding children's sand products being contaminated with asbestos. Experts suggest avoiding cheaper online marketplaces to ensure child safety amidst these recent safety test failures.
2 outlets · New Zealand economy expected to recover in 2026
ASB economists forecast an economic recovery for New Zealand in 2026. The positive outlook is driven by lower interest rates, resilient exports, and renewed consumer confidence.
2 outlets ·
