Thursday 11 December 2025
46 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Christchurch couple jailed for $4 million Ponzi scheme
Alex and Aroha Tuira have been sentenced in the Christchurch High Court for operating a Ponzi scheme. The couple defrauded more than 55 investors, primarily from Māori communities, of nearly $4 million. Victims included terminal cancer patients and grieving widows.
+26 outlets · Severe thunderstorms and hail hit parts of the South Island
MetService issued severe thunderstorm warnings and watches for Otago, South Canterbury, and parts of Canterbury on Thursday afternoon. The weather brought hail and torrential rain to areas including Dunedin, with potential for flash flooding and localised downpours.
+15 outlets · Missing seven-year-old boy found in Hamilton
Tyrese, a seven-year-old boy from Deanwell, has been found safe after going missing on Wednesday afternoon. He had left his home on Anderson Road around 4pm to visit a friend and failed to return. Police issued an Amber Alert before confirming he was located shortly after 7am on Thursday.
+15 outlets · Three more charged over death of American student in Auckland
Three teenagers have been charged with murder and aggravated robbery following the death of US national Kyle Whorrall. He was fatally attacked at a Meadowbank bus stop in April. Police executed search warrants in Kaikohe, Mt Wellington, and Manurewa, bringing the total number of people charged in the investigation to six.
+15 outlets · Police investigate broken leg of three-week-old baby in Hutt Valley
Police are seeking public assistance after a three-week-old girl was hospitalised with a broken leg on 2 December. Authorities say the injury is unusual for an infant and that investigations have uncovered contrasting narratives regarding the circumstances. The baby's condition is reportedly improving.
+15 outlets · Nine suspected illegal gambling venues raided across Auckland
The Department of Internal Affairs raided nine suspected illegal poker venues across five Auckland areas. Authorities seized cash, cryptocurrency, electronic devices, and poker tables during the operations. Officials stated that some players have incurred significant debts, with some allegedly forced to sell drugs to repay them.
4 outlets · Taxpayers’ Union launches campaign against Nicola Willis over fiscal promises
The Taxpayers’ Union has launched a campaign accusing Finance Minister Nicola Willis of failing to meet spending promises. A dispute has also emerged regarding a proposed debate between Willis and former finance minister Ruth Richardson, with both parties accusing the other of attempting to avoid the discussion.
4 outlets · Three arrested following methamphetamine investigation in Hawke's Bay
Three men, aged 39, 42, and 57, were arrested during Operation Tukutuki after high levels of methamphetamine were detected in wastewater. Police executed five search warrants across Hastings and Central Hawke's Bay, seizing methamphetamine, cash, and a firearm during the raids.
4 outlets · Wellington City to Sea bridge spared from demolition for now
Wellington City Councillors have voted to remove the City to Sea bridge from a previous demolition list. The decision to scrap the demolition follows concerns regarding seismic risks. The council will now review further options and costs while planning for the bridge's future.
4 outlets · Black Caps defeat West Indies by nine wickets in Wellington
New Zealand secured a nine-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second test at the Basin Reserve. After bowling the West Indies out for 205, the Black Caps chased a target of 56 to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
3 outlets · Coroner rules Muriwai sand dune collapse a tragic accident
The coroner has ruled that the August death of Kane Watson at Muriwai Beach was a tragic accident. Watson died after a sand dune collapsed on him while he was playing with his children. The findings included a warning to beachgoers regarding the dangers of sand dunes.
4 outlets · Ardie Savea wins Player of the Year at NZ Rugby Awards
All Blacks loose forward Ardie Savea has been named the Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Player of the Year. This marks his third time winning the award, following previous wins in 2019 and 2023. Savea also received the All Blacks Player of the Year honour during the ceremony.
3 outlets · Wellington and Wairarapa mayors agree to explore council amalgamation
Mayors across the Wellington and Wairarapa regions have agreed to investigate options for merging their local councils. The move aims to address infrastructure and economic issues while responding to uncertainty regarding central government policy. The leaders intend to work together to develop potential amalgamation models for the region.
3 outlets · Seymour blames school principal for drama over mouldy lunch incident
Associate Education Minister David Seymour stated that Haeata Community Campus caused unnecessary drama by speaking to the media before an investigation was completed. The Christchurch school claims it never received the New Zealand Food Safety report regarding mouldy lunches found on 1 December.
3 outlets · Worker assaulted during aggravated robbery at Ōtangarei store
A group of men armed with weapons entered a store on William Jones Drive around 7.25pm on Wednesday. The worker sustained minor injuries during the robbery, which resulted in the theft of cash and cigarettes. Police are now seeking witnesses to the incident.
3 outlets · Vegetation fire near Wellington Airport produces thick smoke
Firefighters are battling a vegetation blaze near Moa Point at the southern end of Wellington Airport. Thick smoke was seen drifting towards the airport, and residents were advised to stay indoors with windows and doors closed. Police have been called to assist with traffic near Stewart Duff Road.
4 outlets · Jetstar ordered to stop using non-compliant scales at Wellington Airport
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has directed Jetstar to stop using two portable baggage scales at Wellington Airport. Inspections following a public complaint found the scales failed to meet legal accuracy requirements because they were not level when tested.
3 outlets · WorkSafe warns farmers following serious storm debris clean-up injuries
WorkSafe has issued a national warning to farmers after several serious injuries occurred during storm clean-ups in Southland and Otago. One man required surgery after falling four metres while using a chainsaw, resulting in a punctured lung and internal bleeding.
3 outlets · Yellow-legged hornet surveillance zone expanded on Auckland's North Shore
Biosecurity New Zealand has extended the surveillance zone for yellow-legged hornets from 5km to 11km across Auckland's North Shore. The expansion follows expert recommendations to help contain the incursion. So far, more than 30 queen hornets and 22 nests have been located and destroyed.
3 outlets · Police seek help finding Greymouth mother and three children
Police are searching for Candace and her three children, aged 1, 10, and 12, who were reported missing from Greymouth. The family is concerned for their wellbeing after losing contact. The group was in Wānaka until 9 December and is believed to be in the Christchurch area, possibly travelling with a man.
3 outlets · Tom Phillips' firearms licence revoked before second disappearance
Police records released under the Official Information Act show Tom Phillips' firearms licence was suspended following his 2021 disappearance. The licence was later revoked after he was deemed not a fit and proper person to hold a gun. Phillips was shot dead by police on 8 September 2025.
+37 outlets · Nearly 7000 pensioners affected by Inland Revenue error
Almost 7000 pensioners have been impacted by a recent Inland Revenue error involving the recording of NZ Super. This follows a previous issue where 4500 people overpaid tax due to incorrectly recorded imputation credits in pre-populated tax returns.
4 outlets · Grey Lynn businesses struggle due to year-long roadworks
Shop owners on Great North Road say they are struggling to stay afloat due to a year-long roadwork project. The construction, which began in January, has left businesses barricaded behind cones and diggers, making access difficult for customers.
3 outlets · Napier mayor fails to remove voting rights for Māori committee members
Napier Mayor Richard McGrath's proposal to exclude mana whenua from committee voting rights was rejected during his second full council meeting. Deputy Mayor Sally Crown stated that the move had blindsided councillors.
2 outlets · Police investigate unexplained death in Rānui stream
Police are investigating after a body was located near Paremuka Stream in West Auckland on Wednesday evening. Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 5pm. Investigators are currently working to establish the circumstances surrounding the death.
2 outlets · Millions of passengers expected at New Zealand airports this summer
New Zealand airports are preparing for a major summer travel season with more than 3 million passengers expected. Auckland Airport forecasts over 2.5 million travellers between 8 December 2025 and 18 January 2026, comprising approximately 1 million domestic and 1.5 million international passengers.
2 outlets · House heavily damaged by fire in Karori
Emergency services responded to a house fire on Hildreth Street in Karori on Thursday evening. While a woman is receiving treatment for smoke inhalation, a firefighter confirmed that all other occupants have been accounted for. The building has sustained severe damage.
2 outlets · Nearly 1200 dog-related complaints recorded in Wairarapa over last financial year
Animal control officers in three Wairarapa councils responded to 1,193 dog-related call outs during the 2024/25 financial year. Although total numbers remain high, complaints are decreasing annually. In Masterton, 27 of the 910 recorded complaints involved dog attacks on people.
2 outlets · Man spared jail after attacking bar patron with beer jug
Louie Buskin, 23, appeared in Dunedin District Court after admitting to injuring by unlawful act and disorderly behaviour. The court heard he hit a patron with a beer jug, causing a fractured skull, brain bleed, and permanent hearing loss. Buskin was spared a jail sentence for the assault.
2 outlets · Napier mayor's proposal to remove mana whenua from committees fails
Napier Mayor Richard McGrath's proposal to exclude mana whenua voices and voting rights from council standing committees has been defeated. Deputy Mayor Sally Crown criticised the move, describing the proposal as a display of disrespect that blindsided councillors during a tense meeting.
2 outlets · Speed limits reduced on State Highway 1 near Motutere Holiday Park
NZTA is reducing the speed limit from 100km/h to 60km/h on State Highway 1 near the Motutere Holiday Park, south of Taupō. The change covers a stretch extending north and south of Waitapu Road. The new limit will take effect before Christmas following public safety concerns.
3 outlets · Mosgiel businessman sentenced for attempting to exploit underage girl
A Mosgiel business owner in his 50s pleaded guilty in Dunedin District Court to attempting to enter into a commercial sexual arrangement with a 17-year-old girl. The man offered the teenager $700 for sex, claiming to police that he intended to help her.
2 outlets · Police investigate death of club member in Christchurch
Police are investigating a tragic incident at the Cashmere Club that led to the death of member Colin Hunt. Mr Hunt died on 21 September following an incident at the premises the previous day. The club has notified members of the investigation.
2 outlets · Police unlawfully entered Flaxmere home during arrest attempt
The Independent Police Conduct Authority found that officers misunderstood their legal powers when entering a house in Flaxmere, Hawke’s Bay. Police were armed with pistols, tasers, and pepper spray during the incident. Authorities have acknowledged the misinterpretation of the law during the arrest attempt.
2 outlets · Auckland Council investigates insect swarm in central city
Auckland Council staff are investigating what appears to be a bee swarm in the central city. The swarm was reported by a member of the public at approximately 12.15pm near the corner of High Street and Shortland Street.
3 outlets · Kairakau community placed under level 4 water restrictions
The Central Hawke’s Bay District Council has implemented level 4 water restrictions in Kairakau due to dry conditions. Residents are prohibited from using dishwashers and face limits on flushing toilets. Council water tankers are currently being used to supply the community.
2 outlets · Two Head Hunters members jailed for fatal assault on Samuel Curle
Two gang members have been sentenced for the fatal beating of 36-year-old Samuel Curle. Mr Curle was found on Auckland's Kaipara Coast Highway in November after being assaulted for wearing a gang-insignia hoodie. He died in hospital 20 days later from brain injuries.
2 outlets · Three people charged after copper thefts in Frankton
Three individuals have been charged following a series of burglaries at a Hamilton business in August 2025. Police believe more than 200kg of copper reels were stolen from the Frankton site and subsequently on-sold.
2 outlets · Businesses struggle amid New Zealand energy crisis
New Zealand businesses are facing significant challenges due to an energy crisis. Gas supplies have decreased by approximately 45% over six years, while industrial prices have doubled, leaving some companies struggling to survive the transition.
2 outlets · ACC chief executive Megan Main will not seek reappointment
ACC chief executive Megan Main has announced she will not apply for another term when her current contract ends in late 2026. The decision follows a period of turbulence at the agency and comes as the organisation faces potential changes.
2 outlets · Waikato officer can be named after losing suppression appeal
Constable Jacob Collins has given up his bid for name suppression following an assault conviction. The 37-year-old officer was found to have unlawfully pepper-sprayed a motorist three times during a traffic stop on State Highway 3.
3 outlets · Citizens Advice Bureau report reveals crisis in welfare support
A report based on over 10,000 requests shows people are struggling to meet basic living costs due to welfare changes. Individuals from various ages and ethnicities face difficulties providing basic needs or risk losing their vehicles used as homes.
2 outlets · Taxpayers' Union launches fudge campaign targeting Nicola Willis
The Taxpayers' Union has released branded 'Nicola Fudge Co.' products to criticise Finance Minister Nicola Willis. The campaign uses the slogan 'A treat today - A tax tomorrow' to claim the government is sugar-coating fiscal truths. The PSA has described the initiative as a stunt.
3 outlets · Rotorua student honoured for 13 years of perfect school attendance
Casey Paul has completed 13 years of school without missing a single day. The Ministry of Education congratulated the Rotorua Girls' High School student on her achievement, which spanned her entire primary, intermediate, and secondary education.
2 outlets · Body found near Tepid Baths in central Auckland
Emergency services responded to a man's body found on a footpath at the intersection of Sturdee St and Customs St West this morning. Police have stated that the death is not being treated as suspicious.
2 outlets · Sterilisation may increase lifespan across 117 different species
A University of Otago study found that preventing reproduction can extend the lifespan of mammals. Researchers analysed data from 117 species housed in zoos and aquariums worldwide.
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