Former Gloriavale leader jailed for sexual offences against girls and women
Howard Temple, 85, has been sentenced to 26 months in prison at Greymouth District Court. He pleaded guilty to 12 charges involving indecent assault and other offences committed over more than 20 years. Temple is now appealing his prison sentence.
+37 outlets · Minimum wage to increase by 2 per cent from April
The adult minimum wage will rise to $23.95 an hour from 1 April 2026. Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced the 2% increase, which aims to balance cost of living and business pressures. Starting-out and training rates will move to $19.16 per hour.
+15 outlets · Prosecution continues against accuser of former deputy police commissioner
The woman known as Ms Z, who accused former deputy police commissioner Jevon McSkimming of sexual offending, appeared in court on Friday. She faces two charges of causing harm by posting digital communications regarding another police officer and his wife. The Crown is continuing to pursue the prosecution.
+48 outlets · Coroner calls for bed redesign after toddler's preventable death
A coroner has ruled that the 2021 death of a 19-month-old boy in Canterbury was a preventable accident. The toddler was strangled by a loose fabric strap on a slat bed purchased from The Warehouse. The retailer says it is working to redesign the product following the findings.
+48 outlets · Three companies sentenced over 2023 Queenstown landslip
Skyline Enterprises and two contractors have been sentenced for contributing to a 2023 landslip near Queenstown's CBD. The slip inundated a residential street during record rainfall, damaging 10 homes and forcing 41 people to evacuate.
+15 outlets · Ruth Richardson offers new terms for debate with Nicola Willis
Taxpayers’ Union chair Ruth Richardson remains willing to debate Finance Minister Nicola Willis following a dispute over the venue. Richardson has dropped her demand for a talkback radio setting and suggested economist Cameron Bagrie as a moderator. Labour MP Willie Jackson has criticised the proposed discussion, calling it a sham.
+15 outlets · Name suppression lifted for Christchurch murder victim Chantal McDonald
Chantal McDonald's name has been released following her murder in Parklands in July. Nathan Boulter, who stabbed McDonald 55 times after she ended their relationship, pleaded guilty to the killing and will be sentenced in February.
+26 outlets · Logging truck and car crash blocks Dunedin Southern Motorway northbound lanes
A collision involving a car and a logging truck occurred on Dunedin's Southern Motorway around 3.30pm on Friday. The crash has closed northbound lanes between the Kaikorai Valley offramp and the Caversham Valley Road on-ramp. Police report no serious injuries, but motorists are facing significant traffic delays.
4 outlets · Two charged after man allegedly kidnapped during Facebook Marketplace car sale
Two people have been charged with kidnapping, assault, and theft following an incident in Wesley, Auckland. Police say the victim was lured to a Holdsworth Avenue address to buy a vehicle before being allegedly assaulted and forced to withdraw cash from ATMs. The suspects were located at a hotel and tasered by police.
4 outlets · Two aircraft nearly collided over Northland in 2023
A Transport Accident Investigation Commission report reveals an Air New Zealand plane and a small aircraft came within 41 seconds of a head-on collision near Whangārei in August 2023. Investigators attributed the incident to airspace management failures and have called for an urgent overhaul of safety systems.
4 outlets · Interislander ferry turns back to Wellington due to steering issues
The Interislander ferry Kaiārahi abandoned its Friday afternoon voyage to Picton after experiencing steering problems in the Cook Strait. Passengers were stuck on board for over six hours before the vessel returned to Wellington. The harbourmaster stated there was no safety risk to anyone on the ship.
3 outlets · Hamilton IT manager jailed for sharing child sexual exploitation material
Matthew Daniel Gregory, 33, has been sentenced to three years and nine months in prison. The Hamilton IT manager pleaded guilty to 19 charges involving the possession and distribution of child abuse material. An investigation followed 19 reports from the US-based National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children.
3 outlets · Three Auckland liquor stores caught selling alcohol to minors
Three liquor stores in suburban Auckland failed ID checks during a three-week compliance operation. Police tested 36 licensed premises to ensure adherence to alcohol laws. Authorities expressed disappointment after three of the stores were found selling alcohol to underage customers.
3 outlets · Auckland Zoo euthanises last remaining seal
Auckland Zoo has euthanised Ōrua, a 20-year-old subantarctic fur seal. The animal was rescued as a pup in 2006 and was the last seal held in any New Zealand zoo. The decision follows deteriorating health and habitat conditions.
3 outlets · Man arrested in Whangamatā after community tip-off leads to meth seizure
Police executed search warrants in Whangamatā following anonymous tips, seizing 16g of methamphetamine and supply items. A 34-year-old local man has been charged with possessing methamphetamine for supply and obstructing police. He is due to appear in Waihi District Court on Monday.
3 outlets · Police investigating sudden death in Rolleston
Police are investigating a sudden death in Rolleston, south-west of Christchurch. The death was reported to authorities at approximately 11am on Friday. Officers remain at the scene while enquiries into the circumstances continue.
3 outlets · Sunny and settled weekend forecast after South Island thunderstorms
New Zealand is expected to have a dry and sunny weekend following severe thunderstorms in the lower South Island on Thursday. While temperatures will be slightly cooler than last week, a high-pressure system is forecast to bring settled conditions before rain and wind arrive early next week.
3 outlets · Man charged after suspicious fire damages Timaru Christmas tree
A man has been charged with deliberately setting fire to Timaru's public Christmas tree at Caroline Bay Piazza. Emergency services attended the blaze early Friday morning, which caused significant damage to the structure. The Timaru District Council has stated the tree will not be replaced.
3 outlets · Petition calls for mandatory shade at new or upgraded playgrounds
Renata Wiles has launched a petition to Parliament following reports of children being burnt by playground equipment. The petition seeks to make sun shade a mandatory requirement for all new or upgraded playgrounds. The initiative has gathered just under 2,000 signatures.
3 outlets · Former White Ferns players creating new pathways for female cricketers
Former captain Amy Satterthwaite and three other White Ferns alumni are working to develop cricket pathways for girls. Satterthwaite has returned to Christchurch to begin her new roles as a professional cricket coach and the female pathway lead for Canterbury Cricket.
2 outlets · Athletes compete at Special Olympics National Summer Games in Christchurch
More than 1,200 athletes from across New Zealand have gathered in Christchurch for the 2025 Special Olympics National Summer Games. Competitors include a 50-person squad from Hawke’s Bay, Waikato footballers, and a trio of Waikato equestrian athletes. The games feature various sporting disciplines as participants vie for medals.
2 outlets · Funding dispute rises as Rotorua finishes 780-tonne lake weed clean-up
A three-week operation to remove 780 tonnes of lake weed from the Rotorua Lakefront has concluded. Local environmental leaders are calling for more Crown funding, arguing that a disparity exists compared to the amount provided to Otago.
3 outlets · Bruce McLaren family graves desecrated again at Waikumete Cemetery
The graves of motorsport legend Bruce McLaren and his wife Patricia have been targeted by vandals at Auckland's Waikumete Cemetery. Despite being wrapped for protection, the site suffered further damage, including bleach and tampering. A volunteer restorer described the ongoing vandalism as deliberate and calculated.
2 outlets · Residents call for green arrow at Napier intersection
A resident and a village manager are urging the Napier City Council to install a green arrow at the Guppy and Meeanee Roads intersection. They describe the traffic situation as dangerous and chaotic, particularly during school hours and sporting events at Tareha Park.
2 outlets · International research team drills in Antarctica to study sea-level rise
An international group of scientists is conducting a mission on the West Antarctic Ice Sheet to study how 2°C of global warming might affect sea levels. The project involves drilling 500 metres to retrieve sediment samples. The team includes members from ten countries, including New Zealand.
2 outlets · One person dead following serious two-vehicle crash in Palmerston North
A person has died following a serious two-vehicle crash on State Highway 56 in Palmerston North. Emergency services were called to the Fitzherbert East Road scene around 12.30pm on Friday. The Serious Crash Unit has been conducting a scene examination and the road was closed.
2 outlets · Three marine species have disappeared from Queen Charlotte Sound
A new report reveals that three out of four ecologically significant species monitored at 16 sites in Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui have disappeared. Only one species remains in the Marlborough Sounds, and even that survivor is facing threats to its survival.
3 outlets · FENZ warns strike action puts public safety at risk
Fire and Emergency New Zealand has stated that ongoing strike action by paid firefighters is risking public safety. The New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union has responded by dismissing comments regarding pay offers as rubbish and stated the dispute will strengthen member resolve.
2 outlets · Parliament passes bill to reduce 2050 methane emissions targets under urgency
The government has passed a bill through all three stages in Parliament to weaken 2050 methane emissions targets. The Green Party warns that this decision ends bipartisan consensus, potentially exposing farmers to political uncertainty every three years.
2 outlets · Police investigate death of Christchurch club member after fall
The police alcohol harm prevention unit is reviewing the death of 69-year-old Colin Hunt. Mr Hunt died on 21 September following a fall onto concrete paving at the Cashmere Club in Christchurch. Police say the death is not being treated as suspicious.
2 outlets · Wayne Brown receives $611k in campaign donations
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown received up to $50,000 each from several developers and investors, including Graeme Hart and Marc Ellis. The campaign haul included contributions from celebrities and property developers to fund his re-election bid.
2 outlets · Tūātapere Sports Day to end after 116 years
The Tūātapere Sports Day in Southland will conclude following its upcoming New Year's Day event. Organiser Peter Templeton stated that the event is finishing after more than a century of operation.
2 outlets · Increased police presence expected in Napier for gang headstone unveiling
Police are increasing their presence in Napier this weekend due to expected gang gatherings. Members are anticipated to attend a headstone unveiling at Wharerangi Lawn Cemetery in Poraiti on Saturday afternoon. Authorities have stated they will maintain a firm line regarding the Gangs Act.
2 outlets · Calendar Girls owner sells Christchurch mansion to expand business into Europe
James Samson has sold his Russley Road estate near Christchurch Airport for $6 million in a private off-market deal. The property developer purchased the home, which was sold in August. Samson plans to expand his adult entertainment brand into Paris.
3 outlets · Shellfish warning issued for eastern Bay of Plenty due to toxins
NZ Food Safety has warned against collecting or consuming shellfish from the eastern Bay of Plenty, stretching from Opape to East Cape. Tests on mussels from Te Kaha revealed paralytic toxin levels more than double the safe limit. Pāua, crabs, and crayfish are only considered safe if all guts are removed before cooking.
2 outlets · Inspections reveal maintenance failings in Dunedin student rentals
Government inspectors found widespread maintenance issues during visits to 53 student flats in Dunedin earlier this year. The investigation resulted in 23 warnings and 12 improvement notices, leading to significant repairs across dozens of properties to meet residential tenancy standards.
2 outlets · New two-lane Pekatahi Bridge to replace existing structure near Whakatāne
A new two-lane bridge will be built on State Highway 2 near Tāneatua to replace the ageing Pekatahi Bridge. The project is expected to cost between $64 million and $69 million, with work anticipated to begin in mid-2027.
2 outlets · Lamb remains a popular Christmas choice despite record high prices
An online survey from Retail Meat NZ shows lamb is a top choice for Christmas tables across New Zealand. However, the average retail price for roasting lamb and hogget reached a record high in 2025, with October figures from Stats NZ showing costs at $23.79 per kilogram.
2 outlets · Truck cab engulfed in flames near Port of Auckland
Emergency services responded to a truck fire on Tāmaki Drive around 10.30pm on Thursday. The cab was fully involved in the blaze, which occurred near the Port of Auckland container terminal. No injuries were reported, and a heavy haulage team was called to remove the vehicle.
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