Wednesday 17 December 2025
52 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Former deputy police commissioner sentenced for possessing objectionable material
Jevon McSkimming has been sentenced to nine months of home detention at the Wellington District Court. The 52-year-old former deputy police commissioner pleaded guilty to three charges of possessing objectionable material, including child sexual exploitation and bestiality. He was not required to register as a sex offender.
+48 outlets · Mike Pannett appointed as new deputy police commissioner
Police Minister Mark Mitchell has appointed Assistant Commissioner Mike Pannett as a statutory Deputy Commissioner of Police. Pannett replaces Jevon McSkimming, who resigned following the discovery of objectionable material on police devices. The appointment comes as McSkimming faces sentencing in court.
+48 outlets · Government to close road cone hotline ahead of schedule
The road cone hotline will shut down this Friday after six months of operation. Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden stated the pilot met its objectives, though Labour has criticised the initiative as a waste of public money.
+15 outlets · Hamilton business owner sentenced for exploiting migrant workers
Sneha Patel has been sentenced to 11 months of home detention for exploiting three migrant employees. The Hamilton District Court ordered her to pay nearly $50,000 in reparation after she failed to pay minimum wages and entitlements. Patel operated several businesses across Hamilton and Auckland.
4 outlets · Hastings man jailed after planning mass stabbing attack
A 22-year-old Hastings man has been sentenced to five years and four months in prison for planning a mass stabbing at Napier District Court. Following a tip-off from the FBI, authorities intercepted the man, who had been radicalised online and was facing charges related to objectionable material.
4 outlets · Crown reaches $420 million settlement with Nelson Tenths Māori landowners
The Government has agreed to a landmark settlement with Te Here-Ā-Nuku, the Nelson Tenths Trust, following a long-running legal battle. Māori landowners in the top of the South Island will receive $420 million in compensation and more than 3,000 hectares of land, including parts of the Abel Tasman Great Walk.
4 outlets · Police urge Rotorua residents to check properties for homicide evidence
Police are asking residents near Ford Road to search their properties for discarded clothing, weapons, or other items. The request follows the homicide investigation of 37-year-old Nicholas Patrick Mitchell, who was found dead in a vehicle on Friday evening. Officers say his injuries were not consistent with a vehicle crash.
4 outlets · Man arrested in Auckland CBD with a samurai sword
A man was arrested on Upper Queen Street after being seen with a samurai sword. Police responded to reports just before 4pm on Wednesday after members of the public mistook the weapon for a firearm.
4 outlets · The TV Shop convicted of misleading consumers with fake reviews
Brand Developers Ltd, trading as The TV Shop, has been convicted on 13 charges in the Auckland District Court for breaching the Fair Trading Act. The company, which sells brands such as Thin Lizzy, posted fake online reviews and hid negative customer feedback. It also misrepresented bonus items and denied refund rights.
4 outlets · Two climbers die on Sabre Peak in Fiordland National Park
Connor Scott McKenzie, 28, and Tanmay Shetankumar Bhati, 23, died while climbing the north buttress of Sabre Peak on Saturday. Police have identified the men, who were New Zealand-Canadian dual citizen McKenzie and Australian citizen Bhati. Both men were living in Australia at the time of the incident.
4 outlets · Auckland man jailed after record airport seizure of child abuse material
A 35-year-old man has been sentenced to three years and nine-and-a-half months in prison for importing child sexual abuse and bestiality material. Customs officers discovered over 21,000 objectionable files on electronic devices when the man arrived at Auckland International Airport in May 2025.
4 outlets · Two injured after firearm is discharged in Gore
Two people sustained non-life-threatening injuries after a firearm was discharged on Aparima St in Gore just before 8pm. Police have cordoned off the area and are investigating the incident. Emergency services, including ambulances and helicopters, attended the scene.
4 outlets · Naveed Akram charged with 59 offences following Bondi Beach shooting
Naveed Akram, 24, faces 59 charges including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act following a shooting at Bondi Beach. The attack resulted in 15 deaths and injured a police officer. Australian authorities say the suspects were radicalised by beliefs associated with the Islamic State.
3 outlets · Mixed weather forecast for Christmas Day across New Zealand
MetService predicts varied conditions for Christmas Day, with rain bands expected to move in from the southwest. While some areas may face wet weather, temperatures in Hawke's Bay could reach 30C, and the east coast is expected to see better conditions.
4 outlets · Family complains to Jetstar after elderly man injured at Sydney Airport
A 77-year-old New Zealander sustained a broken hand and facial injuries after falling on concrete outside Sydney Airport. The incident occurred during an unscheduled overnight layover following a Jetstar flight cancellation. The man's family is complaining to the airline after they were reportedly not informed the airport would close overnight.
3 outlets · Parliamentary leaders deliver final speeches as year concludes
New Zealand's political party leaders, including Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins, are delivering their final speeches of the year. This comes as Parliament prepares to wrap up its final sitting bloc, which has largely been conducted under urgency.
3 outlets · High Court dismisses Talley's defamation case against TVNZ
An Auckland High Court judge has dismissed a multi-year defamation claim brought by food producer Talley's against TVNZ and journalist Thomas Mead. The case concerned reporting on the company's health and safety failings. Justice Pheroze Jagose found that the broadcaster met the requirements for responsible reporting.
+15 outlets · High Court halts enforcement of puberty blocker ban for judicial review
The High Court has issued an urgent injunction to temporarily pause a Government decision banning new prescriptions of puberty blockers for children with gender dysphoria. The ban was scheduled to take effect this week, but enforcement is now delayed pending a judicial review.
+15 outlets · Christchurch man sentenced to life for murder of David Bridgwater
James Holder has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of David Bridgwater, who was shot in Aranui in January 2024. Holder will serve at least 11 years and nine months. Leanne Crighton was also jailed for her role in attempting to cover up the killing.
4 outlets · Three men jailed for life for murder of Anaru Moana
Hayden Burt, Aaron Boden, and Cody Boyes have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Anaru Moana. A Christchurch High Court jury found the trio guilty of the killing, though Moana's body has not been located since he disappeared in December 2021.
+26 outlets · Auckland superyacht designer sentenced for tax evasion
Charles Stuart Robinson has been sentenced to 11 months of home detention and ordered to pay $250,000 in reparations. The Auckland designer was found guilty of 40 charges involving unpaid PAYE from two companies. He used company funds for personal expenses, including private school fees and luxury shopping.
3 outlets · Reserve Bank eases capital requirements to boost competition
The Reserve Bank is reducing the minimum capital owners must invest in their banks. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says these changes should help smaller banks compete more effectively against the big four. The move is expected to lower bank funding costs by approximately $5 billion and reduce interest rates for customers.
3 outlets · State Highway 1 blocked by truck and car crash near Motutere
A two-vehicle collision involving a truck and a car has closed State Highway 1 north of Motutere. Police were called to the scene on Wednesday afternoon. Early indications suggest there are injuries, and motorists are advised to avoid the area due to delays.
3 outlets · Rain assists crews battling two North Island forest fires
Firefighters are working to contain two large blazes at Lismore Forest near Parikino and Waiinu Beach in Taranaki. Overnight rain has helped reduce fire activity, with both fires now reported to be at least 70 per cent contained. A total fire and fireworks ban remains in place for Manawatū-Whanganui.
3 outlets · Pregnant sea lion found on Dunedin doorstep
A heavily pregnant New Zealand sea lion was discovered napping on a doorstep in St Clair, Dunedin, on Wednesday morning. The unexpected visitor startled a local family when they attempted to open their front door. The sighting is noted as part of a strong breeding season.
3 outlets · State Highway 2 closed near Katikati after serious truck and van crash
State Highway 2 is blocked between Katikati and Waihi Beach following a serious crash involving a truck and a van near Tanners Point. Police say the incident occurred on Wednesday morning and has left one person in critical condition and others injured. The road is expected to remain closed for several hours.
3 outlets · Vandals destroy handmade recycled Christmas tree in Featherston
A community Christmas tree made from recycled materials was destroyed by vandals in Featherston. The structure, which took a local craft collective approximately 300 hours to create, was found in tatters after falling on Monday night.
4 outlets · Funerals begin for victims of Bondi Beach terror attack
Funerals have commenced for victims killed during a terror attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach. The attack, involving a father and son, resulted in at least 15 deaths. The incident has caused significant distress for relatives in New Zealand, including a woman from Hawke's Bay.
2 outlets · Privacy Commissioner names supermarket involved in former MP photo leak
The Privacy Commissioner has named a Royal Oak Pak'nSave for breaching customer privacy. The breach involved the leaking of a photo of former MP Golriz Ghahraman. Two Pak'nSave stores were singled out for the privacy failures.
+15 outlets · Timaru businesses replace Christmas tree destroyed by fire
Local businesses have worked together to replace a 10-metre Christmas tree at Caroline Bay Piazza after it was destroyed by a suspicious fire last week. A 30-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident. The community is now being asked to help decorate the new tree.
2 outlets · Wānaka prepares for large New Year's Eve teenage gathering
Tens of thousands of teenagers are expected at Wānaka's lakefront for an informal New Year's Eve event. Authorities are concerned about unsupervised youths, and an alcohol ban will be in effect from 24 December to 6 January. Police have warned parents they may face charges for supplying alcohol to minors.
3 outlets · Primary school teachers reject government pay offer
NZEI Te Riu Roa union members have rejected the government's latest pay offer. This decision follows a similar rejection of a potential settlement by primary school principals last week.
+15 outlets · Australia to overhaul firearms regulations following Bondi terror attack
Australian federal, state, and territory governments have agreed to significant reforms of firearms regulations. This represents the largest overhaul of gun laws since 1996, following a terror attack at Bondi Beach that resulted in 15 deaths.
2 outlets · Farms and farmers fined for unlawful dairy effluent discharges
Two farmers and two farming companies have been fined a total of $108,000 for unlawful dairy effluent discharges near Te Awamutu. The Waikato Regional Council brought three separate prosecutions regarding improper irrigator use. The cases were heard in the Huntly District Court on 1 December.
2 outlets · Tauranga City Council considers funding for civic precinct project
Tauranga City Council met on Tuesday to discuss future funding for the Te Manawataki o Te Papa civic precinct. Councillors voted to prioritise using asset sale profits to reduce project debt. The discussion has reopened historical tensions from when the city was managed by government commissioners.
2 outlets · Auckland Zoo euthanises elderly Southern white rhino Zambezi
Auckland Zoo euthanised its 36-year-old Southern white rhino, Zambezi, on Tuesday. The decision followed deteriorating age-related health conditions, including dental disease that made eating difficult. Zambezi had been living at the zoo since relocating from Hamilton Zoo in 2007.
4 outlets · Fire and Emergency takes union to Employment Relations Authority
Fire and Emergency New Zealand has commenced legal action against the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union and an official. The move follows allegations of threats and intimidation directed at volunteers during a professional firefighters' strike. The matter has been referred to the police.
2 outlets · Christchurch man accused of soliciting sexual favours from teenage girls
A man in his 50s faces charges for allegedly attempting to solicit sexual favours from two teenage girls and sexually taunting a third. He was charged in October with five counts of exposing girls. The man is currently under interim name suppression.
2 outlets · Wellington councillors scrap proposed motorcycle parking charges
Wellington City councillors have voted 12 to 4 to cancel a plan to charge motorcyclists $1 per hour for parking. The decision follows public opposition to the fees, which were expected to generate approximately $900,000 annually.
2 outlets · Shoppers travel from across the country to new Ikea store
People from as far away as Canterbury and Otago visited the new Ikea in Auckland during its first week of operation. Data from ANZ transaction data shows unprecedented numbers of shoppers visiting the Sylvia Park shopping precinct.
2 outlets · Wellington City Council ratepayers to face extra costs after accounting error
A $3.43 million budgeting mistake by the Wellington City Council means households will face unexpected rates top-ups. Most residents were undercharged between $3 and $100, with an average increase of $40 per levy payer. The council has apologised but stated it cannot waive the costs, which will mostly appear in February bills.
2 outlets · Mt Ruapehu crater lake temperature rises
GeoNet reports that the temperature of Mt Ruapehu's crater lake has increased by 5C since early November. Minor yellow sulphur slicks and hot water upwellings have been observed. The volcano's alert level remains unchanged.
2 outlets · Two Pak'nSave stores found in breach of Privacy Act
Two Auckland Pak'nSave stores have breached the Privacy Act after security guards shared customer images alongside allegations of criminal activity. The Privacy Commissioner ruled that the sharing of these images by a third-party company could cause potential harm to the individuals involved.
2 outlets · Family pay tribute to Christchurch woman murdered by stalker
The family of Chantal McDonald has shared tributes to the 37-year-old woman murdered in Parklands on 23 July. McDonald was killed by Nathan Boulter, who has a history of stalking and assaulting ex-partners. Boulter is expected to be sentenced in February.
3 outlets · Four French tourists detained after taking baubles from Dunedin Christmas tree
Police intercepted four French nationals, aged between 21 and 23, in Dunedin's Octagon at approximately 2.30am on Wednesday. The group allegedly removed baubles from the city's Christmas tree. It is unlikely that the tourists will face charges for the incident.
2 outlets · Nic Blakeley appointed MBIE chief executive and Secretary for Economic Growth
Nic Blakeley has been appointed as the new chief executive of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. He will also hold the title of Secretary for Economic Growth, beginning a five-year term on 21 January 2026.
2 outlets · Man pleads not guilty by reason of insanity in Onehunga bus killing
Kael Leona has entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity regarding the murder of Bernice Louise Marychurch. The incident occurred on a Number 74 bus travelling through Onehunga in October 2024.
2 outlets · New election ordered for Auckland local board seats
A judge has ordered a new election for seats on an Auckland local board following allegations of voting paper manipulation. The decision follows claims that the Otara-Papatoetoe Action Team benefited from voter fraud. Members of the group are currently seeking legal advice regarding their options.
2 outlets · Over 10,000 households have power disconnected monthly for non-payment
New data from the Electricity Authority shows that more than 10,000 households a month have their electricity disconnected due to non-payment. The new dashboard, which tracks disconnections between January and October, indicates that prepay customers are disconnected more frequently than those on contract accounts.
2 outlets · Thousands of students stood down for physical assaults in 2024
Education Ministry figures show that 9,758 students were stood down for physically assaulting other students last year. Additionally, 1,151 students were stood down for assaulting teachers. These figures come as school rolls increased rapidly across the country.
3 outlets · Banksy exhibition featuring 150 works opens in Christchurch
More than 150 original works by the street artist Banksy are on display at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre. This exhibition marks the first time the artist's original pieces have been shown in the South Island.
2 outlets · New mega-ministry MCERT announced to support government reform agenda
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has announced the creation of the Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport. This new agency will merge the ministries for environment, housing, transport, and local government to support government reform efforts.
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