Thursday 18 December 2025
47 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Search for two missing Aoraki/Mount Cook climbers called off
Police have ended the search for two climbers missing on Aoraki/Mount Cook after evidence suggested they were caught in a large ice avalanche on the upper Linda Glacier. Climbing equipment was found in a known icefall hazard zone, and the men are not believed to be alive.
+15 outlets · Police hunt suspects after shooting in Gore leaves two injured
Police are searching for suspects following a shooting on Aparima Street in Gore on Wednesday evening. Two people were airlifted to hospital, one with serious injuries and one with moderate injuries. Emergency services responded to reports of a firearm being discharged shortly before 8pm.
+15 outlets · Major banks increase some fixed home loan interest rates
ASB, BNZ, Westpac and ANZ have raised some of their longer-term fixed mortgage rates. While some banks have lowered six-month fixed rates, ANZ reports more customers are asking to switch from floating to fixed terms as rates rise.
4 outlets · Homicide investigation launched after man dies in Hamilton
Police are investigating a homicide after a man died at a Lake Crescent house in Hamilton. Officers arrived at the property around 6:15pm to find the man deceased and a second person with a serious arm injury. The second person has been taken to Waikato Hospital.
4 outlets · Gloriavale Christian School registration to be cancelled in January
The Secretary for Education is cancelling the registration of Gloriavale Christian School on the West Coast, effective from 23 January. The decision follows failed audits and concerns from the Ministry of Education and the Education Review Office regarding the school's safety and management.
+26 outlets · Police unable to prosecute after headstone vandalised five times
A family is distressed after a mother's headstone at Rakaia Cemetery was damaged on five separate occasions. Despite capturing video evidence of one incident, police say there is insufficient evidence to proceed with a prosecution.
4 outlets · Ōtorohanga Kiwi House faces $15,000 bill after theft and arson
The Ōtorohanga Kiwi House was targeted by two separate incidents of theft and arson in November. These attacks caused more than $15,000 in damage and disabled critical life-support systems for four days. Operations manager Julian Phillips stated the incidents have forced the centre to use scarce funds for repairs.
3 outlets · Hawke’s Bay teacher jailed for sexual conduct with five students
Matthew Ireland, 27, has been sentenced in the Napier District Court after pleading guilty to 12 charges of sexual conduct with children. The offences occurred while he worked at Port Ahuriri primary school and Havelock North Intermediate. Ireland will now serve a prison sentence and become a registered child sex offender.
3 outlets · Three new assistant commissioners appointed to New Zealand Police
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers has provisionally appointed Superintendents Jeanette Park, Corrie Parnell, and Tim Anderson as assistant commissioners. The three officers will begin their new roles in February. These appointments come as the organisation manages the aftermath of the Jevon McSkimming scandal.
3 outlets · Ikea closes customer support centre following delivery and payment issues
Ikea has paused its customer support services for the remainder of the week. The retailer is focusing staff on resolving outstanding cases, rebooking orders, and addressing reported delivery delays and payment errors following its recent opening.
+15 outlets · Police release offender profile in Teishallia Te Paea homicide case
Police have released an offender profile in the investigation into the death of Teishallia Te Paea. The 37-year-old was found dead at a Camberley residence in late October. Authorities say the victim was killed in a targeted act of violence by someone known to her.
3 outlets · Police investigate extreme violence that left person critically injured in Epuni
Hutt Valley Police are investigating a serious assault on Trinity Avenue in Epuni that occurred around 5am on Wednesday, 10 December. One person remains in critical condition following the incident. Authorities are now calling for witnesses to come forward to assist with their investigation.
3 outlets · Corrections chief ordered to ensure prisoners receive daily exercise
The High Court has issued a mandamus order to the Department of Corrections chief executive. The judge ruled that prisoners at Auckland Prison must be granted their legal entitlement of at least one hour of physical exercise each day. Failure to comply could result in contempt of court proceedings.
3 outlets · John Campbell named new co-host of RNZ Morning Report
John Campbell is returning to RNZ to co-host the flagship news programme Morning Report alongside Ingrid Hipkiss. He replaces Corin Dann in the role. RNZ's chief audio officer Pip Keane stated that Campbell stood out among an impressive field of applicants.
+26 outlets · Person dies following commercial lawnmower incident in Te Kouma
A man has died after an incident involving a commercial mower in Te Kouma, Coromandel. Emergency services were called to Te Kouma Road around midday. The death has been referred to the coroner and WorkSafe.
3 outlets · Christmas Day forecast warm and mostly dry for Bay of Plenty
MetService forecasts warm and mostly dry conditions for the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua on Christmas Day. While northwest showers are possible, they are considered unlikely. Temperatures in the Bay of Plenty are expected to be in the low to mid-20s.
3 outlets · IPCA finds police wrongly abandoned yacht during flawed rescue
The Independent Police Complaints Authority found police abandoned a ketch off the Far North after a mayday call. The investigation revealed that the vessel's owner and another man were transported back to shore handcuffed and without lifejackets. The incident occurred after the owner allegedly called for help following a stabbing.
3 outlets · One person dies in single-vehicle crash south of Flemington
One person died at the scene following a single-vehicle crash on Ngawaka Road last night. Emergency services were alerted to the incident south of Flemington at approximately 11:10 pm. Police have closed the road while a scene examination is conducted.
3 outlets · Police refused helicopter request after mistakenly thinking girl was dead
Firefighters requested a helicopter to rescue a 13-year-old girl from a Coromandel cliff face, but police refused the request. Police mistakenly believed the teenager was dead following an incident at Hahei beach in January. The girl remained stuck on the cliff for approximately four hours in the dark.
+37 outlets · Black Caps face West Indies in third test at Bay Oval
The Black Caps are playing the West Indies in the third and final test match at Mt Maunganui's Bay Oval. The series is currently underway, with coverage continuing through the third day of play.
2 outlets · Pulitzer Prize-winning New Zealand war reporter Peter Arnett dies aged 91
New Zealand-born journalist Peter Arnett has died at the age of 91. The Pulitzer Prize-winning correspondent, who began his career at the Southland Times, was well known for his reporting on the Vietnam and Gulf wars.
+15 outlets · Police officers face abuse following Jevon McSkimming scandal
Police officers have been spat at and called various insults since the offending of former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming became public. The Police Association stated that officers are tired and face a long process to regain public trust.
3 outlets · Coroner finds barriers to suicide prevention in Northland youth deaths
Coroner Tania Tetitaha found wide-ranging barriers for young people accessing suicide prevention services following a cluster of deaths in Northland. The inquiry investigated the deaths of five teenagers and a 12-year-old. The coroner has called for a central Kaiārahi navigator role to assist high-risk youth.
4 outlets · Most culpable member of Christchurch teen attack group fought for lesser sentence
A teenager identified as the most culpable member of a group that targeted gay and bisexual men in Christchurch fought for a reduced sentence. The group used the dating app Grindr to lure victims to parks before attacking them. One victim expressed feeling insulted by the legal proceedings.
2 outlets · Firefighters union claims cliffside rescue delay is part of larger issue
The firefighters' union says a delay in reaching a girl trapped on a cliff face in Hahei is indicative of wider problems. Under current regulations, only police can authorise the use of an air ambulance, which reportedly led to difficulties during the rescue operation.
2 outlets · Police seize luxury cars and banned vapes during drug raids
Police have seized over $1 million in assets, including two Ferraris, property, and more than 2,000 vapes, during raids across Auckland and Wellington. The operation, which targeted methamphetamine sales, led to charges against a Mongrel Mob member and four associates. The seized vapes are believed to contain the banned substance etomidate.
3 outlets · Government approves fast-track expansion of Waihī North gold mine
The Government has approved OceanaGold’s Waihī North mining project under fast-track legislation. The extension is expected to continue gold and silver extraction in the Bay of Plenty area until 2043. The project is forecast to generate $5.2 billion in exports over 18 years.
2 outlets · Family remembers climber Connor McKenzie after fatal Fiordland accident
Connor Scott McKenzie and climbing companion Tanmay Bhati died on Saturday during a rock climbing adventure at Sabre Peak in Fiordland National Park. McKenzie's family described the 28-year-old as a kind and adventurous man who was passionate about his pursuits.
2 outlets · Whangārei District Council opposes Bream Bay sand mining proposal
Whangārei district councillors have voted unanimously to oppose plans for fast-tracked sand mining at Bream Bay. The proposal involves removing 8 million cubic metres of sand over 35 years. Mayor Ken Couper has called on the Government to ensure those opposing the project are heard during the consent process.
2 outlets · OceanaGold receives Fast Track approval for Waihi mine expansion
OceanaGold has been granted Fast Track approval to expand its mining operations near Waihi. The company plans to invest approximately $1 billion into the project, which involves mining gold worth an estimated $8 billion beneath conservation land in the Coromandel.
4 outlets · Mountain Safety Council warns hikers after death on Bealey Spur track
The Mountain Safety Council is urging better preparation for alpine environments following a coroner's report into the death of Ho-Jung Kim. The 24-year-old Korean national died of hypothermia while wearing a hoodie and jeans on the Bealey Spur track near Arthur's Pass.
4 outlets · Opawa dairy owner reopens shop after being stabbed during robbery
Kamlesh Patel has returned to work at his Opawa dairy following a violent robbery where he was stabbed twice in the arm. The 63-year-old, who was hospitalised in serious condition, said the young people allegedly involved in the attack could still have bright futures if they change their ways.
2 outlets · DOC tracks closed during manhunt for Ruatiti double homicide suspect
Police have closed two Department of Conservation tracks while searching for 29-year-old Mitchell Cole. He is wanted in connection with the deaths of two people found at a Ruatiti property last week. Authorities are also seeking the owner of a quad bike and trailer found near the scene.
2 outlets · Dargaville town hall replacement targeted for completion by 2028
Kaipara Deputy Mayor Gordon Lambeth wants a new civic complex for Dargaville finished before the current council term ends. Demolition of the existing town hall is expected to begin by mid-2026.
2 outlets · Police seek information after unique artwork stolen in Piha burglary
Police are investigating the theft of a distinctive art piece titled 'Infinite Sea' during a burglary in west Auckland on 6 December. The round artwork is constructed from glass, a mirror, LED lighting, and PVC. Authorities are asking the public for assistance in locating the piece.
2 outlets · New Zealand economy grows 1.1% in September quarter
Stats NZ figures show the economy grew by 1.1% in the third quarter of 2025, exceeding previous expectations. Growth was led by the manufacturing, construction, and business services sectors. This follows a revised 1% contraction in the June 2025 quarter.
2 outlets · Epidemiologist warns of data gap as Ministry of Health cuts flu tool
The Ministry of Health is not renewing its contract for the FluTracking tool to reduce costs. Epidemiologist Michael Baker says the decision is short-sighted and will create a significant surveillance gap. The online tool currently surveys approximately 40,000 people throughout the year.
2 outlets · West Coast Regional Council to seek consent for Hokitika seawall
The West Coast Regional Council plans to legalise a rock wall built in 2019 to protect Hokitika properties from erosion. This follows an abatement notice from the Westland District Council, which requires the council to either remove the barrier or obtain resource consent by 27 February next year.
2 outlets · Man arrested after stolen ute gets stuck in mud during burglary
A 40-year-old man was arrested after a stolen ute became bogged in mud during a burglary in Henderson Valley. Police say the man entered a farm shed yesterday afternoon and was attempting to flee with stolen tools.
2 outlets · InterCity investigates after two young girls left stranded in South Auckland
Two unaccompanied minors, aged 12 and 13, were left in Manukau after an InterCity bus journey from Bulls failed to drop them near their intended Auckland destination. The girls were left stranded with flat mobile phones. InterCity is currently investigating the incident.
2 outlets · Netball New Zealand chief executive Jennie Wyllie resigns
Jennie Wyllie has resigned as Netball New Zealand CEO after 16 years with the organisation. Her departure follows a turbulent year involving the controversial standing down and reinstatement of Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua. Wyllie intends to spend more time with her family and pursue other opportunities.
2 outlets · Fonterra lowers 2026 farmgate milk price forecast to $9.00 midpoint
Fonterra has reduced its 2026 farmgate milk price forecast to a midpoint of $9.00 per kilogram of milk solids. The co-operative cited a global dairy supply glut and a rising New Zealand dollar for the adjustment. The new forecast range is $8.50 to $9.50 per kilogram.
2 outlets · Court documents reveal police concerns regarding Bondi gunman's associates
Court documents show Australian police previously feared associates of the Bondi Beach shooter might seek weapons. The documents suggest authorities attempted to prevent individuals with links to Islamic State from targeting licensed gun owners. Meanwhile, investigators have identified AI-generated images being used to spread false information online following the attack.
2 outlets · Coroner criticises Corrections over delayed response to prisoner's emergency call
A coroner has ruled that a significant failure by the Department of Corrections contributed to the death of a 67-year-old man at Christchurch Men's Prison. Staff took 18 minutes to respond to an emergency intercom call before the prisoner died. The delay in answering the call and starting CPR was also noted.
2 outlets · Bondi Beach community recovers following fatal terrorist attack
The Bondi Beach community is attempting to return to normal following a terrorist attack that killed 15 people. Local businesses expect long-term effects from the tragedy, though residents remain determined not to let the event define them.
2 outlets · Taboo swear word named Massey University quote of the year
A remark by journalist Andrea Vance has been selected as the 2025 quote of the year by Massey University. The quote appeared in a May Sunday Star-Times column regarding the Pay Equity Amendment Bill. The winning phrase gained national attention for its use of a controversial word.
3 outlets · Unsettled weather predicted for Canterbury and South Island during Christmas
An active weather pattern may bring showers and cooler temperatures to the South Island over the holiday period. Meteorologists suggest widespread rain and potential snow for parts of Otago and Southland, making outdoor plans uncertain.
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