Saturday 20 December 2025
18 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
State Highway 1 closed near Kaiwaka following serious two-vehicle crash
State Highway 1 was closed between Greenway and Mountain Roads on Saturday morning following a two-vehicle crash in Kaiwaka. Emergency services responded to the scene, where one person was airlifted to hospital in critical condition and another was transported with minor injuries.
4 outlets · Rocket Lab wins US contract to build missile-tracking satellites
The New Zealand-founded space company has secured its largest single contract to date with the US Space Development Agency. Rocket Lab will design and manufacture 18 satellites equipped with sensors to detect and track missile threats, including hypersonic systems.
4 outlets · Police seek second man as search for Mitchell Cole continues
Police are searching for a man seen near a Ruatiti property where Brendon and Trina Cole were shot dead on 13 December. Mitchell Cole remains a person of interest in the double homicide investigation.
3 outlets · Gloriavale Christian School registration to be cancelled from 23 January
The Ministry of Education has advised the Gloriavale Christian Community that the private school's registration will be cancelled in late January. Parents will have various options for their children's education, though a former member suggested leavers should help families adapt to alternative schooling.
4 outlets · Pedestrian seriously injured in Melville vehicle crash
A pedestrian sustained serious injuries after being struck by a vehicle in Melville, Hamilton, on Saturday evening. Police responded to the incident on Ohaupo Road shortly after 6pm. The road was closed near Mount View Road, and investigations into the crash are ongoing.
3 outlets · Three men charged after allegedly stealing courier van full of presents
Three men have been charged with theft and unlawful taking of a motor vehicle after a courier van filled with Christmas packages was stolen on Friday. Police recovered the van in the Birdlings Flat area with assistance from a local farmer. The men are due to appear in the Christchurch District Court on Tuesday.
3 outlets · Human remains discovered on Coppermine Island near Whangārei
Police are investigating after human remains were found on Coppermine Island on Saturday. The remains have been recovered, and a formal identification process has commenced. It is currently unclear how long the remains have been on the island.
3 outlets · Five injured in three-vehicle crash near Dannevirke
Five people were injured in a three-vehicle crash on State Highway 2 near Piripiri Road on Saturday afternoon. Police reported that one person sustained serious injuries and four others were moderately injured. The highway remains closed near the site, and motorists are advised to avoid the area.
4 outlets · Four people injured in three-car crash in Dunsandel
Four people were injured, including one person with serious injuries, following a three-car collision on State Highway 1 in Dunsandel. The crash occurred near the Selwyn Lake Road intersection around 8pm. State Highway 1 has since been reopened following the incident.
2 outlets · Thunderstorms and lightning strikes hit parts of Canterbury
Thunderstorms lashed parts of Canterbury on Saturday, with MetService issuing warnings for the Selwyn, Waimakariri and Ashburton areas. Approximately 300 to 400 lightning strikes were recorded in the region. Some areas near Ashburton experienced up to 25mm of rain during the weather event.
2 outlets · Wellington Phoenix defeat Sydney FC 7-0 in A-League Women match
Wellington Phoenix secured a 7-0 victory against Sydney FC at Porirua Park. This result marks the Phoenix's largest winning margin since joining the league. The win follows two consecutive losses for the team.
2 outlets · Christmas Day weather forecast shows mixed conditions across New Zealand
MetService predicts a variety of weather for Christmas Day. Eastern regions are expected to be dry, sunny and warm, while the West Coast may experience rain and chilly temperatures.
2 outlets · Minister Costello announces new strategy to combat organised crime
Associate Minister of Police Casey Costello has released a new cross-agency plan to address increasing activities by organised criminal groups. The strategy follows recommendations for a new ministerial portfolio to create a more cohesive government approach to the growing threat.
2 outlets · Person seriously injured in Ponsonby altercation
A person sustained serious injuries during a group altercation on Ponsonby Road in Auckland early this morning. Police were called to the scene shortly after 3am, and the injured individual was transported to hospital.
2 outlets · HarperCollins drops author David Walliams following harassment allegations
HarperCollins UK has decided to stop publishing children's author David Walliams. The decision follows an internal investigation into complaints made by a staff member. Media reports indicate the allegations involve behaviour towards young women.
2 outlets · Three men sentenced for attacks on men lured via Grindr
Thomas Bull, Ethan Jeffs and Patrick Moloney have been sentenced in the Tauranga District Court for assaulting gay men. The group, calling themselves the "Tauranga Paedophile Catchers", lured victims through the Grindr app and filmed the attacks. A judge described the group's actions as a hate crime.
3 outlets · Tangaroa College community mourns sudden death of deputy principal
Tangaroa College has announced the unexpected death of deputy principal and teacher Faleata Ualesi, who passed away on 13 December. The Auckland school community is mourning the loss of the dedicated educator. A funeral service for Ualesi is scheduled for Monday.
2 outlets · Dispute in Arthur's Pass leaves Te Araroa hikers without supplies
A disagreement between an accommodation provider and a local NZ Post agent in Arthur's Pass has left Te Araroa trail walkers unable to access essential packages. Vital supplies for hikers remain locked away due to the ongoing dispute between the village residents.
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