Wednesday 24 December 2025
22 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Multiple people hospitalised in Auckland after using synthetic cannabinoids
Several people have been hospitalised in Auckland over the last 24 hours after using synthetic cannabinoids. The drug watchdog High Alert has urged people to exercise extreme caution following the spike in harm.
4 outlets · Man charged with murder after Hamilton homicide
A 21-year-old man has been charged with murder following the death of 55-year-old Jason Poa at a Lake Crescent address last Thursday. Emergency services attended the scene at 6.15pm on 18 December, where Poa died and another man was seriously injured. The second man was taken to Waikato Hospital.
4 outlets · One person dies after house fire in New Plymouth
Emergency services responded to a house fire on Trelawney Crescent in Westown at approximately 2.30am on Wednesday. One person was found deceased at the property. Police have taken over inquiries as investigations into the blaze continue.
4 outlets · Mixed weather conditions forecast across New Zealand for Christmas
New Zealand will experience a variety of weather during the Christmas period, including heavy showers and warm temperatures. While Hawke's Bay and Marlborough are expected to see sunshine on Christmas Day, the West Coast and Southland may face rain. Thunderstorms are also possible in parts of the South Island.
+15 outlets · Body found near Kereta beach believed to be missing man
A member of the public discovered a body on a beach near Thames Coast Road at approximately 6.10am on Wednesday. Police believe the deceased is the man who went missing in the water on Monday. Formal identification has not yet been completed.
4 outlets · Police dog Teo recovers from burns after falling into geothermal water
Seven-year-old German Shepherd Teo is recovering from life-threatening burns sustained in September. The dog fell into scalding geothermal water in Rotorua while searching for a missing person. Teo is now enjoying retirement just in time for Christmas.
3 outlets · Nelson nurse fights deportation of autistic son after visa rejection
Immigration New Zealand has denied a residency pathway for five-year-old Aidhan Nithin, citing potential costs to health and education services. The boy's father, a Nelson nurse, is now seeking a Section 61 bid to prevent his son's deportation. Local political support has emerged following the decision.
4 outlets · House fire in Mairehau destroys home and injures one person
A house fire on Kellys Road in Christchurch destroyed a single-storey property early on Christmas Eve. One person was injured in the blaze, which also caused minor damage to a neighbouring unit. Fire crews attended the scene shortly before 5am, and a fire investigator is heading to the site.
4 outlets · NZTA orders analysis into scale of falsely recorded breath tests
The New Zealand Transport Agency has commissioned an independent analysis to determine the extent of falsely or erroneously recorded breath tests. This follows reports that approximately 130 police staff are under investigation after 30,000 alcohol tests were incorrectly recorded.
+15 outlets · Cardrona ski area founder John Lee dies aged 89
Otago businessman and entrepreneur John Allandale Lee has died peacefully on Sunday evening. Surrounded by family, the Wānaka farmer was remembered for founding New Zealand's largest ski area and his significant contributions to the Upper Clutha community.
+15 outlets · Mixed weather forecast predicted for Christmas Day
Forecasters expect varying conditions across New Zealand this Christmas, ranging from rain to warm temperatures. While many areas may enjoy barbecue weather, the Waikato region is specifically predicted to see temperatures in the mid-20s with a mix of sun and cloud.
3 outlets · High Court rules Canterbury regional council erred over nitrate discharge rules
The High Court found that Canterbury's regional council erred by allowing farms to discharge nitrates and other pollution without resource consents. While the ruling identified the error, the court declined to order an immediate change to the rule due to the time elapsed.
2 outlets · Lotto numbers released for Christmas Eve draw
The winning numbers for Wednesday's Lotto draw have been announced. The numbers are 18, 2, 33, 23, 17 and 28, with bonus ball 31 and Powerball 7. A $4 million jackpot is available for the Lotto Powerball draw.
2 outlets · Law professor calls for UK role to be considered in Manawanui compensation
A New Zealand law professor is requesting that the United Kingdom's involvement be investigated regarding compensation for villagers affected by the Manawanui sinking. The New Zealand navy vessel struck a reef and sank off the south coast of Upolu in October 2024.
2 outlets · Christopher Luxon acknowledges tough year in Christmas message
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has shared a festive video message on social media acknowledging that 2025 has been a difficult year for some New Zealanders. While noting the holiday season may not be easy for everyone, he expressed optimism about the country's progress and thanked essential workers.
2 outlets · Christmas Eve remains New Zealand's busiest shopping day
Christmas Eve has once again been the busiest day for shopping in New Zealand. While retailers in areas like central Christchurch saw significant activity, data indicates that overall spending and the number of shoppers are decreasing compared to previous years.
2 outlets · Police disrupt convoy of 200 vehicles in Wellington
Under Operation Kererū, police intercepted a convoy of approximately 200 vehicles travelling from Whanganui, Levin, and Palmerston North. During the crackdown on the anti-social driving event, officers were pelted with fireworks and bottles.
2 outlets · Liquor delivery van crashes on Riverside Road in Whangārei
A van carrying alcohol collided with a bridge on Wednesday morning near the intersection of Riverside Road and Old Onerahi Road. The crash scattered bottles across the road and blocked traffic in both directions entering and exiting the suburb of Onerahi.
2 outlets · Multi-vehicle crash blocks New North Road in Kingsland
A ute collided with several vehicles on New North Road in Kingsland around 12.20pm on Christmas Eve. The accident blocked both directions of the road between King and New Bond Streets. Five people were assessed following the collision.
2 outlets · Five people injured in Hauraki vehicle crash involving a truck
Five people were injured in a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 25, west of the Kopu Bridge, on Wednesday morning. Emergency services responded to the scene just before midday. Reports indicate three people sustained serious injuries and two others sustained moderate injuries.
2 outlets · Boy swims for life after boat catches fire on Lake Taupō
A 14-year-old boy without a lifejacket spent an hour swimming away from his burning boat on Lake Taupō on Sunday evening. Police reportedly delayed calls for a rescue helicopter, though the crew eventually spotted the boy a kilometre from the vessel and provided assistance.
3 outlets · Shortland Street actor sentenced for road rage assault
Actor Brooklyn Nathan has been sentenced to seven months of home detention for a road rage attack in Auckland. The 20-year-old admitted to punching a motorist in the eye and inflicting further blows to the man's face, head, and arms.
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