Christchurch Catholic Diocese unveils designs for new $80m cathedral
The Catholic Diocese of Christchurch has revealed designs for the new Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament on the original Barbadoes Street site. The $80 million project will be funded by the faithful rather than government assistance. Bishop Michael Gielen has launched an official fundraising campaign for the project.
One person dies in Auckland Southern Motorway crash
A person died at the scene following a single-vehicle crash near the East Tāmaki off-ramp on Auckland's Southern Motorway. The incident was reported to emergency services just before 9pm on Saturday. Police confirmed the individual was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
ACT proposes increasing health budget share for medicines to match Australia
The ACT Party plans to increase the proportion of the health budget spent on pharmaceuticals by one percentage point each year. This policy aims to raise spending from 4.9% to 12.2% by 2033 to reach parity with Australia.
Four arrested during Taranaki crackdown on dangerous driving
Police arrested four people and issued 59 infringement notices during a weekend operation against anti-social driving in Taranaki. During the crackdown, an offender threw a bottle through a patrol car window, though no officer was injured. The operation included vehicle impoundments and a police helicopter pursuit.
Two Auckland players share $40 million Lotto jackpot
Two players have split a $40 million Lotto Powerball jackpot, with each receiving approximately $20.1 million. The winning tickets were purchased in Auckland, one through Blockhouse Bay Postshop & Stationers and the other online via MyLotto.
Greens call for one-year pause on new AI data centre consents
The Green Party is seeking a one-year moratorium on consenting new AI data centres in New Zealand. Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick stated the pause would allow for better oversight regarding environmental impacts and high electricity usage. The proposal follows community protests in Southland against a consented data centre.
National pledges to extend paid parental leave to 30 weeks
The National Party has promised to increase paid parental leave from 26 to 30 weeks if re-elected. The proposal also includes allowing parents to take leave simultaneously, removing current restrictions on overlapping time off.
Record crowd attends Tottenham versus Auckland FC match at Eden Park
More than 40,000 people attended the football match between Tottenham and Auckland FC at Eden Park. This attendance sets a new New Zealand record for a men's football fixture.
Motorcyclist dies in two-vehicle crash near Awanui
A motorcyclist died following a collision with a car on State Highway 1 near Awanui on Sunday. Police reported the rider was pronounced dead at the scene and no other injuries occurred. The road remained closed for a scene examination.
Green Party announces campaign slogan and key election priorities
The Green Party has unveiled its 'For All of Us' campaign slogan at its annual general meeting in Auckland. Co-leaders outlined priorities including tax reform, energy reform, and protecting waterways. The party also intends to pause new consents for AI data centres until community benefit rules are established.
Actor Sydney Sweeney enjoys holiday activities in Queenstown
Euphoria star Sydney Sweeney has shared photos and videos of her holiday in Queenstown on Instagram. Her activities included helicopter rides, golf, archery, and bungy jumping. The 28-year-old actor shared the footage with her followers.
Mount Maunganui landslide reactivates causing further slips
A landslide at the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park has reactivated, extending approximately 20 metres. Tauranga City Council has raised the alert level and closed Adams Avenue between Pilot Bay and the Maunganui Road roundabout following the slips over the weekend.
One person dead and another injured in South Canterbury crash
One person died and another was injured following a single-vehicle crash near Geraldine. The accident occurred at the intersection of the Geraldine-Fairlie Highway and Slacks Valley Road in Pleasant Valley. Emergency services reported that one occupant died at the scene, while a second person was taken to hospital with moderate injuries.
Thunderstorms and heavy rain forecast for Northland and Auckland
Northland and Great Barrier Island face a moderate risk of thunderstorms and wind gusts of up to 100km/h on Sunday. Auckland and Northland are also expecting heavy showers. An Antarctic blast is expected to bring sub-zero temperatures across much of New Zealand until Wednesday.












