Veteran broadcaster and Waitaki councillor Jim Hopkins has died
Jim Hopkins, a veteran broadcaster, author, and long-serving Waitaki District councillor, has died. The Waitaki District Council announced his death on Monday evening. Hopkins served as an Oamaru ward councillor for nearly two decades.
High-profile sportsman to appear in Wellington court over multiple charges
A prominent Kiwi sportsman appeared in Wellington District Court facing charges including assault with intent to injure and injuring a police dog. The charges stem from an incident in Rongotai. The man's identity is currently being withheld.
Coldest temperatures of the year recorded across North Island
Many parts of the North Island experienced their coldest temperatures of the year so far, with Taupō dropping to -5.6C and Hamilton reaching -2.8C. MetService warned of icy patches and expects widespread frosts to continue before the weather changes later this week.
One person dies following two-vehicle crash in Templeton
A person has died in hospital after a two-vehicle collision occurred at the intersection of Kirk Road and West Coast Road in Templeton last Sunday. The crash, which took place around 4.40pm, initially left two people injured, including one person who was in critical condition.
Luxon rules out governing arrangements with Opportunity Party
National Party leader Christopher Luxon has ruled out forming a government with the Opportunity Party. The decision follows comments regarding the party's desire to increase taxes. Opportunity has recently been polling near the five per cent threshold required to enter Parliament.
Large sinkhole opens on Auckland street in St Mary's Bay
A sinkhole approximately five metres long has opened on Hackett Street in St Mary's Bay. The road has been closed to traffic since Thursday evening following the emergence of the hole, which appeared in an area previously damaged by the 2023 Anniversary Weekend floods.
Winston Peters rules out Stuart Nash returning to New Zealand First
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has stated that the door is closed on Stuart Nash returning to the party following his resignation. Peters addressed the controversy surrounding Nash's resignation and comments made by minister Shane Jones upon returning from an overseas trip.
Waikato boutique brewery named New Zealand champion
Karamu Barrelworks, a boutique brewery located on a lifestyle block southwest of Hamilton, has been named the country's best at the New Zealand Beer Awards. The brewery, which operates out of an old farmhouse, entered four different beers into the competition.
One person arrested after firearm sighting in Whanganui
Police attended a reported firearm sighting in Whanganui's town centre around 4pm on Monday. One person was taken into custody following the incident. Guyton Street was cordoned off between Victoria Avenue and St Hill Street while authorities responded.
Man arrested after TikTok livestream shows machete and burnouts
An 18-year-old man faces drugs and weapons charges following a TikTok livestream of illegal activity in Titirangi. The broadcast allegedly showed a motorist brandishing a machete while performing burnouts in the west Auckland town centre. Police were alerted to the incident by a member of the public.
New report identifies wastewater overflow and water leak hotspots
A national assessment of New Zealand's water infrastructure reveals significant issues with ageing pipes and wastewater overflows. The Grey District Council recorded the highest annual water loss, while the Buller District Council saw the most wastewater overflows. The report highlights ongoing pressure on both drinking water and wastewater networks.
Tributes for Cambridge woman killed in Victoria Road crash
Tributes are being paid to Judy Moreland following a fatal collision involving a bicycle and a heavy vehicle on Victoria Road in Cambridge. Moreland, an education researcher and former netball board member, died after the incident on Friday.
Public open days announced for new City Rail Link stations
Auckland Transport has scheduled three free open days in August for the three new City Rail Link stations. These events will allow the public to view the stations before the project's official opening day.
Thames Four Square and owner fined for illegal migrant worker premiums
The Employment Relations Authority has ordered A Dharni Enterprises Ltd and its director to pay $44,000 in penalties. This follows an investigation into two migrant workers who each paid $60,000 to secure employment at the Thames Four Square Martina. The money has since been repaid to the workers.
Three men charged with aggravated robbery at Auckland liquor store
Three men, aged 33, 40 and 46, are due in Auckland District Court on Monday. They face charges of aggravated robbery following an alleged incident at a Symonds Street liquor store where a shopkeeper was threatened with a large knife.
Green Party supporters call for taxing wealth at annual meeting
Green Party members and candidates met in South Auckland over the weekend to unveil the party's 2026 manifesto. Supporters expressed that taxing the wealthy is a primary priority for the upcoming election. The party is also looking to address concerns regarding corporate wealth and data centres.
New Zealand priest excommunicated by Catholic Church
Father Michael Mary, also known as Greg Sim, has been excommunicated from the Catholic Church. The Vatican also no longer recognises his order, the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer, after he underwent an unauthorised consecration to become a bishop on a remote Scottish island.
New Zealand national caught after escaping from Tongan police station
Liuaki Fungalei Kokohu Vi has been apprehended by Tongan police at a residence in Hala’ovave. The 34-year-old New Zealand national escaped from custody at the Central Police Station in Nuku'alofa last Sunday.
Police appeal for sightings of missing woman in Bay of Islands
Zhane O’Neill-Harvey, 31, has been missing for two weeks after being last seen at Opua Marina on July 13. Police are seeking information regarding her whereabouts and noted she may now be wearing a burqa.
Luxon defends timing of National's new parental leave policy
Christopher Luxon has dismissed criticism regarding the timing of National's new paid parental leave announcement. The party plans to extend leave to 30 weeks and allow parents to take leave simultaneously. Luxon stated the policy has been planned for a long time.
System of a Down to play Wellington stadium show in 2027
System of a Down will perform a one-off stadium concert in Wellington on Sunday, 7 February 2027. The Grammy Award-winning band will be joined by Faith No More during the Waitangi weekend event.
Bright fireball meteor seen across South Island skies
A large fireball was spotted across the South Island at 5.51pm on Sunday. The meteor was captured on a dashcam near Christchurch, and experts believe it may have landed in the sea off Canterbury's East Coast.











