Former Taupō mayor David Trewavas dies aged 63
Former Taupō mayor David Trewavas has died suddenly at the age of 63. He served the Taupō District Council for 24 years, including four terms as mayor. Mayor John Funnell acknowledged his passing during a council meeting on Tuesday.
+15 outlets · Russian man arrested for allegedly spying for New Zealand
A 55-year-old Russian citizen was arrested in Khabarovsk for allegedly gathering and sharing information for New Zealand. The Federal Security Service claims the individual proactively contacted the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service and has been charged with treason.
+15 outlets · Crowds gather in Auckland to welcome Ryan Fox home
Thousands of people met golfer Ryan Fox at Takutai Square following his victory at the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. The New Zealander, who is the fourth Kiwi to win a major golf title, has been touring Auckland with the Claret Jug.
+15 outlets · Supercars double header delivers $21.4m boost to visitor economy
The Repco Supercars Championship double header attracted 95,000 fans across events in Taupō and Christchurch. The two-event initiative generated $21.4 million for the visitor economy, with the Christchurch leg alone contributing nearly $10 million to the local economy.
3 outlets · NZ Navy warship rescues six people off Hawaii
The crew of HMNZS Te Mana rescued six people from an outrigger canoe that encountered difficulty in the Kaiwi Channel. The vessel was taking on water during heavy winds and rough seas while the warship was participating in the RIMPAC maritime exercise.
3 outlets · Man arrested after recording device found in Mount Maunganui childcare centre
A 53-year-old man has been arrested and charged after a recording device was discovered in a staff bathroom at a Mount Maunganui early childhood centre. Police stated that no children were identified in any of the recordings. The man is due to appear in the Tauranga District Court on 3 August.
3 outlets · Hipkins and Luxon rule out working with Opportunity Party
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has rejected a potential governing arrangement with the Opportunity Party due to their tax policies. Labour leader Chris Hipkins stated his party will not support Opportunity's tax proposals but will wait until closer to the election to decide on potential allies.
2 outlets · Police seek information after armed burglary in Lincoln
Police are investigating an aggravated burglary that occurred on Jacobsens Place in Lincoln around 11.15pm on 16 July. An intruder allegedly threatened a resident with a weapon before fleeing. Authorities are now appealing for information and requesting CCTV footage from the area.
3 outlets · Two youths arrested after alleged ram raid at Riccarton business
Police arrested two young people following an alleged aggravated burglary at a Riccarton commercial premises on Tuesday morning. Officers say a stolen vehicle was used to force entry before a pursuit through Christchurch streets. The suspects were apprehended after police road spikes deflated all four tyres on the vehicle.
3 outlets · Cold snap triggers record electricity demand across New Zealand
Freezing temperatures have driven New Zealand's electricity demand to an all-time high, with Monday morning peaking at 7141 MW. Some areas recorded their coldest temperatures of the year, including -8C in the South Island and 0C in parts of Auckland.
+15 outlets · One person critically injured in Dinsdale house fire
Emergency services responded to a house fire on Karen Crescent in Dinsdale around 6am on Tuesday. Two people were transported from the scene by St John, with one person reported to be in critical condition.
3 outlets · Labour seeks copy of social media ban bill before offering support
Labour is requesting a copy of the draft bill to ban social media for those under 16. National says legal reasons prevent them from sharing the document yet. The bill faces potential opposition from coalition partners Act and NZ First as it nears Cabinet.
2 outlets · Rotorua to pursue merger with South Waikato District Council
Rotorua Lakes Council is likely to pursue an amalgamation with South Waikato District Council after South Waikato's previous merger plans collapsed. Mayor Tania Tapsell stated that the door remains open for Taupō to join the merger, though the district appears to prefer pursuing its own path.
2 outlets · Rangiriri beef farmer fined for high biosecurity risk operation
Liam McBride, a 58-year-old beef farmer and livestock trader, has been fined $22,000. He was sentenced in the Huntly District Court for failing to register and trace more than 600 cattle. The operation was described as a high biosecurity risk.
2 outlets · Auckland City Rail Link opening date remains unconfirmed
Officials have declined to provide a specific opening date for the $5.5 billion City Rail Link project. While councillors have sought clarity on the timing, all indications suggest the tunnel may open on a Sunday in early September. Maintenance shutdowns for the Auckland rail network have now concluded.
2 outlets · Young Sheldon actor Iain Armitage spotted on holiday in Auckland
The 18-year-old American actor has been sharing photos of his trip to Auckland on social media. During his visit, Armitage made a tongue-in-cheek joke regarding Aucklanders that amused local fans.
2 outlets · Groups call for review of cases investigated by former officer
Specialist sexual violence organisations are requesting that police review other cases investigated by former Detective Senior Sergeant Darren Folau. This follows an internal review that found a historical sexual assault investigation was poor and the complainant was not believed. Police have reopened the 2010 case and apologised for their approach.
2 outlets · Tempers flare at final greyhound racing meets before national ban
Confrontations occurred between animal activists and racing supporters at a Manukau race meet. Commercial greyhound racing in New Zealand is set to end this Saturday following a government decision to outlaw the sport. Approximately 1,400 dogs will require rehoming once the ban takes effect.
2 outlets · Police seek help identifying man after vehicle damage in Riccarton
Police are appealing for the public to help identify a man following a vehicle damage incident in a Riccarton carpark. The report states a car window was smashed in the Westfield Mall carpark shortly before midnight on 14 June. Officers are now investigating the wilful damage.
2 outlets · Two pōhutukawa trees suspected of being poisoned at Hahei Beach
The Department of Conservation is investigating the suspected deliberate poisoning of two pōhutukawa trees on the Hahei Beach Marginal Strip. Officials found evidence of drill and fill holes around the bases of the trees. An investigation into the incident is currently underway.
2 outlets · Iwi proposal suggests reorganising central North Island councils
Central North Island iwi have submitted a proposal to the Ruapehu District Council to reshape local government. The model focuses on mountains, river catchments, and connected communities. This submission comes ahead of a deadline for a government-mandated reform programme covering Ruapehu, Whanganui, Taupō, and Rangitīkei.
3 outlets · Laken Rose's prison sentence reduced by Court of Appeal
The Court of Appeal has reduced Laken Rose's sentence from over 19 years to 13 years and five months. Judges accepted expert evidence that Rose was a victim of coercive control during the relationship in which the sexual offending occurred.
4 outlets · Gourmet burger chain Burger Burger enters liquidation
Burger Burger Limited and Burger Burger IP Limited were placed into liquidation on 24 July. The company entered voluntary administration in June owing approximately $1.8 million in debt to suppliers, rent and GST. This follows recent attempts to find a buyer for the restaurant chain.
2 outlets · Deadline for Phillips inquiry extended by one month
Attorney-General Chris Bishop has pushed back the deadline for the public inquiry into the disappearance of Tom Phillips' children. The extension allows the inquiry to clarify a specific matter before submitting its final report by the end of August.
2 outlets · ChristchurchNZ chief executive Ali Adams to step down in October
Ali Adams is leaving her position as chief executive of ChristchurchNZ to take up a university role in the United Kingdom. Having led the economic development agency since December 2021, she will depart the role at the end of October.
2 outlets · New Zealander shares footage of Fiji shark attack
Henry Gibbs has released video of a grey reef shark biting his leg while spearfishing in Fiji. Following the attack, Gibbs underwent four surgeries and a skin graft. He is now urging others to watch for warning signs in shark behaviour.
2 outlets · Minor injuries reported after bus crashes near Queenstown
Emergency services attended a single-vehicle bus crash on Glenorchy Queenstown Road around 9am on Tuesday. Police stated that some occupants sustained minor injuries. The road has been closed for a period of time while the bus is removed, and motorists are advised to avoid the area.
2 outlets · Allan Titford granted parole after 10 attempts
Former Northland farmer and activist Allan Titford has been granted parole on his tenth attempt. He has served nearly 13 years of a 24-year sentence following 2013 convictions for 39 charges, including raping his wife, violence against his children, and perjury.
2 outlets · Large fire destroys buildings in Taumarunui
A large blaze started in an abandoned building in Taumarunui on Monday night and spread into a neighbouring two-storey retail building. Fire and Emergency NZ crews from across the central North Island attended the scene after calls were received after 10.30pm.
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