Government signs $3.6 billion deal for Northland Expressway first stage
The Government has signed a public-private partnership agreement to build the first section of the Northland Expressway between Warkworth and Te Hana. This $3.649 billion project is New Zealand's largest public-private partnership and will include twin tunnels through the Dome Valley. Construction is expected to begin within months.
+26 outlets · Measles case in Palmerston North with no known source of infection
Health New Zealand is investigating a measles case in Palmerston North after a person tested positive with no recent overseas travel. The individual attended events in Wellington over the Matariki weekend, leading officials to worry that further undetected cases may be spreading in the community.
4 outlets · Police appeal after electric trike stolen from man with cerebral palsy
Police are seeking help to identify two people following the theft of an electric trike from Northlands Shopping Centre in Christchurch. The vehicle was taken from outside a supermarket on 23 July, leaving the owner, Julian, without his primary means of transport.
4 outlets · Sixteen arrested after cannabis raids in Rotorua and Auckland
Police have dismantled a large-scale commercial cannabis operation linked to organised crime following a six-month investigation. The raids, known as Operation Harvey, resulted in 16 arrests and the seizure of up to $6.5 million worth of cannabis from 14 grow houses in Rotorua.
+15 outlets · Calls for Winston Peters to be sacked over comments to Green MP
Foreign Minister Winston Peters is facing calls to be sacked after telling Green MP Lawrence Xu-Nan to "go back to your own country" during a parliamentary debate. China's ambassador responded that the remarks revealed more about the speaker, while Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described the comments as "attention-seeking".
3 outlets · Severe weather and temperature drops forecast across New Zealand
A weather front is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and snow to parts of the South Island and Wellington. While some areas experienced mild conditions on Thursday, MetService warns of a sharp temperature drop and potential highway closures. Snow may fall to low levels in Southland, Central Otago, and Canterbury.
3 outlets · Multiple fireballs reported across New Zealand skies
Skygazers have reported several suspected meteors streaking across New Zealand skies over multiple nights. A fireball seen on Tuesday night was observed across the country, with some witnesses reporting a sonic boom.
4 outlets · Five injured in two-vehicle crash near Rotorua
Five people were injured following a two-vehicle collision on Oturoa Road in Hamurana on Thursday afternoon. Police report that two people are in serious condition, while three others have sustained moderate injuries.
3 outlets · Ten people arrested following fight at Palmerston North District Court
Police have arrested and charged ten people in connection with a brawl at the Palmerston North District Court on 16 July. The altercation, which occurred near the public entrance, left one man critically injured. Officers spent considerable time identifying those involved in the incident.
3 outlets · Teacher Matekino Matthews loses registration over serious misconduct
The Teachers Disciplinary Tribunal has cancelled Matekino Matthews' registration following findings of serious misconduct. The charges included engaging in a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student and assisting other pupils with cheating on assessments.
3 outlets · IPCA finds Whangārei officer used unjustified force during arrest
The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found a Whangārei officer used unjustified force during a 2023 arrest. The watchdog concluded the officer was not justified in striking a man in the head and face with a sponge round launcher. The officer was previously acquitted of criminal assault charges related to the incident.
3 outlets · Watercare unveils $15.2 billion infrastructure programme for Auckland
Watercare has announced a 10-year, $15.2 billion spending plan to upgrade Auckland's ageing water and wastewater networks. The programme includes $4 billion in accelerated investment and aims to supply up to 300 million litres of treated drinking water daily from the Waikato River by late 2033. Residents may see increases in water bills.
+15 outlets · Man arrested after alleged armed carjacking in Onehunga
A 20-year-old man is in custody following an alleged armed robbery in Onehunga on Thursday morning. Police say a person with a firearm demanded the keys to a black Volkswagen on State Ave before fleeing. The suspect was later arrested in Beachlands after police tracked the stolen vehicle across Auckland.
3 outlets · Andrew Mehrtens reaches settlement to avoid bankruptcy application
Former All Black Andrew Mehrtens has signed an agreement to stave off a bankruptcy application. The matter was heard at the Christchurch High Court, where it was noted that a settlement was reached shortly before the case was called. The law firm seeking bankruptcy is expected to withdraw its application on 13 August.
+15 outlets · Te Awanga tiki bar remains after council removal error
A popular driftwood bar at Te Awanga will stay after an internal miscommunication at the Hastings District Council led to a staff member being sent to remove it. The council has since removed the steps leading to the beach and is currently monitoring the site.
2 outlets · New $498m plan to redevelop Scott Base approved
The Government has signed off on a $498 million project to rebuild New Zealand's Scott Base in Antarctica. Construction is scheduled to begin in October, following training for workers in sub-zero conditions. The new plan aims to replace the ageing station with modern facilities.
4 outlets · Christchurch bakery Ma Baker to close after 32 years
Owners Paul and Nicky Garven are retiring from the bakery industry, leading to the closure of Ma Baker. The couple has operated the Christchurch business for over three decades. A popular Fendalton bakery is expected to move into the premises.
2 outlets · Review recommends changes to speed up solar panel installations
A Ministry for Regulation sector review suggests reducing solar approval times from three months to six days. The report also recommends legalising plug-in solar systems to lower barriers for residential and small-scale installations. Regulation Minister David Seymour has welcomed the proposed changes.
2 outlets · Gang member arrested after Whangārei drug raid
A 36-year-old patched Mangu Kaha gang member was arrested after police searched a property on William Jones Drive in Ōtangarei. Officers investigating suspected drug supply found cannabis, LSD, and ammunition. The man is due to appear in court on 19 August facing multiple charges.
2 outlets · Christchurch Hospital doctor proposes outdoor tent due to capacity issues
Dr Dominic Fleischer says plans exist to pitch a tent in the Christchurch Hospital car park to manage patient overflow. The proposal aims to provide space as corridors become full, though hospital management has reportedly opposed the idea due to its appearance.
3 outlets · Auckland councillors reject proposed 33 per cent pay rise for board members
Auckland councillors have unanimously voted against a proposal to increase fees for Watercare directors by 33 per cent. Committee chair Daniel Newman described the recommendation as ridiculous. Staff have been instructed to prepare a new paper featuring significantly lower pay increases.
2 outlets · Auckland couple wins $20.1 million Powerball jackpot
An anonymous young couple from Auckland has claimed a $20.1 million share of a $40 million Powerball jackpot. The pair discovered the win while checking their ticket on a mobile app during their bedtime routine over the weekend.
2 outlets · Tararua District Council unanimously rejects government amalgamation proposal
The Tararua District Council has voted unanimously against submitting an amalgamation proposal through the central Government's Head Start pathway. Mayor Scott Gilmore stated there is insufficient certainty regarding whether merging councils would improve the current system.
2 outlets · Man charged after alleged double murder on Auckland's North Shore
A 41-year-old man faces two counts of murder and one of attempted murder following an incident on Auckland's North Shore. Police launched a homicide investigation after a stabbing at a Birkdale address led them to a Glenfield home, where a couple was found dead and a third person was injured.
2 outlets · Two 15-year-olds charged after Cambridge commercial burglary
Two teenagers were arrested following an early morning burglary at a petrol station on Duke Street in Cambridge on Thursday. Police responded to an alarm and a speeding vehicle, leading to a foot chase and a vehicle crash. The two 15-year-old boys have since been charged.
2 outlets · Dunedin students living in cold flats despite healthy home standards
Some Dunedin university students are living in flats that are reportedly colder inside than the outside temperature. Despite these properties meeting Healthy Homes Standards, advocates are calling for action to address the freezing living conditions.
2 outlets · Luxon defends use of Defence Force helicopters for Auckland-Hamilton trips
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has defended using Defence Force helicopters for trips between Auckland and Hamilton. These flights, which cost between $7,500 and $12,000 per trip, were used to attend a farmer rally and a Kmart hub visit. A spokesperson stated the flights maintain required operational hours at no extra cost to taxpayers.
2 outlets · ERO calls for national framework as AI use grows in schools
The Education Review Office reports that three in four students use artificial intelligence for schoolwork. While many teachers use the technology for lesson planning, some secondary teachers expressed concerns regarding its impact on critical thinking. The ERO is now calling for a national framework to improve AI literacy.
4 outlets ·
