Two New Zealanders rescued after being trapped in Solomon Islands ravine
Keanu Isaksson, 25, and Luca Zylstra-Law, 19, have been airlifted to safety after being stranded on Mt Popamanaseu. The hikers from Matakana were trapped for several days after heavy rain and landslides blocked their route. They were winched from a remote ravine following the rescue operation.
3 outlets · Bacon and egg pie wins supreme prize at national awards
Levain Bakery in Blockhouse Bay, Auckland, has been named the supreme winner at the 2026 Bakels NZ Supreme Pie Awards. The bacon and egg pie took the top honour for the second consecutive year. Owner Sean Vo also won a gold award for his steak and gravy pie.
+15 outlets · Chlöe Swarbrick ejected from House after accusing Speaker of double standards
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick was removed from Parliament's debating chamber after criticising Speaker Gerry Brownlee for alleged double standards. The incident occurred during question time following a controversy regarding racist remarks made by Winston Peters to a Chinese MP.
3 outlets · Inquest into Pauline Hanna's death continues in Auckland
Philip Polkinghorne was seen in tears during an inquest examining the circumstances of his wife Pauline Hanna's 2021 death in Remuera. The court viewed a police interview recorded on the day her body was discovered to determine if the death was self-inflicted.
3 outlets · Taupō couple wins $1 million Lotto prize
A Taupō couple has won $1 million after discovering bonus lines on a Lotto ticket. The winners plan to pay off their mortgage and seek financial advice. They also intend to replace their old ute with a new vehicle.
3 outlets · Police investigate man's death following operation in Palmerston North
A critical incident investigation has been launched after a man was found unresponsive on a property in Highbury. The death occurred after police spotted a vehicle containing a person with an outstanding arrest warrant on Wilson Crescent. The man had earlier fled on foot after being seen with the individual holding the warrant.
3 outlets · Four youths referred to Youth Aid after stolen car incident
Four youths have been referred to Youth Aid after a stolen Toyota Aqua was spotted in East Tāmaki on Monday night. Police allege the driver mounted a berm and attempted to run down an officer who was setting up road spikes. The vehicle was eventually stopped south of Auckland.
3 outlets · Snow and icy conditions cause road closures and crashes
An Antarctic blast has brought snow to low levels across the eastern South Island, closing several state highways and schools. Multiple vehicle crashes occurred in Dunedin, while Cook Strait ferry sailings have been cancelled. Police are advising residents to avoid travel due to treacherous conditions.
2 outlets · Gasfitter expresses regret at inquest into boy's death in Haast
An Otago gasfitter told a Queenstown inquest he is deeply sorry for not checking a heater before signing it off. The device was linked to the October 2018 death of 12-year-old Jesse Samuel, who died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning in a portable shower unit at a family bach in Haast.
3 outlets · National MPs questioned over Winston Peters remaining Foreign Minister
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has condemned Winston Peters' racist remarks towards Green MP Lawrence Xu-Nan but has not removed him from Cabinet. While National MPs have been questioned about the decision, Labour leader Chris Hipkins stated Peters cannot represent New Zealand and ruled out working with him in the future.
2 outlets · Kauri dieback confirmed in 1200-year-old Coromandel tree
A 1200-year-old kauri tree near Coromandel town has tested positive for kauri dieback disease. The Waikato Regional Council says the ancient tree may not survive the infection. It has received phosphite injections to help boost its defences.
2 outlets · Mother of Auckland man on trial for school shooting threats
Tiedan Huo is facing trial in Manukau District Court for alleged threats against Auckland schools and possession of firearms. His mother has provided evidence in court, claiming she felt pressured when previously telling police a firearm was found in her son's bedroom.
2 outlets · Auckland councillors challenge Mayor Wayne Brown over committee reshuffle
Auckland councillors have publicly criticised Mayor Wayne Brown following a reshuffle of committee positions. Some councillors accused the Mayor of punishing dissent and rewarding loyalty, while Brown compared his authority to that of an All Blacks captain. One councillor stated that her demotion was attributed to her behaviour.
2 outlets · Former paramedic granted parole with conditions excluding Hawke’s Bay
Christopher King, a former paramedic who sexually assaulted four patients between 2010 and 2013, has had his parole conditions eased. While he is no longer required to remain in Waikato, he remains on an ankle bracelet and is prohibited from entering the Hawke’s Bay region.
2 outlets · Serious two-vehicle crash closes State Highway 1 near Maromaku
A serious two-vehicle crash occurred on State Highway 1 between Maromaku and Kawakawa on Tuesday afternoon. One person sustained critical injuries and is being airlifted to hospital. The road was blocked following the incident, and motorists have been advised to expect delays.
2 outlets · Luxon apologises after comments to Rotorua business owners
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has apologised to business owners in Rotorua following backlash over his remarks. During a meeting, Luxon suggested artificial intelligence as a solution for economic challenges, leading some to describe him as out of touch.
2 outlets · Police investigate threatening video posted by Brian Tamaki
Police are investigating a video posted by Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki. In the footage, Tamaki targets various organisations, including political parties, media, and religious institutions, telling them to repent or face the fear of God.
2 outlets · American woman jailed for attempting to smuggle methamphetamine into New Zealand
A 32-year-old United States national has been sentenced to nearly five years in prison for attempting to bring 18kg of methamphetamine into Auckland Airport. Customs officers discovered 36 vacuum-sealed packages hidden in two suitcases after the woman arrived on a flight from San Francisco last year.
2 outlets · Minister to assess Wolfbrook fast-track application for Pegasus housing development
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has confirmed that Wolfbrook Property Group applied to fast-track a development project in Canterbury. The proposal involves building houses on the former Pegasus Golf Course land. The minister will now assess whether the project should proceed through the fast-track process.
2 outlets · Winston Peters refuses to apologise for remarks about Green MP
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has declined to apologise after telling Green Party MP Lawrence Xu-Nan to "go back to where you've come from". While the Prime Minister and other MPs described the comments as racist, Christopher Luxon will not demand an apology following a private meeting with Peters.
2 outlets · Auckland Transport may favour September opening for City Rail Link
Auckland Transport is understood to prefer a 13 September opening date for the $5.4 billion City Rail Link. While reports suggest an announcement could come this week, the transport agency and the Transport Minister have declined to confirm the date.
2 outlets · Oranga Tamariki office under scrutiny over baby's death and Phillips case
An Oranga Tamariki office has faced a scathing internal review regarding its handling of a baby's death. The same office also managed the Tom Phillips case. In response, the agency has appointed a Waikato commissioner and implemented changes at both regional and site levels.
2 outlets · Blogger faces court over alleged breaches of harmful digital communications law
Martyn Bradbury is appearing in court regarding allegations that four blog posts breached the Harmful Digital Communications Act. A judge has ordered the removal of several posts, while the Free Speech Union has criticised the legislation.
4 outlets · ANZ increases fixed home loan rates due to rising funding costs
New Zealand's largest bank has raised its fixed home loan rates by up to 0.26% for terms between six months and three years. The bank attributed the increase to rising wholesale funding costs caused by conflict in the Middle East and global uncertainty. The changes became effective on Thursday.
2 outlets · At least 10 police staff face criminal charges
At least 10 police staff members are facing criminal charges following investigations by an anti-corruption unit. The allegations include kidnapping, sexual offending, drug supply, and firearms trafficking-related offences. One staffer is also charged with assault, blackmail, threats, and property damage.
2 outlets · Luxon apologises for remarks regarding small business mentality
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has apologised for describing small firms as having a "parent-child mentality". Senior National Party ministers have defended the Prime Minister, while business leaders in Rotorua have accepted his apology.
2 outlets · Tauranga residents call for safety improvements at Judea roundabout
Judea residents are seeking a solution for frequent vehicle crashes at the intersection of Waihi, Otūmoetai and Cambridge roads. One local resident reported that a car has crashed into his fence four times during his 16 years living near the busy roundabout.
2 outlets · Hamilton City Council to decide on Western Waikato amalgamation
Hamilton City Council will decide this Thursday whether to join a five-way amalgamation process or opt out. While Taupō has expressed strong opposition to the Western Waikato proposal, South Waikato mayor Gary Petley says the merger remains a possibility.
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