Man arrested after violent series of attacks in Epsom
A 49-year-old man is in custody following a series of violent incidents in Epsom on Wednesday morning. The alleged rampage involved assaulting a woman, stealing her car, hitting cyclists, and killing a dog. Five people were injured, including three Auckland Grammar School students, with one person in critical condition.
+26 outlets · Three arrested following armed home invasion in Morrinsville
Three men face aggravated burglary charges after two armed intruders allegedly entered a Studholme Street home on Tuesday night. Following the incident, police used a spike strip to stop a getaway vehicle and a dog unit to track suspects fleeing on foot. The men are due to appear in Hamilton District Court.
4 outlets · Missing six-year-old boy found safe in Auckland suburb
Malakai, a six-year-old boy who went missing from Wiri on Tuesday evening, has been found safe and well. Police had conducted an urgent search after he was last seen leaving his home on Druces Road following an argument with family members.
3 outlets · Four people hospitalised after house fire in Point England
Four people were taken to hospital following a large fire at a single-storey house on Taratoa Street in Point England. Fire and Emergency New Zealand responded to the blaze, which was reported around 3.30pm on Wednesday. Four crews attended the scene and have since extinguished the fire.
3 outlets · Three arrested following opium investigation in Bay of Plenty
Three men have been arrested after Customs intercepted parcels containing 24kg of opium between June and July. The investigation led to police search warrants at 11 addresses across Tauranga, Papamoa, Ōmokoroa and Te Puke. Two men face smuggling charges, while a third is charged with possessing prescription medication.
3 outlets · South Island temperatures plunge as frost hits several locations
Temperatures dropped significantly across the South Island on Wednesday morning, with Aoraki/Mount Cook and Twizel reaching -9°C. Christchurch experienced its coldest night in five years, while snow and icy conditions caused several cars to slip off roads in the eastern South Island.
3 outlets · Severe frosts and freezing temperatures expected across New Zealand
MetService has warned that the next few nights will be the coldest of the year. Sub-zero temperatures and frosts have already impacted the country, with Dunedin experiencing a snow dump that caused traffic issues. Some parts of Auckland could reach -2C, while the South Island may see temperatures drop to -10C.
2 outlets · Taupō mayor opposes Western Waikato amalgamation proposal
South Waikato, Waipā, and Waikato district councils have formally committed to a proposed Western Unitary Authority. This merger would include the Taupō and Hamilton City councils if approved by Wellington. However, the Taupō mayor has expressed opposition to the amalgamation plan.
2 outlets · Ministry of Justice review follows saga involving former Lotto presenter
The Ministry of Justice head has apologised after former Lotto presenter Russell Harrison remained on full pay for five years while facing money laundering charges. A review is now underway after the Ministry failed to terminate Harrison's employment when he was charged in 2021. Health NZ also reportedly spent $490,000 on an advertisement featuring Harrison.
2 outlets · Cold snap increases electricity demand and household costs
Record electricity demand has been reached across New Zealand as freezing temperatures driven by Antarctic air move nationwide. One in four households are reportedly struggling to pay power bills, with experts suggesting heating costs could increase by 50% during the cold period.
2 outlets · Du’Plessis Kirifi to play second five-eighths for Wellington
All Blacks loose forward Du’Plessis Kirifi will move to the midfield for Wellington's NPC match against Auckland. The specialist openside flanker is set to start at second five-eighths during the round two clash in Auckland this Saturday.
2 outlets · Whanganui River Road closed for planned police search warrant
Whanganui River Road was temporarily closed on Wednesday morning during a police operation. Armed officers executed a pre-planned search warrant at a property as part of an ongoing investigation, according to a police spokesperson.
2 outlets · Community searches for beloved Tauranga Hospital cat Steps
A 12-year-old tabby cat named Steps has disappeared from Tauranga Hospital. The cat, known for greeting patients and visitors, was last seen around 11pm on Monday. Local community members have launched a search to find the missing animal.
2 outlets · Christopher Luxon defends use of Defence Force flight for travel
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon used a New Zealand Defence Force plane to travel from Whanganui to Auckland following a National Party fundraiser. He defended the decision by citing his busy schedule, while Labour accused him of using the service for campaigning purposes.
2 outlets · Search suspended for missing Golden Bay woman
The search for 80-year-old Natalie Alexander-Browning has been formally suspended after a month of extensive efforts. She was reported missing from her Pōhara home on 6 July after being last seen walking into the water at a nearby beach. Police believe she entered the sea and did not return.
2 outlets · Joseph Parker cleared to return to boxing after drugs ban lifted
Kiwi boxer Joseph Parker has been cleared to fight again following a suspension. The ban was issued after he failed a voluntary fight-day anti-doping test in November 2025.
2 outlets · Eastern Waikato mayors seek approval for council merger
The mayors of Hauraki, Matamata-Piako, and Thames-Coromandel are proposing the formation of a new Waihou-Piako-Coromandel authority. They claim the amalgamation proposal meets all Government criteria and have worked extensively to ensure the plan complies with requirements.
2 outlets · Christchurch City Council rejects super city amalgamation proposal
Christchurch City Councillors have voted 9-8 to reject a proposal to expand the city's boundaries into a Greater Christchurch super city. The decision follows a tense debate regarding the amalgamation process. The Government will make the final decision on the future of the city's boundaries.
2 outlets · New Zealand unemployment rate reaches 11-year high in June quarter
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 5.6% in the June quarter, leaving 171,000 people out of work. Stats NZ figures show Northland recorded the highest regional rate at 8.8%. Additionally, approximately 19% of unemployed workers have been without jobs for more than a year.
2 outlets · Person dies after being trapped in machine at Ōtāhuhu plant
A person has died after becoming trapped in a machine at the Auckland Meat Processors facility on Portage Road. Emergency services responded to the workplace incident in Ōtāhuhu around 10.30pm on Monday night.
2 outlets · Ministry of Social Development to reduce security guard numbers
The Ministry of Social Development plans to cut the number of security guards at Work and Income service centres nationwide. The Public Service Association has expressed disappointment over the decision, stating that staff have growing concerns regarding their safety on the job.
2 outlets · Coroner examines ambulance response following death of Wellington man
A coroner has investigated the death of 79-year-old Geoffrey Hartley, who died on his kitchen floor after an ambulance dispatch was cancelled. The deceased had previously experienced severe chest pain in a retail store, where a dispatcher advised him to take a taxi to the hospital instead.
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