Luxon promises MMP referendum if re-elected
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has pledged to hold a referendum on the MMP voting system if he is returned to power. While Luxon stands by the commitment, some National MPs have stated it is not official party policy. New Zealand First leader Winston Peters described the announcement as an absolute surprise.
4 outlets · Auckland City Rail Link opening date revealed as 13 September 2026
The opening date for Auckland's $5.5 billion City Rail Link was revealed on a central city billboard ahead of an official announcement. The underground rail project is scheduled to open to passengers on Sunday, 13 September 2026.
4 outlets · Government unveils nine new industry-led secondary school subjects
The Government has announced nine new industry-led subjects for Year 12 and 13 students. These subjects, which include tourism and construction, will be developed by industry groups. The new curriculum is expected to be available in secondary schools starting in 2029.
+26 outlets · Assets worth $10m restrained following large methamphetamine importation investigation
Police have restrained $10 million in assets, including luxury vehicles, jewellery, and properties, following an investigation into an alleged methamphetamine importation. The probe follows the October 2024 seizure of 515kg of methamphetamine hidden in steel beams. The restrained assets include three properties located in the Waikato.
4 outlets · Man charged after violent Epsom rampage leaves five injured
A 49-year-old man faces 14 offences following an alleged violent rampage in Epsom on Wednesday morning. The incident involved an assault on a jogger, a carjacking, and a vehicle striking three teenage cyclists, resulting in five injuries and the death of a dog. The accused was absent from his Auckland District Court hearing.
3 outlets · Four fragments of ancient space rock recovered in Wairarapa
Four pieces of a 4.6-billion-year-old meteorite have been found in northern Wairarapa following a fireball seen across the lower North Island in late July. Experts tracked the fragments to rural farmland after the object entered the atmosphere on 28 July. This discovery marks New Zealand's 11th confirmed meteorite.
4 outlets · Kea Aerospace opens new manufacturing and mission control facility in Christchurch
Kea Aerospace has opened a 3,000-square-metre manufacturing and operations centre in Christchurch. The company, which recently raised $17.5m, plans to build and test large solar-powered unpiloted aircraft designed to fly in the stratosphere.
3 outlets · One person seriously injured in Dinsdale car and mobility scooter crash
One person was taken to Waikato Hospital with serious injuries following a crash involving a car and a mobility scooter in Dinsdale. The incident occurred at a roundabout on Whatawhata Road on Thursday afternoon, causing delays and requiring emergency services to attend the scene.
3 outlets · Five arrested after alleged Mongols gang methamphetamine importation probe
Five people linked to the Mongols Outlaw Motorcycle Gang have been charged following a five-month police investigation. Acting on information from US authorities, police targeted an alleged methamphetamine importation ring connected to a Mexican cartel in the North Island. The operation has resulted in the closure of the suspected importation ring.
3 outlets · Tauranga Hospital resident cat found safe in Gate Pa home
Steps, a 12-year-old tabby from Tauranga Hospital, has been found safe after going missing on Monday night. The cat was discovered in a Gate Pa residence after entering through a microchip cat door. The feline has since returned to his family.
3 outlets · Labour unveils $1.56 billion small business policy package
Labour has announced a $1.56 billion plan to support small businesses through tax relief, higher GST thresholds, and faster invoice payments. The package would be funded by replacing the current Government's Investment Boost policy. Leader Chris Hipkins stated the measures aim to address falling business confidence and high liquidation rates.
3 outlets · Far North man charged with child exploitation material offences
A 67-year-old man from the Waipapa area has been charged following a community tip-off. Police are investigating tens of thousands of images found on his devices and are appealing for information regarding any historical offending.
3 outlets · Temperatures plunge across New Zealand during widespread cold snap
A significant cold snap has caused temperatures to drop across much of the country, with Mount Cook airport recording -10C on Thursday morning. MetService reported that Auckland has experienced its coldest conditions since 2021, while Taumarunui recorded one of its coldest temperatures since records began in 2007.
3 outlets · Man in court after alleged shotgun discharge in Dargaville
A 37-year-old man has appeared in court following a police response to a family harm incident on Ranfurly St in Dargaville. Police used dogs and a helicopter during the incident, which allegedly involved the man firing a shotgun into a garage to intimidate others. The man faces multiple firearm charges.
2 outlets · Tokoroa under-14 rugby team disqualified following abuse allegations
Tokoroa High School's under-14 rugby team has been banned from their competition. The disqualification follows a Saturday match involving allegations of physical and verbal abuse, including a reported headbutt and men barking behind the goalposts. Referees and other teams have reportedly refused to travel to the area due to repeated abuse.
3 outlets · Emails show police director's concerns regarding Jevon McSkimming complaints
Released emails reveal the extent of concerns held by the police director of integrity and conduct regarding complaints against former deputy commissioner Jevon McSkimming. The documents follow an Independent Police Conduct Authority report into how police managed allegations of sexual offending involving McSkimming.
+15 outlets · Wellington region councils divided over proposed mega-merger reforms
Local government leaders across the Wellington region are voting on whether to merge as part of government-ordered reforms. While some councils support a large-scale merger, others remain divided, with elected members in Wairarapa noting there is insufficient time to complete the process.
2 outlets · New laws for retail crime and citizen’s arrest powers pass
Parliament has passed the Crimes Amendment Bill, introducing new offences for attacks on first responders and 'coward punches'. The legislation also implements tougher penalties for shoplifting and expands citizen's arrest powers. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says most of these changes will take effect within a week.
2 outlets · Charles Wharton detained as special patient after Hamilton boy's murder
Charles Wharton has been detained as a special patient following the September 2024 murder of eight-year-old Zahquiel Taipeti in Hamilton. Wharton, who was previously found unfit to stand trial, was reportedly left at the boy's house by police shortly before the attack occurred.
2 outlets · Former Hamilton Zoo zookeeper awarded $18,000 for unjustifiable disadvantage
The Employment Relations Authority has awarded former zookeeper Ashleigh Sanders $18,000 following a personal grievance. The ruling found she was unjustifiably disadvantaged by a senior manager's inappropriate late-night messages and intrusive questioning at the Hamilton Zoo.
2 outlets · Inland Revenue warns horticulture sector over tax non-compliance
Inland Revenue has issued a warning to the horticulture sector regarding practices that threaten the integrity of the tax system. The department is concerned about cash payments to workers and complex contracting arrangements used to obscure transactions.
2 outlets · New Zealand electricity usage hits new record during cold snap
Electricity demand reached a record peak of 7415MW on Thursday morning as freezing temperatures hit the country. This surpassed Wednesday's record of 7247MW, with wholesale prices rising to $2346 per megawatt hour. Transpower stated that power remained on despite the strain on the electricity system.
2 outlets · Police seek information on man wanted on arrest warrant
Police are appealing for information regarding the whereabouts of Charles John Tawha. He is believed to be in Christchurch or elsewhere within the wider Canterbury region.
2 outlets · Three people arrested for alleged retail thefts in Hutt Valley
Hutt Valley Police have arrested three prolific offenders following the alleged theft of thousands of dollars worth of goods. The items seized include beauty products, candles, a laptop, and weapons. The suspects face multiple charges and are set to appear in court.
2 outlets · Coroner releases findings into Pātea River Bar deaths
A six-year-old boy and his stepmother drowned after their boat capsized on the Pātea River Bar in June 2025. Coronial findings have now been released detailing the circumstances of the tragedy.
2 outlets · Councillor warns Christchurch CBD risks becoming a ghost town
Christchurch City Councillor Nathaniel Hertz Jardine has raised concerns that many new central city apartments are being used for short-term stays rather than permanent living. Despite nearly 500 new homes being built in the CBD, reports indicate only about 50 new residents have moved in.
4 outlets · Commerce Commission to take Foodstuffs South Island to court
The Commerce Commission is taking Foodstuffs South Island to court over alleged anti-competitive conduct. The watchdog claims the co-operative implemented practices that deprived customers of cheaper prices. It is alleged that franchises were required to seek approval before discounting certain products.
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