Record low temperatures recorded across the North Island
Parts of the North Island experienced record-breaking cold over the last two days. MetService reported that Taumarunui reached a record low of -7.2C, while Rotorua set a new all-time low of -5.6C. Other areas, including Taupō and Auckland, also recorded significant temperature drops.
4 outlets · UK coroner concludes Donald McPherson murdered his wife for financial gain
A UK coroner has ruled that New Zealander Donald McPherson murdered his wife, Paula Leeson, to benefit financially from her death. Although McPherson was acquitted of murder at a 2021 criminal trial, the coroner concluded he unlawfully killed her. McPherson, also known as Alex Lang, is a convicted fraudster.
3 outlets · Man arrested after alleged gunfire in Stratford
A man is in custody following reports of a firearm being discharged on Oberon Street in Stratford on Friday morning. The incident caused several local schools and premises to enter lockdown. Police have confirmed there are no reports of injuries.
3 outlets · Car crashes into Red Beach shop on Auckland's Hibiscus Coast
A vehicle struck a building on Red Beach Road on Friday morning. Emergency services attended the scene, where three people were treated by paramedics. One person was taken to hospital with moderate injuries.
3 outlets · Auckland Grammar student remains critical after Epsom rampage
An Auckland Grammar School student is in critical condition following a series of violent events in Epsom on Wednesday morning. The incident, which involved a vehicle, left three teenage cyclists injured and a dog killed. A man is facing 17 charges after allegedly assaulting multiple people and stealing a vehicle.
3 outlets · Labour support drops as Opportunity passes 5% threshold in new poll
The Labour Party has fallen to 27.8% support in the latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia poll, its lowest result since December 2024. Meanwhile, the Opportunity party rose to 6.1%, surpassing the 5% threshold required to enter Parliament. The current coalition would still have enough support to form a government.
3 outlets · Auckland police officer pleads guilty to possessing objectionable publications
Matthew Rogers has pleaded guilty to possessing objectionable publications in the Manukau District Court. The charges follow an internal review of police information security controls. The offending took place between August 2023 and October 2025, and sentencing is scheduled for October.
3 outlets · Missing 74-year-old woman rescued from steep Nelson gully
A 74-year-old woman was found hypothermic in a steep gully above her Nelson retirement village on Wednesday evening. Emergency services, including Land Search and Rescue Nelson, located her around 8.30pm after she failed to return from a walk. She was carried out of the difficult terrain on a stretcher.
3 outlets · Ballentynes Fashion Central to close after more than 50 years
The family-owned clothing business is shutting down its 23 locations nationwide. Stores will close progressively starting from 15 August, though 10 locations are expected to reopen as part of the Caroline Eve chain.
3 outlets · Topp Twins named Arts Foundation Icons
The Topp Twins have been awarded the Arts Foundation’s Icon Whakamana Hiranga honour. Dame Lynda Topp paid tribute to her late sister, Jools Topp, during the recognition of the duo as significant New Zealand artists.
2 outlets · Warriors face Panthers in NRL round 23 match
The Warriors play the Penrith Panthers at Go Media Stadium in Auckland on Friday night. The match features the NRL comeback of a Warriors player after 124 days, while Leka Halasima has been selected to play at centre.
2 outlets · Dog falls into sinkhole on Porirua walkway
A staffy named Missy fell into a sinkhole nearly one metre deep on the Camborne Walkway in Porirua. The hole was caused by a leaking pipe, and the Porirua City Council is now investigating who is responsible for the leak.
2 outlets · Wellington mayors fail to reach unified voice on amalgamation
Regional mayors failed to reach a unanimous decision during a forum in Lower Hutt regarding potential amalgamation. While no single consensus was achieved, plans were developed, and the future of the region now rests with the Government.
1 outlet · Firefighters respond to house fire in Milford
Six crews are battling a well-involved fire at a two-storey residential property on Stanley Avenue in Milford. Emergency services received multiple calls regarding the blaze on Friday afternoon.
2 outlets · Man charged after methamphetamine worth $150,000 seized in Christchurch
Police seized approximately 505 grams of methamphetamine during a search of a Christchurch property. A 54-year-old man has been charged with possession of the drug for supply and is expected to appear in court.
2 outlets · Stunt performer in Wellington identified as Matt Damon's double
Canadian stunt performer Devyn Dalton has been identified as the person responsible for Matt Damon's biceps in The Odyssey. Dalton, who is 137cm tall and currently in Wellington, said it was liberating to demonstrate her athleticism in the Christopher Nolan film.
2 outlets · Pacific nations fail to agree on joint response to Chinese missile test
Ministers from Pacific Islands Forum countries could not reach an agreement to condemn a recent ballistic missile test by China. Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters described the lack of consensus as a missed opportunity but suggested a joint statement remains possible.
4 outlets · One person critically injured in State Highway 5 crash
A person is in critical condition following a two-vehicle collision between a truck and a ute near the State Highway 38 intersection at Waiotapu. The crash occurred on Friday afternoon south of Rotorua. Emergency services sent a helicopter to the scene, and police closed the road north of the site.
2 outlets · Manurewa dairy owner charged with money laundering
A 27-year-old convenience store owner faces five money laundering charges following a year-long undercover police investigation. Authorities allege the man was purchasing stolen goods to resell in his Manurewa shop. Police executed a search warrant at the business this week as part of the operation.
2 outlets · Shearer sentenced for abusing lambs in Canterbury
Dylan George Manthey has been sentenced in Palmerston North after pleading guilty to three charges. The offences involved the physical abuse of three lambs, which was captured on undercover footage during a shearing operation in Canterbury.
2 outlets · Auckland security operator fined for working without a licence
Vinson Schuster, 42, has been fined $14,000 after pleading guilty to six charges in the Auckland District Court. The Department of Internal Affairs found he worked as an unlicensed security guard and crowd controller, using fake company names to earn more than $100,000 in less than a year.
2 outlets · House fire reported in Caversham suburb of Dunedin
A house fire broke out on Thomson Street in Lookout Point at approximately 12.40pm on Friday. Fire and Emergency NZ dispatched volunteer crews, including those from Outram, to battle the blaze during staff strike action.
2 outlets · Taupō District Council opposes Western Waikato amalgamation proposal
Taupō District Council has rejected being included in a proposed Western Waikato unitary authority without community consent. The council is requesting an eight-week extension to evaluate government reform plans and would prefer to join Ruapehu, Waitomo, and Ōtorohanga if forced to amalgamate.
2 outlets · Joseph Parker forgives nutritionist after suspension is lifted
Heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker has forgiven the nutritionist responsible for his failed drug test last year. Following the lifting of his ban, the 34-year-old aims to return to the ring before the end of the year.
2 outlets · Christopher Luxon maintains support for MMP referendum proposal
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has committed to holding a referendum on the mixed-member proportional voting system if re-elected. While National MP Paul Goldsmith described the proposal as party policy, other MPs suggest it is merely the Prime Minister's personal view amid criticism from across Parliament.
2 outlets · Former Whangārei mayor wins employment dispute with son
The Employment Relations Authority has ruled that Alexander Semenoff was an independent contractor rather than an employee of his father's transport company. Consequently, his application for interim reinstatement at Stan Semenoff Transport Limited was rejected.
2 outlets · New Zealander linked to arranging masseuses for Jeffrey Epstein
A US investigation has identified New Zealand national Brice Gordon as an individual who arranged masseuses for Jeffrey Epstein. Gordon co-managed the Zorro Ranch from approximately 2003 to 2019 and was reportedly tasked with constructing a spa at a Caribbean property.
2 outlets · Autism diagnoses in New Zealand have more than tripled in 15 years
A new study from the University of Otago shows autism rates among children and adults have more than tripled since 2009. Researchers warn that health and disability services must prepare for rising demand, as the increase shows no sign of slowing.
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