Ohakune water supply outage extended following earthquake damage
Repairs to a pipeline damaged during a July earthquake in Taumarunui have been delayed in Ohakune. Engineers warned that restoring pressure too quickly could cause further fractures, meaning the water supply may not return until Tuesday evening. Residents have been relying on bottled water, tankers, and portaloos.
Chris Hipkins rules out governing deal with NZ First
Labour leader Chris Hipkins has officially ruled out forming a government with New Zealand First. He stated the decision followed a unanimous caucus meeting, citing the party's recent behaviour and overt racism as the reasons for the move.
Man accused of Epsom attacks appears in court via video link
A 49-year-old man facing 17 charges following a series of violent attacks in Epsom has made his first court appearance. The alleged rampage resulted in injuries to three high school cyclists, an assault on a jogger, and the death of a dog. The accused remains under interim name suppression.
Man charged after allegedly smashing Papakura supermarket windows with metal pole
A 38-year-old man has been charged after allegedly using a large metal pole to smash storefront windows at a Papakura supermarket. Staff were forced to retreat to a safe room during the incident on Great South Rd early Monday morning. The man also faces a charge for damaging another nearby premises.
Seven injured in Ponsonby bus and car crash
A car and a bus collided on Ponsonby Road near Brown Street in central Auckland just after 2pm on Monday. Seven people were injured in the crash, with two requiring hospital treatment. Emergency services attended the scene to check the bus driver and passengers.
Fast-track approval granted for 1200-home development near Ōrewa
The Delmore housing project on 109 hectares west of Ōrewa has received fast-track approval. The development is subject to conditions that may require treated wastewater to be trucked to Whangārei. This marks the 30th project approved under the fast-track process.
St John declares major incident response amid record 111 call volumes
Hato Hone St John has activated its emergency operations centre following its busiest day on record this past Saturday. The ambulance service reported nearly 16,000 calls last week due to seasonal illnesses, leading to a major incident response. Patients may experience longer wait times as the service manages the unsustainable demand.
Fog and fire alarm cause disruptions at Auckland Airport
Fog restrictions were implemented at Auckland Airport early Monday morning, resulting in 19 flight delays and eight regional cancellations. Later in the day, the domestic terminal was evacuated following a fire alarm. Passengers have been warned that regional and domestic flights may continue to be affected.
ACT proposes making university student services fees voluntary
The ACT Party is proposing to make university student services fees optional if they are re-elected in November. This change could potentially save students up to $4,000 over the course of a degree.
Former Waipā District Council candidate sentenced for $107,000 benefit fraud
Hope Spooner has been sentenced in Hamilton District Court for obtaining by deception and using a document for pecuniary advantage. The 34-year-old former local body election candidate defrauded the Ministry of Social Development of $107,000.
Peter Huljich banned for seven years following Pushpay insider trading
Peter Huljich has been banned from managing companies or acting as a director for seven years. The ruling follows his conviction for insider trading involving Pushpay Holdings shares. Additionally, his wife has been ordered to pay a $50,000 penalty.
Woman charged following methamphetamine supply investigation into Marlborough
A 42-year-old woman has been arrested and charged following a police investigation into the supply of methamphetamine into Marlborough. The arrest occurred during a search in Christchurch, where police also seized stolen property. The woman remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in the Christchurch District Court on 26 August.
Coroner warns against DIY tree felling after Invercargill man's death
Edwin Coulter, 54, died in May 2021 after being struck by a branch while felling a pine tree at an Invercargill property. Following the incident, a coroner cautioned against attempting risky do-it-yourself tasks at home.
Four-car crash causes delays on Auckland Southern Motorway
A four-vehicle collision occurred after the Market Road off-ramp on Monday afternoon. Two people sustained moderate injuries in the crash. All motorway lanes have since been cleared and traffic is moving again.
Body of missing Wellington man Paddy Sowman located
Emergency services and Land Search and Rescue volunteers found the body of 42-year-old Paddy Sowman on Sunday afternoon. Mr Sowman had been missing in the Wellington area since late July. Police have referred the death to the coroner.
Two women charged in alleged $5 million mortgage fraud scheme
The Serious Fraud Office has charged two women following an Epsom search warrant regarding an alleged $5 million mortgage fraud. The agency claims a syndicate used stolen identities and forged documents to obtain mortgages without owners' knowledge. Investigators are now seeking help to identify three other people connected to the suspected group.
Auckland officer sentenced in October for possessing objectionable material
Senior sergeant Matthew Rogers pleaded guilty to possessing objectionable publications in the Manukau District Court. The officer used work devices to search for pornographic material over a period of more than two years. Sentencing is scheduled to take place in October.
Scott Robertson offered inaugural coaching role with Southern Orcas
Former All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has been offered the position of inaugural coach for the Southern Orcas. The prospective Christchurch-based NRL franchise has reportedly made an official bid to secure the former Crusaders coach.
Pedestrian critically injured in Birkdale vehicle crash
A pedestrian sustained critical injuries after being struck by a vehicle on Verran Road in Birkdale on Monday morning. Police were alerted to the incident around 9.20am. Emergency services attended the scene on Auckland's North Shore, and motorists have been advised to avoid the area.
Bürgen bread brand to leave New Zealand shelves
Bürgen has announced it is leaving the New Zealand market after decades of being available in supermarkets. The brand expressed disappointment regarding the departure on Sunday, noting it has been a staple in Kiwi lunchboxes and breakfasts for many years.
Auckland builder fined for unlicensed foundation work
Angelo Madut has been fined $8,000 plus costs in the Manukau District Court. The builder performed restricted foundation work without a licence and falsely told an inspector that another practitioner had supervised the work.
Coalition on track for re-election according to latest poll of polls
The Herald’s Poll of Polls indicates the current Government is narrowly on track for re-election, while the Opportunity party has a high chance of entering Parliament. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon apologised to colleagues after surprising them with a commitment to hold an MMP referendum if re-elected.
















