Christopher Luxon calls urgent caucus meeting amid leadership speculation
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has called an urgent meeting of National Party MPs following reports of internal frustration and speculation regarding his leadership. While some MPs have been mentioned as potential challengers, Chris Bishop has stated that a leadership challenge is not on the agenda for the meeting.
+37 outlets · Pygmy blue whale washes up dead on West Coast beach
A 21.7-metre pygmy blue whale, estimated to weigh 20 tonnes, washed up dead at Carters Beach near Westport. The Department of Conservation confirmed the species, while the cause of death remains unknown. Plans have been made to bury the carcass near the dunes.
4 outlets · Senior National Party MPs consider leadership challenge against Christopher Luxon
Senior National Party MPs are reportedly considering asking Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to resign. Some Cabinet ministers, including Erica Stanford, are involved in discussions following recent political setbacks. Commentators suggest that several loyal MPs may no longer support his leadership.
3 outlets · Ohakune water supply remains unavailable after reservoir leak
A magnitude 5.9 earthquake damaged pipes, causing a leak that drained Ohakune's reservoir. The Ruapehu District Council has provided water tankers and bottled water while treatment plant tanks are being refilled. A boil water notice is expected to remain in place until testing confirms safety.
4 outlets · Vogel's bread products recalled in South Island over potential metal contamination
Six Vogel's bread products produced at a Dunedin bakery are being recalled due to concerns regarding possible small metal pieces. The affected loaves were sold at South Island supermarkets and have a best-before date of 15 August. Customers are advised to return the products.
3 outlets · Heavy rain watch issued for parts of the upper North Island
MetService has issued a heavy rain watch for northern and eastern Northland, as well as Auckland north of Ōrewa and Great Barrier Island. The watch begins at 11am Wednesday as weather fronts approach the region, bringing a risk of localised downpours.
3 outlets · Olivia Dean show moves to Western Springs Bowl due to high demand
UK pop star Olivia Dean will perform at Auckland’s Western Springs Bowl on October 17. The show was moved from Spark Arena following exceptional ticket demand. This performance marks the first headline act at the venue following a $2.5 million upgrade.
3 outlets · Philip Polkinghorne gives evidence at Pauline Hanna inquest
Philip Polkinghorne is testifying at the inquest into the 2021 death of his wife, Pauline Hanna, in Auckland. Having been acquitted of her murder in 2024, Polkinghorne told the coroner he denied using methamphetamine before her death and had deleted data from his phone after becoming a suspect.
3 outlets · BSA upholds two complaints against Sean Plunket's The Platform
The Broadcasting Standards Authority has upheld two complaints regarding broadcasts on The Platform. One broadcast was found to have denigrated Māori, while another involved a serious privacy breach where Sean Plunket named a complainant. The individual reportedly received threatening and abusive messages following the broadcast.
+15 outlets · Waikato and Gisborne schools to receive solar panels through government scheme
A $30 million government programme will install solar panels at 500 schools nationwide. This includes 47 schools in the Waikato and 13 schools in Gisborne. The initiative aims to reduce electricity costs for participating educational institutions.
2 outlets · Chris Hipkins pledges AI and start-up support for small businesses
Labour leader Chris Hipkins visited Rotorua on Tuesday to unveil a plan for supporting small businesses during the AI revolution. He promised increased funding and assistance for start-ups to help them adapt to new technologies. The visit follows recent controversial comments made by the Prime Minister in the same city.
2 outlets · Christopher Luxon faces National Party caucus meeting over leadership
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is set to face a National Party caucus meeting on Wednesday to discuss his leadership. Following reports that his authority is declining, the meeting will determine if he can retain his position as party leader.
2 outlets · House of Shem brothers sentenced for benefit fraud
Musicians Isaiah and Te Omeka Perkins have been sentenced for benefit fraud involving approximately $200,000. The brothers attributed their actions to spiralling following the death of their father in 2018. A judge has instructed them to return to work once their sentences are completed.
2 outlets · Magnitude 4.1 earthquake strikes near Whakatāne
A magnitude 4.1 earthquake occurred on Tuesday evening in the eastern Bay of Plenty. GeoNet reported the tremor was centred approximately 15km west of Whakatāne at a depth of 5km. Thousands of people reported feeling the light shaking.
3 outlets · Man arrested after school bus window smashed with cricket bat
A man has been arrested following an alleged road rage incident in Mount Albert on Tuesday afternoon. Police say the individual used a cricket bat to smash a school bus window, causing minor injuries to the driver. A student on board was unhurt during the event.
2 outlets · The TV Shop fined $1.1m for fake reviews and misleading claims
Auckland online retailer The TV Shop has been ordered to pay a $1.1 million penalty after being convicted of 13 Fair Trading Act breaches. The company used employees to post undisclosed positive reviews and suppressed negative feedback to improve online ratings for various brands.
2 outlets · Sandspit residents oppose waste facility used by Kawau Island
Residents living near Sandspit Reserve are protesting the use of the area as a dumping ground for Kawau Island's waste. The temporary enclosure has reportedly exceeded its intended three-to-five-year lifespan, causing frustration for local community members.
2 outlets · Toddler died after choking on drawing pin in Auckland
A coroner has ruled the death of Siuta Laulaupea’alu Uhi an accident. The toddler died at Waitākere Hospital in November 2025 after swallowing a drawing pin that obstructed his airway while playing at home. Despite efforts from his family and medical staff, he could not be resuscitated.
2 outlets · Massey Primary deputy principal censured for serious misconduct
The Teachers Disciplinary Tribunal has censured deputy principal Mali Allen for using inappropriate physical force on a student. The incident involved the teacher removing a learner from a classroom and leaving them outside for up to 45 minutes. The tribunal found the teacher acted out of frustration.
2 outlets · Road closed in Titoki after car hits power pole
A single-vehicle crash on Mangakahia Road in Titoki has caused power lines to fall, resulting in minor injuries to one person. The incident has left 131 homes without electricity and caused delays on State Highway 15. Northpower is currently investigating the crash.
2 outlets · Luxon calls urgent meeting amid National Party leadership speculation
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has called an urgent caucus meeting for tomorrow morning following rumours regarding his leadership. Luxon stated that the issue must be resolved before the election in November, describing the current disunity as a major distraction.
2 outlets · Maternal vaping linked to sudden infant deaths in New Zealand study
Researchers from the Universities of Auckland and Otago have identified a potential link between maternal vaping and sudden unexpected infant deaths. The study examined 101 cases in New Zealand between 2022 and 2023, finding that vaping was reported in half of the deaths involving bed-sharing.
2 outlets · Chorus fibre outages affecting thousands of internet services across Auckland
A Chorus outage has impacted approximately 26,894 internet services across Auckland. The majority of affected connections are located on the North Shore, including the Hibiscus Coast. Technical teams are currently investigating the cause of the connectivity issues.
2 outlets · State Highway 38 closed following serious two-vehicle crash near Rotorua
State Highway 38 south of Rotorua has been closed in both directions following a two-vehicle crash near the SH5 intersection. The incident was reported at Waimangu around 9.45am on Tuesday. Police say there are early indications of injuries, and emergency services are currently working at the scene.
2 outlets · Bede Carran appointed as Christchurch City Council chief executive
Bede Carran has been appointed as the permanent chief executive for the Christchurch City Council. He was selected from 127 applicants after three candidates were shortlisted. Carran previously served as the council's chief financial officer and interim chief executive.
2 outlets · Napier family fears solar investment loss due to proposed high-rise
A Napier family fears a proposed six-storey Kāinga Ora development could cast shadows over their $110,000 solar power system. The family trust's managing trustee expressed concerns that the sale of the $9 million property could impact their clean energy investment.
2 outlets · Judge liquidates two companies amid Nakhle family legal dispute
A judge has ordered the liquidation of two insolvent horseracing companies linked to the wealthy Nakhle family. The move follows a legal feud involving allegations that more than $40m was misappropriated from family businesses. The dispute involves members of the extended family of National MP Rima Nakhle.
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