Former police officers acquitted of perverting justice in Alan Hall case
A High Court judge has found two former police officers not guilty of wilfully perverting the course of justice. The charges related to the investigation that led to Alan Hall's wrongful murder conviction. The names of the two men remain suppressed.
+26 outlets · Coroner finds tramper died of hypothermia in Arthur’s Pass
A coroner has found that 37-year-old Rebecca Woolley died from hypothermia after becoming lost on an unmarked alpine route in Arthur’s Pass National Park in October 2021. The experienced tramper suffered a disabling spinal fracture after taking a wrong turn while hiking on Mount Aicken. The inquiry recommended that hikers carry proper navigation tools.
4 outlets · Christopher Luxon retains National Party leadership after confidence vote
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has survived a National Party caucus confidence vote, declaring he has the full support of his party. Following the meeting, Luxon sacked minister Chris Penk for launching a leadership challenge, with Penk announcing he will not seek re-election.
3 outlets · Christopher Luxon survives National Party leadership challenge
Christopher Luxon has retained his position as National Party leader following an urgent caucus meeting in Wellington. Despite rumours that senior MPs were considering asking for his resignation, a leadership contest did not occur. The party has since held a news conference to address the outcome.
3 outlets · National MPs meet for urgent caucus meeting regarding Christopher Luxon
Christopher Luxon has called an urgent caucus meeting in Wellington to address questions regarding his leadership. This follows a poll showing his preferred prime minister rating has dropped to 17%. During a brief press conference at Parliament, Luxon stated he has the full support of his caucus.
3 outlets · Christopher Luxon removes Chris Penk from Cabinet following leadership challenge
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has stripped Chris Penk of his defence and intelligence portfolios after Penk launched a challenge for the National leadership. Following an emergency caucus meeting on Wednesday, Luxon won a confidence vote to remain leader. Penk, who denied scheming, will not seek re-election.
3 outlets · Opportunity Party surges to 8% in latest 1News Verian poll
The Opportunity Party has risen to 8% in the latest 1News Verian poll, clearing the 5% threshold. This surge comes as NZ First fell by three points. The results suggest the party could hold a kingmaker position, as neither the left nor right blocs have enough seats to govern alone.
3 outlets · Man facing historic sexual offending charges faces new allegations
A 63-year-old man has been charged with unlawful sexual connection and breaching bail. He was already facing charges related to alleged historic sexual offending involving a boy aged 12 to 16. The man was due to appear in the Auckland District Court on Wednesday.
3 outlets · Heavy rain watch issued for Northland, Auckland and Great Barrier Island
MetService has issued a 15-hour heavy rain watch for northern and eastern Northland, northern Auckland and Great Barrier Island. Forecasts include periods of heavy rain and localised downpours. A severe thunderstorm warning has also been issued for the Far North due to the possibility of flash flooding.
3 outlets · Air New Zealand and Air Chathams expand single-ticket travel agreement
Air New Zealand and Air Chathams have extended an interline agreement to allow passengers to book single tickets for connecting flights. The expanded deal includes routes between the Chatham Islands and Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, while also adding Whanganui to the network.
2 outlets · National Party caucus meets to discuss Christopher Luxon's leadership
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has called an urgent meeting of the National Party caucus. MPs are gathering at Parliament to decide whether they will continue to support Luxon as leader or vote for a replacement.
2 outlets · Northland spree burglar sentenced to almost four years in prison
David Neho of Awarua has been jailed following a series of burglaries and thefts in Northland. Neho targeted local farms and a gliding club south of Kaikohe, where he damaged five gliders and stole a tractor and two vehicles to fund a drug habit.
2 outlets · State Highway 1 closed near Hinds after serious two-vehicle crash
State Highway 1 was closed at the intersection of Rangitata Highway and Frisbys Road on Wednesday afternoon following a two-vehicle crash. Three people were taken to Christchurch with serious injuries. The Serious Crash Unit has been notified, and motorists are advised to avoid the area.
2 outlets · Former Mongrel Mob member released on parole
Poutawa Kireka has been released on parole after serving part of a sentence for a violent assault on his partner and a bystander. Kireka, a former high-ranking Mongrel Mob member, says he has left the gang and returned his patch. The Parole Board determined he no longer poses an undue risk.
2 outlets · Water supply restored to Ohakune with boil water notice in place
The Ruapehu District Council has restored the water supply to all Ohakune properties following five days of disruption. A precautionary boil water notice remains in effect while the network is monitored to ensure the water is safe to drink.
3 outlets · Fire crews battle house fire in Te Kūiti
Firefighters were called to a residential property on the Esplanade in Te Kūiti at approximately 7.30am on Wednesday. The blaze resulted in one person sustaining minor injuries. Multiple crews from Te Kūiti and Ōtorohanga attended the scene.
2 outlets · State Highway 27 closed after car and truck crash near Tīrau
State Highway 27 was temporarily closed north of the Tīrau Golf Club on Wednesday morning following a collision between a car and a truck. Emergency services attended the scene around 11.40am, with initial reports indicating that there were moderate injuries.
2 outlets · Red zone campers seek delay to move-on order
Approximately 60 people living in a makeshift camp in Christchurch's Ōtākaro Avon red zone are asking the city council to pause eviction orders. Residents are requesting that the council find alternative accommodation before forcing them to move. Meanwhile, a committee has given initial approval for a new caravan park in New Brighton.
1 outlet · Everlee Wihongi speaks out after US immigration detention
Everlee Wihongi has shared her experiences after being held by US immigration authorities for more than two months. The 37-year-old, who was detained upon returning to the US from New Zealand, described facing dehumanising conditions. She stated that she is struggling to return to normal life and feels unsafe under the current administration.
2 outlets · Australian sports entertainment group acquires MediaWorks for NZ$130 million
Sports Entertainment Group has entered a binding agreement to purchase 100% of the shares in MediaWorks for NZ$130 million. The Australian firm will return to the New Zealand market as an audio operator, owning radio brands such as The Rock, More FM, and The Edge.
2 outlets · Kawakawa man identified following fatal State Highway 1 crash in Kauri
Police have named 20-year-old Ritchie Tasman Vallender as the victim of a fatal crash on State Highway 1 in Kauri on 3 August. Authorities are requesting witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage from the area between 8 pm and 8.30 pm that evening to come forward.
2 outlets · Two hospitalised after house fire in Hamilton
A house fire on Boundary Road in Claudelands left eight people injured early Wednesday morning. Emergency services attended the blaze, which gutted the single-storey home and caused the roof to cave in. Two people were taken to Waikato Hospital for treatment.
3 outlets · Ten years since the Havelock North water crisis
A gastrointestinal outbreak in Havelock North in August 2016 affected thousands of residents. The crisis, which involved symptoms like nausea and vomiting, significantly impacted public trust in the safety of the water supply.
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