Police apologise to Rakesh Naidoo over incorrect information
Assistant Commissioner Tim Anderson has apologised to Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo for spreading incorrect information regarding his Labour Party candidacy. A review has cleared Naidoo of any wrongdoing, finding that he followed police policy when disclosing his intention to stand for election.
3 outlets · Arlington social housing project to be reset with 104 homes
Work is set to resume on the Kāinga Ora Arlington development in Mount Cook, Wellington. Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced the project has been scaled back to 104 social homes following cost concerns regarding an earlier 301-apartment proposal.
4 outlets · Armed man shot dead at Auckland's Sylvia Park mall
An armed man fleeing police was shot and killed at Sylvia Park mall in Auckland. The incident followed the theft of an air rifle from a Penrose store, leading to a lockdown that has since been lifted. Police have launched a critical incident investigation.
3 outlets · Ani O’Brien revealed as complainant in case against blogger Martyn Bradbury
Free Speech Union board member Ani O’Brien has been identified as the complainant in a Harmful Digital Communications Act case against blogger Martyn Bradbury. O’Brien requested her name suppression be lifted in the Auckland District Court following allegations of abusive and ridiculing online posts. Bradbury has characterised the legal proceedings as censorship.
+15 outlets · Heavy rain warnings issued for eastern North Island regions
A weather system is moving across the eastern North Island, bringing heavy rain to several areas. MetService has issued orange warnings for western Bay of Plenty and Gisborne/Tairāwhiti, while transport authorities are advising motorists to drive carefully due to the conditions.
3 outlets · Unused documentary footage played at Pauline Hanna inquest
Dr Philip Polkinghorne has provided evidence at the inquest into the death of his wife, Pauline Hanna. The proceedings included previously unseen footage from a 2022 documentary filmed at the Remuera home. The inquest is investigating the circumstances surrounding Hanna's death.
3 outlets · Waikato woman sentenced for attempted murder of three-year-old son
Alka Dahiya, 36, has been sentenced to five years and one month in prison for the attempted murder of her toddler in July 2024. During the incident, she attacked the boy's neck with a meat cleaver. The High Court at Hamilton heard the attack occurred during an acute psychological crisis.
3 outlets · SkyCity proposes cuts affecting 200 roles
SkyCity is reviewing its operating model due to economic pressures affecting customer spending in New Zealand and Australia. The company says it is proposing to cut approximately 200 roles, primarily at the Auckland casino, though no final decisions have been made.
3 outlets · One person dies in Te Awamutu single-vehicle crash
A person died at the scene following a single-vehicle crash at the intersection of Rickit Road and Hazelmere Crescent in Te Awamutu on Thursday morning. The incident was reported just after 9.20am. The intersection remained closed following the crash.
3 outlets · Police pursuit of motorcyclist before fatal crash found unjustified
The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found a high-speed pursuit of Levi Proctor was unjustified. An officer reached speeds of up to 192km/h during the 11km chase before Proctor crashed into a lamppost and died in Auckland in 2023. The officer was later found guilty of dangerous driving and resigned.
3 outlets · Three charged after drugs and firearms seized in Hastings raid
Police arrested three people, including a patched Mongrel Mob member, following a raid in Hastings last week. Officers seized shotguns, ammunition, $12,000 in cash, and various illicit drugs during the operation. Police expressed concern that young children were living at the property during the search.
3 outlets · Bankruptcy proceedings against former All Black Andrew Mehrtens discontinued
A Christchurch law firm has dropped its application to have former All Black Andrew Mehrtens adjudicated bankrupt. Judge Gambrill granted Saunders Robinson Brown leave to discontinue the proceedings at the High Court in Christchurch on Thursday following a settlement.
3 outlets · Christopher Luxon retains National Party leadership after unsuccessful challenge
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has survived a leadership challenge from Defence Minister Chris Penk following a caucus meeting in Wellington. Following the unsuccessful bid, Penk announced he will leave Parliament at the November election after being stripped of his ministerial portfolios.
2 outlets · Public memorial service scheduled for Wellington councillor Tony Randle
A public memorial service will be held this Saturday at Tākina for Wellington City Councillor Tony Randle following his unexpected death last weekend. A by-election to fill his seat is expected to take place later this year.
2 outlets · Luxon meets Vietnamese President following National Party leadership vote
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon met with Vietnamese President To Lam in Auckland today. This follows an urgent caucus meeting where Luxon survived a leadership vote. During the leadership challenge, Luxon dismissed Chris Penk, who stated he would step down at the next election.
2 outlets · Ngāi Tahu proposes replacing South Island councils with five new entities
Ngāi Tahu has submitted a proposal to replace the 24 existing South Island councils with five larger ones. The iwi's plan suggests aligning new council boundaries with major river catchments. This Head Start proposal follows a government requirement for councils to submit amalgamation plans.
4 outlets · Dairy farmer launches free grocery price comparison app
Dunedin dairy farmer Will Duff has released a free app called CheckMyTrolley. The tool allows shoppers to compare online grocery lists to identify which local supermarket offers the lowest prices on any given day.
2 outlets · National Party ran 92 political ads seen exclusively by men
An analysis of Facebook and Instagram advertising shows the National Party ran 92 ads this year that were seen only by men. Out of more than 500 ads from the party, only one was seen solely by women.
2 outlets · One person seriously injured in Kaimai Ranges vehicle crash
A single-vehicle crash occurred near Old Kaimai Road on Thursday afternoon. One person sustained serious injuries in the incident. State Highway 29 through the Kaimai Ranges has been reduced to one lane while emergency services attend the scene.
2 outlets · Woman arrested after BB gun fired at Ponsonby business and car
A woman has been arrested after a BB gun was allegedly fired at an advertising agency and an unoccupied vehicle on Ponsonby Road. The shots caused damage to an office window and a parked car. Police report that no one was injured during the incident on Thursday morning.
2 outlets · Amberley residents may soon have a bus service to Christchurch
Pegasus Bay Coachlines is negotiating with Environment Canterbury to establish a privately funded bus service. The proposed route would connect Amberley to Christchurch, providing a new transport option for North Canterbury residents.
2 outlets · North Shore man charged with threatening to kill National MP
A 29-year-old man from the North Shore has been charged with threatening to kill National MP Dan Bidois. Police allege the man sent a threatening message to the Northcote MP via social media.
2 outlets · Employment Court finds Labour Inspectorate erred in Gloriavale investigations
Nine former Gloriavale members successfully challenged Labour Inspectorate investigations from 2017 and 2021. The Employment Court ruled it was irrational to exclude children from the inquiry. The former members are now seeking damages and declarations of slavery and servitude.
3 outlets · Jett Cleary seeks release from Warriors contract to return to Penrith
Warriors halfback Jett Cleary has requested an early release from the final year of his contract. The 21-year-old playmaker reportedly wants to return to Penrith to reunite with his father and brother. Cleary has not yet made his NRL debut for the club.
2 outlets · Opportunity Party leader open to confidence and supply agreement
Qiulae Wong says the Opportunity Party would be open to a confidence-and-supply arrangement with the next government. Following a poll surge to 8%, Wong suggested her party could find common ground with New Zealand First during future coalition negotiations.
2 outlets · South Island receives only 11 per cent of roading funds
A new report reveals the South Island receives only one in $9 of government transport spending. Despite accounting for 40 per cent of international visitor spending, the region faces underinvestment in infrastructure, including bridges and roads that may need to be returned to gravel.
2 outlets · NZSIS warns of intensified security threats due to geopolitical upheaval
The NZSIS director-general has described the current threat environment as the most challenging in recent times. Geopolitical upheaval and generative artificial intelligence are reportedly amplifying the reach and impact of domestic and global threats to New Zealand.
2 outlets · Nicholas Reekie tells Parole Board he is not attracted to children
Nicholas Reekie has informed the Parole Board that he lacks sexual attraction to children. The convicted child rapist stated he was not in a healthy mental state when he committed his offences.
2 outlets · NZSIS warns of constant foreign interference targeting Kiwi politicians
Intelligence chief Andrew Hampton says foreign state proxies are constantly attempting to influence New Zealand politicians. The latest security report also highlights efforts by a Chinese government-linked observatory to establish space-tracking infrastructure for military intelligence purposes.
2 outlets · Willowbank expresses concern over proposed 230-house subdivision
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve has raised concerns regarding a proposal by Independent Producers Limited to rezone 18.5ha for a 230-house subdivision. The park fears that noise, light pollution, and vibrations from the development could negatively impact vulnerable animals, including native kiwi.
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