Friday 14 August 2026

23 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets

  1. Young child dies following dog attack in Aranui

    A young child has died after being attacked by a dog on Basingstoke Street in Aranui, Christchurch. Emergency services were called to the scene around 4.45pm on Friday. Police are continuing enquiries and the dog involved has been removed from the home.

    Stuff1NewsThe PressNZ Herald4 outlets ·
  2. Police investigation continues after man shot dead at Sylvia Park

    Police are investigating the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Hapai Otene near Auckland's Sylvia Park shopping centre on Thursday. Mr Otene, who was on a community sentence and carrying a stolen air rifle, was shot by officers following a vehicle pursuit and foot chase. Two investigations into the incident are currently underway.

    StuffNZ Herald1News3 outlets ·
  3. Philip Polkinghorne denies killing wife at coronial inquest

    Dr Philip Polkinghorne has denied accusations that he killed his wife, Pauline Hanna, during an inquest in Auckland. While denying responsibility for her death, Polkinghorne admitted to telling numerous lies since the 2021 incident. He was previously acquitted of murder in 2024.

    Stuff1NewsNZ Herald3 outlets ·
  4. One person dies following Hokitika car and pedestrian crash

    A person has died in hospital after being involved in a crash with a car in Hokitika on Friday morning. The incident occurred at the intersection of Fitzherbert and Park streets just before 9am. The roads involved were reopened by 3pm.

    Stuff1NewsThe Press3 outlets ·
  5. Severe thunderstorm warnings lifted for Far North and Whangārei

    MetService has lifted severe thunderstorm warnings for the Far North and Whangārei after radar detected storms offshore earlier this morning. Heavy rain has caused a road closure in the Coromandel, while a heavy rain warning remains in place for Tairāwhiti until Friday evening.

    NZ Herald1NewsStuff3 outlets ·
  6. Person hospitalised after fire at Gloriavale waste oil plant

    Firefighters battled a blaze at a waste oil plant within the Gloriavale Christian Community in Haupiri on Friday night. One person was taken to hospital following the incident. Fire and Emergency New Zealand reported that the fire engulfed half of the building.

    NZ HeraldStuff1News3 outlets ·
  7. One person seriously injured in Hamilton East vehicle crash

    A single-vehicle crash occurred at the intersection of Albert and Galloway Streets in Hamilton East on Friday morning. One person was seriously injured in the incident, which police were called to around 11.10am. Diversions have been established at the scene.

    Waikato TimesStuffNZ Herald3 outlets ·
  8. Constituents divided following Chris Penk's decision not to contest election

    Former National Minister Chris Penk will not contest the upcoming election after a failed leadership challenge. His departure from the Kaipara ki Mahurangi electorate has split local opinions, while National MP Paul Goldsmith has not ruled out running for the seat.

    Stuff1NewsNZ Herald3 outlets ·
  9. Politicians face questions on regional investment at Christchurch election conference

    Business leaders in Christchurch questioned political leaders on Friday regarding infrastructure, workforce issues and economic policy. While some politicians left positive impressions, many attendees remained undecided on their preferred party following the inaugural event.

    NZ HeraldThe Press2 outlets ·
  10. China denies NZSIS accusations of espionage and foreign interference

    The NZSIS reports that China is the only nation conducting espionage in New Zealand at scale and is the most active in foreign interference. The Chinese Embassy in Wellington has rejected these claims, describing the report's accusations as baseless and fabricated.

    RNZNZ HeraldWaikato TimesThe Press+15 outlets ·
  11. Tennis player Lulu Sun announces break to focus on wellbeing

    Lulu Sun has announced she is taking a break from professional tennis. In a social media post, the 25-year-old cited the relentless physical and emotional demands of the competition schedule as the reason for her decision.

    NZ Herald1News2 outlets ·
  12. Man charged after driver allegedly killed dog in Silverdale

    A 52-year-old man has appeared in North Shore District Court following an incident in Silverdale on 30 July. He faces charges including reckless driving and unlawful intimidation after allegedly speeding towards people before killing a family's golden retriever. The man has been remanded in custody.

    1NewsStuff2 outlets ·
  13. National out of government in new Talbot Mills poll

    A new Anacta/Talbot Mills poll shows the National Party out of government. Chris Hipkins has overtaken Christopher Luxon in preferred Prime Minister rankings, while the Opportunity party is positioned as a kingmaker.

    NZ HeraldStuff2 outlets ·
  14. Black Ferns defeat opponents in high-scoring match at Upper Hutt

    The Black Ferns secured a 62-19 victory at Maidstone Park in Upper Hutt. Elinor Plum-King scored a hat-trick during the match, which featured ten total tries for the New Zealand side. This performance comes as the team faces an 11-test schedule outside of a World Cup.

    NZ HeraldStuff2 outlets ·
  15. Victim hospitalised with seizures following Epsom rampage

    A woman has been re-hospitalised after suffering seizures linked to a head injury sustained during a violent spree in Epsom. Meanwhile, an Auckland Grammar student remains in critical condition after being hit by a stolen vehicle during the incident.

    StuffNZ Herald2 outlets ·
  16. National promises to complete Christchurch Hospital tower if re-elected

    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has pledged to finish the third tower at Christchurch Hospital, which would provide 96 additional beds. The National Party's South Island policy also includes funding a Queenstown gondola network and supporting data centres.

    NZ HeraldThe Press2 outlets ·
  17. RNZ proposes cutting up to 30 jobs due to funding reductions

    The state-funded broadcaster plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 10% over the next financial year. This follows a $1.4 million reduction in public funding. RNZ has reopened its voluntary redundancy scheme as an initial step in the process.

    Stuff1News2 outlets ·
  18. Man sentenced to life imprisonment for Christchurch murder and dismemberment

    Michael Scott Rodger has been sentenced to life in prison at the High Court in Christchurch for the murder of Richard Leman. The crime involved dismembering the victim, whose remains were discovered in a car boot at an abandoned Canterbury property three years ago.

    The PressStuffNZ Herald3 outlets ·
  19. New bus and T3 lanes proposed for Auckland roads

    Auckland Transport has proposed new or extended bus and T3 lanes on Remuera, Mt Eden and Sandringham roads. The changes aim to improve travel reliability and speed up connections to City Rail Link stations ahead of the project's opening next month.

    Stuff1News2 outlets ·
  20. Man charged after stabbing and stalking incident in Te Atatū

    A 31-year-old man faces charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and stalking following a stabbing on Bridge Ave in Te Atatū. Police responded to the incident on Wednesday evening. The accused is alleged to have stabbed a person known to him.

    NZ HeraldStuff2 outlets ·
  21. National Party unveils growth plan for the South Island

    Christopher Luxon has announced a policy package aimed at boosting South Island growth through energy reform, transport infrastructure, and hospital and classroom upgrades. The plan follows a period of leadership turmoil within the National Party. Labour has criticised the proposal, claiming it recycles old promises and neglects the region.

    Stuff1News2 outlets ·
  22. Christchurch City Council explores NRL expansion franchise bid

    Christchurch City Council is working with sports administrators and consultants to explore hosting a new National Rugby League franchise. The council has been in discussions with the NRL for two years to support the expansion bid.

    NZ HeraldThe Press2 outlets ·
  23. Fog restrictions at Auckland Airport cause flight delays and cancellations

    Thick fog at Auckland Airport led to restrictions starting at 5.14am on Friday. At least 17 domestic flights have been delayed and seven have been cancelled. Auckland Airport stated there was no impact to domestic or regional flights, though restrictions remained in place.

    StuffNZ Herald2 outlets ·