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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

















