Four injured in Maeroa assault involving suspected knife wounds
A 23-year-old man is in custody following a violent incident on Churchill Ave in Maeroa on Sunday night. Four people were taken to hospital with suspected knife wounds, including one person in critical condition. Police say a firearm was also discharged at a nearby property during the incident.
4 outlets · Te Pāti Māori launches election campaign in Gisborne
Te Pāti Māori has officially launched its election campaign at Te Poho o Rāwiri Marae in Gisborne. The party's strategy focuses on securing candidate votes to increase Māori representation in Parliament, while advising voters to decide for themselves regarding the party vote.
+37 outlets · Opportunity Party proposes lobbying and political donation reforms
The Opportunity Party has unveiled a policy to regulate lobbying and political donations. Leader Qiulae Wong announced plans in Auckland to cap donations at $30,000 per donor per election cycle and ban corporate and trust donations. The proposal also includes establishing an independent anti-corruption body and a searchable lobbying register.
3 outlets · Paul Goldsmith rules out running in Kaipara ki Mahurangi electorate
National list MP Paul Goldsmith has decided not to contest the Kaipara ki Mahurangi seat following Chris Penk's exit from politics. Goldsmith previously considered the move after Penk was sacked for challenging the Prime Minister. The veteran MP's return to Parliament now depends on the National Party's list vote.
3 outlets · Young adult dies from meningococcal disease in Waikato
A young adult player, coach, and volunteer has died from meningococcal disease in the Waikato region. Health New Zealand is urging the public to get vaccinated and remain aware of the disease's symptoms. The death has also prompted warnings for close contacts of the deceased.
4 outlets · Sir Ian McKellen makes surprise visit to Christchurch restaurant
Actor Sir Ian McKellen visited Etta Restaurant and Bar in Christchurch on Friday after a cancelled flight extended his stay. The actor mingled with staff and diners, posing for photos and praising the food. He was pictured with the restaurant's owner, Stephanie Reeves.
4 outlets · Person found dead in burning car in Waikato
Emergency services responded to a vehicle fire on Mokauiti Road in Aria around 6am on Sunday. Firefighters discovered a deceased person inside the car, and police are currently treating the death as unexplained.
3 outlets · Erica Stanford denies involvement in plot against Christopher Luxon
Education Minister Erica Stanford has denied claims that she was involved in a leadership challenge against Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Speaking at Wellington Airport, she addressed media speculation regarding her silence during a recent National Party caucus meeting. Stanford insisted she has provided full support to the Prime Minister.
3 outlets · Parents mourn toddler killed in Aranui dog attack
The parents of one-year-old Sonny-Charles Watson have shared tributes following his death after a dog attack in Aranui on Friday afternoon. Emergency services attended a Basingstoke Street property at approximately 4.45pm. The local jiu-jitsu community and others have begun rallying to support the family.
+15 outlets · Road snowfall warnings issued across New Zealand
NZTA and MetService have issued road snowfall warnings for parts of both the North and South Islands. Motorists are being urged to take caution on alpine routes due to snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Heavy rain watches are also in place for the Wairoa District.
3 outlets · Firefighters respond to blaze at Botany Town Centre cinema
Emergency services are tackling a fire at the Hoyts Cinemas complex within the Botany Town Centre in East Auckland. Fire and Emergency NZ was notified of the structure fire on Sunday morning, with crews from several areas responding to the scene as dark smoke rose from the building.
3 outlets · Kaikōura trust seeks review of decision not to vaccinate penguins
The Kaikōura Wildlife Centre Trust is requesting a ministerial review of the Department of Conservation's decision to exclude little penguins from bird flu vaccinations. The Department is currently focusing its programme on up to 30 threatened species considered at high risk of extinction.
4 outlets · Drivers charged following Taranaki road policing operation
Police conducted a weekend operation across Taranaki, including New Plymouth and Inglewood, involving 460 compulsory breath tests. Seven drivers were charged with driving while forbidden, suspended or disqualified, and two vehicles allegedly attempted to evade checkpoints. The operation resulted in various drink-driving charges and infringement notices.
2 outlets · Ōtara tenancy terminated after property deemed uninhabitable
A Tenancy Tribunal has ordered a tenant to vacate a south Auckland home after Kāinga Ora found the property unfit for living. Staff required full protective equipment to enter the flat due to conditions involving animal excrement and rotting food. The decision follows four warnings that failed to resolve the issues.
2 outlets · Name suppression order lapses for nurse in student death case
A name suppression order has lapsed for a nurse involved in the care of Erica Hume. The 21-year-old student died by suicide at Palmerston North Hospital in May 2014. A coroner previously ruled the death was preventable.
3 outlets · Act proposes public service reforms to end race-based hiring
The Act Party plans to repeal Section 73 of the Public Service Act to remove requirements for department heads to consider Māori involvement in hiring. Leader David Seymour says the reforms aim to replace social engineering with merit-based principles and a statutory duty to prioritise need over race.
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