Brass memorial plaques stolen from central Christchurch locations
Several brass memorial plaques were taken from the Bridge of Remembrance and Latimer Square overnight between 11 and 12 August. Police are appealing for information and have released CCTV footage of a man who may assist with the investigation.
3 outlets · Man arrested after stolen dirt bike crash on Wellington waterfront
A 31-year-old man is due in court after crashing a stolen $22,000 dirt bike into a concrete bollard. The rider attempted to flee on foot after being intercepted by a police officer on Wellington's waterfront on Monday.
3 outlets · Minister directs reinstatement of climate change in school curriculums
Education Minister Erica Stanford has instructed the Ministry of Education to include terms such as climate change, greenhouse gases, and fossil fuels in science and social science curriculums for years 0-10. This follows the omission of these topics from the final curriculum documents.
3 outlets · Police investigate unexplained death in Hamilton suburb of Rototuna
Waikato police are investigating a sudden, unexplained death in Rototuna. Detective Senior Sergeant Reece Durston said cordons have been established for a scene examination. Officers are expected to maintain a visible presence in the area for several days, though there is no risk to the public.
3 outlets · Marc Govinden named after name suppression lapses in Auckland murder case
Marc Govinden, 41, appeared in the Auckland High Court after name suppression ended. He is accused of murdering his parents and attempting to murder his brother in Birkdale on 28 July. Govinden is currently being held in hospital rather than prison due to illness.
3 outlets · Man charged after alleged copper theft disrupts Wellington train services
A 54-year-old Porirua man has been charged following an attempted copper cable theft at Takapu Road Station in Tawa. The incident, which occurred around 4am on Friday, July 3, damaged a signalling cable and forced the suspension of train services. Police searched the man's home yesterday.
3 outlets · Couple arrested for allegedly stealing $9000 of supermarket meat
A couple has been arrested following the theft of approximately $9000 worth of meat from two Farro supermarkets in central Auckland. Police say the stolen goods were allegedly sold for cash and methamphetamine. One suspect, described as a Black Power member, was reportedly found hiding under clothes during a search warrant execution.
3 outlets · Fletcher Building returns to profit for 2026 financial year
New Zealand's largest listed building products company posted a net profit of $228 million for the year ending in June. This follows a $419 million loss in the previous year. Chief executive Andrew Reding noted that political uncertainty is impacting interest rates and financial performance.
3 outlets · Landslide deaths at Mt Maunganui campsite were preventable
A review by retired High Court judge Paul Davison KC found that the landslide at Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park was preventable. The report states the Tauranga City Council failed to act on landslide warnings received over two decades. The January 22 disaster killed six people when a landslide hit the campground.
2 outlets · Health NZ used strict hiring controls to meet budget goals
Documents show Health NZ implemented tight recruitment controls to deliver its budget, requiring senior executive sign-off for frontline staff. While the Health Minister denies accepting such a policy, the Green Party has accused him of weaponising bureaucratic processes to save costs.
2 outlets · Woman tried to warn others before fatal Mauao landslide
Lisa Maclennan spent hours attempting to alert campers about potential landslide risks at Mauao. The Morrinsville woman was caught in the fatal slip on 22 January 2026, shortly before she intended to leave the campground.
3 outlets · Devonport Lanes development referred to fast-track approval process
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has accepted a redevelopment application for the Devonport Lanes project in Auckland. The proposal by Peninsula Capital includes five new buildings, such as a hotel and apartments, alongside the refurbishment of six heritage buildings. The plan faces local opposition despite being referred to the fast-track process.
2 outlets · Person dies in hospital following Wallacetown crash
A person who was critically injured in a Southland crash has died in hospital. The incident occurred on the Riverton-Wallacetown Highway on 21 July. Police confirmed that a second person was seriously injured in the two-vehicle collision.
2 outlets · Minister rejects fast-track application for Pegasus Golf Course development
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has declined a request to fast-track a 1000-home development on the former Pegasus Golf Course. The project was proposed by developer Wolfbrook, who purchased the site in May. Local residents have expressed delight following the decision.
3 outlets · Former MBIE worker wins unjustifiable dismissal case without payout
The Employment Relations Authority ruled that William Manning was unjustifiably dismissed by MBIE. However, because Manning wiped his work laptop before leaving New Zealand, the authority described his conduct as egregious and awarded him no remedy.
2 outlets · Police officer injured after ute allegedly rams patrol car twice
A police officer sustained moderate injuries on Auckland's Hibiscus Coast after a white ute allegedly rammed a patrol car twice on Wednesday morning. The driver fled on foot following the incident and has since been charged. The pursuit began around 4.30am after the vehicle was seen speeding in Manly.
2 outlets · Luxon criticises Wellington cycle lanes during public meeting
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told a public meeting in Lower Hutt that cycle lanes on Molesworth Street made it difficult for him to travel from his former apartment to Parliament. During the event, he also responded to questions regarding rising rates and costs in the capital.
2 outlets · Coroner finds failings in treatment of Blake Williams at Thames Hospital
Coroner Ian Telford has identified shortcomings in the care provided to 26-year-old Blake Williams before his death in August 2022. The report found that Thames Hospital staff missed opportunities to recognise and treat a potentially fatal drug reaction. Multiple recommendations have been made following the investigation.
3 outlets · Ohakune water emergency highlights infrastructure funding gap
Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton says a recent water supply emergency in Ohakune has exposed the need for a fairer funding model. The crisis, caused by a major break, has highlighted difficulties in securing infrastructure funding for the small but busy tourist destination.
2 outlets · North Harbour Hockey Association fires whistleblower following indecent assault charges
The North Harbour Hockey Association has dismissed a woman who reported alleged teenage sex abuse. This follows police charges against a 36-year-old man for two counts of indecent assault involving two teenage girls. The alleged offending is linked to the association.
2 outlets · Horticulture company and former director ordered to pay for migrant exploitation
Indo Kiwi Horticulture Limited and its former director, Boota Singh Dhillon, must pay more than $400,000 for exploiting migrant workers in the Bay of Plenty. An investigation found the company withheld wages and holiday pay, while three workers paid over $65,000 in unlawful premiums.
2 outlets · Woman pleads guilty to concealing newborn in Albert Park rubbish bin
A 37-year-old woman has pleaded guilty to concealing the body of her newborn baby boy in an Auckland park bin. The woman, who had arrived in New Zealand unsure of her pregnancy, reportedly gave birth alone in a hotel bath. The infant's body was subsequently discovered in Albert Park.
2 outlets · Dairy prices rise at latest global auction
Average prices at the Global Dairy Trade auction increased by almost 2.3% to US$3873 (NZ$6597). The rise was led by gains in milk powders. Analysts suggest potential El Niño weather patterns could impact future supply dynamics.
2 outlets · US military flight forced to return from Antarctica due to space debris
A US Air Force C-17 Globemaster was forced to turn back after departing Christchurch on Tuesday. Former Defence Minister Wayne Mapp suggests Russian space debris likely caused the mid-air u-turn following a notice regarding potentially hazardous space activity.
2 outlets · Concept designs revealed for Okains Bay Museum redevelopment
The Okains Bay Māori and Colonial Museum has shared concept plans for a major redevelopment on Banks Peninsula. The project, which could cost up to $8 million, aims to provide a fit-for-purpose home for its collection of more than 20,000 artefacts. The museum is currently seeking feedback from the community.
2 outlets · National develops new policy for Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Minister Chris Bishop have signalled that the National Party is developing new policy for Fire and Emergency New Zealand. The move follows criticism regarding the organisation's leadership and spending during a public meeting in the Hutt Valley.
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