Heavy rain and severe gales forecast for New Zealand weekend
MetService has issued orange warnings for heavy rain, snow, and winds gusting up to 120km/h across parts of both islands. While the North Island may experience spring-like temperatures, the West Coast and South Island face risks of flooding, slips, and damaging winds.
4 outlets · ACT promises $2 billion for two cancer centres if re-elected
The ACT Party has announced a policy to build a $2 billion National Cancer Centre with campuses in Auckland and Christchurch. The proposed facilities would focus on research, clinical trials, and various treatments. The project is intended to be funded through donations from wealthy New Zealanders.
+15 outlets · St Thomas of Canterbury College future secured after land sale resolved
The future of Christchurch's St Thomas of Canterbury College is no longer in doubt following a deal with the Christian Brothers. The religious order had previously sought to sell the school's land and buildings to fund reparations for sexual abuse victims in Australia.
4 outlets · Third H5 bird flu case found in Wellington region
A northern giant petrel found dead on a remote Cape Palliser beach has tested positive for H5N1 bird flu. This marks the third confirmed case in the Wellington region, following previous detections in a brown skua and a swamp harrier.
+15 outlets · Beef mince prices hit record high in New Zealand
The average retail price for beef mince rose above $24.40 per kilo in July, marking a record high. An analyst from Rabobank suggests that these elevated prices are likely to persist for consumers until at least 2027.
3 outlets · Man arrested after alleged robbery at Wellington eatery
A 40-year-old man has been arrested and charged with robbery following an incident at a Manners Street eatery. Police say the man allegedly handed staff a threatening note and demanded cash. More than $400 was taken during the incident, which was recovered after the man was apprehended.
3 outlets · Coroner warns after arborist killed by stump grinder in Whangārei
Arborist Kevin Barry died in April 2025 after his sleeve was caught by a stump grinder in Whangārei. A coroner has issued a warning to machinery operators to maintain safe exclusion zones following the investigation into the workplace accident.
3 outlets · Review reveals failures following fatal Mount Maunganui landslide
A review into the Mount Maunganui landslide that killed six people found authorities missed several opportunities to prevent the tragedy. A geotechnical report warning of high risks to life was reportedly not read by elected officials seven months before the incident.
2 outlets · Two-storey house collapses after large fire in Mount Roskill
A two-storey home in Auckland's Mount Roskill collapsed following a large fire on Friday night. Emergency services received multiple calls regarding the blaze at approximately 9.40pm. Everyone has been accounted for following the incident.
2 outlets · Health system under pressure from significant flu outbreak
New Zealand's health system is facing pressure from a major flu outbreak, with national infection rates at a four-year high. Auckland has seen a 10-year high in flu-related hospitalisations, and experts suggest the surge could worsen over the next few weeks.
+15 outlets · Lawyer convicted of assaulting 12-year-old son during boxing session
A criminal defence lawyer in his 50s has been sentenced to supervision following an assault on his 12-year-old son in Timaru. The boy was hospitalised for three days after being struck repeatedly while on the ground during a boxing session. The lawyer was granted name suppression.
+15 outlets · Police search for $37,000 violin left on Auckland bus
Police are searching for a violin worth over $37,000 after an international student left it on an Auckland bus. A 38-year-old man has been charged with theft in connection with the missing instrument.
3 outlets · Court of Appeal to reconsider teenager's murder conviction
The conviction and sentence of Renee O'Brien will be reheard by the Court of Appeal. O'Brien was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2003 for the 2002 murder of Kenneth Pigott in Taranaki.
4 outlets · Prisoner arrested after fleeing Dunedin Airport following missed flight
A 38-year-old remand prisoner granted compassionate bail to attend a tangi fled Dunedin Airport on Thursday after missing his flight to Wellington. Following the incident, armed police responded to a Dunedin property where the man was allegedly picked up by his partner.
2 outlets · Northland fans welcome team home with Ranfurly Shield
Supporters gathered at Whangārei Airport on Friday to welcome the Northland rugby team. The team returned to the region following a 36-12 victory over Canterbury, marking the first time the Ranfurly Shield has been held by Northland in 48 years.
2 outlets · Boil water notice issued for Mapara after rodents found in reservoir
Taupō District Council issued a boil water notice for the Mapara area on Friday afternoon. The notice follows the discovery of dead rodents in a reservoir during a routine inspection. Residents are advised to boil water used for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth until further notice.
2 outlets · King Country farmer fined for animal welfare neglect
William George Toms, 70, was fined $29,250 after pleading guilty to five charges under the Animal Welfare Act. Ministry for Primary Industries inspectors found sheep suffering from malnourishment, parasites, foot rot and flystrike on a farm near Te Kūiti. Twenty-three sheep had to be euthanised to end their suffering.
2 outlets · Man charged after methamphetamine and firearms seized in Marlborough
A 39-year-old man appeared in Blenheim District Court following a targeted police operation in Marlborough. Authorities seized two handguns, ammunition, and methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $100,000. The man faces charges including the supply and possession of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of firearms.
2 outlets · Search continues for missing 71-year-old man in Pukehina
Police and volunteers are searching approximately 700 properties following the disappearance of Ross Weir from his Pukehina Parade home. The 71-year-old has not been seen since the early hours of Wednesday, 19 August. Extensive land and water searches have so far yielded no evidence regarding his whereabouts.
2 outlets · Bodies of man and woman found in Gisborne cabin
Police discovered a man and a woman dead at an Awapuni Road property in Gisborne on Wednesday. The deaths were found during an investigation into a missing person report. Authorities are treating the circumstances as unexplained, with postmortem examinations scheduled for Saturday.
2 outlets · Man charged after alleged armed carjacking outside Whangārei school
A student was left shaken after an armed man allegedly stole her car on Lupton Ave outside Whangārei Girls’ High School. Police spiked the stolen vehicle north of Whangārei and recovered a firearm. A 26-year-old man has since been charged in relation to the incident.
2 outlets · MBIE ruling requires Christchurch Airbnb owners to obtain consent
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has ruled that owners of a Christchurch unit must obtain permission to offer their property as short-term accommodation. This decision follows a Christchurch City Council request and may have implications for similar apartment developments across the country.
4 outlets · Man charged after allegedly flashing fake pistol at Auckland mall staff
A 31-year-old man faces charges after allegedly showing staff at LynnMall a fake pistol in his waistband. Police responded to reports of the man stealing a hoodie on Thursday evening. Following the incident, officers reportedly found a BB gun, a stolen hoodie, and methamphetamine.
2 outlets · Accuser of Sir Rod Drury questions Prime Minister in Napier
Ally Naylor, a former Xero employee, questioned Prime Minister Christopher Luxon regarding sexual harm and workplace power dynamics during a community meeting in Napier. Naylor previously alleged that Sir Rod Drury engaged in inappropriate conduct with her while she was a junior staff member.
2 outlets · Government pauses Waikato River protection rules until 2032
The Government has deferred new environmental legislation and farming regulations designed to protect the Waikato River. The Waikato River Authority, Waikato Regional Council, and Tainui have expressed deep disappointment and upset over the decision to halt the provisions.
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