Helicopters and crews battle large vegetation fire in Hurunui
Fire and Emergency NZ is responding to a vegetation fire on Karaka Road, south of the Hurunui River. Three helicopters and several fire brigades are tackling the blaze, which covers more than 100 hectares. Difficult terrain is currently making ground operations challenging, though no homes are believed to be at risk.
4 outlets · No charges laid after fatal dog attack on Christchurch toddler
Police will not lay charges following a dog attack that killed one-year-old Sonny-Charles Watson in Aranui on 14 August. The toddler was fatally injured by a cross-breed dog at a home on Basingstoke Street. The death has now been referred to the Coroner.
+15 outlets · Significant winter storm forecast to hit the South Island
A low-pressure system is expected to bring heavy rain and snow to the South Island from midweek. The West Coast could see up to 500mm of rain, while snow may fall as low as 400m in central Otago. NZTA has warned that the weather may cause road closures and travel disruptions.
3 outlets · Labour unveils slogan for 2026 election campaign
Labour has announced its 2026 election slogan, "Better starts now". Leader Chris Hipkins revealed the slogan in Christchurch, framing the upcoming election as a choice regarding the country's direction.
3 outlets · Alleged burglar seriously injured after confronting Mangawhai residents
A 26-year-old man is in serious condition at a Northland hospital after allegedly entering a Mangawhai home armed with a piece of wood. The man was disarmed by the residents of the Robert Street property during the confrontation. Police are currently investigating the incident.
3 outlets · Man dies following stabbing in Blockhouse Bay
A man has died in hospital after being stabbed during a violent confrontation on Saturday afternoon in Blockhouse Bay. Police have launched a homicide investigation into the incident on Holbrook Street. Authorities are now seeking witnesses, CCTV, or dashcam footage to assist with their enquiries.
3 outlets · Police officer in ICU after being struck by stolen vehicle
A constable remains in intensive care on a ventilator after being hit by a stolen vehicle while deploying spikes on Kairanga Bunnythorpe Rd. The incident occurred around 2am on Saturday near Palmerston North. Two teenagers have been charged in relation to the incident.
3 outlets · Government introduces bill to ban under-16s from social media
The National-led Government has introduced legislation to ban children under 16 from using social media platforms. The bill's passage is uncertain as coalition partners ACT and NZ First oppose the measure, while Labour has not yet declared support.
2 outlets · Inquest begins into death of toddler who drowned in pool
An inquest is underway in Auckland District Court regarding the 2023 death of River Albert-Wihone. The toddler died 12 days after wandering into a family pool. His family hopes the proceedings will help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
2 outlets · One person arrested after two alleged assaults in Flaxmere
A man has been charged following two alleged assaults in Flaxmere on Monday morning. One victim remains in hospital in critical condition. Police responded to the incidents around 8.40am and believe the same individual was responsible for both attacks.
2 outlets · Nurses raise concerns over conditions at North Shore emergency department
One hundred and twenty nurses have written to the Health NZ chief executive regarding conditions at North Shore Hospital's emergency department. Staff report that patients have been left waiting in soiled or wet beds. The nurses described the current situation as a state of emergency.
+15 outlets · Gisborne forestry companies halt harvesting due to consent conditions
Forestry companies in Gisborne have stopped harvesting because complex consent conditions are reportedly unworkable. Industry leaders state these rules, introduced following Cyclone Gabrielle to prevent wood debris from entering waterways, are hindering land-use conversion.
2 outlets · Man jailed for attempting to smuggle methamphetamine in a stock pot
A 59-year-old man has been sentenced to seven years and eight months' imprisonment at Manukau District Court. He attempted to bring nearly 4kg of methamphetamine into Auckland International Airport from China inside a stock pot last September. Customs officers discovered the substance after noticing the pot was heavier than expected.
2 outlets · Alex Warren cancels Auckland Spark Arena concert due to illness
American artist Alex Warren has cancelled his Monday night performance at Auckland's Spark Arena after becoming bed ridden with sickness. The cancellation occurred just hours before the scheduled show. While his Christchurch performances proceeded, fans attending the Auckland concert will receive refunds.
2 outlets · Three youths arrested after vehicle chase in Hamilton
Three youths were arrested in Hamilton early Sunday morning following a police chase. The incident concluded on Ulster Street after a vehicle was stopped using road spikes.
2 outlets · Glen Eden speed table to be modified following complaints
Work has begun to modify a speed table ramp at the intersection of West Coast and Glendale roads in Glen Eden. The installation, which was part of a project five years ago, has faced complaints regarding vehicle damage. A local resident group has criticised the expenditure required to fix the structure.
3 outlets · Steven Spielberg donates to anti-mining group in memory of Sir Sam Neill
Hollywood director Steven Spielberg has made a donation to Sustainable Tarras, a group in Central Otago opposing a proposed gold mine. The contribution was made in memory of the late Sir Sam Neill, who supported the group's opposition to the Fast Track application for a mine in the Dunstan Mountains.
2 outlets · Additional charges laid in North Island prison corruption investigation
Police have laid 33 extra corruption-related charges following an investigation into alleged bribery within North Island prisons. Twenty people, including ten Corrections Officers from Mt Eden and Spring Hill facilities, are facing charges for allegedly accepting cash to smuggle drugs, mobile phones, and tobacco to inmates.
2 outlets · Greg O’Connor considering Wellington City Council by-election run
Labour MP Greg O’Connor has indicated he may run in an upcoming Wellington City Council by-election. Andrew Little has expressed public support for O’Connor, noting that he previously recruited the Ōhāriu MP to Parliament.
2 outlets · St John staff moved to frontline roles as 111 calls hit record
Hato Hone St John is moving staff from non-frontline roles into ambulance crews to manage record demand. The service handled 16,794 emergency calls in the week ending August 23, surpassing the previous record set the week prior.
2 outlets · Runaway cow causes traffic delays on State Highway 1
A cow dodging police officers caused southbound traffic to halt on State Highway 1 near St Andrews on Monday. Motorists witnessed the scene as officers attempted to wrangle the animal.
2 outlets · Second Auckland police officer pleads guilty to possessing objectionable publications
A senior Auckland police officer has pleaded guilty to possessing objectionable publications following an internal review of information security controls. The officer intends to apply for permanent name suppression, making him the second officer to plead guilty in relation to the investigation.
2 outlets · Agritech could transform or impact rural New Zealand communities
A Helen Clark Foundation discussion paper suggests agricultural technology could either bring prosperity or increase the hollowing-out of rural areas. The report argues that the country's response to these changes will be significant, noting that new technology should work alongside existing farmer knowledge.
2 outlets · Man pleads guilty to abducting and sexually abusing boy in Havelock North
A 36-year-old man appeared in Napier District Court on Monday after pleading guilty to charges including abduction for sex and unlawful sexual connection. He is accused of taking a 12-year-old boy into a public toilet in Havelock North using an imitation gun. The man was arrested on a ferry travelling to Picton.
2 outlets · Dilworth sex offender delayed moving into home near school and kindergarten
Ian Robert Wilson, a former Dilworth School teacher, cannot move into his home near a school and kindergarten immediately upon his release from prison on 22 September. He must wait six months before relocating to the property, which is situated less than 250m from the educational facilities.
2 outlets · Staple food prices have risen faster than wages over ten years
The cost of several essential food items has increased twice as fast as wages over the last decade. While the rate of price increases has slowed, food costs in New Zealand continue to rise following a period of inflation.
+15 outlets · Taranaki dairy farm increases milk solids with herd home investment
Crystal Rivers Farm, located near Taranaki Maunga, has seen milk solids production rise by 30,000 kilograms. The investment in a herd home allowed for an additional month of milking.
2 outlets · Former Christchurch principal accused of withholding complaints from school board
Melissa Waitoa-Paki, the former principal of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Waitaha in St Martins, is accused of failing to inform the school board about complaints before her resignation in June. The Ministry of Education considered statutory intervention at the kura but ultimately decided against it.
2 outlets · Rotorua Lakes Council to apologise for rejecting Lakeland Queen petition
The Rotorua Lakes Council will issue a public apology after the Ombudsman found its rejection of a Lakeland Queen petition three years ago was unreasonable. Following the ruling, a notice of motion was presented to accept the Ombudsman's opinion and invite the petitioner to a future meeting.
2 outlets · Christopher Luxon defends decision to rule out accommodation levy
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says he has no regrets after the National Party ruled out a proposed bed-night tax. Queenstown Lakes District Mayor John Glover criticised the decision, describing the policy change as being made in panic.
2 outlets · Antarctic Heritage Trust invites young people to 2027 Ross Sea expedition
To mark its 40th anniversary, the Antarctic Heritage Trust is inviting people aged 18 to 30 to apply for a 2027 expedition to the Ross Sea. The Inspiring Explorers Expedition will take participants to historic bases used by Captain Ross.
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