Government announces 4% cap on annual council rates increases
Local Government Minister Simon Watts has confirmed plans to cap annual council rates increases at a maximum of 4% and a minimum of 2%. The cap is set to take effect in 2029, though councils are expected to consider the target range from next year. The target range will be reviewed every six years.
4 outlets · Labour to support government bill banning social media for under 16s
Labour has decided to support the Government's proposed ban on social media for children under 16 during its first reading. While Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said there is no time for a vote before Parliament rises, the bill aims to restrict platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. ACT and NZ First oppose the legislation.
3 outlets · Poll shows voters divided over National keeping Christopher Luxon as leader
An RNZ-Reid Research poll indicates more voters believe the National Party caucus made the wrong decision to retain Christopher Luxon as leader. While National supporters were most likely to back him, voters from Labour, Green, and NZ First rejected the decision made at an emergency meeting two weeks ago.
+26 outlets · Auckland councillors agree on congestion charging options for public consultation
Auckland councillors have approved three options for congestion charging to be put to public consultation in November. The proposals include various charging zones, with some models potentially costing commuters up to $50 a week. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential impact of these fees on low-income workers.
3 outlets · Winston Peters says bed tax remains an option for government
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has stated that bed levies in Auckland and Queenstown remain on the table. This follows the National Party's commitment to avoid introducing any new taxes if re-elected. Peters noted that other parties may choose to renege on previous deals regarding the levies.
3 outlets · Police shut down alleged Vietnamese cannabis syndicate in Auckland
Twelve people have been arrested following a 10-month investigation into an alleged Vietnamese organised crime group. Police executed 19 raids across Auckland, seizing more than five tonnes of cannabis material from over 50 rental properties.
3 outlets · Drivers avoid wrong-way vehicle on Christchurch Southern Motorway
Motorists had to take evasive action on Sunday morning when a car travelled the wrong way on the Christchurch Southern Motorway. Dashcam footage captured the vehicle, which was reportedly travelling at high speeds, as it approached oncoming traffic. Police were alerted to the incident around 8.50am.
3 outlets · Religious leader and wife jailed for manslaughter and kidnapping
Kaixiao Liu and Lanyue Xiao have been sentenced for the manslaughter and kidnapping of Shulai Wang. The 70-year-old woman's body was discovered in Auckland's Gulf Harbour in March 2024. Both defendants denied responsibility for the death.
3 outlets · Chris Penk returns to Parliament following leadership challenge allegations
Former National Party minister Chris Penk has returned to Parliament for the first time since being sacked from Cabinet. He declined to confirm or deny Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's claims that Penk led a failed leadership challenge. Penk has also announced he will not stand for Parliament at the next election.
3 outlets · Community raises funds for critically injured Palmerston North police officer
A police officer remains critically ill in Wellington Hospital after being struck by a fleeing vehicle while laying road spikes. An older teenager faces multiple charges in relation to the incident. Public donations for the officer's family have reached over $40,000.
2 outlets · Pedestrian dies after vehicle hits person in Sunnynook car park
A pedestrian has died following a collision with a car at a supermarket car park in Sunnynook on Auckland's North Shore. Emergency services were called to the intersection of Sunnynook Road and Sycamore Drive around 6.30pm. Police have closed Sunnynook Road while the Serious Crash Unit investigates the incident.
2 outlets · Taranaki supermarket removes ban on students in school uniform
New World Stratford has retracted a decision to bar unaccompanied Stratford High School students from its store. The supermarket previously implemented the restriction due to a significant increase in thefts by a small number of students. The store has since removed its social media announcement and stated all students are welcome to shop.
2 outlets · Farmers struggle as pest numbers outpace control efforts
A Federated Farmers survey of 660 members shows that rising numbers of deer and brushtail possums are outpacing control efforts. Despite increasing annual spending on pest management, farmers report difficulty managing these animals, with possums ranked as one of the most significant pests nationwide.
2 outlets · Councillor warns of feral pig population explosion in Waitākere Ranges
Auckland councillor Ken Turner has described the feral pig population in the Waitākere Ranges as out of control. He claims the animals are damaging native bush and have reached a coastal seabird colony. Turner stated that pest maintenance in the regional park has been neglected.
2 outlets · Defence Force attends Horowhenua College after chemical discovery
A Defence Force ordnance disposal team was deployed to Horowhenua College in Levin on Tuesday. Emergency services were called to the school's science lab around 10.20am after a potentially unstable explosive chemical was found. No injuries were reported following the incident.
2 outlets · Sotheby's International Realty investigates cyber security incident
New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty is investigating unauthorised access to data held on a third-party software platform. The incident involved a Customer Relationship Management system containing contact information. Potential data accessed includes names, addresses, email addresses and phone numbers.
4 outlets · Street performer challenges busking rules in Auckland city square
A street performer has criticised new rules and exclusion zones governing busking in Te Komititanga Square. The performer claims the regulations discourage people from performing in the area. Auckland Live is currently reviewing the busking processes and restrictions.
2 outlets · Worker died after eating toxic mushrooms in Marlborough Sounds
A coroner has found that Justus Casale, 47, died after accidentally ingesting a toxic fungal species. The groundsman died at a Punga Cove property in April 2022 after consuming mushrooms he had harvested from the resort grounds.
2 outlets · Hawke's Bay couple charged after police drug raids
A couple has been charged with dealing methamphetamine, cocaine and cannabis following police raids in Napier and Hastings. During the investigation, authorities seized over $700,000 in assets, including a home, a drift car, a motorbike and cash.
2 outlets · Judge issues stern warning to repeat shoplifter in Hamilton court
Judge Noel Cocurullo has criticised Sharlene Barton for her history of retail theft during a Hamilton District Court appearance. The judge told the prolific shoplifter to stop stealing from hardworking businesses and warned her that her actions must end.
2 outlets · Christchurch speedway commentator Craig Broomhall dies after cancer battle
Well-known Ruapuna Speedway commentator Craig Broomhall has died following a battle with oesophageal cancer. Broomhall was a prominent figure at the Christchurch track and a co-presenter of the Methanol Madness podcast. He was remembered for his passion for the sport and his role in driving many track events.
2 outlets · Whakaata Māori chief executive Shane Taurima to step down
Shane Taurima will leave his role as Whakaata Māori chief executive at the end of 2026. After leading the broadcaster for over eight years, he will become the group chief executive at Tū Ātea in February 2027.
2 outlets · Police investigate BB gun damage in Torbay and Browns Bay
Police are investigating reports of property damage to homes, vehicles, and bus stops caused by BB guns in Torbay and Browns Bay. Officers are increasing patrols in the area and have asked residents to report suspicious activity directly to them rather than speculating on social media.
2 outlets · Laneway Festival 2027 to be held at Western Springs Bowl
The Laneway Festival 2027 will take place on Sunday, 21 February at Auckland’s Western Springs Bowl. This Auckland show will serve as the finale for the festival's tour, moving the date away from the traditional long weekend slot.
2 outlets · Police dog finds fleeing moped rider hiding under tree
A 38-year-old man was found hiding under a tree in Hamilton after a police chase involving a stolen moped. Officers discovered a backpack containing two loaded firearms, ammunition, drugs, and a protective vest. The incident occurred on Monday morning after the rider attempted to evade police on Peachgrove Road.
2 outlets · Questions raised over potential collapse of cryptocurrency values
Some supporters and critics suggest that certain cryptocurrencies could potentially lose all their value. Actor Ben McKenzie has released a documentary criticising the industry, following previous comments made to the US Senate regarding the nature of the market.
4 outlets · Four-vehicle crash causes major delays on Puhinui Road
Puhinui Road in Wiri has been closed in both directions following a four-vehicle crash involving a truck. The incident was reported around 6am on Tuesday, causing significant delays for motorists in south Auckland.
2 outlets · Man charged after two assaults in Flaxmere
A 38-year-old man has been charged following two assaults in Flaxmere on Monday morning. One person was left in critical condition while another sustained stab wounds. Police believe the same individual was responsible for both incidents.
2 outlets · National introduces social media ban for those under 16
The National Party has introduced legislation to restrict social media use for children under 16. Education Minister Erica Stanford is leading the proposal, which aims to protect young people from Big Tech. However, the bill lacks support from two arms of the current coalition government.
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