Country music icon Dolly Parton dies aged 80
The legendary singer has died at her home in the United States. Parton visited New Zealand for tours in 1979, 1987, and 2014. Friends and musicians are now remembering the performer for her philanthropy and business skills.
+15 outlets · Winter storm brings heavy rain and snow to South Island
A slow-moving low-pressure system is bringing heavy rain and snow across the South Island. The West Coast is facing significant rainfall, while inland Canterbury and Otago expect snow. Road closures, avalanche warnings, and surface flooding have already been reported.
+15 outlets · Two people killed and two injured in Peria vehicle crash
Two people died and two others were injured after a two-vehicle collision on Oruru Road near Peria on Wednesday night. Emergency services were called to the scene near Jason Road around 8pm. One of the injured individuals is reported to be in critical condition.
3 outlets · Officials found to have deliberately misled MPs about failed IT project
Parliament's Privileges Committee has ruled that MBIE officials committed contempt by deliberately misleading MPs regarding the failed Immigration Capability Biometric Upgrade project. While the committee found the officials' incomplete answers created a false impression, it did not recommend further sanctions for the leadership involved.
+26 outlets · NZ First candidate George Ngatai resigns from Papakura candidacy
George Ngatai has stepped down as the NZ First candidate for Papakura. His resignation follows the online circulation of screenshots suggesting he had approached other political parties for candidacy. Ngatai admitted to communicating with other parties but stated that no meetings occurred, and he has also reported claims of blackmail to the police.
3 outlets · Large vegetation fire in Albert Town being treated as suspicious
Fire and Emergency New Zealand is investigating a suspicious blaze that broke out in an Albert Town reserve on Saturday night. The fire burned through trees and native vegetation, resulting in the evacuation of 22 homes. Specialist investigators are now calling for witnesses to come forward.
3 outlets · Stolen $90,000 Rolex returned to owner after international search
A luxury watch stolen during an Auckland burglary three years ago has been returned to its owner. After the timepiece was recovered from a burglar in late 2023, a police staff member spent five months tracking the owner across New Zealand, Australia and Hong Kong.
3 outlets · Man arrested after hit-and-run at Feilding road gathering
A 20-year-old has been arrested and charged after a man was critically injured during an anti-social road user event on Halcombe Road. The victim remains in a stable but critical condition at Wellington Hospital following the incident on Saturday morning.
3 outlets · Wellington Zoo euthanises chimpanzee after fight within troop
An 11-year-old chimpanzee named Kitwe was euthanised at Wellington Zoo following critical injuries sustained during a fight with his troop. The zoo stated that aggression is a natural behaviour among chimpanzees. Staff will continue to monitor the remaining members of the troop.
3 outlets · Man dies after car enters Ōamaru Harbour
A 69-year-old Ōamaru man has died after his vehicle went into the water at Holmes Wharf on Tuesday evening. Emergency services and local divers recovered the man's body following reports that no one had resurfaced. The Serious Crash Unit is currently examining the scene.
3 outlets · Mana College closed after potentially volatile chemicals found in storeroom
Mana College in Takapūwāhia was evacuated and closed on Wednesday morning after a chemical substance was discovered in a storeroom. Emergency services used a controlled explosion to dispose of the potentially volatile chemicals. No injuries were reported and cordons have since been lifted.
2 outlets · Flu vaccine to be free for children under five from next year
Pharmac has announced that the influenza vaccine will be fully funded for all children under five starting next season. This decision follows calls from doctors after a spike in infections led to soaring hospitalisation rates for this age group, particularly among Māori and Pasifika tamariki.
+26 outlets · Whangārei Boys' High School Year 10s stay home due to staff illness
Whangārei Boys' High School cancelled Thursday classes for Year 10 students because of a severe shortage of staff and relief teachers. The school stated it could not safely staff all classes due to widespread illness.
2 outlets · Ruapehu mayor concerned after government rules out bed tax
Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton says the National Party's decision to reject a bed tax leaves tourism-heavy districts without a fair way to fund infrastructure. He argues that local ratepayers are currently bearing the costs created by visitors.
2 outlets · Horizons Regional Council halts eleven iwi partnership processes
Councillors have agreed to wind down eleven Mana Whakahono ā Rohe processes across the Horizons region. Council officers stated there is insufficient time to complete these iwi-led agreements before the government repeals the Resource Management Act.
2 outlets · Horizons councillor cleared of breaching conflict of interest rules
An independent legal review has cleared Horizons regional councillor Elijah Pue of breaching conflict-of-interest rules. The investigation followed anonymous complaints regarding a Ngā Wai Tōtā work programme decision. The review found that Pue held no financial interest in the matter.
2 outlets · Act MP Mark Cameron delivers valedictory speech before leaving Parliament
Act MP Mark Cameron has delivered a valedictory speech after six years in Parliament. He is leaving due to health issues, including kidney and heart failure, and is currently undergoing dialysis in Northland.
2 outlets · Police investigate assault and discharged firearm after Manukau vehicle crash
Police are investigating an incident on Ronwood Road in Manukau after a Toyota and Volkswagen crashed on Wednesday evening. Following the collision, a person was allegedly assaulted and a firearm was reportedly discharged towards a vehicle. Authorities are currently searching for those involved.
2 outlets · Luxon defends prioritising rates cap over social media ban
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has defended the decision to prioritise a rates cap over a social media ban for those under 16. While Labour has offered support for the ban and urged an earlier debate, the Government maintains there is insufficient time before the election.
2 outlets · Sixty-one former Gloriavale members seek $40m in employment claim
Sixty-one former members of the Gloriavale religious community have filed an employment claim seeking almost $40m in compensation. The claimants allege they were subjected to forced labour, servitude, and denied employment entitlements while living on the West Coast. The claim has been filed with the Employment Relations Authority.
2 outlets · Auckland businessman jailed for secretly filming sex workers
Shafkat Mahbub has been sentenced after admitting to filming 14 sex workers without their consent. The businessman secretly recorded the women and uploaded the footage to adult websites. The victims were alerted to the videos after being contacted by acquaintances.
2 outlets · Te Pāti Māori unveils Kiwi Tax Plan ahead of election
Te Pāti Māori has released its Kiwi Tax Plan, which proposes making the first $30,000 of income tax-free for most people. The plan includes increasing taxes for the wealthiest 3% of earners and introducing a new 5% stamp duty.
2 outlets · Hao Feng sentenced to prison for manslaughter of partner
Hao Feng has been sentenced to four years and two months in prison for the manslaughter of Xiaoyan Wang. The incident occurred during an argument at the victim's Avondale home. Feng pleaded guilty to the charge in May.
2 outlets · Te Pāti Māori proposes new tax rates and various new taxes
Te Pāti Māori has launched a ‘Kiwi Tax Plan’ featuring a 48% top income tax rate and a rebate for those earning under $60,000. The proposal includes five new taxes, such as a wealth tax and a land banking tax, though specific costs and revenue details have not been provided.
2 outlets · Police investigate sudden death at Wellington flats
Police are investigating a sudden death at the Gordon Wilson Flats in Te Aro on Wednesday morning. Officers were notified of the incident on The Terrace around 8am. Motorists were advised to avoid the southern end of the street due to delays while inquiries continue.
2 outlets · Tongariro National Trout Centre seeks volunteers to maintain operations
The Tongariro National Trout Centre is seeking volunteers and funding to continue its programmes. Manager Clint Green stated that broken displays and a lack of school trips following the end of a council partnership have threatened the centre's future.
2 outlets · Inland Revenue stops more than $4m in fraudulent tax claims
Inland Revenue has halted over $4 million in bogus tax claims linked to a coordinated social media scheme. The investigation uncovered nearly 3,000 fraudulent amended returns, including 542 received in a single night. Those involved in claiming fake expenses face potential prosecution or penalties.
2 outlets · Two tiny Christchurch homes sell above their rateable values
Two small properties in Papanui, each measuring less than 45m², have sold for more than their rateable values. The auction process attracted over 120 groups of potential buyers for the two homes.
2 outlets · Holocaust Centre chair calls for apology from Green MP Steve Abel
The chairperson of the Holocaust Centre has urged Green MP Steve Abel to apologise for insensitive remarks made during a parliamentary debate. Abel referenced the Holocaust while discussing potential deaths caused by climate change, though he has rejected claims that his speech diminished the event.
2 outlets · One person hospitalised after Bucklands Beach house fire
A house fire in Bucklands Beach early this morning resulted in one person being taken to Middlemore Hospital. Fire and Emergency NZ responded to the blaze at approximately 3:39am. While reports indicate two people were injured, all occupants were out of the house when crews arrived.
2 outlets · Auckland struggles to retain talent and visitors, report finds
The State of the City 2026 report indicates that Auckland attracts people and investment but fails to retain them. While the city is growing as a technology hub, visitor spending has fallen and the region is struggling to capitalise on its role as a gateway to New Zealand.
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