Winter storm causes road closures and rockfalls across South Island
Heavy snow and rain from a slow-moving low have closed State Highway 73 and State Highway 94. The storm has also triggered multiple rockfalls and increased avalanche risks. Forecasters warn that significant weather will continue through Friday, with heavy rain and snow expected across the South Island.
+15 outlets · Five New Zealanders missing after devastating Nepal flash floods
At least five New Zealanders are missing following catastrophic flash floods and landslides near the Nepal-China border. Among those unaccounted for are Suhasini Reddy Kandimalla and a Hamilton couple. Rescuers are searching for survivors as authorities warn of potential further flooding from a newly formed lake.
+15 outlets · Manhunt underway after two people found dead in South Auckland
Police have launched a double homicide investigation after a man and a woman were found dead at a Wattle Downs property on Thursday afternoon. A manhunt is underway for the person or people believed to be responsible. Local schools were previously placed on lockdown during the incident.
+15 outlets · Government confirms planned fuel tax increase will not proceed
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has indicated that a scheduled fuel tax increase for January 2027 will not go ahead, pending Cabinet agreement. Meanwhile, the Labour Party has promised not to raise the fuel excise duty for a full term if they return to government.
3 outlets · Schools in lockdown following major incident in Manurewa
Armed police and an Eagle helicopter responded to an incident in Manurewa on Thursday afternoon. Several local schools, including Leabank Primary and James Cook High School, entered lockdown as officers blocked off the area near Mahia Road and Volante Avenue.
3 outlets · Two people fail to break into Mount Eden barbershop
Two individuals wearing balaclavas attempted to smash into Tareks Barbershop on Dominion Road around 6am on Wednesday. CCTV footage shows the pair using crowbars to strike the windows, causing damage, but they ultimately failed to enter the premises before fleeing.
3 outlets · Starship Hospital defers non-urgent cases due to increase in flu symptoms
Starship Children's Hospital is deferring less urgent cases to manage a high number of young children presenting with flu symptoms. Medical experts suggest that the free flu vaccine for children under five, announced for next year, will be vital in addressing this issue.
3 outlets · Coroner finds Christchurch man died in high-speed crash after drinking
A coroner has found that 30-year-old Kyle O’Brien died after his ute crashed at high speed on Christchurch's Yaldhurst Road in November 2022. Toxicology tests showed O’Brien had been drinking for nearly four hours and had a blood alcohol level more than three times the legal limit.
3 outlets · Woman charged after Canterbury rugby team members injured in crash
A 22-year-old woman has been charged with 12 counts of careless or inconsiderate vehicle operation causing injury. The charges relate to a July 4 crash in Darfield that injured 13 BDI Rugby Football Club members, including two who were critically injured.
2 outlets · Post Malone postpones Auckland concert at Go Media Mount Smart Stadium
American rapper Post Malone has postponed his only scheduled New Zealand performance, which was set for 21 October at Go Media Mount Smart Stadium. Ticket sales have ceased and all existing tickets are considered invalid. Other upcoming international tour dates have also been postponed.
2 outlets · Scarlet fever case confirmed at Wellington primary school
Brooklyn Primary School has notified parents of a confirmed case of scarlet fever. The school is advising the community to monitor for symptoms as a precaution due to how easily the infection spreads.
3 outlets · Beneficiaries missed payments following second Ministry of Social Development error
The Ministry of Social Development confirmed that some people missed benefit payments because officials could not manage paperwork following a rushed law change. This is the second major error linked to legislation passed under urgency last year. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Social Development Minister Louise Upston have apologised for the mistake.
2 outlets · Stolen car crashes into Palmerston North home after police pursuit
A stolen vehicle crashed through a brick fence and into a house on Strachan Way in Palmerston North. The incident occurred after police spotted the car being driven erratically on Amberley Avenue and initiated a brief pursuit.
2 outlets · Our Fruit Box owner found guilty of Food Act breaches
Riiria Jade Tatana has been found guilty on three charges of breaching the Food Act. The Our Fruit Box director continued to sell unpasteurised fruit juice despite a Ministry for Primary Industries recall in April 2024.
2 outlets · IPCA finds police shooting in Whanganui was justified
The Independent Police Conduct Authority found an officer was justified in shooting and wounding a man during a Whanganui arrest. However, the watchdog criticised officers for escalating the confrontation and pepper spraying a 13-year-old boy who attempted to intervene.
2 outlets · Kiwi teenager found dead after family houseboat sinks in Bangladesh
A 16-year-old New Zealander named Albert has been found dead on Cox's Bazar Beach. His family's houseboat capsized near an estuary on the country's southeastern coast. While the teenager's parents and 13-year-old brother were rescued by locals, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has acknowledged the death.
2 outlets · Woman dies in hospital after Timaru car accident
Mary Shaw has died in hospital two days after being struck by a car near the intersection of Wai-iti Road and Wilson Street in Timaru. Her husband, Grant Shaw, expressed his grief and sent commiserations to the driver involved in the incident.
2 outlets · Fog restrictions in place at Auckland Airport
Fog restrictions were implemented at Auckland Airport from 4.30am on Thursday. While no flights were initially impacted, more than 40 regional flights have since been delayed or cancelled. Passengers are advised to check their flight status with their airlines.
2 outlets · Waikato mayors criticise government rates cap
Waikato mayors have expressed opposition to new government rates caps. One mayor suggested the government must provide a solution for the resulting financial pressures, while another noted the irony of the restrictions alongside proposed amalgamation costs.
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