Eight arrested after police find 14 cannabis grow houses in Waikato
Police have uncovered 14 large-scale commercial cannabis grow houses linked to Vietnamese nationals across Waikato. The operations contained between 200 and 600 plants at each location, with up to 750kg of cannabis seized from a single Frankton property. Eight people have been arrested following the raids.
+15 outlets · Labour pledges guaranteed jobs for all graduate nurses if elected
The Labour Party has promised to guarantee public health sector jobs for every New Zealand-trained graduate nurse. The party also intends to increase recruitment subsidies to address primary care shortages. Labour leader Chris Hipkins stated the current hiring freeze is contributing to a health system crisis.
4 outlets · Five New Zealanders remain missing following Nepal flash floods
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade says the whereabouts of five New Zealanders remain unknown following catastrophic flash floods and landslides. One missing person was reportedly part of a pilgrimage group in the Gyirong immigration building. More than 750 people have been confirmed dead in the disaster.
+26 outlets · No arrests made following double homicide in South Auckland
Police are continuing investigations into the shooting deaths of a man and woman at a Wattle Downs property last week. While forensic examinations and postmortems are complete, no charges have been laid. Authorities are now seeking witnesses and any available CCTV or dashcam footage.
3 outlets · Skier seriously injured after falling off cliff at Treble Cone
A skier has sustained serious injuries after reportedly going over a cliff at the Treble Cone ski field in Wānaka. Police were notified of the incident on Monday morning. The individual was located and attended to by emergency services.
3 outlets · Evacuations and road closures as vegetation fire burns near Taupō
Emergency services are battling an aggressive scrub fire at Tauhara, near Taupō, which was reported at 2.24pm on Monday. High winds have pushed the blaze towards commercial properties and the Thermal Explorer Highway, forcing one business to evacuate and causing traffic diversions.
3 outlets · Government cancels planned 2027 fuel tax and road user charge increases
The Government has scrapped a 12c per litre fuel excise increase scheduled for January 2027. Instead, a smaller increase of five cents per litre is expected to take effect from January 1, 2028, supported by a $1.476b top-up to the National Land Transport Fund.
3 outlets · Two vegetation fires extinguished on Swamp Road in Ongaonga
Firefighters have extinguished two large vegetation fires on Swamp Road in Ongaonga. Crews faced extremely difficult conditions due to high winds while battling the blazes. Twenty-two appliances were deployed to manage the incidents.
2 outlets · Snowfall causes major road closures in Otago
Heavy snow has closed State Highway 87 from Outram to Middlemarch, with NZTA advising the road will remain shut overnight. While State Highway 1 between Dunedin and Waitati reopened before 2pm, snow has also fallen on Dunedin streets and caused the closure of Brockville School.
2 outlets · Gemma McCaw reveals she left Richie McCaw on seen after first meeting
Gemma McCaw has shared details about the early stages of her relationship with Richie McCaw. After meeting at a Hamilton sporting event, McCaw says she left his Facebook messages unread for weeks.
2 outlets · Trial begins for man accused of Ellerslie double murder
Lok Fung Lorrence Li is on trial for the November 2023 murders of Fuk-Fu Joseph Kwok and Mei Han Chong at their Ellerslie home. Prosecutors allege the killings were part of a revenge plan following a minor traffic accident and a Disputes Tribunal case.
2 outlets · Train services suspended on Auckland Western Line after New Lynn incident
Train services on Auckland's western line have been cancelled following an incident in New Lynn. Auckland Transport advised that delays and cancellations are expected until 7.36pm. Passengers have been directed to use scheduled buses instead.
2 outlets · Inquest begins into Benjamin Hale death in Waikato River
An inquest is examining whether police could have done more to rescue Benjamin Hale. The 36-year-old died after being sucked into a whirlpool in the Waikato River while attempting to evade arrest. His family is seeking justice more than eight years after the incident.
2 outlets · Kiwi couple's deaths in Spanish spa pool under investigation
Patrick Tobin and Thomasina McArdle died at a holiday villa in Cullera, Spain, last Tuesday. Investigators are examining whether a fault in the spa pool's suction system or cardiac failure caused the deaths. The couple's son initially believed they were sleeping.
2 outlets · Patients facing vision loss due to ophthalmology appointment delays
Tens of thousands of people are overdue for eye health appointments in the public system. Ophthalmology New Zealand chair Dr Sonya Bennett says high demand from an ageing population is causing delays that have resulted in some patients experiencing irreversible vision loss.
2 outlets · Netball NZ selects Mowbray-Williams bid to replace ANZ Premiership
Netball New Zealand has chosen a proposal from Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams to establish a private franchise league for 2027. This bid is the preferred option to replace the ANZ Premiership following months of uncertainty. Specific details regarding teams, broadcast deals, and season length have not yet been finalised.
2 outlets · Chinese national pleads guilty to Auckland burglary and sexual assault
Xuesong Zhang has pleaded guilty to several charges, including rape and aggravated burglary, following a violent home invasion in Massey, West Auckland. After the assault, Zhang fled to China but was later extradited from Singapore to face charges in the High Court of Auckland.
2 outlets · Shane Jones accuses kiwifruit industry of slave practices
NZ First deputy leader Shane Jones has alleged that the Bay of Plenty kiwifruit industry uses "medieval slave practices." During a Wellington meeting, Jones called for a review of the laws governing Zespri. Zespri stated that it investigates such allegations and removes operators that do not comply with regulations.
2 outlets · Grey Power calls for support as older Kiwis struggle with costs
Advocacy group Grey Power is seeking government policies to assist an increasing number of older New Zealanders facing rising living expenses. Members recently met with politicians from six parties at a community centre in West Auckland to discuss these challenges.
2 outlets · Driver arrested after allegedly fleeing police in south Auckland
A 25-year-old man has been charged with dangerous driving and failing to stop after allegedly fleeing police in Manurewa on Sunday night. Officers used a police dog and helicopter to track the suspect from an abandoned vehicle to a bedroom in Clover Park, where he was found hiding.
2 outlets · Scientists search New Zealand waters for skincare ingredients
Researchers are investigating marine organisms in New Zealand waters to find potential ingredients for anti-ageing creams and sunscreens. The OCEOMICS project involves the Cawthron Institute and Callaghan Innovation’s Biotechnologies Group as part of a larger international effort.
2 outlets · Police officer charged with indecent act against child
Constable Amanuel Endalew Molla has been stood down from duty after being charged with committing an indecent act on a girl under 12. The alleged off-duty incident was reported to police in early 2025. Molla has denied the allegation.
2 outlets · Auckland police officer charged with child indecency
Auckland police officer Amanuel Molla has been charged with doing an indecent act on a girl under the age of 12. The alleged historical offending occurred while the officer was off duty. Molla denies the allegations and has been stood down from his police duties.
2 outlets · Severe gales, snow and hail forecast across New Zealand
Following recent flooding and road closures, a strong west to southwesterly flow is moving across the country. Forecasts include snow at altitudes as low as 200 metres and wind gusts reaching 120km/h. Southern routes are currently under road snow warnings.
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