Commissioner finds Auckland mayor breached code of conduct
Independent commissioner Paul Collins has ruled that Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown harassed an RNZ employee by calling them a "Muslim terrorist". The remark, made in April, was found to have brought the council into disrepute. Brown has apologised for the comments and met with the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand.
4 outlets · Former officer fabricated breath test result at Morrinsville checkpoint
An Independent Police Conduct Authority investigation found a Waikato-based officer invented an evidential breath-test reading after failing to conduct a required test in January 2024. The officer, who has since left the force, was not prosecuted due to insufficient evidence despite the watchdog describing the dishonesty as a potential criminal offence.
+15 outlets · ACT proposes abolishing permanent resident visas if elected
The ACT Party has announced an election policy to scrap the Permanent Resident Visa category. If elected, the party intends to introduce physical presence requirements to ensure visa holders maintain a genuine connection to New Zealand. The proposal aims to distinguish permanent residence more clearly from citizenship.
3 outlets · Cervical screening to be free for women aged 25 to 69
The Government has announced that all women aged 25 to 69 will be eligible for free cervical screening starting March next year. Health Minister Simeon Brown and Women's Minister Nicola Grigg stated the move aims to eliminate cervical cancer and will benefit an estimated 786,000 additional women.
3 outlets · Kākāpō population reaches milestone after record breeding season
The kākāpō population has risen to 325 following a record-breaking 2026 breeding season. Ninety chicks have officially joined the critically endangered species after reaching the 150-day age milestone. This increase marks a population high that may not have been seen for 75 years.
+15 outlets · Social development minister declines to apologise for wrongful benefit suspensions
Minister Louise Upston has refused to apologise after Ministry of Social Development processing delays led to the incorrect suspension of some benefit payments. The errors followed a law change passed through Parliament last year. Upston stated she is awaiting the results of a review into the matter.
3 outlets · Six60 and Stan Walker to headline new Mount Maunganui festival
The inaugural Kingston Calling festival will take place at Bay Oval on 19 and 20 February. The two-day event features 14 artists, including Six60, Stan Walker, Maoli, and Fat Freddy’s Drop.
3 outlets · Man charged with murder after two people shot in Wattle Downs
A 30-year-old man has been charged with two counts of murder following a double homicide in South Auckland. Emergency services responded to a report of a handgun and an injured woman at a Gambare Place address on 27 August. The man had previously been speaking with investigators.
3 outlets · Around 10,000 public servants to strike over pay next week
Approximately 10,000 Public Service Association members will strike from 1pm on Wednesday, 9 September, due to ongoing pay negotiations. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated he would prefer workers to be working, while Public Service Minister Paul Goldsmith described the industrial action as a political campaign.
+15 outlets · Waiwera Thermal Springs granted resource consent for $58m rebuild
A $58 million redevelopment of the Waiwera Thermal Springs site north of Auckland has received resource consent. Construction at the Hibiscus Coast location is expected to start in early 2027, with the new geothermal resort aiming to open by mid-2028.
3 outlets · Family of missing New Zealander calls for continued search in Nepal
The family of 44-year-old Suhasini Reddy has urged rescuers to continue searching for her following a deadly flash flood at the Nepal-China border. Reddy is one of five New Zealanders reported missing after an unprecedented deluge of ice, rock, and mud caused widespread destruction.
3 outlets · Free flu vaccines now available for children under five
More than 260,000 children aged six months to five years can now access funded flu vaccines. Health Ministers Simeon Brown and David Seymour announced the change in Wellington, following a decision by Pharmac to accelerate the funding timeline.
2 outlets · Son testifies in trial of man accused of Ellerslie murders
Chi-Ho Ricky Kwok told a court how he discovered his father deceased and his mother missing at their Ellerslie home in 2023. Lok Fung Lorrence Li is on trial for the murders of Fuk Fu Joseph Kwok and Mei Han Chong. The accused is also facing a charge of conspiracy to murder.
3 outlets · Central districts to maintain emergency management response despite reforms
The central districts have pledged that their collaborative response to natural disasters and emergencies will remain unchanged during local government reforms. Horizons chairwoman Nikki Riley confirmed that regional emergency management functions in Manawatū-Whanganui will continue as usual regardless of potential council structure changes.
2 outlets · Glenfield Mall sold to Australian syndicate for $146 million
An Australian syndicate has purchased Auckland's Glenfield Mall for $146 million. This marks the group's first investment in New Zealand. The North Shore shopping centre was previously owned by Ross and Dallas Pendergrast, who have held the property since 2015.
2 outlets · Two men sentenced to life for murdering Sidney Bridson
Stefan Hannon-McGinn and Ethan Howe have been sentenced to life imprisonment in the New Plymouth High Court. The pair were convicted of murdering Sidney Ross Bridson and setting fire to his home in Waitaanga.
2 outlets · Tauranga councillors question staff over Mount Maunganui landslide review
Tauranga City Council councillors questioned senior staff following a review finding the Mount Maunganui landslide tragedy was preventable. The meeting addressed why monitoring stopped and why warnings were not communicated to the council. Chief executive Marty Grenfell stated the organisation has accepted the external review's findings and recommendations.
2 outlets · Footage of Benjamin Hale's death played at Waikato River inquest
An inquest into the 2018 death of Benjamin Hale heard footage of his final moments in the Waikato River. The video, captured via infra-red and thermal cameras, shows the Hamilton man drowning after fleeing from police. Coroner Ian Telford observed a moment of silence following the playback.
3 outlets · Nature Baby merino kimonos recalled due to choking risk
Nature Baby has recalled its Merino Kimono Pointelle Stretch and Grow onesies because a detached dome fastening poses a choking hazard. The products were sold both online and in stores between February 27 and August 27. Customers are advised to stop using the items and return them for a full refund.
2 outlets · Labour's fuel tax freeze plan lacks cost details
Labour has proposed freezing fuel tax increases for three years but has not disclosed the total cost. Meanwhile, the Government has scrapped a planned 12 cent increase for January 2027, which ministers say will require over one billion dollars in extra borrowing.
2 outlets · Tauranga Council accepts review findings after fatal Mauao landslide
Tauranga City Council has accepted an independent review into the January 2026 landslide that killed six people. The investigation identified organisational weaknesses in managing landslide and environmental risks. The council has launched an improvement programme and has spent over $5 million on the response so far.
2 outlets · Labour demands MBIE chief executive resign after misleading MPs
The Labour Party has stated that MBIE chief executive Nic Blakeley's position is untenable. This follows a Privileges Committee finding that Blakeley and a former colleague deliberately misled MPs. While Blakeley offered his resignation, the offer was reportedly refused.
2 outlets · Fishery patrols in Whananaki record 100 per cent non-compliance rate
Ministry for Primary Industries officers found every person inspected was breaching fishing rules during three patrols in Whananaki over five days. The inspections in the Northland area included the discovery of dozens of undersized rock lobsters and protected female crayfish laden with eggs.
2 outlets · NZ and US to build major port in Cook Islands
New Zealand and the United States will fund a deep sea port upgrade at a former military base in the Cook Islands. The project, valued at over NZ$101 million, was announced by leaders from all three nations. The move follows a previous arrangement between the Cook Islands and China.
4 outlets · Worker dies following incident at CentrePort Wellington
A worker employed by logistics company C3 has died following an incident at CentrePort Wellington on Tuesday. Maritime NZ and police are currently investigating the circumstances of the fatal event. It is not yet known how the individual was injured.
2 outlets · Police search for man after Northcote assault
Police are searching for a man following an assault on Onewa Road in Northcote on Tuesday morning. A person was reportedly struck in the torso with a sharp instrument during a verbal altercation. Officers were called to the scene at approximately 7.45am.
2 outlets · TV producer ordered to return to New Zealand to face charges
Alexander Breingan has been ordered to return to New Zealand from Los Angeles to face 33 charges. The SFO alleges he used forged documents to obtain more than $4.3 million in government rebates and $10.2 million in lending for television programmes. Breingan has pleaded not guilty.
2 outlets · Rosmini College student tests positive for meningococcal disease
A student at Rosmini College on Auckland's North Shore has tested positive for meningococcal disease. Health officials are investigating whether the case is linked to a suspected case reported in July.
2 outlets · Te Pāti Māori proposes binding Te Tiriti through constitutional reform
Te Pāti Māori has unveiled a policy to entrench Te Tiriti o Waitangi into lawmaking. The proposal includes establishing an independent Te Tiriti Commission with the power to investigate breaches and stall Government bills. The party also aims for a complete constitutional overhaul by 2040.
2 outlets · Monique Lay named as woman killed in Manurewa crash
Monique Lay, 27, died on Alfriston Road in Manurewa following a head-on collision involving a stolen vehicle. Police say the incident occurred on the evening of 27 August after the vehicle fled from police during an aggravated robbery report.
2 outlets · Woman rescued after being trapped by rising Wairakau Stream
A woman was rescued in Taupō Bay after heavy rain caused the Wairakau Stream to rise rapidly. Police and Land Search and Rescue teams reached the stranded walker during a coordinated multi-agency response over the weekend.
2 outlets · Safety video released for Roberts Point Track following multiple rescues
A new safety video has been released for the Roberts Point Track in Westland to warn hikers of potential hazards. The track has seen 27 rescues since 2013 and three fatalities between 2011 and 2012. The video encourages people to check conditions before hiking.
2 outlets · Hospitality figure Ed Tanner declared bankrupt
Former Christchurch cafe owner Ed Tanner has been declared bankrupt following his own application. This development comes after the liquidation of four companies he directed or held shares in, and during a week when an Employment Relations Authority case was heard against him.
2 outlets · Temporary fine weather follows severe weather across New Zealand
Severe weather watches and warnings have expired, bringing milder conditions after recent rain, snow, and wind. While most regions expect clearer skies, light showers may continue in parts of the North and South Islands. Heavy snow previously caused a temporary closure of State Highway 7 overnight.
3 outlets · Auckland may need $3.5 billion for road upgrades near City Rail Link
Auckland could require up to $3.5 billion to remove level crossings to maximise the capacity of the City Rail Link. While the rail project is set to open on 13 September, significant road upgrades in central western suburbs may be needed by the 2030s.
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