Search paused for hiker swept down Canterbury river
Police have suspended the search for Gareth Anderson, who was swept downstream while hiking the Cass-Lagoon Saddle track near Craigieburn Forest Park. The search was paused due to adverse weather. Mr Anderson went missing after falling into a river while hiking with a friend on 27 August.
4 outlets · Two people dead after Nelson shotgun theft and shooting
Police are investigating a shooting in Nelson that left a man and a woman dead. The incident followed the alleged theft of a shotgun from an Annesbrook store around midday Friday. Officers have established cordons on Quarantine Road and Parkers Road, though they stated there is no threat to public safety.
3 outlets · State Highway 1 closed near Wellsford after serious crash
A two-vehicle crash near River Rd in Dome Valley has closed State Highway 1 in both directions. Two people were injured, with one reported to be in critical condition. Emergency services attended the scene on Friday afternoon, and motorists are being diverted via State Highway 16.
3 outlets · Severe winds and heavy rain hit parts of New Zealand
A fast-moving weather front has brought heavy rain and strong winds to the South Island and central New Zealand. Wind gusts of up to 211km/h were recorded in the Canterbury high country, while orange strong wind warnings were issued for Wellington and Wairarapa.
3 outlets · Four injured after car crashes into Dunsandel Tavern
Four people were injured after a car collided with the Dunsandel Tavern on Friday evening. The incident occurred on Main South Road near Boundary Creek Road. Police report that two of the injured individuals are in serious condition, with three patients being taken to Christchurch Hospital.
3 outlets · New Zealand records third warmest winter since 1909
The nationwide average temperature for the winter of 2026 was 9.7°C, according to Earth Sciences New Zealand. This figure is 1.1°C above the 1991-2020 average, making it the country's third-warmest winter on record.
3 outlets · Two psychiatrists authorised to prescribe MDMA for PTSD treatment
Medsafe has granted two New Zealand psychiatrists authority to prescribe and administer pharmaceutical-grade MDMA to patients with post-traumatic stress disorder. While MDMA remains an unapproved medicine, this marks the first time such therapy has been authorised. Associate Health Minister David Seymour welcomed the decision to assist with this difficult-to-treat condition.
3 outlets · Man accused of Epsom rampage can now be named
Shalty Heta, 49, can now be named following an alleged violent rampage in Epsom last month. He faces multiple charges, including wounding with intent and dangerous driving, after allegedly running down three high school cyclists, assaulting a jogger, and killing a dog. Heta has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody.
4 outlets · Ministry of Education moves to cancel Gloriavale school registration
The Ministry of Education intends to cancel the registration of Gloriavale's private school following an Education Review Office report regarding student safety. While the community strongly disagrees with the decision, the Children's Commissioner has expressed support for the move.
4 outlets · Tauranga teenager allowed to return home after Thai theft charge
A Thai court has ruled that 18-year-old Loukas Rainger can return to New Zealand following a theft charge at an airport in July. The Tauranga teenager was accused of taking a woman's watch from a security screening tray. His mother has also been admitted to a Thai hospital with pneumonia and blood poisoning.
2 outlets · Research suggests loyalty programmes benefit retailers more than shoppers
New research indicates that shoppers may receive fewer benefits from loyalty programmes than retailers do. Customers often trade personal data for rewards that might not meet their needs. This comes as Bunnings launches a new programme offering a $5 reward for every $500 spent.
2 outlets · The Warehouse recalls two Living and Co fan heaters
The Warehouse has recalled the Living and Co Fan Heater 2000W and Fan Heater with Oscillation 2000W due to fire risks. The products were sold in stores and online between February and August. Customers are urged to stop using the heaters and return them for a full refund.
2 outlets · Former Lotto presenter avoids jail for money laundering conviction
Russell Harrison has been sentenced to home detention after admitting to laundering more than $400,000 for a Comancheros-led drug syndicate. The former presenter was arrested in 2021 following a global FBI sting involving the delivery of gold bullion to Turkey. He appeared in the Auckland High Court for sentencing.
2 outlets · New Zealand flags mistakenly flown during Australian Flag Day celebrations
Two New Zealand flags were incorrectly displayed at an event in Canberra to mark 125 years of the Australian flag. Trade ministers from both countries later made light of the error by standing behind the incorrect flags during a meeting.
2 outlets · Supreme Court dismisses appeal over compensation payout to murder killer
The Supreme Court has unanimously rejected an attempt by the estate of Colleen Burrows to claim compensation from her killer, Sam Te Hei. Te Hei received a $17,664 payout from the Crown due to prison rights breaches following the 1987 murder of the 16-year-old.
2 outlets · Four gang members arrested after Christchurch property raids
Police arrested four gang members during raids at five Christchurch addresses as part of an operation targeting gang offending. Officers seized firearms and ammunition during the searches. The men, aged 23 and 36 among them, face charges including aggravated robbery causing grievous bodily harm.
2 outlets · Aero club warns planes could spook horses at proposed Flaxmere racecourse
The Hawke’s Bay & East Coast Aero Club is concerned that low-flying aircraft could spook horses if a proposed $77 million racecourse is built in Flaxmere. The club fears the development could lead to conflict between the aero club and the proposed stadium and racecourse precinct.
2 outlets · Woman faces 15 charges after $200,000 burglary spree in Auckland
A 26-year-old woman has been arrested following a series of burglaries at four homes in Auckland's Sunnyhills and Fordyce Ave areas. Police allege the homes were ransacked while owners were on holiday, resulting in the theft of jewellery, luxury handbags, and a car valued at over $200,000.
2 outlets · Winton Land resumes trading after appointing new chair
Trading for developer Winton Land was suspended by the stock exchange after several top personnel resigned, leaving the board without enough independent directors. The suspension was lifted yesterday following the appointment of Michael Stiassny as the new chair.
2 outlets · Alone Australia contestant speaks about father's fatal farm accident
New Zealand farmer Clint Waghorn has spoken publicly for the first time about a farm vehicle collision that killed his father. The Alone Australia contestant revealed he had previously kept the details of the accident private from everyone, including his wife.
2 outlets · Christchurch stadium operator reports fewer international concerts than expected
Venues Ōtautahi has secured only two international concerts for One NZ Stadium's first year. The operator admitted the summer programme is more sport-heavy than originally anticipated for the $656 million venue.
3 outlets · University of Auckland student caught wearing smart glasses during exam
A student at the University of Auckland was caught using smart glasses during a test. The student was permitted to continue the exam without the glasses but received a penalty. The incident has raised concerns regarding the potential for new technology to be used for cheating.
3 outlets · Pacific leaders endorse partner tiers and criticise China missile test
Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Palau have agreed to a new system of partner tiers. During the retreat, leaders also reached a consensus to rebuke China following its recent nuclear-capable missile test.
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