Wednesday 16 September 2026
12 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Government to replace development contributions with new levies
Minister Chris Bishop has announced plans to replace the current development contributions system with new development levies. The change aims to address an estimated $11 billion infrastructure funding shortfall. Councils will be permitted to use these levies for various growth-driven costs starting from 2029.
3 outlets · Construction to begin on rebuilt New World Victoria Park
Rebuilding is set to start on the New World Victoria Park supermarket following a major fire in June 2025. Auckland Council has granted resource consent for the replacement store, which is expected to reopen in late 2027.
3 outlets · Police search for dangerous man wanted for home detention breach
Police are searching for 34-year-old Keresoma Toala, who is wanted on an arrest warrant for breaching home detention conditions. He is considered dangerous, is actively avoiding officers, and is known to have connections throughout Auckland. Authorities advise that he should not be approached.
3 outlets · Two families each win $5m in Powerball jackpot roll down
Two families, one from Richmond and one from Wellington, have each won over $5 million. The $10 million Must Be Won jackpot was split after no single ticket matched all six main Lotto numbers and the Powerball in Saturday's final 10-ball draw.
3 outlets · Whangārei District Council to vote on Waipū roundabout proposal
Whangārei District Council's infrastructure committee will vote this Thursday on whether to fund design work for a new roundabout in Waipū. The proposal follows a petition from 1,300 locals seeking to replace a notorious intersection. The project is estimated to eventually cost between $500,000 and $1 million.
2 outlets · Kāpiti entrepreneurs claim prior rights to KiwiMart name
Two entrepreneurs from Kāpiti say they conceived the name KiwiMart before the Green Party announced its plan for a publicly owned supermarket chain. The business has applied to trademark the name, potentially leading to a legal dispute over the branding.
2 outlets · Lyttelton Tunnel reopened after vehicle exhaust fire
The Lyttelton Tunnel in Christchurch was closed in both directions on Wednesday after a truck's exhaust caught fire. Emergency services from Lyttelton and Woolston responded to the incident shortly before 1.30pm. The tunnel has since reopened to traffic.
2 outlets · Investigation launched into deaths of nearly 200 eels in Bay of Plenty
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has launched an investigation after nearly 200 eels died in pump stations earlier this year. Researchers are looking into whether the stations are harming eels during their river migration. A major research programme will be used to better understand the impact of communal pump stations.
2 outlets · Two people to appear in court after drugs found in Newtown
Police were called to a Wellington property to report a trespasser when a woman allegedly told her partner to hide drugs. A subsequent search of the Newtown home uncovered ecstasy, methamphetamine and cocaine.
2 outlets · Fans queue in Hamilton for Pokémon 30th anniversary cards
Dozens of fans queued for hours in Hamilton to access limited-edition trading cards marking the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise. Some people arrived before dawn outside a local gaming store to secure the release. The brand has grown from a video game into a global phenomenon involving merchandise and films.
2 outlets · Te Pāti Māori proposes $1 billion energy sovereignty fund
Te Pāti Māori has announced an energy policy featuring a $1 billion fund designed to increase Māori and community ownership of energy assets. The party intends to use the fund to boost community ownership of renewable energy infrastructure and develop productive energy assets.
2 outlets · Woman injured after fainting in hot shower while sick with flu
Kat Murray suffered deep cuts to her back after fainting through a glass shower door while suffering from Influenza A. A doctor has warned that hot showers can trigger fainting episodes. Murray is now urging people to take the flu seriously following the incident.
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