Thursday 17 September 2026
14 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Person in serious condition after incident at Auckland’s LynnMall
Emergency services are responding to an incident at LynnMall.
4 outlets · Minister loses confidence in Fire and Emergency chief executive
Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden has lost confidence in Fire and Emergency NZ chief executive Kerry Gregory. The minister alleges Gregory withheld information regarding a significant incident for a year, representing a breach of trust. The matter has been referred to the Serious Fraud Office.
4 outlets · Two 14-year-olds charged after alleged North Shore robberies
Two 14-year-old girls have been arrested following two alleged aggravated robberies on Auckland's North Shore. Police say the first incident occurred in Takapuna on 22 August, while the second took place in Belmont on 13 September involving the same victim.
3 outlets · One person seriously injured in Southern Motorway car and truck crash
A person was seriously injured following a collision between a car and a truck on Thursday afternoon. The crash occurred on the westbound section of Christchurch's Southern Motorway between Curletts Road and Shands Road. While the motorway has since completely reopened, motorists are advised to expect delays.
3 outlets · New search launched for plane missing since 1978
Police, the Defence Force, and Coastguard will begin a three-day search at Lake Moeraki on Monday. The operation follows the discovery of a sonar target during a private survey. The aircraft, carrying seven people, disappeared during a scenic flight on 29 December 1978.
3 outlets · New Zealand economy grows 0.2% in June quarter
Stats NZ figures show the economy grew by 0.2% in the June 2026 quarter, following a revised 0.9% increase in March. Construction activity rose by 2.7%, acting as a primary driver for growth. However, consumer spending and transport activity were weaker during this period.
3 outlets · Government to ease rules for hospitality drop-off services
New regulations will allow hospitality businesses to charge for passenger drop-off services without being regulated as taxi operations. The Government aims to make it easier for venues to help patrons get home safely and reduce drink-driving risks by mid-2027.
3 outlets · Police admit using AI to sharpen photo of stolen guitar
Police have acknowledged using artificial intelligence to enhance an image of a recovered stolen guitar. The photograph, posted to a North Shore, Rodney and West Auckland Police Facebook page, caused confusion regarding the instrument's actual value.
2 outlets · Labour proposes independent body to oversee school curriculum and assessment
The Labour Party has announced plans to establish an Independent Council for Curriculum and Assessment (ICCA) if elected. Education spokesperson Ginny Andersen said the body would provide expert leadership to ensure stability in the curriculum and assessment system across different governments.
2 outlets · Police officer rescues teenager from rip at Pourerere Beach
A Hawke's Bay police officer rescued a teenager caught in a rip at Pourerere Beach on Tuesday afternoon. After receiving a call for help, the officer removed his uniform and gear to swim out using a borrowed boogie board. The rescue took place approximately 13 minutes after the emergency call was made.
2 outlets · DOC issues plea to fishers on behalf of ‘icon of New Zealand’s waterways’
DOC has issued a warning about the dangers posed to wildlife from abandoned fishing equipment after a malnourished whio was euthanised.
2 outlets · Officer found guilty of serious misconduct for unauthorised database searches
An off-duty officer used the national police database to conduct background checks on potential flatmates and neighbours near a house he intended to buy. An investigation by the Independent Police Conduct Authority found the officer breached technology and information policies during 2024 and 2025.
2 outlets · New guidance ends routine cognitive testing for older drivers
New clinical guidance means older drivers will no longer undergo routine cognitive screening based solely on age. Instead, health practitioners will assess an individual's fitness to drive. Drivers aged 75 and 80, and every two years thereafter, must obtain a medical certificate to renew their licences.
2 outlets · Man identified following fatal house fire on Matakana Island
David Russell McCoubrie, 79, has been identified as the man who died in a house fire on Matakana Island. The blaze occurred on Paama Court early Saturday morning, resulting in one fatality and another person suffering burns.
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