Tuesday 22 September 2026
19 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Taxpayers’ Union denies sexual harassment settlement allegations
The Taxpayers’ Union has categorically denied claims in Nicky Hager's new book, Dirty Work, that it settled an employment dispute involving sexual harassment allegations against executive director Jordan Williams. Following the book's release, the Green Party and Labour have withdrawn from electorate debates hosted by the lobby group.
+26 outlets · Ministry of Education launches review after leaked video regarding OIA comments
The Ministry of Education has launched an internal review after leaked footage showed senior official Catherine Law advising staff not to create written records to avoid Official Information Act disclosures. The Ombudsman and Public Service Commissioner are investigating the matter, following requests from an education union.
+37 outlets · Object found in Lake Moeraki is likely not missing plane
Search teams investigating an object in Lake Moeraki believe it is not the Piper Cherokee Six that disappeared in 1978. The aircraft, which was travelling from Dunedin with seven people on board, has been missing for nearly 50 years. Divers were deployed to the South Westland lake following new information.
4 outlets · Rangiora High School teacher Kathryn Cunningham dies after cancer battle
Rangiora High School is mourning the death of science teacher Kathryn Cunningham, who passed away last weekend. A former student of the school, Cunningham taught there for 16 years before dying following a battle with breast cancer.
3 outlets · Manslaughter charge upgraded after man dies following Lower Hutt incident
A 45-year-old man faces a manslaughter charge after a victim died in hospital. The man was critically injured during a disorder incident on Waterloo Road in Lower Hutt on 30 August. Other people involved in the incident sustained minor injuries.
3 outlets · Two youths arrested after car break-ins in Halswell
Police used a commercial helicopter and road spikes to track a stolen vehicle through Christchurch on Tuesday. The pursuit began following reports of car break-ins in Halswell around 10.45am. Two youths are currently in custody after the vehicle was stopped on Lincoln Tai Tapu Road.
3 outlets · Review finds Reserve Bank was too slow to tighten monetary policy
A Government-ordered review found the Reserve Bank kept interest rates at record lows for a year too long during the Covid-19 pandemic. This delay contributed to an overheated economy and record high inflation. The report recommends a less discretionary approach to future monetary policy.
3 outlets · Police find large-scale cannabis operation in Remuera property
Officers discovered a five-room cannabis growing operation at a Bassett Road property in Remuera early Tuesday morning. Police were responding to reports of breaking glass when they encountered the site. A man has been arrested following the discovery.
3 outlets · Pedestrian dies after being struck by vehicle in Pakuranga
A pedestrian has died after being hit by a vehicle on Pakuranga Road in East Auckland on Monday night. Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 9pm. Police are currently investigating the fatal crash.
3 outlets · Liam Lawson says ‘you like your own car’ on pivot back to Racing Bulls in Formula One
The Kiwi driver is occupying his more familiar seat after three races as Max Verstappen’s Red Bull team-mate.
2 outlets · Coroner questions safety plan used before girl's death
An inquest is investigating the 2017 suspected suicide of a 12-year-old girl in New Plymouth. Coroner Heather McKenzie questioned the decision to send the child home with a safety plan. A former senior constable testified that Oranga Tamariki lacked urgency regarding the girl's safety.
2 outlets · Chris Hipkins defends Labour's ambition at Wellington meeting
Labour leader Chris Hipkins rejected claims that his party is not being bold enough during a public meeting in Strathmore Park. The meeting, held at Te Tuhunga Rau, saw an audience member challenge the party's level of ambition.
2 outlets · Brooke van Velden delivers final speech in Parliament
Outgoing ACT MP Brooke van Velden has delivered her valedictory speech, describing Wellington as a "dark bureaucracy". During her address, she defended her previous use of a profanity and called for the abolition of the Public Service Commission. Van Velden is leaving politics at the upcoming November election.
2 outlets · Injured toddler transferred to Starship Hospital after Otautau incident
A child who sustained traumatic brain injuries in Otautau is being treated in critical condition at Auckland's Starship Hospital. Two 19-year-olds appeared in the Invercargill District Court on Monday. The pair have been jointly charged with wounding with intent in relation to the injuries.
2 outlets · Two people injured in Flaxmere weapon attack
Two people sustained moderate injuries after being assaulted with weapons on Bristol Place in Flaxmere on Tuesday afternoon. Police responded to reports of disorder at approximately 2.15pm. The alleged offenders remain at large.
2 outlets · Christchurch woman sentenced for dog attacks on boy and father
Billie Mcfarlane has been sentenced to home detention following an incident where her two dogs attacked an 11-year-old boy and his father. The victims were hospitalised after the attack occurred during a visit to her home. Mcfarlane, who surrendered the dogs immediately after the incident, also faced dishonesty charges.
2 outlets · Election 2026: National attack ads against Labour use crime footage from Government’s own term
National is defending using violent crime footage in attack ads against Labour.
2 outlets · North Taieri woman identified as victim of Invercargill train crash
Police have named 52-year-old Jacqueline Mary Jones as the woman who died in a collision between a car and two locomotives. The accident occurred on September 18 near the intersection of East Road and Mill Road South on the outskirts of Invercargill.
2 outlets · Man sentenced to 14 years in prison for sexual offences
Scott James Southwood has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to rape and sexual violation. Police are now calling for any other potential victims to come forward. Suppression orders are currently in place regarding several details of the case.
3 outlets ·
