World of WearableArt cancels shows after crew member death
Two World of WearableArt performances have been cancelled following the death of a crew member at Wellington's TSB Arena on Friday. The individual died after experiencing a medical event. Organisers are making behind-the-scenes changes to ensure the remainder of the season can continue safely.
+48 outlets · Health NZ to hire 380 frontline staff and consider nurse ratios
Health New Zealand is adding 380 nursing, midwifery and healthcare assistant roles this financial year to address workforce pressures. The agency is also developing a business case to investigate whether introducing nurse-to-patient ratios could improve patient safety and staffing models.
+15 outlets · Engine failure and slow evacuation caused Air New Zealand flight fire
A TAIC inquiry found that fatigue cracks missed during an engine overhaul caused a fire on an Air New Zealand flight in September 2024. The aircraft, travelling from Christchurch to Wellington, required an emergency evacuation that took nearly three minutes, which is significantly longer than the 90-second safety benchmark.
+37 outlets · Ombudsman investigates claims Ministry of Education officials bypassed OIA
The Chief Ombudsman has launched a formal inquiry into allegations that Ministry of Education officials attempted to circumvent the Official Information Act. A leaked video shows a senior official advising staff to avoid putting certain information in writing. The head of the ministry has expressed dissatisfaction regarding the comments.
4 outlets · Christchurch man jailed for evading nearly $1.4m in tax
Daniel Robert Clarke has been sentenced to two years and three months in prison for 36 tax-related charges. The property maintenance company director used funds owed to Inland Revenue for personal expenses and home renovations. His company, Phil Clarke and Son Limited, is currently in liquidation.
+15 outlets · Seal and other international acts to headline 2027 Summer Concert Tour
Grammy Award-winning singer Seal will perform in New Zealand for the first time alongside Bastille, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Level 42. The 2027 Summer Concert Tour will feature shows at Wānaka’s Three Parks Outdoor Arena on 30 January and the Taupō Amphitheatre on 31 January.
+15 outlets · Cold fronts bring wind and snow to start of school holidays
A series of cold fronts is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and potential snow across New Zealand. MetService warns that Sunday could see the most intense weather, which may impact families travelling for the start of the school holidays.
4 outlets · Ardie Savea teases future Super Rugby team in social media post
All Blacks captain Ardie Savea has shared a cryptic video on Instagram suggesting an upcoming announcement regarding his playing future. The loose forward, who is currently without a franchise for 2027, posted himself signing a contract alongside a departures board. An official decision on his next team is expected soon.
3 outlets · Vigil planned for young person killed in Te Awamutu train incident
A community vigil will be held at Anchor Park this Sunday following the death of a young person at the Te Awamutu railway station. Emergency services attended the scene on Sunday night after the person died following a train incident.
3 outlets · Auckland man charged with defrauding company of $2.2m in goods
A 39-year-old Auckland man faces charges for allegedly using internal systems to steal over $2.2 million worth of items, including technology. Police say the fraud occurred over several years. The accused is scheduled to appear in the North Shore District Court on 15 October.
3 outlets · Former finance manager jailed for role in $20m Ponzi scheme
Yuko Hanyu has been sentenced to six years and four months in prison for her involvement in investment schemes at East Wind Company Limited. The schemes targeted members of the Japanese community, resulting in losses exceeding $20 million. Hanyu was also ordered to pay $691,000 in reparations.
3 outlets · Two 19-year-olds charged with murder following Southland child's death
A 19-year-old man and woman have been charged with the murder of a young child in Otautau. The child died at Starship Hospital after being taken from the Southland property in critical condition. The pair appeared in the Invercargill District Court on Friday and were denied bail.
3 outlets · West Auckland man finds $20.1m Lotto ticket used as bookmark
A man from West Auckland discovered that a Lotto ticket he had been using as a bookmark for nearly two months was worth $20.1 million. The winning ticket was purchased from the Blockhouse Bay Postshop & Stationers for the July 25 draw. He found the ticket after picking up the book again following a break from reading.
3 outlets · Upper Hutt car company fined for exploiting migrant workers
Autopride Cars Limited has been fined $100,000 and ordered to pay over $70,000 in reparations for exploiting two migrant workers. The workers were paid approximately $11 an hour and faced unsafe housing conditions while on visitor visas. One worker was reportedly told to hide from immigration officials during a compliance check.
3 outlets · Coroner refers Ngāruawāhia killing to Health and Disability Commissioner
A coroner has raised concerns regarding mental health care after Tremaine Hati fatally stabbed his grandmother, Maria Morgan, in Ngāruawāhia. The investigation follows findings that Hati had not been seen by mental health services for several months despite his family's requests for help.
3 outlets · Nicky Hager’s Dirty Work attack on Taxpayers’ Union ‘naive’ – Heather du Plessis-Allan
OPINION: In his new book, Nicky Hager's version of history completely ignores the context.
2 outlets · Hurricanes sign Hawke’s Bay lock Hunter Morrison for 2027
The Hurricanes have secured a two-year deal with 23-year-old Hawke’s Bay lock Hunter Morrison starting in 2027. The NPC standout has scored five tries in eight games for the Magpies. Morrison is the third new signing for the Super Rugby Pacific champions.
2 outlets · Ministry investigates leadership concerns at Horowhenua College
The Ministry of Education is investigating Horowhenua College following a 15-page letter from staff and community members. The letter raised 14 issues regarding school governance and leadership, including allegations of a bullying culture. Ministry officials have met with the principal and the board presiding member.
3 outlets · Large fallen tree completely blocks Auckland road
Crews are working to clear Lower Portland Rd after the tree came down, with motorists being directed to alternative routes.
2 outlets · Petition presented to Parliament to include Sam’s Creek in national park
Nearly 12,000 people have signed a petition calling for Sam’s Creek to be added to Kahurangi National Park. Save Our Springs representatives presented the document to Green MP Lan Pham in Wellington to protect the area from potential mining. Both Labour and Green MPs are supporting the proposal.
2 outlets · Morgan Yaeger targets Tauihi title despite previous medical advice
Pouākai point guard Morgan Yaeger is pursuing a championship in the Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa League. Despite receiving medical advice to quit the sport, she has continued her career and is competing in Christchurch for the 2026 season.
2 outlets · Kiwi contingent strives to keep alive Dolphins’ dream for NRL title in Queensland club’s fourth season
ANALYSIS: Twelve NZ-born players are in Friday’s NRL preliminary final, with the spotlight on Dragons pair Isaiya Katoa and Jamayne Isaako.
2 outlets · Foot off the gas: if not LNG, then what?
Cabinet has put the brakes on an investment in LNG in a move that has delighted environmentalists but which has reignited concerns over de-industrialisation.
1 outlet · Tūrangi councillor criticises government delay on forced council mergers
Tūrangi councillor Sandra Greenslade has described the government's decision to defer forced council merger decisions as a waste of time. She stated that council staff worked extensively to meet deadlines before the government announced that amalgamation proposals require further work.
2 outlets · Westie Food Group collapses owing nearly $5.9 million
Auckland food distributor Westie Food Group has collapsed owing between $5.8 million and $5.9 million. Receivers approached 20 potential buyers but received no offers. Most unsecured creditors are now unlikely to receive any payout.
2 outlets · Labour Party to launch election campaign on Sunday
The Labour Party will officially begin its election campaign this Sunday. During a media briefing in Auckland, leader Chris Hipkins commented on the prime minister's absence during the second day of the campaign.
2 outlets · Ōtorohanga and Waitomo mayors still seek council merger
The mayors of Ōtorohanga and Waitomo districts remain interested in merging their councils despite a government delay. The Government has decided not to make any decisions on merger proposals until next year, following a three-month period for councils to submit Head Start proposals.
2 outlets · State Highway 2 blocked after three-vehicle crash in Karangahake Gorge
State Highway 2 is closed in both directions through the Karangahake Gorge following a crash involving two cars and a truck on Friday morning. Police reported that those involved sustained minor to moderate injuries. The highway is expected to remain blocked while vehicles are recovered from the scene.
2 outlets · Regulatory issues threaten Heartland Group's proposed takeover of TSB
The Reserve Bank has requested an independent report into TSB following reported issues with the bank's capital and liquidity ratios. Heartland Group Holdings has acknowledged that these regulatory developments could impact its attempt to acquire the Taranaki-based bank.
1 outlet · Liam Lawson involved in close call with Lewis Hamilton in Baku
New Zealander Liam Lawson narrowly avoided a collision with Lewis Hamilton during practice for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The Racing Bulls driver finished seventh and 12th across two sessions but was visibly shaken following the near-miss on the circuit's fastest section.
2 outlets · Survey shows support for wealth tax and narrowing political gap
A new Ipsos Issues Monitor reveals that approximately two-thirds of New Zealanders support a wealth tax. While Labour is still seen as most capable of managing top concerns, its lead over National has narrowed across all major issues.
2 outlets · New medieval-themed garden opens at Hamilton Gardens
Hamilton Gardens has opened its first new Enclosed Garden in over four years. The medieval-themed attraction follows seven years of construction and is now welcoming members of the public.
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