Saturday 26 September 2026
18 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Black Ferns face England in major Twickenham test match
The Black Ferns will play world champions England at Twickenham this Sunday morning. New Zealand seeks an eighth consecutive win in 2026, while England maintains a 40-test unbeaten streak despite a recent draw against Canada. A crowd of between 50,000 and 55,000 is expected for the WXV Global Series match.
+26 outlets · Chris Hipkins heckled by Vision NZ candidate at Ōtara markets
Labour leader Chris Hipkins was confronted by Vision NZ candidate Karl Mokaraka during a campaign visit to the Ōtara markets on Saturday. Mokaraka questioned Hipkins on the definition of a woman and criticised his record in South Auckland. Trevor Mallard reportedly intervened during the confrontation.
+15 outlets · Greenpeace activists occupy research vessel in Wellington protest
Greenpeace activists have boarded the state-owned research vessel Tangaroa in Wellington Harbour. The group is protesting deep-sea mineral exploration in the Pacific on behalf of an American company. Police are currently considering charges against the protesters.
+15 outlets · Counties Manukau win Ranfurly Shield in upset against Northland
Counties Manukau defeated Northland 22-19 at Semenoff Stadium in Whangārei to claim the Ranfurly Shield. A late penalty by AJ Alatimu secured the historic win for the Steelers during the penultimate round of the NPC regular season.
+15 outlets · ACT proposes noise cameras to target loud vehicles
The ACT Party has unveiled a policy to deploy relocatable noise cameras to identify vehicles causing excessive noise in residential communities. The plan includes introducing a new roadside noise limit and tougher penalties for drivers. The party intends to initially roll out the cameras in the Tāmaki electorate.
4 outlets · NZ First pledges to abolish Waitangi Tribunal if re-elected
New Zealand First has announced plans to abolish the Waitangi Tribunal within 100 days of forming a new government. The party intends to replace the tribunal with a temporary commission to finish historical claims made before 2008. Leader Winston Peters described the current tribunal as a "make-work industry."
4 outlets · Northland councils remain committed to amalgamation despite government pause
Local leaders in Northland have signalled they are continuing with plans for local government amalgamation. The process is currently in political limbo after the government paused reform to consider merger proposals. Any final decision is expected to occur after the general election in November.
4 outlets · Police appeal for sightings of missing Christchurch man Braydon Hepworth
Police and family are searching for 21-year-old Braydon Hepworth, who has not been seen since 3 September. He was last spotted at a Linwood service station. Despite extensive inquiries, officers have been unable to locate him and are urgently seeking public assistance.
4 outlets · Internationals take 7-3 lead at Presidents Cup after foursomes sweep
The International Team secured a 5-0 sweep in the foursomes session at Medinah Country Club to lead the United States 7-3. Following an initial one-point deficit, players including Ryan Fox and Nick Taylor helped build the cushion. The team now holds its largest lead in the competition since 1998.
4 outlets · Waikato Expressway lanes closed following serious crashes
Multiple accidents on State Highway 1 near Hamilton have caused significant traffic delays. These incidents include a motorcycle crash near Horsham Downs that left one person injured and a single-vehicle crash near Whangamarino that closed all four lanes of the expressway.
4 outlets · Eleven-man Wallabies upset South Africa 42-38 in Perth
Australia led at halftime and held out on a comeback from the world champion Springboks.
4 outlets · Weather warnings issued for heavy rain, snow and gales
A fast-moving weather front has brought heavy rain, snow and severe gales to parts of New Zealand. Orange warnings were issued for heavy rain in the Tararua Range, snow in the Canterbury High Country, and strong winds in the lower North Island. Some areas recorded wind gusts of up to 157km/h.
3 outlets · Liam Lawson promoted to 11th for Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson will start the Azerbaijan Grand Prix from 11th after qualifying 12th. He was promoted one place following a five-place grid penalty for Carlos Sainz. Meanwhile, George Russell secured pole position after championship leader Kimi Antonelli crashed out of qualifying.
3 outlets · Small seal causes brief traffic halt in downtown Wellington
A determined seal caused traffic to stop in downtown Wellington on Saturday night. Police officers used road cones to help guide the animal across the road. Onlookers watched as the creature was escorted through the city.
2 outlets · Education minister and principals' federation at odds over recent speech
The Education Minister and the New Zealand Principals' Federation are in conflict following a speech delivered at the International Confederation of Principals Convention. The federation described the speech as disrespectful, disappointing, and embarrassing.
2 outlets · Canterbury defeats Southland 34-21 in Christchurch NPC match
Canterbury secured a 34-21 victory over Southland at One NZ Stadium. Despite losing All Blacks lock Jamie Hannah to a concussion, Canterbury maintained their lead to win the match. The result comes as the Christchurch venue prepares for potential additional rugby fixtures next month.
2 outlets · Shark attack survivor discusses recovery and connection to New Zealand
Leah Stewart, who lost an arm during a shark attack at Sydney's Coogee Beach in June, has spoken about her recovery. She shared that her family played the Lord of the Rings soundtrack while she was in a coma to help calm her. Stewart described New Zealand as her happy place.
2 outlets · Waikato police officer named after stealing $68,000 from pensioner
Haimona Keelim Tamati-Te Paki, a constable based in Ngāruawāhia, has had his bid for permanent name suppression denied. The officer was assigned to assist a vulnerable pensioner from whom he stole $68,000. Tamati-Te Paki was previously recognised as the 2022 Police Sportsperson of the Year.
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