Wednesday 30 September 2026
45 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Homicide investigation launched after two people found dead in Buller
Police have launched a homicide investigation after two people were found dead at separate properties in the Buller region on Tuesday. Emergency services were first called to a State Highway 7 address near Rahu Saddle. Authorities say there is no risk to the public and they are not seeking anyone else.
+26 outlets · Climate activists demand government accountability in landmark EU trade complaint
Climate activists are putting their weight behind a claim New Zealand has broken its climate change promises in the free trade agreement with the EU.
+26 outlets · Three King Cobra gang members arrested after Christchurch police raid
Police arrested three King Cobra gang members following a search of a Northcote property on Monday. The Gang Disruption Unit seized nine firearms, including a suppressed semi-automatic rifle, more than a kilogram of cannabis and $15,000 in cash. The operation followed an investigation into an alleged gang-linked cannabis supply chain.
+15 outlets · All Whites aim for Kirin Cup success in Japan
The All Whites are preparing to face Panama at Yokohama Stadium on Thursday as part of the Kirin Cup. Following recent wins against China and a draw with Palestine, the team aims to reach the tournament final. Captain Chris Wood has joined the squad in Japan after reflecting on the team's recent World Cup exit.
4 outlets · Homicide investigation launched after woman found dead in Christchurch
Police are investigating the death of a woman at a Purchas Street property in Edgeware, Christchurch. Officers were called to the scene just before 6am on Wednesday. A second person at the address is currently assisting police with enquiries, and officials state there is no risk to public safety.
4 outlets · Police seek man seen on Mt Dewar track near Queenstown
Police are looking for a man who was seen on the Mt Dewar summit track around 12.30pm on 18 September. He may have information regarding the disappearance of 47-year-old Erika Rodrigues Coelho. The Brazilian national has not been heard from since the day she vanished.
4 outlets · Fire breaks out at Coca-Cola facility in Mt Wellington
Approximately 50 firefighters responded to a second-floor blaze at a Coca-Cola production building on Carbine Road on Wednesday afternoon. The incident reached a third alarm and included a computer malfunction on an aerial fire truck. Coca-Cola Europacific NZ confirmed that all people at the site have been accounted for.
4 outlets · Dave Rennie calls for the NPC to be maintained
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has urged NZ Rugby to preserve the National Provincial Championship. He described the competition as a vital part of the game's identity and a key component of the development system for the All Blacks.
4 outlets · Former Speaker and Labour MP Adrian Rurawhe has died
Adrian Rurawhe has died at Rātana Pā following a recent illness. The former Te Tai Hauāuru MP and Speaker of the House was 65 years old. He will lie in state at Whangaehu Marae before being buried at Ngā Puketuurua Ratana Pā.
4 outlets · David Seymour campaigns for government to buy Epsom university site
ACT leader and Epsom MP David Seymour is urging the government to acquire the University of Auckland's vacant 37-acre Epsom campus. He proposes using the land for a new co-educational public school to prevent high-density housing from increasing pressure on local grammar school zones.
3 outlets · One person seriously injured in Hamilton dirt bike and truck crash
A person was seriously injured and taken to Waikato Hospital after a dirt bike collided with a truck on Arthur Porter Drive on Wednesday evening. Police and the Serious Crash Unit attended the scene, and the road was closed with diversions in place.
3 outlets · Macklan Robertson named on Canterbury bench for NPC debut
Macklan Robertson has been selected on the bench for Canterbury's final regular season NPC match against Manawatū. The first five-eighth, son of former All Blacks coach Scott Robertson, is set to make his provincial debut this weekend.
3 outlets · Vehicle fire causes southbound delays on Auckland's Southern Motorway
A vehicle fire on State Highway 1 near Penrose caused traffic delays during Wednesday afternoon rush hour. Emergency services were called to the blaze at approximately 4.25pm, blocking one southbound lane near the Ellerslie-Panmure Highway off-ramp. Police reported that no injuries occurred.
3 outlets · Maketū Pies for sale as Montana Group proposes factory closure
The Montana Group is proposing to close the Maketū Pies factory in the Bay of Plenty when its lease expires in December. The move, which follows a period of production growth, puts approximately 21 full-time jobs at risk. The brand is now being offered for sale.
3 outlets · Woman charged with manslaughter after boy drowns at Napier beach
Rania Whare, 64, has been charged with manslaughter following the death of five-year-old Future Wairau at Westshore Beach in February. The charge relates to a failure to provide necessary care. Whare appeared briefly in Napier District Court on Wednesday.
4 outlets · Fontaines D.C and Hayley Williams to headline Laneway 2027
The Laneway Festival has announced its 2027 Auckland lineup, featuring headliners Fontaines D.C and Hayley Williams. Other performers include Slayyyter, Kim Petras, and local band Balu Brigada. The event is scheduled to take place at Western Springs on 21 February.
3 outlets · Political parties clash over student debt and tax in student debate
Candidates from various political parties debated student issues at the University of Auckland. The discussion focused on the cost of living and student debt, including a Labour proposal for a 10% debt cut for those not covered by Fees Free.
3 outlets · New road rules to take effect from 1 October
Four new road rules will come into effect on 1 October. The changes involve overtaking requirements, including a 1.5m gap when passing road users in the same lane, as well as new regulations for e-scooters and children riding bicycles.
3 outlets · Phil Keoghan brings The Amazing Race to his Christchurch hometown
The 39th season premieres on CBS this September for viewers across North America.
2 outlets · Netflix adaptation of East of Eden to debut on 1 October
A seven-episode Netflix series based on John Steinbeck's novel East of Eden will be released on 1 October. The period drama was filmed in New Zealand, with actor Florence Pugh expressing a desire to return to the country.
2 outlets · Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson go dark in psychological thriller Verity
Colleen Hoover’s bestselling thriller becomes a twisted big-screen tale of obsession, suspicion and desire, with Josh Hartnett caught in the middle.
2 outlets · Dwayne Johnson announces documentary about Portia Woodman-Wickliffe
Dwayne Johnson has confirmed an upcoming documentary titled Undeniable: Portia Woodman. The project, produced by Seven Bucks Productions, will focus on the former Black Ferns star, whom Johnson described as the greatest women's rugby player of all time.
2 outlets · Christchurch gelato shop launches election scoop poll
Rollickin' Gelato in Christchurch is offering seven political party-inspired flavours to encourage voting. Customers can cast a vote for their preferred party by purchasing a scoop. National leader Christopher Luxon recently visited the shop to participate in the poll.
2 outlets · Psychologist charged with historical sexual offences against young men
Ban Teik Tan, also known as Ricki Tan, faces charges of indecency and sexual offences involving five complainants between 1996 and 2005. The 63-year-old psychologist had professional links to Oranga Tamariki and the Youth Court. Police are investigating whether there are further complainants.
4 outlets · Cocaine replaced with flour in Suva High Court exhibit room
Fiji police have confirmed that approximately 40kg of cocaine stored at the Suva High Court was replaced with flour. Six persons of interest have been identified following the discovery that some of the 39 cocaine bars were missing. Forensic tests on the remaining substance returned negative results.
3 outlets · Community Patrols NZ apologises to MP over social media comment
Community Patrols NZ apologised to Selwyn MP Nicola Grigg and tightened its password security after a comment about her appearance was posted from its Timaru page.
2 outlets · Auckland richlister’s company sentenced after ex-landfill pollutes Manukau Harbour
Five years after a cyclist complained, a company owned by wealthy ‘philanthropist’ John Sax has been sentenced for fouling a Māngere inlet with waste.
2 outlets · Ruapehu mayor welcomes delay on council reform decisions
The Government’s delay on local government restructuring gives councils more time to work through the complexity of mergers, Weston Kirton says.
2 outlets · Jayleb-Che Dean: Tokoroa memorial walk marks one year since disappearance
Every night for a year, his family have prayed together for his return.
2 outlets · Labour MP holds narrow lead in Mt Albert electorate poll
A new Curia poll shows Labour MP Helen White leading National's Melissa Lee by one per cent in the Mt Albert electorate. The results were released during a candidate debate hosted by The Spinoff. Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong is also contesting the seat.
2 outlets · Almost $3 million in water charges missed across Selwyn
Almost $3 million in drinking water charges may not have been billed over an 18-month period in Selwyn, with about 2700 properties potentially affected.
1 outlet · Westerly winds expected to increase temperatures
Thursday's weather is expected to be unremarkable with westerly winds increasing the heat. Some showery activity and rain are still anticipated across the bottom of the country.
1 outlet · Family of missing Queenstown woman speak out for the first time
The family and best friend of Erika Rodrigues Coelho have spoken publicly as searches continue for the 47-year-old. Coelho has been missing since 18 September, and her family remains hopeful she will be found safe.
2 outlets · Auckland train trips increase following City Rail Link opening
Daily train trips in Auckland have risen by nearly 60 per cent in the two weeks since the City Rail Link opened. More than one million total boardings have been recorded, with West Auckland trips increasing by almost 173 per cent.
2 outlets · Breaking Bad actors Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul to visit Auckland
Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul will perform a 90-minute live speaking engagement in Auckland next year. The duo will discuss the production of Breaking Bad, including difficult scenes and mistakes made during filming.
2 outlets · Rising fuel prices impact New Zealand business confidence
Business confidence in New Zealand eased by two points in September according to the ANZ Business Outlook survey. The decline follows a 22% increase in retail fuel prices over the past month. Despite this, optimists still outnumber pessimists and the impact is less severe than the initial oil shock in April.
2 outlets · Police investigated for language during Auckland motorway pursuit
The Independent Police Conduct Authority agreed with police findings regarding a high-speed pursuit involving a stolen car in Auckland. While the force used to arrest four teenagers was deemed justified, three officers were spoken to by managers after using unprofessional and aggressive language during the incident.
2 outlets · Meridian Energy to invest up to $510 million in Waitaki Power Station
Meridian Energy plans to spend between $440 million and $510 million upgrading the 92-year-old Waitaki Power Station over the next decade. The project aims to improve seismic resilience and increase generation capacity from 105MW to 120MW. Completion of the works is scheduled for 2036.
2 outlets · Tākuta Ferris open to coalition with National, Act and NZ First
Independent MP Tākuta Ferris stated he is open to joining a coalition with National, Act, and New Zealand First. He noted he would consider this if it ensures his Te Tai Tonga electorate has a voice. The comments were made during a Māori seat debate featuring four candidates.
2 outlets · Police and DIA investigators search Christchurch pub and executive home
Department of Internal Affairs investigators and police executed search warrants at the Cranford Ale House in Papanui on Friday. The searches, which focused on gambling machine operations, also included the home of a major pokie organisation's chief executive. The investigation is ongoing.
2 outlets · KiwiRail posts $162 million operating surplus despite large tax deficit
KiwiRail recorded a $162 million operating surplus and an 11% rise in freight revenue for the year ending June 30. However, the company reported a post-tax deficit of over $1.4 billion, largely due to an impairment charge related to the Auckland City Rail Link.
2 outlets · Record emergency department presentations causing crisis for New Zealand doctors
The Australasian College for Emergency Medicine reports that annual emergency department presentations have reached a record 1.4 million. Doctors warn that rising patient complexity, bed shortages, and workforce pressures are leaving departments operating at or above capacity. This represents a 21 per cent increase in presentations since 2015-16.
3 outlets · Study finds South Island spaceport for European rockets is feasible
A feasibility study suggests building a spaceport at Kaitorete, south of Christchurch, is viable. The joint study by Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre and French company SpaceDreamS indicates the site could provide European launch companies with a Southern Hemisphere base to mitigate various risks.
2 outlets · Debbie Ngarewa-Packer leads candidate poll in Te Tai Hauāuru
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer is leading the candidate vote in Te Tai Hauāuru according to a Whakaata Māori-Curia poll. She holds 38 per cent of the vote, ahead of Labour's Te Pūoho Katene at 27 per cent. While Ngarewa-Packer leads the candidate vote, Labour is ahead on the party vote.
2 outlets · Northland faces shortage of drug detox beds in Dargaville
The head of a Kaikohe recovery centre says people withdrawing from substances like methamphetamine are struggling due to a lack of detox beds in Northland. The region's only facility in Dargaville has eight beds and currently faces wait times of two to five weeks.
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