Sports journalist and broadcaster Phil Gifford dies aged 79
Veteran sports journalist, broadcaster and author Phil Gifford has died in Auckland on Tuesday night. His career in media spanned more than 50 years, during which he worked across radio, newspapers and books. Tributes have been paid to the long-serving journalist by various figures in the sporting community.
+26 outlets · Captain stabbed during alleged hijacking attempt on FlyDubai flight
Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot during a FlyDubai flight from the United Arab Emirates to Israel. The pilot, who trained in Dunedin, was reportedly involved in a struggle that may have been an attempt to crash the aircraft. All passengers were reported safe following the incident.
4 outlets · Ardie Savea confirms move to the Blues for 2027 season
All Blacks captain Ardie Savea has confirmed he will join the Blues for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season. The loose forward signed a one-year deal following the collapse of Moana Pasifika. Savea will reunite with former Hurricanes coach Jason Holland in Auckland.
4 outlets · Police investigate unexplained death of a man in Dunedin
Emergency services were called to Leckhampton Court in Dunedin around 11pm Wednesday after a man was found unresponsive. A witness reported hearing an argument and seeing a person with a piece of wood prior to the incident. Police have completed a scene examination and reopened the cordoned road.
+15 outlets · Man charged with murder after woman found dead in Edgeware
A 52-year-old man has been charged with the murder of 37-year-old Sarah Megan Brown. Police were called to a Purchas Street property in Edgeware, Christchurch, just before 6am on Wednesday where Brown was found dead. The man was taken into custody at the scene and has been remanded in custody.
+15 outlets · Greens promise to reinstate pay equity, set aside funding for care and support workers
The Green Party is campaigning on restoring the former pay equity regime, if they are elected in November.
4 outlets · Man charged with murder following death in Glen Innes
A 33-year-old man has been charged with murder after a person was found fatally injured on Sunnymead Road in Glen Innes on Thursday. Police are seeking information regarding two vehicles seen travelling together before the incident. The accused is due to appear in the Auckland District Court.
4 outlets · Labour proposes crackdown on hidden fees and consumer protections
The Labour Party has unveiled a policy to ban various unfair consumer fees if elected. Proposed measures include prohibiting PayWave surcharges and banning certain types of car insurance. Party leader Chris Hipkins announced the plan in Auckland to ensure customers pay the advertised price.
4 outlets · Liam Lawson achieves top 10 finishes in Malaysia F1 practice
New Zealander Liam Lawson finished in the top 10 during both Friday practice sessions at the Sepang International Circuit. Driving for Racing Bulls, Lawson placed eighth in the first session and ninth in the second. Charles Leclerc topped the second practice session.
4 outlets · Coroner finds rare umbilical condition was missed before newborn's death
A coroner has ruled that a rare umbilical cord condition was missed on successive occasions during a pregnancy. Sage William Mana Lewis was born at Rotorua Hospital in November 2019 and died shortly after at Waikato Hospital due to perinatal asphyxia.
+15 outlets · Liquidators sue four former SolarZero directors over $476m collapse
Liquidators from Grant Thornton New Zealand have filed High Court proceedings against four former directors of Lunar Infinity, formerly known as SolarZero. The legal action follows the solar energy company's 2024 collapse, which left creditors owing an estimated $476 million.
+15 outlets · Police seek family of WWI soldier after medals found in Christchurch
Police discovered the medals of Private Victor Powell during an unrelated search of a Christchurch property. Powell was born in the Far North in 1892 and enlisted in 1916. Authorities are now working to locate his relatives with assistance from Medals Reunited NZ.
4 outlets · Actor Cliff Curtis injured in Auckland waterfront vehicle crash
Cliff Curtis was hospitalised with internal injuries after his Tesla struck a parked taxi on Auckland's waterfront on 23 September. The actor, who was assisting others with first aid after the collision, said he is deeply saddened by the incident and is collaborating with authorities.
4 outlets · Auckland average asking price falls below $1 million for first time in six years
Auckland's average property asking price dropped to $993,562 in September, according to realestate.co.nz data. This marks the first time in six years the average has fallen below $1 million. The current figure is more than $280,000 lower than the city's January 2022 peak.
4 outlets · National promises trial of passport-free travel between NZ and Australia
The National Party has pledged to trial seamless, digital trans-Tasman travel for citizens if re-elected. Under the proposal, travellers would submit passport details and digital declarations via smartphone before departing. The plan, announced in Queenstown, would require Australian backing and aims to be implemented before the 2028 T20 World Cup.
4 outlets · Investigation finds systemic failures caused Air New Zealand plane to fly low
A TAIC report found that an Air New Zealand aircraft descended approximately 2500 feet below its planned flight path during a June 2023 night approach to Timaru. The investigation revealed that pilots became fixated on spotting runway lights while the aircraft was in an incorrect autopilot mode.
4 outlets · Winston Peters named winner of Kingmakers' debate
Political leaders from several minor parties participated in the first major debate of the 2026 election season on Thursday night. A panel of panellists ruled that Winston Peters of New Zealand First won the event. Other participants included David Seymour, Chlöe Swarbrick, Rawiri Waititi, and Qiulae Wong.
3 outlets · Three family members found dead at Papatoetoe home
Police are investigating after three related people were found dead at a property on Cambridge Terrace in Papatoetoe on Thursday evening. Emergency services were called to the South Auckland address around 6.40pm. Authorities stated there is no risk to the wider public.
4 outlets · Man faces charges after stolen forklift leads police on chase
A 39-year-old man is facing multiple charges after allegedly stealing a forklift from a Wiri commercial yard early Thursday morning. After smashing through gates, the man led police on a chase through Weymouth. He is due to appear in Manukau District Court on five charges.
3 outlets · Political leaders react to Kingmakers debate
Minor party leaders shared their views following the Stuff Kingmakers debate. NZ First leader Winston Peters dismissed Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins, while Te Pāti Māori's Rawiri Waititi did not provide a post-debate comment.
4 outlets · Lockie Ferguson to help relaunch youth fast bowling challenge
Black Caps bowler Lockie Ferguson has partnered with New Zealand Cricket to revive the Youth Fast Bowling Challenge after an 18-year hiatus. Registrations for the competition open on Friday, 2 October, for boys and girls aged 15 to 18.
3 outlets · Heavy rain and strong winds forecast for school holiday weekend
A weather front is expected to move from the South Island northwards, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to much of New Zealand. The unsettled conditions are forecast to begin in the south on Friday and reach Auckland and Northland by Sunday.
3 outlets · Hipkins announces four-point plan for government transparency and democratic reforms
Labour leader Chris Hipkins has unveiled a suite of proposed democratic reforms during a speech in Auckland. The plan includes introducing a mandatory lobbyist register, limiting the use of urgency in law-making, and moving to a "one person, one vote" rule for local elections.
3 outlets · Cashmere Club bar licence suspended following member's death
The Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority has suspended the Cashmere Club's bar licence for three months. This follows the death of member Colin Hunt, who died from head trauma after falling outside the Christchurch venue. During the suspension, the club may only serve alcohol to restaurant patrons.
3 outlets · Mother and infant daughter identified after Northland vehicle crash
Police have named Waihue Susan Epiha, 35, and her seven-month-old daughter, Huhana Te Waiora Goodwin-Epiha, who died in a two-vehicle crash in Peria on 26 August. The pair, both from the Peria area, were found dead at the scene on Oruru Rd. Investigations into the crash are ongoing.
3 outlets · Nathan Cleary and Tamika Upton win Dally M awards
Nathan Cleary won his first Dally M Medal from home following an ankle injury. Brisbane fullback Tamika Upton secured her third NRLW player of the year award in four seasons. Additionally, Warriors coach Andrew Webster was named NRL coach of the year.
3 outlets · Chris Hipkins campaigns in New Plymouth to win electorate seat
Labour leader Chris Hipkins visited New Plymouth on Wednesday to campaign in Taranaki. During his visit, he toured a state house under construction, visited local shops, and addressed a large public meeting. Hipkins expressed confidence that his party's candidate could win the electorate seat back.
3 outlets · Minor parties could decide next government in tight election race
With five weeks until the election, major parties are tied in recent polling while minor parties surge. Five minor parties are currently polling near or above the 5% threshold, potentially deciding who will form the next government.
3 outlets · Auckland Airport infrastructure upgrade passes the halfway mark
Auckland Airport has reached the midpoint of a $3.9 billion project to integrate its domestic jet and international terminals. The upgrade, which is scheduled for completion by the end of 2029, will include new check-in zones, kiosks, and automatic bag drops.
1 outlet · Bryn Hall joins Hurricanes for Super Rugby return
The Hurricanes have signed veteran halfback Bryn Hall to provide experience for All Blacks player Cam Roigard. Hall returns to Super Rugby after spending four seasons playing in Japan.
3 outlets · Charges laid against Wellington City Council and Tiaki Wai over Moa Point
Greater Wellington Regional Council has filed criminal charges against the Wellington City Council and Tiaki Wai following a catastrophic failure at the Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant in February. The entities face potential fines of up to $100 million each if the allegations are proven.
2 outlets · All Blacks coach confirms 2027 Springboks test locations
Dave Rennie has announced that the All Blacks will host the Springboks in Auckland and Christchurch in July 2027. This two-test series comes ahead of a potential quarter-final match at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
2 outlets · Three people injured in Auckland Southern Motorway crash
A vehicle crash near the Hill Rd off-ramp on Thursday afternoon left three people injured. While one report states one person sustained serious injuries and two others were moderate, another report indicates one person was taken to hospital in moderate condition. The incident caused a southbound lane to be blocked.
2 outlets · New Woolworths supermarket opens in Halswell
A new Woolworths supermarket has opened at 201 Halswell Road in Christchurch following a decade of delays and legal processes. The store is part of a larger 22-hectare commercial and residential development. This location is the first in New Zealand to offer pre-packaged fresh foods instead of a traditional deli.
2 outlets · Epsom candidates discuss school proposal and empty shops
Labour, Green, and National candidates for Epsom have expressed support for David Seymour's proposal to have the government purchase land from Auckland University for a new school. Meanwhile, candidates also clashed over policies regarding empty shops in Newmarket.
2 outlets · Election 2026: Farming, tax and climate policy debated at Mystery Creek
Rural leaders faced off over the future of farming at a lively Mystery Creek debate.
3 outlets · New poll of Māori voters shows strategic voting may be sinking in
The Green Party's support among voters on the Māori roll has surged, according to a new poll.
1 outlet · Greg O’Connor elected unopposed as new Wellington councillor
The former Ōhariu MP is the only nominated candidate in the by-election to replace the late Tony Randle.
2 outlets · Former nurse who ‘violated’ women during massages still thinks he did nothing wrong
A massage therapist found to have sexually assaulted 14 of his clients who also filmed women getting undressed still denies wrongdoing and has demonstrated “no insight into the harm he has caused”.
4 outlets · Expert panel names Peters winner of Kingmakers' Debate
An expert panel evaluated the performances of five minor party leaders during the Stuff Kingmakers' Debate. The panel identified both strengths and weaknesses in the leaders' presentations, ultimately selecting Peters as the winner.
2 outlets · Police cordons established after serious incident in Papatoetoe
Emergency services are attending a serious incident on Cambridge Terrace in Papatoetoe. Police received the call at approximately 6.40pm on Thursday and have established cordons that are expected to remain overnight. St John has deployed an ambulance, a critical care unit, and an operations manager to the scene.
2 outlets · Farming groups warn of risks in Opportunity Party land tax proposal
Federated Farmers and other groups have criticised the Opportunity Party's proposed land tax policies. The party suggests an annual tax of 1.75 per cent for urban land and 0.5 per cent for rural land. Critics fear these measures could lead to farmers leaving their land.
2 outlets · New Zealand card surcharge ban stalls as Australia implements ban
Australia has introduced a ban on credit and debit card surcharges. While New Zealand's Retail Payment System Amendment Bill was intended to introduce similar restrictions by May, progress has stalled due to political opposition.
3 outlets · Foodstuffs disputes plan to spin off Pak'nSave
Foodstuffs has released a commissioned review from Houston Kemp criticising proposals to separate Pak'nSave from New World and Four Square. The report disputes the economic benefits of the split, claiming the move could lead to industry-wide losses over the next 20 years.
2 outlets · Lord of the Rings filming location in Otago listed for sale
A 901-hectare property near the Poolburn Reservoir has been put on the market for the first time in over 25 years. The Central Otago land, which featured in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, is being listed for $3.5 million.
2 outlets · Dog euthanised after attacking child in Aranui
A six-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier cross has been euthanised following an attack on a child in Aranui, Christchurch. The incident occurred on Breezes Road on Tuesday, leaving the child with serious injuries. Police and council animal management attended the scene after the dog was seized.
2 outlets · Lawyer censured for faking obituary to justify bereavement leave
Kelly Anne Jamieson has been censured by the Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal after admitting to misconduct. She created a fake obituary to justify taking bereavement leave after discovering her estranged family had concealed a relative's death. Jamieson has since resigned from her position and left the legal profession.
3 outlets · Woman jailed for attempting to smuggle cocaine into Auckland Airport
A foreign national has been sentenced to seven years and four months in prison by the Manukau District Court. She was caught after Customs officers discovered more than 1.6kg of cocaine concealed within the lining of her suitcase.
2 outlets · Chris Hipkins criticises campaign to create MMP overhang
Labour leader Chris Hipkins has called a campaign to create a right-wing MMP overhang a rort. The campaign, launched by Harry Mowbray, encourages right-leaning voters to split their votes between ACT and NZ First. Hipkins stated that voters should choose the party they want to lead the government instead of gaming the system.
2 outlets · Heartland shareholders approve $620 million TSB takeover and merger
Heartland Group Holdings shareholders have voted to proceed with a $620 million merger of Heartland Bank and TSB. At a special meeting in Auckland, 94.8 per cent of votes cast were in favour of the proposal to acquire TSB from the Toi Foundation.
2 outlets · Auckland eateries The Store and Ortolana to close next month
The Store and Ortolana will close in October due to a major redevelopment in Britomart. The Store is scheduled to close on 11 October, followed by Ortolana on 18 October. The redevelopment includes plans for a premium office tower at the site of The Pavilions.
2 outlets · Shubman Gill hits fastest ODI double century in India victory
Shubman Gill scored an unbeaten 223 runs off 133 balls to help India secure an eight-wicket win against West Indies in Guwahati. The performance set a new record for the fastest double century in ODI history and contributed to the second-highest successful chase in the format.
2 outlets · New Zealand property values fall for sixth consecutive month
National property values decreased by 0.3 per cent in September, marking six months of continuous decline. Data from Cotality shows the national median value is now $797,078. Analysts suggest a recovery may depend on improved job security in the labour market.
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