Two people found dead in Buller identified by police
Police have named Chelsey Anne Russell, 34, and Samuel Frederick Bass, 45, following their deaths at separate properties near Reefton on Tuesday. A homicide investigation has been launched into the discoveries. Authorities stated they are not seeking anyone else at this time.
+26 outlets · Police search Linwood property for missing Christchurch man
Police have cordoned off a house on the corner of England and Hereford streets in Linwood. Specialist teams are conducting a scene examination at the property, which is believed to be the last known address of 21-year-old Braydon Hepworth. Hepworth has been missing since mid-September.
+15 outlets · National announces nine-point energy plan to lower power costs
The National Party has unveiled its "Electrify NZ 2.0" energy policy aimed at reducing electricity bills and increasing security. The nine-point plan proposes allowing developers to build transmission, enabling consumers to sell rooftop solar, and requiring generators to provide easier access to backup power contracts.
+15 outlets · Police officer injured by fleeing vehicle is walking and talking
A constable critically injured while laying road spikes near Palmerston North in August has seen his condition substantially improve. Two teenagers, aged 14 and 15, have accepted responsibility for the crash on reduced charges. The officer is recovering and expects another three to six months of rehabilitation.
+15 outlets · Hurricanes sign All Black Semisi Ta’eiloa to two-year deal
The Hurricanes have signed 22-year-old loose forward Semisi Ta’eiloa on a two-year contract. The former Moana Pasifika number eight recently made his All Blacks debut during the tour of South Africa. The signing bolsters the defending Super Rugby Pacific champions' squad for the upcoming seasons.
4 outlets · Man critically injured after stabbing in central Hamilton
A man was taken to Waikato Hospital in critical condition after being stabbed in the neck on Friday afternoon. The incident occurred on Anglesea Street near a homeless shelter. Police have arrested and charged a 27-year-old man with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
4 outlets · Tip Top Jelly Tip ice creams recalled over bacteria risk
Tip Top is recalling a batch of Jelly Tip ice cream six-packs sold at Woolworths supermarkets across the North Island. The products, which have a best-before date of 30 September 2028, may contain Bacillus cereus bacteria. This bacteria can cause severe gastrointestinal illness and diarrhoea.
4 outlets · Politicians and iwi leaders attend tangi for Adrian Rurawhe
A delegation of politicians, iwi leaders, and the Māori Queen gathered at Whangaehu Marae in Whanganui to mourn former Speaker of the House Adrian Rurawhe. The former Labour MP died last Wednesday at age 65 following a recent illness. He had retired from politics earlier this year.
+15 outlets · Man charged with assault in Rotorua triple homicide granted bail
A man charged with assaulting a family relative has been granted electronic bail following the deaths of a woman and two children in Glenholme. The man must wear an ankle bracelet and live outside Rotorua. The deaths occurred at a High Street home on 7 September.
4 outlets · National Party launches campaign bus in East Auckland
National leader Christopher Luxon and several MPs launched the party's campaign bus in East Auckland. The event included policy discussions as the party enters its pre-election phase. The launch takes place 35 days before the upcoming election.
3 outlets · White Ferns squad announced for T20I series against Australia
Melie Kerr will captain a 15-player squad for the upcoming T20I series in Australia. Dean Brownlie will serve as interim coach following Ben Sawyer's departure. The squad includes returning players Eden Carson, Bella James, Molly Penfold, and Hannah Rowe.
4 outlets · Sir Richard Hadlee calls for New Zealand Cricket board to resign
Sir Richard Hadlee has written to New Zealand Cricket's chief executive and board, expressing embarrassment regarding his association with the organisation. He cited a lack of transparency in decision-making and has called for the entire board to step down to restore trust in the national body.
4 outlets · Christopher Luxon corrects claim regarding Green Party allegations
National leader Christopher Luxon has walked back comments made by Trade Minister Todd McClay, who accused the Green Party of working with foreign actors regarding a climate change complaint. Luxon also clarified that the allegations originated from his minister rather than the media.
4 outlets · Boy dies after falling from cliff at Cooks Beach
A 14-year-old boy has died following a fall from Shakespeare Cliff in the Coromandel on Friday evening. Emergency services were called to Purangi Road around 5.50pm, where the boy reportedly died at the scene. Police cordons remain in place at the location.
3 outlets · Three firefighters injured after vehicle rolls in Manawatū
Three volunteer firefighters were injured on Friday when their engine rolled on Mt Biggs Rd in Halcombe. The crew was travelling to a vegetation fire when the crash occurred. Two people are in moderate condition, with one taken to Whanganui Hospital and another to Palmerston North Hospital.
3 outlets · Pygmy killer whales die after mass stranding on Ninety Mile Beach
Between 12 and 15 pygmy killer whales have died following a mass stranding north of Hukatere on Thursday night. The Department of Conservation, iwi, and volunteers responded to the incident on Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe, where an unknown number of whales may have refloated.
3 outlets · Two arrested as protesters block emergency exits at Christchurch summit
Two men, aged 23 and 56, were arrested for obstruction after vehicles allegedly blocked emergency accessways at the Te Pae Convention Centre on Friday. Dozens of protesters gathered to oppose the New Zealand Aerospace Summit, though organisers stated the demonstration caused no delays for delegates.
3 outlets · Auckland electronics company fined for attempting to export dual-use components
APVM Electronics Private Limited was fined $18,720 in the Manukau District Court after pleading guilty to two charges. The company attempted to export 9,098 integrated circuits to Singapore and Hong Kong without notifying authorities. While used in consumer electronics, the components could also be used in missiles and drones.
3 outlets · Charlisse Leger-Walker arrives in Wellington for Tauihi basketball stint
WNBA rookie Charlisse Leger-Walker has arrived in Wellington to play for the Tokomanawa Queens. Following her debut season with the Connecticut Sun, she will make her Tauihi Aotearoa debut against the Mainland Pouākai in Porirua this Sunday.
2 outlets · Celebrated Christchurch model Kirsty Lay dies aged 64
Kirsty Lay, a prominent New Zealand model from the 1980s, has died peacefully on Monday. The Christchurch woman achieved international success working in New York. She is survived by her partner, children, father, and siblings.
3 outlets · Mayor calls for political commitment to restore the Chateau Tongariro Hotel
Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton is calling for political commitment to restore the Chateau Tongariro Hotel, saying reports that demolition remains an option will upset the thousands of people who have supported saving the Category 1 heritage-listed landmark.
2 outlets · Solar farm developer denies gaming the fast-track system
Far North Solar Farm Ltd has been accused by local community members of gaming the fast-track system by suspending its application for a Mackenzie development. The company maintains it has been transparent and states that pausing the project was necessary to allow more time for ecological work.
2 outlets · WNBA star Hailey Van Lith to play in New Zealand
Connecticut Sun guard Hailey Van Lith has signed with the Tokomanawa Queens for the Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa league. The 25-year-old American player intends to spend three months exploring New Zealand during her stay.
2 outlets · Review launched into OmniHealth services following staff resignations
Health New Zealand is reviewing whether OmniHealth can continue to provide safe healthcare at its practices. The investigation follows the resignation of seven staff members, including a doctor and nurses, from the Pahīatua Medical Centre in September. The organisation has faced criticism regarding staffing shortages and workloads at its centres.
2 outlets · Site chosen for new Nelson-Tasman rain radar
A site near Horoirangi Peak has been selected for a new rain radar to address weather forecasting gaps in the Nelson-Tasman region. The project, which has received up to $5 million in funding, is expected to be operational by mid-2027.
2 outlets · Police appeal to identify woman found in central Auckland
Police are seeking public assistance to identify a woman found in central Auckland on Monday. After concerns were raised regarding her welfare, she was taken to Auckland City Hospital for care. Officers have exhausted all lines of inquiry to establish her identity.
2 outlets · Nelson councillor retains seat after successful appeal against conviction
Nelson City councillor Tim Skinner has been discharged without conviction following a High Court appeal. Skinner had previously pleaded guilty to breaching a protection order through unauthorised contact. The successful appeal means a city by-election will not be required.
3 outlets · Ponsonby early learning service closes due to asbestos concerns in rangoli powder
An early learning centre in Ponsonby has temporarily closed following concerns that recalled rangoli powder may contain asbestos. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has issued recall notices for five products. The Education Review Office says the service has taken appropriate steps to manage the potential risk.
2 outlets · Z Energy warns of upward pressure on fuel prices
Z Energy says New Zealand's fuel supplies are secure through the end of the year, with stocks at their highest level since the US-Iran war. However, the company warns that global stockpile depletion and geopolitical developments could lead to higher petrol and diesel prices.
2 outlets · David Seymour works shift at St Heliers Four Square
ACT Party leader David Seymour worked a shift at a St Heliers supermarket. The move comes as the party increases criticism of the National Party's proposal to break up the supermarket duopoly. ACT is also experiencing an increase in donations during the election campaign.
2 outlets · New book explores the final decade of Sir Tim Shadbolt
A new book titled Shadbolt: Tim’s Final Chapter will be released next week. Written by Margaret Evans, the work covers the former Invercargill mayor's life from 2013 until his death earlier this year, including his legal disputes and political tensions.
2 outlets · Gisborne council votes to close Titirangi Maunga roads to vehicles overnight
Gisborne District councillors have voted to implement overnight road closures at Titirangi Maunga. The proposal, put forward by Ngāti Oneone, aims to address concerns regarding illegal dumping, vandalism, and antisocial behaviour. Only pedestrians and cyclists will be permitted access to the site during these hours.
2 outlets · Four arrested after Southland drug operation uncovers drugs and stolen vehicle
Police executed search warrants at several addresses in Gore and the wider Southland area during an operation targeting suspected drug dealers. The searches, which involved a drug detection dog, uncovered Class A and B drugs and a stolen vehicle. Four people have been arrested, and further arrests are expected.
2 outlets · Niue government purchases $2.2 million Auckland property as strategic asset
The Niuean government has bought a five-bedroom home in Māngere Bridge for $2.2 million. Described as a strategic asset, the property is expected to serve as a consulate for the local Niuean community.
2 outlets · Auckland baker wins national sausage roll competition
Bunnarith Sao from Dairy Flat Bakery has been named the 2026 Bakels Legendary Sausage Roll champion. The competition was judged in Christchurch, where the Auckland baker's recipe was voted the best in New Zealand.
2 outlets · Farmers increasingly insuring working dogs as valuable farm assets
Some farmers are taking out insurance for their working dogs, which can be valued at $5,000 or more for elite breeding. Veterinarian Dr Robyn Haasbroek noted that approximately half of the 200 farmers she works with have opted for coverage to protect against injury or loss.
2 outlets · El Niño poses environmental risks for Hawke’s Bay
Hawke’s Bay regional councillors were briefed on Wednesday regarding potential El Niño impacts. The strengthening tropical Pacific conditions could lead to wildfires, poor water quality, algal blooms, and fish deaths. Integrated Catchment manager Richard Wakelin discussed the council's role if the region experiences extreme dry conditions.
2 outlets · Warriors to open new retail store at Sylvia Park
The New Zealand Warriors will open an official merchandise store, named 'The Wah-House', at Auckland's Sylvia Park on 5 November. The new outlet replaces the club's shop at Go Media Stadium. The store will initially operate under a six-month lease to meet increased demand for team products.
2 outlets · Candidates hold first election debate on the Chatham Islands
In a historic first, political candidates travelled to the Chatham Islands to hold an election debate with local voters. Approximately 40 residents attended the event on Thursday night to hear from those seeking to represent the remote community.
2 outlets · Liam Lawson expects decision on Formula 1 future soon
Kiwi driver Liam Lawson anticipates a decision regarding his Formula 1 future within the next few weeks. Despite finishing ninth in the championship as the highest-placed driver outside the top four teams, his position for next season remains unconfirmed.
2 outlets · Investigations launched into two separate fires in Petone and Dunedin
Firefighters responded to a building fire in Petone just after 12.30am on Friday, which was engulfed in flames upon arrival. Meanwhile, emergency services are investigating a suspicious house fire on High Street in Dunedin that occurred around 2.40am. A scene guard has been established at the Dunedin property.
2 outlets · Rotorua property owners to save millions as earthquake risk status changes
Parliamentary law reforms will reduce the number of buildings deemed earthquake-prone in Rotorua from 66 to 40. This change is expected to save property owners approximately $107 million in compliance costs.
2 outlets · Man filmed base jumping from unfinished Auckland skyscraper
A European content creator known as iliesnec filmed themselves base jumping from the 187m-high Seascape tower in Auckland's CBD. Police have described the act of leaping from the stalled residential development as reckless.
2 outlets · Black Caps drawn with South Africa and England for World Cup
New Zealand will face hosts South Africa in their opening match at the 2027 ODI Cricket World Cup in Cape Town. The Black Caps' group stage also includes games against England, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and a qualifier. The tournament is being hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
2 outlets · Jack Tame gears up for Leaders Debate
The Q+A host is moderating the live televised event.
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