Labour releases fiscal plan ahead of November election
The Labour Party has released a fiscal plan claiming all election promises are fully funded. The plan includes a $2.5 billion interim pay rise for care and support workers but has not provided a specific cost for fully re-implementing the pay equity regime. Labour intends to reach a surplus at the same time as National.
+26 outlets · Sydney Roosters edge Newcastle Knights in NRL grand final thriller
Daly Cherry-Evans’ field goal with 10 minutes to play was ultimately the difference between the two teams.
+15 outlets · Police seek mystery man who rescued elderly person from Gisborne fire
Police are searching for a driver who stopped to rescue an 89-year-old from a burning house on Aberdeen Road in Gisborne. The man reportedly entered the building and pulled the occupant through a window before leaving the scene. Emergency services were called to the fire at approximately 1am on Saturday.
4 outlets · Former Blues hooker Kurt Eklund retires due to neck injury
Former Blues and Māori All Blacks captain Kurt Eklund has retired from professional rugby. The player, who had signed with Japan's Canon Eagles, decided to step away after being advised regarding ongoing neck injuries. Eklund confirmed the decision via social media.
4 outlets · Liam Lawson qualifies 11th for Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia
New Zealander Liam Lawson missed the final qualifying session at Sepang by just over 0.2 seconds. Racing Bulls driver Lawson finished 11th, narrowly behind Gabriel Bortoleto. Max Verstappen secured pole position for the race held in Malaysia.
4 outlets · Counties Manukau retain Ranfurly Shield with win over Hawke’s Bay
Counties Manukau successfully defended the Ranfurly Shield with a 12-7 victory against Hawke’s Bay at Navigation Homes Stadium in Pukekohe. The home side led 12-0 at halftime before holding off late attacks to keep the trophy for the summer.
+15 outlets · Green Party proposes $4 billion passenger rail network
The Green Party has announced a plan to connect major cities via passenger rail if elected. The proposal includes an overnight Auckland to Wellington service, a Christchurch to Dunedin route, and extending the Te Huia service to Tauranga. The estimated cost for the project is approximately $4.02 billion.
+15 outlets · Person injured in air gun attack at Hamilton bus stop
A person sustained moderate injuries after being shot with an air gun on Masters Avenue, near Hillcrest Park, on Saturday afternoon. Police are searching for four or five people who were reportedly seen travelling in a small orange car near the scene.
4 outlets · Fire at Masterton pub brought under control
Fire crews were called to Farriers Bar and Eatery on Queen Street after an alarm at around 7.30am. The blaze was brought under control with assistance from multiple crews across the lower North Island. Firefighters remain at the scene to conduct salvage operations and protect unaffected areas.
4 outlets · Newcastle crash: Teen driver charged after car allegedly hits Knights fans, injuring 10
The 18-year-old had his licence suspended earlier this year, court records show.
3 outlets · ACT proposes ban on mandatory karakia in resource consents
The ACT Party wants to change planning laws to prevent resource consents from requiring developers to participate in or fund karakia and other religious observances. Spokesperson Simon Court announced the policy, stating that planning decisions should focus on identifiable effects rather than spiritual requirements.
3 outlets · Dane Gagai cleared to represent Kiwis in Rugby League World Cup
International Rugby League has overturned an initial decision to allow Newcastle Knights centre Dane Gagai to switch allegiance from Australia to New Zealand. Gagai will join teammate Kalyn Ponga in the Kiwis squad for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup.
3 outlets · Government purchases Drury land for potential South Auckland hospital
Health New Zealand has acquired a 13-hectare site on Karaka Road in Drury for approximately $45 million. The land, purchased from Fisher and Paykel Healthcare, is intended for a potential new hospital to support South Auckland's growing population. The site is located near State Highway 2 and the future Ngākōroa railway station.
3 outlets · Strong magnitude 5.3 earthquake strikes near New Plymouth
A strong magnitude 5.3 earthquake occurred at 2.57am near New Plymouth, 25km east of the city. More than 7,000 people reported feeling the tremor, which occurred at a depth of 11km. Three aftershocks have been recorded following the initial quake.
3 outlets · New Zealand heritage sites used for filming Netflix series East of Eden
Historic properties in Auckland and Coromandel served as locations for the Netflix production starring Florence Pugh. The actor described a pōwhiri welcoming the cast and crew to the country as a highlight of the filming process.
2 outlets · New Zealander remembered after death during Hong Kong swimming race
Blair Reeve, 58, died suddenly and unexpectedly during an open-water swimming race in Hong Kong on Thursday. The New Zealander was reportedly being rescued during the Peng Chau Challenge when he passed away. Friends and community members are remembering him as a remarkable individual gifted in music, poetry, and languages.
2 outlets · Nepalese student turned to cocaine importation after failing to find IT work
Anurag Maskey, 27, began importing cocaine after being unable to find employment matching his information technology diploma. Maskey arrived in New Zealand as a student in 2018 and worked various unskilled jobs before turning to drug importation.
2 outlets · Plans to open Sir Sam Neill’s Central Otago farm to visitors
Two months after the death of actor Sir Sam Neill, his Two Paddocks Winery is preparing for a new vintage. There are plans to begin tours of the Central Otago farm, which may start in December.
2 outlets · The challenges of cleaning methamphetamine contaminated properties
Specialist cleaners wearing hazmat gear and protective equipment face risks such as booby traps and waste when decontaminating homes. The process can involve significant hazards, and waste removal may take up to three days before decontamination work can begin.
2 outlets · Temperatures to drop as cold front sweeps across New Zealand
A cold front is bringing a sharp drop in temperatures and rain across the country. Some areas may experience frosty mornings, with highs in Blenheim and Christchurch expected to fall from 24C to 12C.
2 outlets · New Zealand must promote new industries to compete globally
Oxford University professor Ngaire Woods suggests New Zealand needs to develop new industries to remain competitive. As global powers like China and the United States support specific sectors, the expert argues that New Zealand's current approach must adapt to geopolitical volatility.
2 outlets · Letters discuss political campaigns and potential coalition agreements
Letters to the editor explore the possibility of a National and Labour coalition. Other topics include the benefits of MMP and recent opinion polls showing Labour with a slight lead over National.
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