Coalition projected to retain majority in latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia poll
The coalition Government is projected to secure 65 seats in the latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia poll. While National and Labour remain close in support, a surge for New Zealand First has extended the coalition's lead. The Opportunity Party sits just below the 5% threshold required to enter Parliament.
+15 outlets · Bathurst 1000: The driver pairs to watch out for
Kiwi Matt Payne is looking to reclaim his Bathurst crown, but faces a number of challengers.
4 outlets · Police investigate suspicious death of Waiheke Island mother
Police are investigating the suspicious death of 32-year-old Chantelle McLaughlin-Middlemiss at her Ōnetangi home. Although she was found alive and well by emergency services on 2 June, she was discovered unresponsive in bed less than an hour later. Authorities believe a small number of people may know what happened.
4 outlets · Winston Peters suggests revisiting conversion therapy ban and comments on abortion
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters expressed hope that the ban on conversion practices could be reviewed or overturned. During a podcast interview, he also stated that abortion could, depending on timing, shade into "murder or assassination". National leader Christopher Luxon has ruled out any changes to the legislation.
+15 outlets · California man sentenced to life for child sexual abuse
John Edward Lario, 21, was sentenced in California State Court to 50 years to life in prison on 2 October. He pleaded guilty to two child sexual abuse offences. The prosecution followed information provided by the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs, which also helped safeguard two children.
4 outlets · New Zealand First unveils party list with newcomers ahead of sitting MPs
New Zealand First has released its candidate list, with Winston Peters retaining the top position. Several new candidates, including Alfred Ngaro and Michael Laws, have been ranked higher than current MPs Jenny Marcroft, Andy Foster, David Wilson, and Jamie Arbuckle. These sitting members have each dropped at least five places on the list.
+15 outlets · McLaren files trademarks for Remuera, Muriwai
British motor company McLaren have moved to file a trademark on two Auckland suburbs, in a move to tie the company closer to its New Zealand roots.
3 outlets · Police reinvestigation finds further alleged offending in 11 cases
Operation Hark, a review of more than 50 sexual assault and child protection files, has identified 11 cases where further alleged offending occurred after initial reports. Two men have been charged, with more prosecutions expected and extradition proceedings being initiated in three matters.
4 outlets · Calls for Te Waihou Blue Spring to close over safety concerns
More than 100,000 tourists have visited the attraction since last year, but with that number also came a range of concerns.
4 outlets · David Tamihere will not face retrial for 1989 murders
David Tamihere's murder convictions from 1989 have been quashed. He will not face a retrial for the crimes, and discussions regarding potential compensation from the Crown may follow.
3 outlets · Grace Brooker recalled to Black Ferns squad for WXV series
Coach Whitney Hansen has announced three changes to the Black Ferns squad for the upcoming WXV matches against France. Matatū midfielder Grace Brooker returns to the team after a year playing Aussie rules. She joins the squad following the departure of Alena Saili and Maia Davis to fulfil Sevens commitments.
3 outlets · Two youths charged after serious assault in Invercargill Queens Park
Two youths have been arrested and charged following a serious assault on a minor in Invercargill's Queens Park last Friday. The charges include aggravated robbery, indecent assault, kidnapping, and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. One youth faces an additional charge of theft.
3 outlets · Police seek sightings of missing 24-year-old man in Auckland
Police are appealing for information regarding Joshua Arnold, who has been missing from Wainui since Sunday, 4 October. He was last seen on Kotuitui Road wearing jeans, jandals, and a black sunhat. Family members and police are concerned for his wellbeing.
3 outlets · Wayde Egan unavailable for Kiwis Rugby League World Cup selection
Warriors hooker Wayde Egan has made himself unavailable for the Kiwis' Rugby League World Cup squad. Coach Stacey Jones named Jeremy Marshall-King as the only specialist hooker in the 23-man team. The tournament is scheduled to begin in Australia next week.
3 outlets · Air New Zealand flight lands safely after declaring mayday
An Air New Zealand flight from Auckland to Napier declared a mayday on Wednesday morning due to a steering and front wheel issue. The aircraft circled over Hawke Bay before landing safely at Hawke’s Bay Airport as emergency services were placed on standby.
3 outlets · Learner driver faces sentencing after fatal collision with Christchurch cyclist
Tyson Delaney Stechman pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death and failing to stop after hitting 60-year-old Ian Huntsman in Sumner. The learner driver reportedly honked his horn before overtaking the cyclist at nearly 100km/h in a 50km/h zone. Stechman then accelerated away from the scene.
3 outlets · Election 2026: Sir John Key, Tamatha Paul sound off on whether billionaires are ‘morally offensive’ in debate
The pair spoke out during the NZ Herald's Future of New Zealand debate.
2 outlets · US C-17 Globemaster jets plan more flights over New Zealand for military training
Flights over both main islands are planned for the massive military transport jets.
2 outlets · Tuturau business owner fights to save slink skin operation
Eddie Zhi is appearing in the Environment Court to challenge an interim enforcement order against his Tuturau business, NZAgri Development. Meanwhile, the Southland District Council is seeking to revoke the factory's resource consent, alleging that repeated breaches have caused harm to the environment and nearby properties.
2 outlets · Canterbury rocket launch spot poised to become European space gateway
Canterbury’s rocket launch facility on Kaitōrete Spit could become a spaceport for Europe’s space industry following research from a French company.
2 outlets · Health company calls for rule change to let pharmacists treat common conditions
Green Cross Health, the owner of Unichem and Life Pharmacies, is calling for rule changes to let pharmacists treat more common conditions, to ease the load on emergency departments and GPs.
2 outlets · Gap grows between powders and fats at Global Dairy Trade auction
The average price rose 1.2 percent at the Global Dairy Trade auction overnight to US$3928 (NZ$6984).
2 outlets · David Seymour arrives at Auckland press standup by bicycle
ACT leader David Seymour arrived at a press standup in Auckland on a bicycle. He also spoke at the party's election campaign launch held in the city.
2 outlets · Wairoa entity investment to provide fuel discounts for members
Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa has invested in the merger of petrol station chains NPD and Gull. As a result of this investment, members with whakapapa to Wairoa will receive a 25 cents per litre discount at Gull stations.
2 outlets · Labour will not campaign to reverse parental test for benefits
Labour leader Chris Hipkins says the party will not commit to reversing a new policy regarding Jobseeker benefit eligibility. Starting in November, 18 and 19-year-olds whose parents earn more than approximately $67,000 will be barred from receiving the benefit.
2 outlets · Timaru doctor suspended for professional misconduct and ivermectin importation
Dr Tracy Anne Chandler has been suspended for three months following findings of professional misconduct. The Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal found the Timaru GP attempted to bulk-import 2000 unapproved ivermectin tablets and sent unprofessional emails threatening health officials with international court trials.
2 outlets · Rawiri Waititi leads in Waiariki electorate according to new poll
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi holds a significant lead in the Waiariki electorate, according to a Curia Research poll for Whakaata Māori. Waititi has 42 percent support, while candidates from the Green, Labour, and Opportunity parties trail behind. Approximately 18 percent of voters remain undecided.
2 outlets · Nine New Zealand sites selected for World Heritage tentative list
Nine culturally and naturally significant locations have been chosen for New Zealand’s World Heritage Tentative List. The Department of Conservation-led review identified these sites, including the Kate Sheppard House and the Te Kauwhanganui Māori Parliament building, as having strong potential to meet UNESCO criteria.
2 outlets · Jacob Laban chooses to represent Kiwis at Rugby League World Cup
Warriors second-rower Jacob Laban has decided to play for New Zealand instead of Samoa. The player sought advice from his father, a Samoan high chief, before making the decision. Laban received his first Kiwis call-up following a successful NRL season.
2 outlets · Political leaders agree on school holiday attendance policy
Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins shared a common stance during a recent leaders' debate. Both leaders agreed that parents should not be permitted to take children out of school for family holidays.
1 outlet · South Auckland couple sentenced for $560,000 tax evasion
Ruta and Sili Ah Ching were sentenced in Manukau District Court for 14 counts of deliberate tax evasion. Ruta Ah Ching received nine months of home detention, while Sili Ah Ching was given six months of community detention. The couple must also pay Inland Revenue $1,000 per month for five years.
2 outlets · Labour proposes reforms to increase competition in banking sector
The Labour Party plans to introduce digital bank licences and e-money licences to help new competitors challenge major banks. Commerce spokesperson Arena Williams stated these reforms aim to improve market access for fintechs. The proposal focuses on digital identity tools and payment system improvements rather than structural bank buybacks.
2 outlets · Security guard loses licence after petrol thefts and visa issues
Gurleen Bahia has had his security certificate of approval revoked following allegations of nine petrol station drive-offs. Police reported that Bahia also remained in New Zealand unlawfully on an expired visa. The decision was made by a member of the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority on Tuesday.
2 outlets · National unveils small business policy package
The National Party has released a plan for small businesses that includes simplifying employment rules and creating a central government service. Small business spokesperson Cameron Brewer said the party will review the $60,000 GST registration threshold rather than committing to an immediate increase.
2 outlets · EatClub dining discount app launches in Auckland and Wellington
The EatClub app has launched in Auckland and Wellington, featuring more than 250 participating venues. The platform allows restaurants to offer discounts of up to 50 per cent to fill empty tables during off-peak periods.
2 outlets · Adam Gilchrist to join Team Rugby at Black Clash 2027
Australian cricket legend Adam Gilchrist will make his Black Clash debut at Hagley Oval in January. He has been recruited as a wildcard by captain Kieran Read for Team Rugby and Friends, joining teammates such as Israel Dagg and Tom Walsh.
2 outlets · Brandon Nakashima confirmed for ASB Classic in Auckland
American tennis player Brandon Nakashima will compete in the ASB Classic in Auckland next January. The 25-year-old, who is currently ranked among the world's top 20, has had a successful year including reaching an ATP Masters 1000 final.
2 outlets · Waikato District Council reports $26.7m surplus for 2025/26
The Waikato District Council recorded a $26.7 million operating surplus for the 2025/26 financial year, despite budgeting for a $5.8 million deficit. This financial result comes as CEO Craig Hobbs is stepping down after less than two years in the role.
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