National proposes random drug testing for Jobseeker beneficiaries
The National Party has announced a plan to introduce 10,000 random drug tests for people on the Jobseeker benefit in the first year. The policy also includes cutting payments for long-term beneficiaries and doubling stand-down periods for repeat job quitters to save $583 million.
+26 outlets · Body of missing Christchurch father found concealed at Hereford Street property
The body of 21-year-old Braydon Hepworth was discovered concealed at a Christchurch residence on Thursday. Police are treating the death as unexplained following an inconclusive post-mortem examination. The property was previously occupied by a notorious sex offender, though police have made no suggestion of a connection.
+37 outlets · PNG Chiefs to keep name despite New Zealand Rugby court action
New Zealand Rugby has filed a High Court injunction to prevent the incoming Papua New Guinea NRL team from using the Chiefs name. While the trademark case may appear strong, a lawyer has warned the legal battle might not be straightforward. The Papua New Guinea Chiefs intend to proceed with their launch regardless.
+37 outlets · Certain species banned from Auckland and Coromandel tidal areas
Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Shane Jones has announced an indefinite ban on gathering certain species from Auckland and Coromandel intertidal areas starting November 1. The move aims to curb overharvesting and includes new daily catch limits for shellfish. Fishery officers may also be granted the power to issue instant fines.
+15 outlets · Whanganui teacher loses registration for inappropriate conduct
Rupert de Smidt has been struck off after a disciplinary tribunal found him guilty of serious misconduct. The teacher anonymously left gifts for a student over two years and inappropriately touched a girl's thigh. He also used a school laptop to access sexualised material.
+15 outlets · BJ Watling appointed as Black Caps batting coach
Former wicketkeeper-batter BJ Watling will succeed Luke Ronchi as the New Zealand men's batting coach in early December. Watling, currently the Northern Districts men's head coach, will join the support staff on 16 November to begin a transition period following the test series against India.
+15 outlets · Labour pledges 'automatic refunds' for cancelled flights on big airlines
The party announced its aviation policy today, pledging automatic refunds for cancelled flights on larger carriers, all-in pricing and new Commerce Commission scrutiny of airline fares, costs and profits.
+15 outlets · Fatal Coromandel house fire: Wharekaho scene examination underway after one dead in early morning blaze
Firefighters were called to the fire at Wharekaho about 2.20am.
4 outlets · One person dies after two-vehicle crash in South Canterbury
One person died at the scene following a two-vehicle collision near Orari on Thursday afternoon. The crash occurred at the intersection of Temuka-Ōrari Highway and Opuha St East. Police and emergency services attended the scene, which required a road closure for investigation.
4 outlets · Mosgiel couple identified following fatal highway crash
Police have named Elisabeth May Cunningham, 87, and Allan Hugh Lyall, 88, who died following a single-vehicle crash on State Highway 1. The accident occurred near O'Neills Road on September 14. Cunningham died at the scene, while Lyall passed away in hospital three days later.
4 outlets · PD Mart faces court action over alleged sale of non-compliant goods
The Commerce Commission is taking PD Mart to court for allegedly selling 57 different non-compliant products. The items, which include toys, baby walkers and car seats, were offered at the retailer's Auckland and Christchurch stores.
4 outlets · Copper thefts from North Canterbury irrigation systems cause $130,000 in losses
Police are investigating at least 12 thefts of copper cabling from irrigation systems across North Canterbury, including Swannanoa and Darfield. Losses are estimated to exceed $130,000. Additionally, footage has surfaced of a man allegedly cutting a cable from an electric vehicle charger in Christchurch.
4 outlets · Homicide investigation launched after man found dead in Dargaville
A homicide investigation is underway after a man was found dead at a residential address in Dargaville.
3 outlets · Government proposes fines for owners who confine dogs for long periods
The Government has proposed new rules allowing SPCA inspectors to issue $500 fines to owners who keep dogs in crates or kennels for prolonged periods. Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard announced the proposal to better equip inspectors to penalise those whose animals are harmed by confinement.
3 outlets · Measles case confirmed in Wellington linked to overseas travel
A person in Wellington has been diagnosed with measles following recent international travel. Health New Zealand is supporting the individual and their close contacts to prevent further spread. Officials are currently identifying locations of interest visited by the person while they were infectious.
3 outlets · Whatawhata man identified as pedestrian killed in Pukete crash
Police have named 25-year-old Jaeger Hemara as the pedestrian who died following a vehicle crash on Church Road in Pukete. The incident occurred around 9.45pm on 26 September. A teenager has since been charged with manslaughter in relation to the crash.
3 outlets · Prominent New Zealand sportsman charged with domestic violence
An international-level athlete appeared in Auckland District Court facing three charges following an alleged incident in central Auckland. The charges include assault on a person in a family relationship, assault with intent to injure, and strangulation. The man is currently under name suppression and will return to court next month.
3 outlets · Man charged after six South Auckland childcare centre burglaries
A man has been arrested and charged following six reported break-ins at early learning facilities in Papatoetoe and Ōtāhuhu. Police say the burglaries occurred between September and October, with electronics and cash allegedly stolen. The arrest was reportedly made after a stolen device was tracked.
3 outlets · Energy costs become a major concern for New Zealand businesses
A new ASB Business Survey shows that 73 per cent of Kiwi businesses are concerned about current and future energy costs. This issue ranks as the second-biggest concern for businesses, following general economic uncertainty.
2 outlets · Nurse found guilty of misconduct after visiting former patient 67 times
A registered nurse has been found guilty of professional misconduct for entering an intimate relationship with a former prison patient. The Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal ruled that her 67 personal visits breached professional boundaries. She was fined $1,000 and ordered to pay over $10,500 in case costs.
2 outlets · Martin Guptill and Andre Adams join White Ferns coaching team
Former Black Caps players Martin Guptill and Andre Adams will support interim head coach Dean Brownlie during the White Ferns' Twenty20 series in Australia. The duo joins the coaching set-up while Craig McMillan recovers from back surgery.
2 outlets · Fierce rivals to contest finals of Farah Palmer Cup
After a short sprint, the finish line is in sight for the Farah Palmer Cup season with the Championship and Premiership Finals contested this weekend in Wellington and Christchurch.
2 outlets · Malcolm Rewa appeals sentence for 1988 Onehunga rape attack
Malcolm Rewa is appealing a 10-year prison sentence handed down in Auckland High Court earlier this year. He pleaded guilty to raping a 16-year-old in Onehunga in 1988. His lawyers argue the sentence should be reduced because the crime is similar to previous offences for which he has already been punished.
2 outlets · Central Hawke’s Bay mayor proposes standardised national bridge design
Mayor Will Foley has called for a national programme to standardise bridge design and procurement across New Zealand. He suggests that using modular designs could reduce replacement costs by 30% and save councils millions of dollars. Foley has written to the Minister of Transport and NZTA regarding the proposal.
2 outlets · Judge suggests book to address victim-blaming during sentencing
Ryan De Souza has been sentenced to prison in the Blenheim District Court for serious family violence. During the proceedings, Judge Barbara Morris recommended the book Look What You Made Me Do to help the offender understand his victim-blaming behaviour.
2 outlets · EV rush and broken holiday plans as Cantabrians feel petrol price pain at the pump
An expert says NZ is experiencing a perfect storm of factors, which are driving petrol prices to new highs.
2 outlets · Review finds governance failures at Papanui RSA poppy fund
An inquiry into the Papanui RSA found that Poppy Trust funds were used to support the association's bar and canteen for over a decade. While the review identified significant governance failures and a debt of $256,647, it found no evidence of fraud or misappropriation.
2 outlets · FIM World Supercross Championship event in Christchurch cancelled
The FIM World Supercross Championship has cancelled its upcoming December event at One New Zealand Stadium. The championship is reportedly holding discussions with potential investors regarding its future. While tickets had not yet gone on sale, hospitality guests who had already booked will receive refunds.
2 outlets · Sapphire Nightclub closes after eight years in Auckland central city
Sapphire Nightclub has announced it is closing its Fort Lane venue in Auckland. The nightclub, which has been operating since 2018, described the closure as the end of an era. The venue previously hosted international hip-hop artists during its eight-year run.
2 outlets · Warriors re-sign centre Rocco Berry for 2027 season
The Warriors have signed centre Rocco Berry to a one-year contract for the 2027 NRL season. The 25-year-old missed the 2026 season due to injury but recently played six matches for the NSW Cup side to regain fitness.
2 outlets · Auckland landlord fined for renting unweathertight North Shore property
Leng Minn Kit has been fined $2,000 plus court costs after pleading guilty to breaching a Tenancy Tribunal restraining order. The order, issued in October 2024, prohibited him from renting out homes that were not weathertight. The North Shore District Court issued the conviction following his decision to let a tenant move into a rundown property.
2 outlets · Three former All Blacks named in Manu Samoa squad
Akira Ioane, Josh Ioane and Shaun Stevenson have switched allegiance to Samoa. The former All Blacks are included in a 30-man squad for next month's Nations Cup matches against Zimbabwe, Portugal and Spain.
2 outlets · Twenty people caught drink-driving during Southland police enforcement operation
Police apprehended 20 people for drink-driving offences across Southland from 2 October to 4 October. Officers conducted 2,000 breath tests, with 16 arrests occurring near Invercargill and others in Tuatapere, Gore, and Te Anau. Authorities expressed disappointment regarding the high number of offenders caught during the weekend.
2 outlets · Chris Hipkins visits Nelson businesses during election campaign
Labour leader Chris Hipkins visited Nelson on Wednesday alongside MP Rachel Boyack. During the walkabout, he discussed small business pressures and visited local coffee shops. Hipkins also noted that he has not eaten any sausage rolls during the current election campaign.
2 outlets · Catholic diocese sells central Christchurch riverfront land
The Catholic Diocese of Christchurch has put a 1,300sq m vacant site on the banks of the Avon River up for sale. The land was previously intended for a new Catholic precinct but is being sold as the diocese seeks funds to rebuild its cathedral.
2 outlets · Construction starts on New Zealand's highest road bridge
Work has begun on a 260-metre-long bridge across the Waikare Gorge on State Highway 2. The structure will connect Napier and Wairoa, replacing a temporary one-lane Bailey bridge. Once finished, the bridge will be the highest road bridge in the country.
3 outlets · David Seymour criticises government fiscal projections and policy debate
ACT leader David Seymour has described New Zealand's policy debate as a "dumpster fire" during a speech in Auckland. He criticised the Government's surplus projections and highlighted a loss of efficiency in Crown expenditure since 2017. The party is expected to release its fiscal plan this Sunday.
2 outlets · Primary industries slow to adopt artificial intelligence technology
New research from Amazon Web Services suggests New Zealand's agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors are among the least prepared to use artificial intelligence. AI adoption in these primary industries is currently just under 40 per cent, which is lower than the 50 per cent national average.
2 outlets · Stricter emergency housing rules risk domestic violence victims
Women's Refuge claims that 2024 policy changes to emergency housing are endangering victims of domestic violence. The new rules introduce tougher eligibility criteria and require individuals to prove their ongoing need for housing. Additionally, the changes removed requirements to consider the impact of denying emergency accommodation.
2 outlets · Mt Hutt Ski Area announces $12 million base area expansion
Mt Hutt Ski Area will undertake a $12 million expansion of its base building area starting this summer. The project will almost triple the size of the outdoor sun deck, which will be fully heated, and add more cafe options and storage. The upgrades are expected to be completed before the 2027 winter season.
2 outlets · Highlanders appoint Boris Stankovich as new scrum coach
The Highlanders have recruited former Leicester Tigers prop Boris Stankovich to replace Clarke Dermody. The 46-year-old New Zealander has signed a two-year contract as the team's new scrum coach.
2 outlets · Man dies by suicide following sextortion scam involving AI woman
A 41-year-old man took his own life after being targeted by a sextortion scam. The man sent images to an AI-generated woman and subsequently paid money to blackmailers. A coroner is now investigating the death.
2 outlets · Cornell rape allegations spark global conversation on consent
Allegations of rape at Cornell University have gone viral, prompting a global discussion regarding sexual violence and consent. The case has highlighted ongoing concerns for women regarding safety and the importance of respecting consent.
2 outlets ·
