National proposes requiring students to complete Year 11
The National Party has announced a policy to require students to stay in school until they complete Year 11 if re-elected. Currently, students can legally leave school once they turn 16. The proposed change would affect approximately 5,000 students annually starting in 2028.
Police seek footage after fatal cyclist crash in Port Hills
Authorities are searching for CCTV or dashcam footage following a fatal crash on Dyers Pass Rd on 9 October. Michael James Hancock, a 79-year-old Christchurch cyclist, died after a collision involving a car that braked suddenly. Police are also seeking the driver of a small white hatchback for information.
Twelve dead and hundreds injured in Riyadh airport attack
At least 12 people were killed and over 300 injured during an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The Iran-backed Houthi group claimed responsibility for the strike, which was the third such attack on the airport this week. New Zealand's foreign affairs minister described the incident as deplorable.
Former press secretary releases memoir about Jacinda Ardern years
Andrew Campbell, former chief press secretary to Jacinda Ardern, has released a memoir titled In The Room. The book provides a firsthand account of his time in Parliament, including discussions regarding the Covid-19 pandemic and the economy. The memoir will be available in stores from 13 October.
Two critically injured in separate assaults in Timaru and Māngere
Two people are in hospital with critical injuries following an incident near Timaru on Sunday morning, resulting in an 18-year-old man being charged. In a separate incident in Māngere, police are appealing for information after an altercation involving a firearm left two people injured.
ACT Party releases fiscal plan including retirement age increase
The ACT Party has unveiled a fiscal plan in Auckland aimed at reducing debt and returning the country to surplus earlier than the current government. The proposal includes raising the superannuation age by three months each year and cutting disability benefits by $653 million.
Green Party promises job pathway for unemployed young people
The Green Party has announced a $4.86 billion plan to guarantee a pathway into work, training, or education for 16- to 24-year-olds unemployed for six months or more. If elected, the party would establish a pilot programme called Jobs for Young People to provide roles through various sectors.
Man dies after being pulled from water at Christchurch beach
A man died after being brought ashore at Sumner following an emergency response on Sunday afternoon.
Canterbury advance to NPC semifinals after defeating Waikato
Canterbury secured a 62-26 quarterfinal victory over Waikato in Christchurch to reach the NPC semifinals. Hooker Brodie McAlister scored a first-half hat-trick during the match at One NZ Stadium. Canterbury will host Taranaki in the upcoming semifinals on Sunday.
Labour promises to reinstate school lunch programme and rural bus routes
Labour leader Chris Hipkins has announced plans to bring back locally made school lunches from 2028 if elected. The party's cost of living plan also includes restoring rural school bus routes. The proposed lunch programme would involve school kitchens, local caterers, or iwi and hapū partners.
Man arrested after allegedly pointing shotgun at Rotorua police officer
A man is in custody after allegedly pointing a sawn-off shotgun at a police officer during a pursuit in Rotorua on Saturday. The incident, which followed reports of dangerous driving, triggered a general arming order for local staff.
Two-time World Cup winning Black Fern Cheryl Waaka dies
Former Black Fern Cheryl Waaka has died at age 56 following a battle with stage four bowel cancer. A two-time Rugby World Cup winner and New Zealand Order of Merit recipient, Waaka was a former president of the Kaikohe Rugby Football Club. Her whānau announced her passing on Sunday.
Man blocked from legal profession after Dunedin Airport bomb scare
Preetam Atua-Azad, formerly known as Preetam Prakash Maid, has been denied entry to the legal profession. Despite obtaining a law degree, the High Court ruled he is not a fit and proper person following a 2019 conviction for taking an imitation explosive device into a secure area of Dunedin Airport.
Person dies after being pulled from Ōtāhuhu house fire
A person has died after being removed from a burning duplex on High Street in Ōtāhuhu. Emergency services responded to the blaze just before noon today. Police have confirmed the fatality following the incident.
Dame Jacinda Ardern supports Labour Party in election campaign video
Former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern has released a video message supporting Labour leader Chris Hipkins. Currently living in Australia, Ardern used the video to urge people to donate to the Labour Party's 2026 election campaign.
Breakers defeated by Perth Wildcats despite Sam Mennenga's 40-point performance
The New Zealand Breakers lost 100-84 to the Perth Wildcats on Saturday night. Sam Mennenga recorded a career-high 40 points, 18 rebounds and five assists, but the shorthanded Breakers were unable to secure a win while playing without injured star point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright.
Football Ferns series in Panama cancelled after powerful earthquake
The Football Ferns' two-match series against Panama has been cancelled following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake. The first match was scheduled for Sunday in Panama City. NZ Football stated that players and staff will return to New Zealand as soon as possible.
Charlisse Leger-Walker’s half-court stunner not enough as Queens lose to Hoiho on buzzer-beater
The Connecticut Sun guard poured in 32 points and hit a spectacular long-range shot, but Tokomanawa Queens fell to a heartbreaking defeat.
NZ First promises shortage-led skilled work visas if re-elected
NZ First leader Winston Peters has proposed replacing the Accredited Working Visa with a new scheme. The proposed Skilled Work Visa would link entry to specific occupations, regions, and demonstrated needs rather than employer accreditation.
How much difference would Labour's airline policy really make?
Air New Zealand also indicates it already adheres to some of the requirements within the policy.
Editorial: Aid cuts a rare misstep by Mr Brown?
National campaign chief Simeon Brown presumably didn’t mean to insult Sir John Key when he mocked one of his signature achievements
Police seek help identifying man found dead at Eastbourne wharf
Emergency services were called to Eastbourne wharf in Lower Hutt at approximately 2.20pm on Sunday after a man's body was found in the water. Hutt Valley police are now appealing for information and asking the public to report any missing persons in the Wellington region.
Motorcyclist seriously injured in Hastings hit-and-run crash
A motorcyclist sustained serious injuries following a hit-and-run crash on Evenden Road in Twyford on Sunday. Emergency services attended the scene around midday, and the individual is currently receiving hospital treatment. Police are now searching for the driver and requesting witnesses or dashcam footage to assist their investigation.
Long-serving Taupō radio host Andrew Leiataua dies suddenly
More FM breakfast host Andrew Leiataua has passed away following an unexpected medical condition on Saturday. Leiataua was a long-serving broadcaster who spent 30 years with More FM, including two decades hosting the Taupō breakfast show.
Woman faces charge for sending harmful digital communications to law student
A mother of two appeared in Manukau District Court this week regarding a representative charge of posting harmful digital communication. The defendant allegedly harassed a law student over a four-year period, which included messaging the student's grandmother and sending nude photos to her employer.
Vavatau Bing sentenced for crash killing pregnant teenager
Vavatau Bing has been sentenced following a crash in South Auckland that killed a 19-year-old pregnant woman and her unborn baby. The incident occurred after the driver and the victim had been inhaling nitrous oxide. The victim's family has stated they forgive Bing.
Louis Baker releases second studio album Trouble
Wellington musician Louis Baker has released his second studio album, titled Trouble. The record was written and produced in Tītahi Bay over a two-year period. To celebrate the release, Baker is beginning a nine-date nationwide tour featuring solo and full band performances.






















