National releases fiscal plan with no tax cuts next term
The National Party has unveiled its fiscal plan, which includes $7.5 billion in headroom for cost pressures and new initiatives. Finance spokesperson Nicola Willis confirmed there will be no tax cuts during the next term, as the party prioritises debt reduction and returning the books to surplus.
+26 outlets · Labour pledges to limit compulsory branded school uniform items
The Labour Party has announced a policy to reduce back-to-school costs by limiting the number of compulsory branded uniform items schools can require. If elected, the policy would allow families to purchase cheaper, non-branded alternatives instead of branded items.
+15 outlets · Man hospitalised after firearms incident in Shirley
A man was taken to hospital following a firearms incident near the intersection of Marshland Road and Hercules Street in Shirley on Monday afternoon. Reports differ on his condition, describing him as being in either moderate or serious condition. Police are conducting enquiries and say there is no current threat to public safety.
+26 outlets · Man charged after body of missing Christchurch father is found
A 60-year-old man has been charged with offering an indignity to the body of 21-year-old Braydon Hepworth. Hepworth's remains were discovered buried beneath a shed at a Linwood property after he had been missing for over a month. The death has prompted calls for an investigation following Hepworth's recent eviction from a transitional housing facility.
+26 outlets · Rodney Stewart Smith named in Christchurch double murder case
Rodney Stewart Smith, 58, appeared in Christchurch District Court charged with two murders and attempted murder. The incident occurred at a social housing complex on Olliviers Road in Phillipstown on Saturday. Smith entered no pleas and was remanded in custody until his High Court appearance later this month.
+15 outlets · Beauden Barrett discusses mental challenge of missing All Blacks selection
Beauden Barrett has spoken about the mental challenge of being excluded from the first six All Blacks tests this year. The 35-year-old returned to the starting fullback position during the team's 50-19 Bledisloe Cup victory over the Wallabies at Eden Park.
+15 outlets · Police name seven-year-old boy who drowned at Tangimoana Beach
Police have released the name of Ryder Hayden Coley-Clark, a seven-year-old from Whanganui, who died after being swept out to sea on Friday. Emergency services were called to Tangimoana Beach in Manawatū at approximately 2.30pm. Authorities expressed their condolences to the boy's whānau and friends.
+15 outlets · Police seek couple who helped girl after Invercargill assault
Police are searching for a couple who helped a minor get home after she was seriously assaulted at Invercargill's Queens Park on 2 October. Two youths have been arrested and charged in relation to the incident. The assault reportedly involved the victim being stripped and forced to eat mud.
+15 outlets · Two people die in motorcycle and vehicle crash near Matamata
A motorcyclist and their passenger died at the scene following a collision with a vehicle on Sunday night. The crash occurred near the intersection of State Highway 29 and Pond Road around 8pm. A third person was taken to hospital with moderate injuries.
+15 outlets · National party says raising retirement age is off the table
The National Party has confirmed that raising the retirement age is no longer part of its policy. Nicola Willis stated that politicians must work together on superannuation, while the party attributed the change to a lack of consensus and blamed Labour.
+15 outlets · Liam Lawson finishes seventh in Singapore Grand Prix
Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson secured a seventh-place finish at the Singapore Grand Prix, following a fifth-place result in the sprint race. This marks the third time Lawson has achieved a double-points weekend during the 2026 season.
4 outlets · Christchurch man charged over alleged electric vehicle charging station thefts
Canterbury Rural Police have arrested and charged a 26-year-old Christchurch man following a series of alleged thefts. Over several weeks, numerous reports were received regarding copper cables being cut and stolen from electric vehicle charging stations across the region.
4 outlets · Historic boats stripped of fittings in Paeroa break-in
Two historic vessels, the Ariana and Norita, were targeted in an overnight break-in at the Historical Maritime Park in Paeroa. Thieves stole brass and copper fittings, including portholes, steering wheels, and railings. Staff and volunteers fear the irreplaceable maritime items may be melted down for scrap.
4 outlets · Green Party proposes open-ended pause on large-scale AI data centres
The Green Party has announced a policy to regulate artificial intelligence to protect jobs and democratic decision-making. The party is now calling for an open-ended pause on new, large-scale AI data centres until appropriate regulations are established. They also intend to create an AI office to ensure technology serves the public good.
4 outlets · Man charged with murder after fatal Te Puke vehicle crash
A 25-year-old man has been charged with murder following a single-vehicle crash near Te Puke on Saturday morning. The incident occurred near the intersection of Te Puke Highway and Rangiuru Rd, resulting in one death and leaving another person in critical condition. A homicide investigation is currently underway.
4 outlets · Mother seeks accountability for daughter's fatal State Highway 1 crash
The mother of Kellyanne Cindal Pattinson says someone should be held responsible for her daughter's death in early 2018. Pattinson died when a northbound food delivery truck veered across three lanes and struck her car on State Highway 1 in Canterbury. The mother claims authorities left the family in the dark following the incident.
3 outlets · National's beneficiary drug testing policy receives mixed reactions
National's proposal to randomly drug test people on Jobseeker Support has gained 60% support in a Vote Compass poll. However, a former National health minister has criticised the plan, describing the policy as punitive and likely to stigmatise those in need.
4 outlets · Sam Cosgrove cleared to play in Auckland FC season opener
Striker Sam Cosgrove is eligible for Auckland FC's opening match against Melbourne City on 17 October. The 29-year-old was able to serve a two-match suspension via a FIFA regulation loophole involving New Zealand's national league. He previously received a red card during a match against Al-Ahli Saudi FC.
3 outlets · HDC finds care failures after four-year-old dies of sepsis
The Health and Disability Commissioner found deficiencies in the care of a four-year-old boy who died from sepsis at Wellington Hospital in September 2022. Following a bike accident, clinicians failed to recognise warning signs and did not place the child on a paediatric sepsis pathway.
4 outlets · One person seriously injured in Auckland North Shore crash
A person was seriously injured after being hit by a car on Wairau Road, off Tristram Avenue, just after 6.30pm. The road is currently blocked towards Wairau Valley, and the Serious Crash Unit has been notified. Motorists are advised to avoid the area.
3 outlets · Niue faces drought threat and total burn ban after wildfires
Niue has issued a yellow alert for an imminent drought following wildfires in several areas. The fires have damaged plantations and water infrastructure, leading to a total burn ban. A Royal New Zealand Air Force Hercules has transported a firefighting truck, specialist crew, and equipment to the island to assist.
3 outlets · Fuel prices reach record highs at the pump
Average prices for 91 octane fuel have reached $3.60 a litre, while diesel is approximately $3.23 a litre. Crude oil producers, refinery owners, and the New Zealand government are among those seeing increased profits as a result of these record costs.
3 outlets · Fans complain of heat inside Christchurch stadium during rugby matches
Spectators reported uncomfortable temperatures at One New Zealand Stadium on Sunday during NPC and Farah Palmer Cup fixtures. While outside temperatures were in the low 20s, parts of the covered stadium reached 31C. Some fans left the venue between matches due to the heat.
3 outlets · Auckland officer seeks discharge without conviction for accessing objectionable material
Senior Sergeant Matthew Rogers is seeking a discharge without conviction after pleading guilty to possessing objectionable publications. The Auckland-based officer used a police-issued device to search for sexualised material while on duty. He was one of three staff members charged following a police review in October 2025.
3 outlets · Award-winning musical by Kiwi composer to tour New Zealand next year
The Olivier Award-winning musical The Curious Case of Benjamin Button will tour New Zealand and Australia next year. Composed by Wellington-born Darren Clark, the production will begin its New Zealand season at Wellington's St James Theatre from 14–22 May, before travelling to Christchurch and Auckland.
3 outlets · South Island man charged with decades of sexual and physical abuse
A South Island man faces 94 charges following investigations into long-term offending. Court documents reveal he allegedly raped his daughter, step-granddaughter, sisters, and former partners over approximately 40 years.
3 outlets · Kiwibank mascot featured on US talk show following sexualised social media posts
The Kiwibank mascot, Buck the Sheep, was featured in a segment on the US show Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. The segment addressed an online controversy involving sexualised posts about the character. Kiwibank has responded by calling the issue serious and previously issued copyright notices to address the posts.
2 outlets · South Canterbury defeats Wairarapa Bush in Lochore Cup semifinal
South Canterbury won 36-26 against Wairarapa Bush in a Heartland rugby semifinal on Saturday. Four tries from South Canterbury players secured the victory in Timaru. The loss ended Wairarapa Bush's season and continued their winless streak in the city dating back to 2008.
2 outlets · Corrections investigates after Rimutaka Prison attack video leaked online
The Department of Corrections is investigating how CCTV footage of a group attack on an inmate at Rimutaka Prison was leaked online. The video shows several prisoners hitting and kicking a man. Five people have been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
2 outlets · NRL and NZ Rugby enter legal battle over Chiefs trademark
New Zealand Rugby is seeking an urgent injunction to prevent Papua New Guinea's incoming NRL franchise from using the Chiefs name. The NRL claims it was blindsided by the bid, while NZ Rugby says it has struggled to engage with rugby league officials. A High Court hearing is scheduled for Friday in Wellington.
3 outlets · Warm, wet weather expected before Southern Ocean air arrives
Warm, moist air will bring rain and gusty winds across New Zealand from Tuesday to Thursday. This unsettled period will be followed by a marked temperature drop as cooler air from the Southern Ocean arrives late on Thursday.
2 outlets · National candidate withdraws from several Auckland Central debates
National Party candidate Candace Kinser has pulled out of multiple scheduled debates for the Auckland Central electorate. Instead of attending, she is sending a proxy to one event and providing a written statement for another. Some of these debates had been organised weeks in advance.
2 outlets · Man convicted of aggravated burglary after threatening teen with knife
Dylan Rex Riosa has been convicted of aggravated burglary following an incident in January. Riosa entered a home and threatened a 13-year-old with a knife before stealing the boy's e-scooter. He claimed he needed the transport to avoid breaching his curfew.
2 outlets · Former gang leader denied parole for murder of ex-girlfriend
James Henry Wilson, the former president of the Filthy Few motorcycle gang, has been refused parole. Both the Parole Board and his legal team agreed that further work is required, including the completion of a pending psychological report.
2 outlets · Wellington landlord ordered to pay $7700 after MBIE tenancy investigation
Dirty rooms, pests climbing out of a missing shower drain trap and inadequate heating were among the problems found at a Wellington rental after MBIE investigated tenants’ complaints.
2 outlets · Police seek guardians of non-verbal child found in Porirua
Police are searching for the guardians of a non-verbal child found near Corinna St in Porirua. The child, who is believed to be approximately three years old, was wearing a blue Search + Rescue shirt. Anyone with information is urged to call 111.
2 outlets · Wairarapa man dies after speaking at council meeting
Garry Dittmer, 68, collapsed and died after addressing a South Wairarapa District Council meeting. He had been seeking a response from the council regarding his long-standing concerns about the use of 1080 in the area. He was described as a passionate advocate for his community and the environment.
3 outlets · Mental Health Foundation criticises ACT Party disability benefit proposal
The Mental Health Foundation has criticised the ACT Party's pre-election plan to reduce disability benefits by more than $650 million. The foundation described the proposal as poorly researched and based in bigotry. ACT states the cuts would return per-capita spending to 2017 levels.
2 outlets · Gisborne to host 2027 D1NZ National Drifting Championship season opener
The 2027 D1NZ National Drifting Championship will return to H BlackBee Drift Park in Matawhero to open the season. Pro drivers are scheduled to compete in two rounds during January, while Pro-Sport drivers will participate in one round.
2 outlets · Rotorua Airport opposes Māori immersion school expansion on safety grounds
A planned expansion for Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ruamata will face an independent hearing after Rotorua Airport refused to approve the project. The Crown entity managing school properties says the expansion is necessary and is seeking independent aviation advice to address safety concerns raised by the airport.
2 outlets · One person seriously injured in SH3 crash near Rātana
A person was taken to Whanganui Hospital with serious injuries following a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 3. The accident occurred at the intersection with Turakina Valley Road on Monday afternoon. The northbound lane was partially blocked while emergency services attended the scene.
2 outlets · Singer Noah Kahan skydives in Auckland during New Zealand visit
American singer-songwriter Noah Kahan performed two sold-out shows at Spark Arena before skydiving from 18,000ft over Parakai. The 29-year-old described the experience as the best thing he has ever done and named Auckland his new favourite city.
2 outlets · Southland businessman arrested and charged with stalking and harassment
Da Cheng Zhi, also known as Eddie Zhi, was arrested at an Invercargill hotel on Friday. He faces charges of stalking, harassment, and causing harm through digital communication. The allegations involve sending insulting emails to multiple recipients regarding a neighbour.
2 outlets · Jahrome Hughes seeks redemption at Rugby League World Cup
Halfback Jahrome Hughes is using the memory of New Zealand's 2022 semi-final loss to Australia as motivation for this year's tournament. The player expressed a desire to move past the heartbreak of that previous exit.
2 outlets · West Coast scholarships aim to retain skilled professionals in the region
Development West Coast has awarded six tertiary scholarships worth up to $32,500 each. The scheme intends to encourage graduates in fields such as teaching and engineering to return to the region. This initiative addresses challenges regarding the West Coast's aging population.
2 outlets · One person dies in single-vehicle crash near Waihau Bay
One person died at the scene following a single-vehicle crash on Orete Point Rd in the eastern Bay of Plenty on Monday. Police and Fire and Emergency New Zealand responded to the incident shortly after midday. Motorists were advised to avoid the area while emergency services attended the scene.
2 outlets · New Zealand house prices fall as market remains flat
The average New Zealand home value dropped 1.5 per cent to $892,580 in the three months ending September. Quotable Value says the market is likely to remain flat for some time, with buyers currently holding more influence than sellers.
2 outlets · Governance failures found in Papanui RSA Poppy funds review
A review of the Papanui RSA Poppy Trust in Christchurch has identified significant governance failures and breaches of duty. While funds were used to support the club, the Royal New Zealand RSA found no evidence of fraud or misappropriation.
2 outlets · Five 15-year-olds in custody after alleged car theft in West Auckland
Five 15-year-olds were taken into custody early Monday following an alleged vehicle theft on Te Atatū Road. Police tracked the car through West Auckland and onto the motorway before spiking the vehicle. The incident began around 3am when reports of the theft were received.
2 outlets · Pakaraka School becomes New Zealand's first state school to convert to charter
Pakaraka School in Northland has become the first state school in the country to convert to a charter school. The change follows a survey where over 95% of respondents supported the move. The school will now be run by the Society of Holistic Learners.
2 outlets · Technical issue affecting passport processing at two major airports resolved
New Zealand Customs reported an intermittent technical problem affecting passenger processing at Auckland and Christchurch international airports on Monday morning. The issue caused longer wait times for travellers, prompting the deployment of extra officers. Both airports have since resolved the problem.
2 outlets · WWE to return to Auckland Spark Arena this December
WWE has announced a Superstars event at Auckland's Spark Arena on 17 December. This marks the wrestling organisation's first appearance in the city in ten years. Expected performers include Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, Liv Morgan, and LA Knight.
2 outlets · Man refuses to speak to police after alleged stabbing in Dunedin
A man required significant medical intervention after being stabbed in the leg during an altercation involving a stolen car. Police were called to Dunedin Hospital on Sunday morning, but the victim has declined to provide details regarding the incident.
2 outlets · Liam Lawson's F1 future to be announced in 'a couple of weeks'
New Zealand driver Liam Lawson should know his future in Formula 1 in the next couple of weeks.
2 outlets · Respiratory hospitalisations increase by 16 per cent over three years
Hospitalisations due to respiratory disease rose from 80,230 in 2022 to 97,151 in 2025. Children under 15 and adults over 65 represent approximately 70 per cent of these admissions. The Cardiac and Respiratory Foundation NZ has called for government funding for a baby RSV vaccine.
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