Wednesday 14 October 2026
53 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Black Ferns defeat France 81-12 in Hamilton
The Black Ferns secured a dominant 81-12 victory over France in the opening test of their three-match WXV Global Series in Hamilton. The hosts scored 13 tries, including four from Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a, to overwhelm the visitors at FMG Stadium.
+37 outlets · All Blacks name squad with eight changes for Bledisloe Cup rematch
Coach Dave Rennie has announced eight changes to the All Blacks squad for Saturday's Bledisloe Cup test against the Wallabies in Sydney. Fabian Holland, George Bower, and Josh Moorby will join the starting lineup, with Holland returning to partner Scott Barrett in the second row.
+26 outlets · Greens and Te Pāti Māori defend meeting with Mongrel Mob
Green Party and Te Pāti Māori candidates met with Mongrel Mob members south of Auckland to discuss issues. While Marama Davidson defended the engagement, National and Labour criticised the visit. The Green Party has also expressed openness to funding the gang to deliver drug prevention programmes.
+15 outlets · Taradale High School student found safe after going missing in forest park
A male student from Taradale High School has been found safe after separating from his group during a tramping trip to Sunrise Hut. The teenager was located by a search and rescue helicopter in Ruahine Forest Park. He has since been reunited with his parents.
+15 outlets · Costco seeks fast-track approval for first South Island store in Christchurch
Wholesale retailer Costco has applied under fast-track laws to open a store in Christchurch. The proposed development would be located on vacant land near the airport, between Memorial Avenue and Avonhead Road. The Christchurch City Council has been asked to provide feedback on the application.
+15 outlets · Six arrested after police raids in New Plymouth
Six people were arrested following a three-month police operation targeting drug supply and criminal proceeds in Taranaki. During raids at two New Plymouth properties, officers seized $15,000 in cash, cannabis, methamphetamine, a.308 rifle, shotgun ammunition, and a homemade Taser.
+15 outlets · National pledges to remove Auckland's ban on minimum car parking
The National Party has released an Auckland policy document proposing to abolish the blanket ban on minimum car parking requirements for new developments. This plan would reverse a Labour-era reform intended to encourage housing intensification. An Auckland property developer has expressed opposition to political interference regarding these planning rules.
+15 outlets · Cliff Curtis excused from court following alleged drink driving crash
Actor Cliff Curtis has been excused from his first court appearance due to internal injuries sustained in a September crash on Auckland's waterfront. He faces charges of reckless driving and causing injury while driving with excess breath alcohol. Authorities allege Curtis was more than 1.5 times the legal limit when his Tesla hit a parked taxi.
4 outlets · Up to 11 tropical cyclones forecast for Southwest Pacific
Earth Sciences New Zealand predicts between seven and 11 named tropical cyclones for the Southwest Pacific this season. Driven by El Niño, at least four storms may reach severe Category 3 strength or higher. The cyclone season is expected to begin on 1 November.
4 outlets · Samoan song Lalelei wins historic APRA Silver Scroll Award
The Pacific neo-psychedelia group LEAO won the 2026 APRA Silver Scroll Award for their song Lalelei. Held in Auckland, the ceremony marked the first time a song written entirely in Gagana Samoa has received the prestigious songwriting honour.
3 outlets · Former Waimakariri councillor Robbie Brine has died
Robbie Brine, a long-serving Waimakariri District councillor, has died in hospital on Sunday. Aged 64, Brine served nine terms in local government between 1998 and 2025. He was a community constable and is being remembered for his dedication to the region.
4 outlets · New mega-ministry proposes cutting 400 roles in restructure
The Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport has proposed cutting 400 roles to achieve $50 million in annual savings. Of the proposed cuts, 365 roles are currently vacant. The ministry, which was formed in July, employs approximately 1,700 staff.
4 outlets · NZ First proposes changes to fast-track residential approval regime
New Zealand First is campaigning to change the fast-track regime to ensure essential infrastructure like roads and water services are approved before residential developments. The National Party has responded by stating that these requirements are already part of existing law.
4 outlets · Qiulae Wong performs strongly in second minor parties debate
Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong was noted for a strong performance during the second multiparty leaders' debate on 12 October. Analysts suggest she seized the opportunity to articulate policies, including a land tax, and made a compelling impression during the session.
3 outlets · Rugby League World Cup 2026 begins with Kiwis facing Kangaroos
The 17th Rugby League World Cup starts this Thursday with a match between the Kiwis and defending champions, the Kangaroos, in Sydney. The women's tournament begins on Sunday when the Jillaroos play Fetu Samoa. The Kiwis squad includes Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai following their change in allegiance.
3 outlets · Greens propose giving councils power to implement bed levies
The Green Party has pledged to allow local councils to introduce bed taxes to fund infrastructure. The policy would include a national register for short-term rentals and permit higher levy rates on Airbnbs.
4 outlets · Teenager in critical condition after falling from moving ute
A 17-year-old girl was airlifted to Wellington Hospital after falling from the tray of a moving vehicle at Himatangi Beach on Monday. She is reported to have suffered multiple skull fractures and a brain bleed following the accident.
3 outlets · Teenager charged after man seriously injured in New Plymouth assault
A 17-year-old has been charged following an assault on the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway on 29 September. A motorcycle rider allegedly pushed a man onto rocks, causing serious injuries, before acting aggressively towards the public and fleeing the scene.
3 outlets · Watercare apologises after $6 million billing error affects thousands of accounts
A billing system upgrade caused Watercare to prematurely deduct more than $6 million from approximately 43,835 customer accounts. The error resulted in payments being processed before their due dates. Consumer NZ has advised affected customers to seek reimbursement for any bank fees or losses caused by the mistake.
3 outlets · Labour pledges up to $50m annually for Elevate venture capital fund
Labour has released an economic plan that includes redirecting up to $50 million per year from the Super Fund into the state-backed Elevate venture capital fund. Finance and economy spokesperson Barbara Edmonds stated the move aims to help innovative businesses expand and hire more staff.
3 outlets · Christchurch man named after death at Sumner beach
Police have identified 51-year-old Hemi Tuki as the man who died after a medical event at Scarborough beach on Sunday. Surfers and paddle boarders attempted to assist him in the water before his death. The matter has been referred to the coroner.
3 outlets · Over two million train trips taken in first month of City Rail Link
Auckland Transport reports that more than two million train trips were made during the first month of the City Rail Link's operation. Two-thirds of these journeys utilised the new stations and tunnels. The fourth week of the new network was recorded as the region's second busiest week for rail use.
3 outlets · Senior officer found to have committed serious misconduct
A senior police officer used a work device to conduct repeated searches for a small group of female social media influencers. The Independent Police Conduct Authority found these actions breached policy and constituted serious misconduct. The investigation followed a review of police electronic devices.
3 outlets · ACT proposes removing tax ring-fencing rule for residential property investors
The ACT Party has pledged to allow landlords to offset residential rental losses against other taxable income, such as wages. This policy aims to reduce investors' tax bills by approximately $300 million annually. While the change would apply to existing and new homes, current ring-fenced losses would remain under existing rules.
3 outlets · Shane Jones criticises slow fast-track process for Otago gold mine
New Zealand First deputy leader Shane Jones has criticised the slow progress of the proposed Bendigo-Ophir gold mine near Cromwell. During a visit to the site on Tuesday, the Resources Minister described the fast-track approval legislation as a bureaucratic beast.
3 outlets · September property data shows regional divisions and price fluctuations
September property data reveals a national median house price of $755,000, representing a 2.3% year-on-year decrease. While the house price index rose 0.4% during the month, expensive homes have been particularly affected by the market downturn.
3 outlets · Gore pensioner denied cash withdrawal at SBS Bank branch
An 84-year-old Gore resident, Allistair Meikle, was unable to withdraw cash from his SBS Bank account in late September. The bank ceased branch cash services on 28 August, noting that fewer than 1% of members regularly use them. Mr Meikle, a customer for nearly 70 years, was referred to an ATM instead.
3 outlets · Taranaki marae power bills rise 400 per cent after solar installation
Ōwae Marae in Waitara is warning others about solar energy conversions after electricity bills rose from $400 to $2,000 monthly. Manukorihi Pā Trust secretary Roina Graham stated that poor advice and industry assumptions led to an over-engineered and expensive installation on the new wharekai.
4 outlets · Gianni Stensness scores as Viking FK draw with Bayern Munich
Kiwi Olympian Gianni Stensness scored for Viking FK in a 3-3 UEFA Champions League draw against Bayern Munich. All Whites midfielder Joe Bell also played for the Norwegian club during the match held in Stavanger.
2 outlets · Ryan Fox to play without a driver at India Championship
New Zealand golfer Ryan Fox will compete without a driver at the DP World Tour India Championship in New Delhi. He decided to leave the club in his hotel room due to the tight and short nature of the Delhi Golf Club course.
2 outlets · Police investigate alleged pocket-knife stabbing in Geraldine
Police are investigating an alleged assault on Peel Street in Geraldine. An individual arrived at Timaru Hospital around 10pm on Monday with wounds reported to be consistent with a pocket-knife stabbing.
2 outlets · Avondale Jockey Club launches High Court proceedings against racing bodies
The Avondale Jockey Club has filed legal action against New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and TAB New Zealand. The club is seeking clarity regarding decisions affecting its land and racing future after no race dates were allocated for the 2026/27 season.
2 outlets · Opportunity Party leader to contact party with most seats first
Qiulae Wong says she will call the party holding the most parliamentary seats following the election, even if they did not receive the most votes. Wong noted she has Christopher Luxon's phone number but remains uncertain if the National leader will answer her call.
2 outlets · All Blacks support Kiwis ahead of trans-Tasman sporting clashes
More than half a dozen All Blacks, including Will Jordan and Quinn Tupaea, supported the Kiwis as they prepared to face Australia. The New Zealand teams are set to compete against Australia across four different sports over four days, starting with a Rugby League World Cup match in Sydney.
2 outlets · High-performance coach Amanda Murphy works with the Silver Ferns
Former Black Fern forward Amanda Murphy is a high-performance coach for the Silver Ferns. She has spent a decade helping elite athletes across various sports prepare for competition.
2 outlets · Burger Burger to reopen Torbay restaurant under new ownership
The Torbay restaurant is reopening today following the gourmet burger chain's liquidation nearly three months ago. A second location in Commercial Bay is scheduled to open next week, with further plans for expansion into Tauranga and other areas.
2 outlets · Internal documents reveal food safety risks despite MPI assurances
Official Information Act documents show New Zealand Food Safety assessments identified health risks from a pesticide on food. While the public was told no risks existed, the 2022-2023 report found methamidophos on a grower's silverbeet at 360 times the legal limit.
2 outlets · Te Tai Tonga electorate race remains wide open
The race for Te Tai Tonga is expected to be highly competitive according to recent polls. As New Zealand's largest electorate, it covers the South Island, Stewart Island, the Chatham Islands, and parts of central Wellington. The seven Māori seats may influence the formation of the next government.
2 outlets · Nearly half of infrastructure firms lost staff to overseas roles
A survey of 290 industry leaders found that 48 per cent of infrastructure firms have lost staff to overseas positions in the past year. The findings, from Infrastructure New Zealand's Pulse survey, have raised concerns regarding the sector's long-term capacity to deliver future investments.
2 outlets · ACT leader David Seymour speaks to media in Auckland
ACT Party leader David Seymour addressed various issues, including superannuation and strategic voting, while campaigning in Auckland. The media interview took place while he was travelling on his campaign bus.
2 outlets · Over 200 New Zealanders injured in gardens daily, ACC says
ACC reports that an average of more than 200 New Zealanders are injured in their gardens every day. Common causes include falling from trees or ladders, improper lawnmower use, and digging. These injuries result in approximately 76,000 claims annually.
2 outlets · Electricity lines charge increases could impact poorest households
Consumer NZ warns that some households and businesses may face significant increases to electricity lines charges next year. This follows the phase-out of a low fixed charge scheme. The Electricity Authority chair has written to lines companies expressing concern regarding potentially large increases for some consumers.
2 outlets · Ashburton Market Day under review following concerns
The Ashburton Market Day is being reviewed after concerns were raised regarding the event held on 28 September. The market required a road closure on East Street near Baring Square East.
2 outlets · Body of missing Christchurch father found buried at residential property
Police have discovered the body of 21-year-old Braydon Hepworth at a Hereford Street address in Christchurch. Detective Inspector Scott Anderson confirmed the body was found buried at the rear of the property on 8 October following a multi-week search.
2 outlets · Kaikōura candidate criticised for arriving late to Grey Power meeting
Independent Kaikōura electorate candidate Oliver-John Hill-Hughes was called out for being late to a meet-the-candidates event in Blenheim. Grey Power Marlborough president Gayle Chambers responded to Hill-Hughes' entrance by noting his tardiness.
2 outlets · Average speed cameras activated on State Highway 1 near Foxton
New point-to-point speed cameras have been switched on between Sanson and Foxton in Manawatū-Whanganui. The NZ Transport Agency installed the cameras to measure average speeds between two locations on the high-risk stretch of State Highway 1. The initiative aims to reduce the number of serious and fatal crashes.
2 outlets · Fire destroys building housing Subway in Dargaville
Firefighters were called to a two-storey building on Normanby St in Dargaville at approximately 8.30pm on Tuesday. The blaze affected a Subway restaurant on the ground floor and accommodation upstairs. An investigation into the cause of the fire is currently underway.
2 outlets · Chris Bishop and Ginny Andersen clash in Hutt South debate
National's Chris Bishop and Labour's Ginny Andersen sparred during a candidates debate at the Angus Inn on Tuesday night. The event, hosted by the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, included discussions on legislative reforms and public sector cuts. The race for the Hutt South seat also featured candidates from several other parties.
2 outlets · Luna becomes Christchurch's most popular dog name
Luna has overtaken Charlie as the most common dog name in Christchurch according to recent council registration data. There were 421 Lunas registered this year, narrowly beating the 420 dogs named Charlie. Other popular names include Poppy and Bella.
2 outlets · Nicola Willis signals potential future business tax relief
National finance spokesperson Nicola Willis has indicated interest in providing business tax relief alongside possible personal tax rate cuts. However, she has ruled out major tax cuts until the country's finances return to a surplus, which is currently forecast for around 2028/29.
2 outlets · Younger generation may face frustration over NZ Super costs
An economist suggests New Zealand's youth may feel frustrated by the rising cost of NZ Super. This comes as politicians debate eligibility ages and potential changes to compulsory KiwiSaver.
2 outlets · Maths and reading results show improvement for primary school students
A study of over three million tests shows maths and vocabulary skills have improved for Year 4-8 students. While maths achievement has risen, reading comprehension has seen a significant decline. Education Minister Erica Stanford has attributed the maths improvements to government reforms.
3 outlets · Internal conflict at New Zealand Cricket over future competition plans
New Zealand Cricket is facing internal conflict and institutional paralysis regarding the future of the sport. While the Black Caps prepare for a home series against India, the organisation deals with debate over the rise of T20 cricket.
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