All Blacks complete Bledisloe Cup sweep with win over Wallabies
The All Blacks defeated the Wallabies 43-21 at Accor Stadium in Sydney on Saturday. Despite a dominant first half, head coach Dave Rennie described the second half as frustrating. The victory marks a 13th consecutive win against Australia and a sixth consecutive Bledisloe Cup series win.
+26 outlets · Person found dead following house fire in South Dunedin
A person was found dead inside a house on Loyalty St in Forbury after a fire broke out on Friday morning. Emergency services attended the scene shortly after 11am, and police remained at the property overnight. A scene examination is expected to take place on Saturday.
+26 outlets · Veteran broadcaster Danny Watson dies aged 73
Former Newstalk ZB host and television presenter Danny Watson has died after a short illness. He passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 15, surrounded by his family.
+15 outlets · Luxon says he will work with whoever is needed for second term
National leader Christopher Luxon told supporters in Greymouth he would work with whoever is necessary to ensure a second term. His office and campaign chair have since clarified that these remarks do not include making a deal with the Opportunity Party.
+15 outlets · Greens propose weekly payments for students on practical placements
The Green Party has announced a policy to provide a $380 weekly payment to students undertaking compulsory practical training. The proposal targets those training to become nurses, teachers, and other essential health and social support workers, including dentists and vets. The plan also includes a $1,500 relocation payment.
+15 outlets · Northland advances to first NPC final after defeating Otago
Northland secured a place in their first NPC final with a 38-19 victory over Otago in Whangārei on Friday night. The Taniwha's win follows a historic season that included ending a 48-year Ranfurly Shield drought. They now await the result of the other semifinal between Taranaki and Canterbury.
4 outlets · Samoa defeat France in record-breaking World Cup opener
Samoa's men's team opened their Rugby League World Cup campaign with a 78-4 victory over France in Sydney. The win marked the highest score and largest winning margin in Toa Samoa's World Cup history, featuring 14 tries.
4 outlets · NZ Rugby fails to secure injunction over Chiefs brand dispute
The High Court in Wellington has declined New Zealand Rugby's application for an interim injunction against the NRL. This decision allows the incoming Papua New Guinea Chiefs franchise to proceed with its planned launch next week despite the ongoing trademark dispute.
+15 outlets · Kalyn Ponga to undergo surgery after broken arm in World Cup loss
The Kiwis lost 24-22 to the Kangaroos in their Rugby League World Cup opener in Sydney. During the match, fullback Kalyn Ponga suffered a broken radius in his left arm and will require surgery. Despite the defeat, the Kiwis remain on track to reach the semi-finals.
4 outlets · Person dies following workplace incident near Balclutha
A person was found dead at a workplace on Paisley Road in Wharetoa on Wednesday afternoon. Emergency services were called to the scene around 4pm. Police are making enquiries on behalf of the Coroner, and WorkSafe has been notified of the incident.
4 outlets · Former dairy executive sentenced for receiving $320,000 in kickbacks
Simon Stewart, a former group market manager at Open Country Dairy, has been sentenced to 12 months of home detention. He admitted to accepting nearly $320,000 from an Indonesian customer in exchange for commercial information and advice. Stewart was also ordered by the Manukau District Court to pay $250,000 in reparation to his former employer.
4 outlets · Christchurch woman admits to $290,000 benefit fraud over 15 years
Fa’alele Samoa Kaisami, a 49-year-old call centre operator, has pleaded guilty to fraud-related charges in the Christchurch District Court. She received more than $290,000 in benefits she was not entitled to over a 15-year period. A judge has warned that a jail term is possible, with sentencing due in March.
4 outlets · Eight artists receive $50,000 each in Arts Foundation awards
Eight New Zealand artists have been named 2026 Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi laureates. The recipients, who work across various disciplines including theatre, literature, and visual arts, will each receive $50,000 to support their future creative work. The awards were announced at a function in Auckland.
2 outlets · Independent review announced into Christchurch City Mission's care of Braydon Hepworth
The Christchurch City Mission will undergo an independent review regarding the care provided to Braydon Hepworth. The 21-year-old was asked to leave the mission's transitional housing shortly before he disappeared. His body was discovered buried in a Linwood shed last week, and a 60-year-old man has been charged.
4 outlets · Fuel prices exceed $4 per litre in some areas
Some motorists are paying more than $4 a litre for 95-octane petrol, including at a BP station in New Lynn, Auckland. The national average for fuel has risen 11% over the last 28 days to $3.80, according to the Gaspy app.
4 outlets · National candidate walks out of Wellington Bays candidates debate
National Party candidate Karuna Muthu left a meet-the-candidates meeting at the Brooklyn Community Centre on Thursday. Muthu walked out after claiming the questions being asked were loaded and lacked neutrality. He also reportedly had a clash with an audience member while exiting the event.
3 outlets · Police dive squad called after car enters Tauranga water
Emergency services responded to a vehicle that entered the water off Chapel Street in Tauranga around 12.30am on Friday. One person was taken to hospital in moderate condition, and police divers are searching for a second person who may have been in the car.
3 outlets · Driver fined after near-miss at Auckland level crossing
A motorist has been issued a $150 infringement notice after driving through a red signal at a Morningside Drive level crossing on 5 October. The incident occurred while Green Party co-leaders were conducting a press conference regarding level crossing safety. Police stated the driver passed through the crossing while barriers were down and lights were flashing.
3 outlets · Police name two men who died in Tangimoana boat capsize
Ming Xiu, 70, and Chung-Hsuae Lee, 75, have been identified as the Palmerston North men who died after their boat overturned near the Rangitīkei River mouth on 14 September. A third person on the vessel survived the incident. Police are continuing to investigate the capsize at Tangimoana Beach.
3 outlets · Minister rules out reimbursement for council reform costs
Local Government Minister Simon Watts told delegates at a Rotorua conference that councils will not be reimbursed for money spent on the paused Head Start programme. The announcement followed heated exchanges with mayors and councillors frustrated by the costs incurred during the government's reform process.
4 outlets · New $273m solar farm opened at Christchurch Airport
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has officially opened the Kōwhai Park solar farm at Christchurch Airport. The $273 million project is a joint venture between Contact Energy and Lightsource bp. It is expected to generate 275GWh of renewable energy.
3 outlets · Waikato tourism leaders predict strongest summer since the pandemic
Waikato tourism leaders expect the region's strongest summer season since the pandemic as international visitor numbers rise. Stats NZ data shows international arrivals in August 2026 reached 99% of the levels seen in August 2019.
3 outlets · Tiaki Wai faces $21m shortfall after unpaid water bills
More than 30,000 Wellington homes and businesses have failed to pay their first water bills, leaving the new utility with a $21 million deficit. A second round of billing for residents in Wellington, Porirua, and the Hutt Valley is expected to begin in late October.
4 outlets · Aitutaki activates emergency centre as Tropical Cyclone Wati approaches
The Aitutaki Island Council has activated its emergency operations centre as category 2 Tropical Cyclone Wati moves southeast towards the Southern Cook Islands. The system is expected to cause deteriorating conditions in the area over the coming days. The cyclone formed earlier this week in the Southwest Pacific.
2 outlets · Carterton forestry rates could increase by average of 1260 per cent
Carterton District Council has proposed a significant increase to commercial forestry rates to fund roading costs. Revised modelling from an advisory firm shows average increases could reach 1260 per cent, rising from approximately $2,800 to $38,000 annually. Forestry leaders have warned the proposal could threaten business viability and local jobs.
2 outlets · Rotorua and Arras formalise sister-city relationship over shared history
Rotorua and the French city of Arras have signed a sister-city agreement at Te Puia. The pact honours the connection between the cities following the service of Māori soldiers and New Zealand tunnellers during World War I. The signing occurred during a visit from the Mayor of Arras and the French Ambassador.
2 outlets · Spark to remove public phone booths across New Zealand
Spark will begin removing its network of public phone booths nationwide after plans to modernise the infrastructure failed. The company had previously explored options with local and central government to provide services such as free calling, Wi-Fi, and phone charging.
2 outlets · Safety concerns raised over Curio Bay campground reopening
The Southland District Council is considering reopening the Curio Bay campground, which has been closed since April. A public road running through the site has caused safety concerns. No final decision has been made regarding the facility's future.
2 outlets · Lara Wall re-signs with Wellington Phoenix ahead of new season
Defender Lara Wall has returned to the Wellington Phoenix squad for the upcoming A-League Women season. The Football Ferns player re-joined the club after a planned move to the Newcastle Jets did not proceed. The Phoenix will open their campaign against Melbourne City this Sunday in Wellington.
2 outlets · Melissa Tuapawa sentenced for dog attack on young girl
Melissa Tuapawa has received a community sentence in Wellington following a dog attack. The incident left a young girl with serious facial injuries requiring surgery. The dog, named Thanos, had previously been classified as dangerous after an attack on a teenager.
3 outlets · Dave Rennie dismayed by Rugby World Cup draw
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has expressed dismay regarding the draw for next year's Rugby World Cup. If current projections hold, New Zealand could face South Africa's Springboks in the quarter-finals, potentially eliminating one of the world's top teams before the semi-finals.
2 outlets · Labour and National both fall below 30 per cent in new poll
A new Anacta poll shows support for both major parties has dropped, with Labour at 29 per cent and National at 28 per cent. The survey, conducted between 6 and 10 October, also saw the Opportunity party reach the 5 per cent threshold.
2 outlets · Hastings businessman gifts house to family affected by cyclone
Businessman Jeremy Hanaray has gifted a two-flat stucco house to a long-standing customer's family who lost their home during a cyclone. Hastings Mayor Wendy Schollum praised the act of generosity as the city continues its recovery process.
3 outlets · Feilding High School principal calls for standalone Year 11 agriculture subject
Nathan Stewart, principal of Feilding High School, wants agriculture reinstated as a standalone subject for Year 11 students. Half of the school's Year 11 cohort currently studies the subject. Stewart noted that agriculture has been a significant part of the school's history since it was established in 1921.
3 outlets · Assets from Christchurch temporary stadium being sold as souvenirs
Christchurch City Council is selling items from the decommissioned Apollo Projects Stadium at Addington Showgrounds. Available items include grandstand seating, corporate suites, the players' tunnel, and concrete blocks. The stadium has been unused since the opening of One NZ Stadium in April.
2 outlets · Auckland Transport investigates bus driver after students left in unfamiliar area
Auckland Transport has launched an investigation after a school bus driver allegedly left students from Greenmeadows Intermediate in an unfamiliar area. The incident occurred during an after-school run in Manurewa on the first day of Term 4. Auckland Transport has issued an apology following the report.
2 outlets · Wellington North candidates attend Aro Valley community debate
Candidates for the Wellington North electorate participated in a community-led debate in Aro Valley on Thursday night. Despite the rain, a large crowd attended the forum. The event's tradition of using water pistols for speakers who exceeded their time was discontinued this year.
2 outlets · Two exhibitions to open at Timaru art gallery
The Aigantighe Art Gallery Heritage House will host two new exhibitions. One features nine artists from the Paemanu: Ngāi Tahu Contemporary Visual Arts residency programme.
2 outlets · A-League season begins without a pay deal in place
The A-League season is set to kick off this Friday despite ongoing negotiations between the Australian Professional Leagues and the players' union. The lack of a pay deal has been complicated by disputes over maternity conditions, affecting players such as Wellington Phoenix midfielder CJ Bott.
2 outlets ·
