Kiwi Ferns beat Fiji in Rugby League World Cup opener
The Kiwi Ferns defeated Fiji 18-12 in their opening Rugby League World Cup match in Newcastle. New Zealand avoided a shock loss after trailing for much of the game, with Stacey Waaka scoring two tries on her debut.
+15 outlets · Greens propose abolishing training wage for apprentices
The Green Party has pledged to scrap the apprentice training wage, which is currently $19.16 per hour. Co-leaders Marama Davidson and Chlöe Swarbrick proposed paying apprentices the full $23.95 minimum wage and providing $2,000 equipment grants. The Council of Trade Unions has welcomed the plan but is calling for further investment.
+15 outlets · Olivia Dean apologises after sound issues disrupt Auckland concert
British singer Olivia Dean apologised to more than 40,000 fans after technical issues halted her sold-out concert at Auckland's Western Springs Bowl for nearly 40 minutes. Despite the delay, the singer completed her set, though some attendees reported being stranded due to late finishes and limited public transport.
3 outlets · All Blacks sweep Bledisloe Cup with dominant victory over Wallabies
The All Blacks secured a 43-21 win against the Wallabies at Sydney's Accor Stadium, marking their 13th successive victory in the rivalry. The result completes a 2-0 Bledisloe Cup series sweep for New Zealand. Despite the win, the All Blacks face potential season-ending injuries for Shannon Frizell and Samisoni Taukei'aho.
4 outlets · Paraparaumu pizza shop owner sentenced to home detention for tax evasion
Wenbin (Ivan) Shi has been sentenced to 10 months' home detention in the Porirua District Court. Shi, who operated Hell's Pizza in Paraparaumu through SWB Foods Ltd, evaded more than $500,000 in GST, PAYE, and income tax. He repaid $100,000 prior to sentencing, leaving Inland Revenue with a loss of $403,855.
4 outlets · Fire crews extinguish blaze at Favona home
Firefighters extinguished a fire at a single-storey house on Robertson Road in Favona on Saturday afternoon. Multiple crews from Māngere, Onehunga, Ōtāhuhu and Ōtara attended the scene after emergency services were called at 4pm. No injuries or threats to neighbouring properties were reported, and a fire investigator has been alerted.
3 outlets · Motorcyclist critically injured in State Highway 25 crash near Thames
A motorcyclist sustained critical injuries following a single-vehicle crash near Te Puru Creek Road on Saturday evening. Police were called to the scene around 6.40pm. State Highway 25 north of Thames was blocked, and motorists have been advised to avoid the area while diversions remain in place.
3 outlets · Four jet skiers rescued from rocky Northland shoreline
Coastguard Mangawhai rescued four men from the western side of Hen Island on Friday evening. The group had been in trouble in the water, with two of the men suffering from mild hypothermia. The Kokako Rescue crew reached the rocky shore approximately 40 minutes after receiving the urgent call.
3 outlets · Burst water main causes flooding and road damage in New Windsor
A burst water main on Boundary Road in Auckland caused flooding and road damage late Friday night. The incident, which may have involved a car crash, left some residents without water and forced local businesses to close. Watercare is working to restore supply, which is expected to return to affected properties by Saturday.
3 outlets · Teacher jailed for assaulting students to be released in November
Damian Patrick Young, a 59-year-old former Christchurch schoolteacher, will be released from prison on 2 November. Young was sentenced in June 2024 to two years and seven months for the indecent assault of three students. He continues to maintain his innocence.
3 outlets · Auckland FC win A-League opener with two goals from Lachlan Bayliss
Defending champions Auckland FC defeated Melbourne City 3-1 at Go Media Stadium to begin their A-League Men title defence. New signing and All Whites midfielder Lachlan Bayliss scored twice on his debut, including a long-range effort, while Lachie Brook added a third goal.
3 outlets · Canada defeats England to end 41-match unbeaten rugby streak
Canada's women's team secured a 24-21 victory over England in Toronto to end the world champions' 41-match unbeaten run. A late try by Shoshanah Seumanutafa secured the win for Canada, marking England's first defeat since the 2022 Rugby World Cup final.
2 outlets · Māori wardens facing abuse while guarding closed Mauao
Ngā Wātene Māori o Mauao wardens have reported being spat at and pelted with food and bottles. Since the fatal landslide in January, those guarding the Mount Maunganui cordon have also dealt with repeated breaches and difficult weather conditions.
3 outlets · Porirua landlord ordered to pay tenants over $3000 after tribunal dispute
The Tenancy Tribunal has ordered a Porirua landlord to pay former tenants more than $3000 for breaches including baseless eviction threats. While the tenants were found to have breached their agreement, the tribunal noted they felt bullied during email exchanges with property management company Quinovic.
3 outlets · Northland records highest rate of severe food insecurity
The Hunger Monitor report reveals that Northland has the highest level of severe food insecurity in New Zealand. Community advocates and food rescue organisations report that rising living costs are causing increasing hardship for whānau. In the South Island, at least a third of surveyed residents in Southland and Otago have experienced food insecurity.
2 outlets · Tauranga City Council rejects funding for congestion charging study
Tauranga City Council has declined a $300,000 request to investigate time-of-use congestion charging for local roads. Mayor Mahe Drysdale supported the proposal, suggesting the study could potentially save $300 million on future transport projects.
3 outlets · Auckland transport delays expected for busy Saturday of sport and music
Auckland Transport has warned of potential delays this Saturday as tens of thousands attend various events. Major activities include Auckland FC's season opener and sold-out concerts by Olivia Dean, Stan Walker, and Macy Gray across several venues.
2 outlets · Frosty starts and chilly nights forecast for parts of New Zealand
A high-pressure system moving from the Tasman Sea will bring dry and sunny conditions to much of the country this weekend. Despite the daytime sunshine, MetService warns that temperatures are expected to drop sharply overnight, resulting in frosty starts for some regions.
2 outlets · Commentary on the second leaders' debate
A columnist has provided a satirical look into the thoughts of leaders Ryan Bridge, Christopher Luxon, and Chris Hipkins during the second leaders' debate. The piece offers an opinionated perspective on the event held on 16 October 2026.
2 outlets · Invercargill councillors lean towards maintaining current pokie machine caps
Invercargill City Council has narrowly voted to maintain existing machine caps rather than adopting a sinking-lid policy. While staff suggested a sinking lid would best reduce gambling harm, the committee chose the status quo for upcoming public consultation in November.
3 outlets · Taika Waititi discusses new film Klara and the Sun
Filmmaker Taika Waititi is discussing his latest movie, Klara and the Sun, which is based on a novel by Kazuo Ishiguro. The film features Jenna Ortega as a humanoid robot designed to be a companion for young people.
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