Hipkins challenges Luxon to a debate on health
Labour leader Chris Hipkins has challenged National leader Christopher Luxon to a debate regarding the health sector. This follows a Stuff poll finding that voters believe Hipkins understands their lives and promises better than Luxon.
+15 outlets · Leroy Carter ruled out of Northern Tour following ankle surgery
All Blacks winger Leroy Carter will miss the Nations Championship Northern Series after undergoing surgery for a high ankle injury. The injury occurred during the first Bledisloe Cup test against the Wallabies at Eden Park. Carter joins a growing list of unavailable players as the team prepares for their end-of-year tour.
4 outlets · Labour proposes digital watchdog and social media ban for under 16s
The Labour Party has released a social media policy package that includes a ban for children under 16. If elected, the party intends to establish an independent digital watchdog with the power to fine technology companies. The plan also proposes giving users more control over their personalised internet feeds.
4 outlets · Trial begins for teens accused of killing American PhD student
A trial has commenced for four teenagers accused of the April 2025 murder of Kyle Whorrall at an Auckland bus stop. Prosecutors claim the unprovoked machete attack followed several U-turns by a vehicle containing the group. A witness has testified to seeing the violent assault in Meadowbank.
4 outlets · Health watchdog finds failures led to man's death in Dunedin Hospital
The Health and Disability Commission found that communication and handover failures delayed treatment for a man at Dunedin Hospital in 2021. After suffering a fall, the man's leg was amputated due to delayed diagnosis of blocked blood flow, and he died shortly after. Health New Zealand Southern has been asked to apologise to the family.
4 outlets · Mayor defends Olivia Dean concert running past curfew
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has defended Olivia Dean's concert running 22 minutes past its curfew at Western Springs Bowl. Technical issues caused delays during the performance, which was attended by approximately 45,000 people. Auckland Council is currently considering whether to issue a $1,200 fine for the breach.
4 outlets · Video surfaces of Te Pāti Māori MP meeting Mongrel Mob members
Footage has emerged showing Te Pāti Māori MP Oriini Kaipara campaigning for votes during a visit to a Mongrel Mob gang pad in Auckland. The meeting, which included Green Party representatives, has drawn criticism from Labour candidate Kerrin Leoni. Labour has stated it would not grant justice-related roles to Te Pāti Māori or Green MPs.
3 outlets · New Plymouth candidate apologises for causing car and truck crash
Independent candidate Rusty Kane has apologised after admitting fault in a collision involving a logging truck. The accident occurred last week at the intersection of Elliot and Leach streets in New Plymouth. Kane and his passenger escaped the crash without injury.
4 outlets · Vegetation fire near Whenuapai airbase contained
A large vegetation fire caused by an out-of-control burn off has been contained in Whenuapai. The blaze broke out on Trigg Road around 4.10pm on Monday, sending thick smoke over parts of northwest Auckland.
3 outlets · Police search for man who escaped custody in Invercargill
Authorities are searching for 42-year-old Jason James Robert Eastley, who fled from officers on Monday in Invercargill. Eastley is wanted for theft offences and was last seen near a park between McQuarrie and Vernon streets. Police warn he may change his appearance and advise the public not to approach him.
3 outlets · Medication error did not cause death of assault victim
A coroner found that a two-hour medication error at Wellington Hospital did not contribute to the death of 45-year-old Edward Peters. After suffering a fatal brain bleed following a street bashing, Peters was mistakenly given metaraminol instead of a drug intended to lower blood pressure. The coroner ruled his brain injury was already non-survivable.
3 outlets · Bluey stage show to tour New Zealand in 2027
A live adaptation of the Australian children's television series, Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show, will tour New Zealand in April 2027. The production will visit Christchurch, Wellington, Hamilton, and Auckland.
3 outlets · Brian Tamaki pleads not guilty to inciting racial disharmony
Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki has pleaded not guilty to three charges of inciting racial disharmony at Manukau District Court. The charges relate to Facebook videos allegedly intended to stir ill-will against Indians in New Zealand. Tamaki is scheduled to reappear in court in January next year.
4 outlets · Residents protest to stop sale of empty Kāinga Ora homes
Protesters have pitched tents at a block of 36 empty Kāinga Ora homes in Strathmore to oppose their sale. The community is rallying to prevent the Wellington site from being sold, with a deadline set for Wednesday afternoon.
3 outlets · Auckland gang member charged after alleged liquor theft and stolen vehicle
A 33-year-old gang member faces 13 shoplifting charges following an alleged theft of three bottles of alcohol from a Henderson liquor store. Police spotted the man driving a reported stolen vehicle 15 minutes after the incident, discovering he was also in breach of bail.
2 outlets · Auckland City Rail Link disrupted by false fire alarm
A false fire alarm at Karanga-a-Hape station caused major disruptions to Auckland's train network on Monday morning. The incident, which prompted a response from six fire crews around 5.30am, led to the closure of underground stations and the cancellation of Onehunga-West Line services. Some trains are skipping stations to return to their schedules.
2 outlets · Christchurch boutique cinema Academy Gold put up for sale
The family-owned Academy Gold Cinema in Sydenham is being offered for sale. Located at The Colombo, the three-screen boutique theatre has been operated by the same family for 30 years. The family has decided it is time to move on from the business.
2 outlets · Warm and settled weather forecast for much of New Zealand
A slow-moving high-pressure system over the Tasman Sea is expected to bring sunshine and rising temperatures across the country. These settled conditions are forecast to continue through the start of Labour Weekend.
2 outlets · Next government will face significant natural hazard challenges
Regardless of election themes, the incoming government will have to address natural hazards. These risks impact the economy, health, insurance premiums, and building locations, following events such as the 2023 Auckland floods which resulted in over $2 billion in insured losses.
2 outlets · Former Supreme Court judge appointed to Hong Kong top court
Sir Terence Arnold has been appointed as an overseas non-permanent judge for Hong Kong’s Court of Final Appeal. He is the second retired New Zealand Supreme Court judge to join the court in 18 months. The appointment aims to provide greater flexibility for managing the judiciary's caseload.
2 outlets · Rotorua anaesthetist censured for diverting controlled drugs for self-medication
Dr Stephan Peter Willi Neff has been censured and ordered to pay costs after it was revealed he diverted Midazolam for nearly 30 years. The Rotorua-based practitioner used the controlled drug without permission to manage stress, anxiety, and insomnia while failing to disclose his addiction to health authorities.
2 outlets · Rhythm and Vines boss identifies Tamahere as preferred new festival site
Rhythm and Vines organisers are considering a move to a site on Hooker Road in Tamahere after leaving Gisborne's Waiohika Estate this year. If approved, the former sand quarry could be transformed into a venue for 35,000 people.
2 outlets · Kings of Leon to perform at Auckland's Live at the Domain
Grammy-winning rock band Kings of Leon will play a one-off concert in Auckland on Wednesday, 24 February 2027. The band will perform at Live at the Domain with Australian support act Ocean Alley.
2 outlets · Jason Momoa purchases $15m Queenstown lifestyle estate
Actor Jason Momoa has purchased a 4.92ha property in Dalefield for $15 million. The estate, which was previously owned by the late Sir Sam Neill, was reportedly rented by the Aquaman star before the sale was finalised on 12 September.
2 outlets · Alleged shoplifter abandons goods after getaway car fails to start
A man allegedly stole three bags of goods from Stirling Sports in Invercargill before fleeing on foot. The suspect was chased by the shop owner to a nearby car park, where he abandoned the items because his vehicle would not start.
1 outlet · Compulsory KiwiSaver could disadvantage low earners, NZIER warns
The New Zealand Institute of Economic Research warns that increasing KiwiSaver contribution rates or making the scheme compulsory may not improve household outcomes. Senior economist Roshen Kulwant suggests that requiring higher contributions could lead to debt for low-income earners who struggle to afford the extra savings.
2 outlets · Proposed Carterton rates hike threatens forestry jobs and businesses
Carterton District Council is consulting on a revenue policy overhaul that includes a proposed 1260% increase in rates for forestry owners. Industry leaders warn the 13-fold rise could jeopardise the viability of forestry businesses, local jobs, and the rural economy.
2 outlets · Court Theatre unveils 2027 season featuring Agatha Christie and Shakespeare
The Court Theatre has announced its 2027 programme, which includes Agatha Christie, Shakespeare, a world premiere, and a TV-themed musical. The announcement follows a successful first year at the theatre's new central city venue, which saw over 94,000 visitors.
2 outlets · Kiwis winger Jamayne Isaako acknowledges role in World Cup loss
New Zealand winger Jamayne Isaako has taken responsibility for the Kiwis' Rugby League World Cup defeat against Australia. Despite New Zealand controlling much of the match, Australia secured the win with five tries, including a hat-trick from Jack Bostock.
2 outlets · Man faces charges after intimate recordings found on mobile phones
A 43-year-old man faces 72 counts of possessing intimate visual recordings and child exploitation material. The recordings, many of which were filmed in Mission Bay changing rooms, were discovered on his mobile devices during an unrelated police investigation.
2 outlets · Technical issue causes pricing errors at North Island New World stores
A technical fault affecting promotional prices has caused checkout delays and overcharging at Foodstuffs supermarkets. Some stores, including locations in Takapuna and Wellington, have closed, while others have disabled self-checkouts. Foodstuffs says refunds will be issued to affected customers.
2 outlets · Christopher Luxon makes election announcement in Hamilton
National Party leader Christopher Luxon has made an election policy announcement from Hamilton. This follows repeated statements from the leader ruling out a potential coalition with the Opportunity Party.
2 outlets · One third of voters under 24 remain unenrolled ahead of deadline
Just over 66% of eligible voters aged 18 to 24 are currently enrolled to vote. With the enrolment deadline approaching at midnight on Sunday, 25 October, thousands of young people must register to ensure their votes count in the upcoming election.
2 outlets · Off-duty officer pleads guilty to assault after Hamilton taxi stand fight
An off-duty police officer has pleaded guilty to assault following a fight at a Hamilton taxi stand. The officer, who had been drinking with friends, allegedly instigated the altercation and was knocked unconscious. The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found his actions amounted to serious misconduct.
2 outlets · All Blacks prop Siale Lauaki signs Hurricanes deal until 2029
Siale Lauaki has signed a long-term contract with the Hurricanes and New Zealand Rugby through to the end of 2029. The 23-year-old prop recently made his All Blacks debut during a tour of South Africa.
2 outlets · Criticism follows progress on Port Taranaki LNG terminal proposal
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is progressing discussions with a preferred provider for a proposed liquefied natural gas terminal at Port Taranaki. Opponents have criticised the move, describing the selection process as underhanded following previous assurances that no contracts would be signed before the election.
2 outlets · Breakers coach criticises referees after NBL loss to Tasmania
New Zealand Breakers coach Gordie Herbert has criticised officiating following his team's 98-92 defeat to the Tasmania JackJumpers in Hobart. Herbert questioned two late calls, including a three-second violation against Charles Bediako, and the decision to keep the same officials in Hobart after their previous game.
2 outlets · Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a scores four tries for Black Ferns against France
Rookie winger Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a scored four tries in the second half of the Black Ferns' 81-12 victory over France in Hamilton. This performance follows her winning try for Waikato in last year's Farah Palmer Cup final.
2 outlets · Investigation continues three years after Baby Ru's death
Three years have passed since the killing of a Lower Hutt toddler known as Baby Ru. The officer in charge of the investigation has provided updates on the current status of the case and the reasons for the delay in holding anyone accountable.
3 outlets · Trains running red lights added to transport danger watchlist
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission has included trains passing stop signals on its biennial watchlist for the first time. This follows a rise in incidents, including a June crash in Wellington involving a commuter train. Chief Commissioner David Clarke stated that rail safety systems must evolve to address these concerns.
2 outlets · Calls for political parties to address superannuation sustainability
Following the election, there are calls for National and Labour to address the long-term sustainability of NZ Super. While most parties are open to discussions, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has historically opposed any increases to the retirement age.
2 outlets · National and Labour remain stuck in polls at campaign halfway mark
With three weeks remaining until the election, neither National nor Labour has gained ground in the polls, with both parties remaining in the late 20s. While party leaders focus on regional visits and strategic areas, polling shows a stalemate between the two major parties.
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