Labour candidate resigns after video shows campaigning with gang members
Tāmaki Makaurau candidate Kerrin Leoni has resigned from the Labour Party after footage emerged of her campaigning alongside Mongrel Mob members while wearing a party-branded jacket. Labour leader Chris Hipkins described the incident as unacceptable. The resignation comes as the election campaign enters its final stages.
+37 outlets · Green Party releases fiscal plan with increased health spending
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has released a fiscal plan at Parliament that promises to increase annual health spending by $3 billion. The proposal includes higher government borrowing and new taxes to fund increased spending, while delaying a return to surplus until 2029/30.
+26 outlets · Luxon faces voter disagreement over ruling out Opportunity Party deal
A poll shows 57% of National voters believe Christopher Luxon should reconsider his refusal to negotiate with the Opportunity Party. Despite his previous rule-out, the party is being viewed as a potential kingmaker for the upcoming election.
+15 outlets · Black Ferns win second test against France in Whangārei
The Black Ferns defeated France 31-12 in the second WXV Global Series test in Whangārei. Despite a narrow 14-12 halftime lead for France, New Zealand secured the win with three late tries, including a breakaway try by Braxton Sorensen-McGee.
+26 outlets · Driver dies after car leaves road in Lewis Pass
A driver has died after their vehicle went off State Highway 7 between Rogers Crescent and Hanmer Springs Road. The driver was the sole occupant of the car and died at the scene. The Serious Crash Unit is investigating the incident, and motorists may experience delays.
+15 outlets · Second man charged in death of Braydon Hepworth
A 34-year-old Christchurch man has been charged with offences relating to the concealment of 21-year-old Braydon Hepworth's body. Hepworth's body was found buried in a shed on 8 October following a disappearance in early September. The accused is due to appear in the Christchurch District Court on Friday.
+15 outlets · Labour candidate denies visiting gang pad after Te Pāti Māori claim
During a Tāmaki Makaurau electorate debate, Te Pāti Māori MP Oriini Kaipara claimed Labour candidate Kerrin Leoni visited a Mongrel Mob gang pad. Leoni denied visiting a gang pad, stating she attended a family fundraiser advertised as a Mongrel Mob chapter event.
4 outlets · Voter enrolment deadline approaches with 350,000 New Zealanders still not signed up
The Electoral Commission is making a final push to enrol 350,000 eligible New Zealanders before the midnight deadline on Sunday, 25 October. While 92.1 per cent of eligible voters are now enrolled, young people remain the largest group not yet registered to vote.
3 outlets · Rain washes out final T20 between White Ferns and Australia
The third and final T20 international between the White Ferns and Australia in Sydney was abandoned due to rain. Australia secured a 2-0 series victory after winning the first two matches. New Zealand was 11 for two when play was stopped in the third over.
4 outlets · Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong rejects claims party is sliding left
Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong has dismissed concerns from party founder Gareth Morgan that the group is moving too far left. Morgan suggested the party needs to distinguish itself as a centrist option to attract tradespeople. Wong has also stated she would leave government rather than support policies that contradict her party's values.
4 outlets · Annual inflation rate falls to 3.7 percent in September quarter
New Zealand's annual inflation rate dropped to 3.7 percent in the September 2026 quarter, down from 4.1 percent in the previous quarter. Stats NZ reported that a fall in petrol prices helped offset other increases. However, some economists warn that inflation may rise again in the current quarter.
4 outlets · Police urge public to provide information on Baby Ru's death anniversary
Police are calling for anyone with information regarding the 2023 death of Baby Ru to come forward. Three years after the Lower Hutt toddler died from head injuries at Hutt Hospital, investigators say they are continuing to follow every possible lead.
+15 outlets · Teenager appears in court after Palmerston North police chase
A 15-year-old boy has made his first court appearance following a police chase in Palmerston North. The youth allegedly fled in a stolen vehicle before being rammed by a member of the public and facing several serious charges, including robbery.
3 outlets · Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad discusses versatility and Cook Islands heritage
Kiwis utility Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad says his ability to play multiple positions helped secure his Rugby League World Cup spot. He admitted to considering a switch to the Cook Islands before deciding to remain with New Zealand ahead of their upcoming clash.
3 outlets · Annual inflation falls to 3.7 per cent in September quarter
New Zealand's annual inflation rate dropped to 3.7 per cent in the three months to September, down from 4.1 per cent in the June quarter. While lower, the rate remains above the Reserve Bank's 1–3 per cent target. Analysts suggest the dip may be temporary due to rising fuel and electricity costs.
4 outlets · Tauranga City Council begins search for new chief executive
Tauranga City Council has approved a six-figure budget to recruit a new chief executive to lead organisational change. Gareth Green has been appointed as acting chief executive following the sudden resignation of Marty Grenfell in September.
3 outlets · Wayde Egan re-signs with Warriors until end of 2028 season
Warriors hooker Wayde Egan has signed a one-year contract extension following his 2026 Dally M hooker of the year award. The 29-year-old was also spotted training with the Kiwis in Christchurch, raising speculation regarding a potential international debut.
3 outlets · Former Okaihau College teacher loses registration after aggressive incidents
The New Zealand Teachers Disciplinary Tribunal has cancelled Alan Peter Carson's teaching registration following findings of serious misconduct. The former Northland teacher was found to have engaged in aggressive and intimidating behaviour, including grabbing a student by their sweatshirt and striking them on the head with a book.
3 outlets · Brian Tamaki claims he was denied entry to Australia
Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki says he was refused entry at Brisbane Airport and detained for 12 hours by the Australian Border Force. The incident occurred after he travelled to Australia to speak at a conference. This follows his recent court appearance in Auckland, where he pleaded not guilty to inciting racial disharmony.
3 outlets · Infant hospitalised after reportedly falling from vehicle in Hastings
An infant was taken to hospital with moderate to serious injuries after reportedly falling from a vehicle in Mayfair, Hastings. Emergency services attended the incident on Maitland Crescent on Wednesday evening. Police are currently investigating the vehicle-related incident.
3 outlets · Lodestone Energy debuts on NZX after $75m share offer
Solar company Lodestone Energy has started trading on the NZX following an initial public offering that raised $75 million. The offer attracted approximately 10,000 new investors, marking the first significant listing on the exchange in about five years.
4 outlets · Mother's child abuse case referred to Court of Appeal
The Criminal Cases Review Commission has referred a convicted mother's case to the Court of Appeal. New medical evidence suggests the infant's brain injury and broken ribs may have had alternative causes. The woman was previously sentenced to two years and eight months for deliberately injuring her daughter.
4 outlets · Vehicle access blocked at Kāwhia Beach to protect marine life
Onepū Charitable Trust is installing a wooden pole barrier at Kāwhia Beach near Maketū marae to permanently block vehicle access. The trust says the move is necessary to protect damaged seafood beds, fish spawning grounds, and seabird nests from vehicle damage.
3 outlets · Global website shutdowns following critical PHP security flaws
Websites worldwide, including various government agencies, were shut down on Wednesday after AI identified critical security flaws in the PHP programming language. New Zealand's National Cybersecurity Centre is monitoring the situation as operators work to address the vulnerabilities.
2 outlets · Asparagus season begins despite rising costs for growers
New Zealand's short asparagus season has started, with a strong beginning reported in the Waikato. While growers hope high demand will drive sales, they are facing pressure from increasing fuel and freight expenses.
2 outlets · Firefighters battle large vegetation blaze at Bottle Lake forest park
Firefighters were called to a large vegetation fire on the perimeter of Waitākiri/Bottle Lake Forest Park in Christchurch on Thursday night. Emergency services responded to multiple calls around 8.30pm, with three fire engines, two water tankers, and a rural pump attending the scene. The blaze may have spread from the beach.
2 outlets · Canterbury farmer to lease land for solar farm development
Bruce Wild is leasing land in Somerton, north of Ashburton, to energy developer Anza Power. The Mid Canterbury farmer is diversifying his income by allowing solar panels to be installed in a paddock alongside his sheep.
2 outlets · Woolworths will not extend SuperGold discounts to new stores
Woolworths has confirmed it has no plans to expand its 5% SuperGold discount programme to more locations. The supermarket cited high costs and the need to balance investments in lower prices for all customers. Currently, the discount for card holders aged 65 and over applies to approximately one-third of its stores.
2 outlets · PSA warns government rates cap could cause multibillion-dollar shortfall
A Public Service Association report suggests the government's proposed rates cap could lead to significant budget cuts and increased user charges. The modelling estimates the 25 largest councils could face billions in losses, while Hamilton City Council officials warn a specific $833 million loss figure represents only one possible scenario.
2 outlets · King shag population declines by 30 per cent in Marlborough Sounds
The endangered king shag, or kawau pāteketeke, has seen its population drop to approximately 550 individuals since 2021. Following several years of poor breeding, the Department of Conservation is urging boaties to help protect the seabird in the Marlborough Sounds.
2 outlets · NZ First proposes life without parole for certain serious crimes
New Zealand First has announced a law and order policy package proposing life imprisonment without parole for first-degree murder, child murder, and child rape. The party also intends to introduce degrees of murder and investigate 'stand your ground' self-defence laws.
2 outlets · Nearly half of Rotorua parking fines linked to new plate rules
Approximately 44 per cent of parking infringement notices issued since Rotorua's parking overhaul were for motorists failing to register licence plates on time. Council figures show about 2,500 fines are linked to this requirement. Councillors will consider a motion regarding free inner-city parking next week.
2 outlets · Long-time Karangahape Road pharmacist Suresh Rama has died
Suresh Rama, the 73-year-old owner of Lambs Pharmacy, has died peacefully surrounded by his family. A community advocate and local icon, Rama had run the Karangahape Road pharmacy for approximately 35 years. Auckland Central MP Chloe Swarbrick described the news of his passing as devastating.
2 outlets · Canterbury prepares for El Niño summer as drought concerns grow
Canterbury farmers are bracing for potentially harsh summer conditions as El Niño strengthens. While some farmers recall devastating past droughts, authorities say the region's open-coast beaches are unlikely to see degraded water quality this season.
2 outlets · Airbnb to ban certain cleaning chores for guests
Airbnb is introducing new global rules on 20 November to prevent hosts from requiring guests to perform cleaning tasks typically handled by professionals. Under the new policy, all house rules must be disclosed to guests before they complete a booking.
2 outlets · David Seymour announces plans to expand charter schools
ACT Party leader David Seymour has announced a policy to expand charter schools if re-elected. The announcement was made from North West College in Henderson, West Auckland.
2 outlets · Man facing prosecution after pāua haul exceeds legal limit
A man is facing prosecution after being caught with nearly 15 times the daily legal limit of pāua in South Taranaki. Police spotted the man carrying a large sack in Pīhama on 9 October, noting that 20 of the pāua were undersized.
2 outlets · TVNZ staff to strike over pay negotiations next week
Approximately 150 TVNZ staff members are scheduled to strike next Thursday, 29 October, over pay negotiations. The industrial action will take place between 1pm and 2pm in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. The E tū union noted this is the first strike by TVNZ members in 20 years.
2 outlets · Kaikōura community warned about crash-landing seabirds
Despite Kaikōura's status as an international dark sky sanctuary, local seabirds are still crash-landing. The district became a dark sky sanctuary in September 2024 to help protect Hutton's shearwaters/tītī.
2 outlets · Waimakariri audit costs reduce funds for infrastructure
Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon says rising audit fees are diverting ratepayer money away from essential services like roads and pipes. The district council has budgeted $496,370 in its current annual plan to cover auditing for the 2026 annual report and the upcoming Long Term Plan.
2 outlets · Hurunui chief executive defends Amberley Beach climate modelling
Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie has rejected claims from election candidates that the council is ignoring ministerial advice. The dispute follows allegations that the council's efforts to address climate change do not align with guidance provided by Climate Change Minister Simon Watts.
2 outlets · Northland friends win $1m on Lotto bonus ticket
Two friends from Northland are sharing a $1 million Lotto First Division prize after winning on a bonus ticket. The pair, who have played together for 16 years, won the prize from a ticket sold at Woolworths Kerikeri. The winning bonus ticket had reportedly been pinned to a noticeboard for several days before being checked.
2 outlets · Invercargill motorcycle business enters liquidation owing over $535,000
Crawford Motorcycles Limited, which traded as Southern Suzuki, went into liquidation in February 2026. The business owes more than $535,000 to 28 creditors, including Inland Revenue and former staff. Liquidators have warned that with minimal assets remaining, unsecured creditors are unlikely to receive any payment.
2 outlets · Police officer rescues two hypothermic teenagers off Browns Bay Beach
A police officer swam to a pontoon to rescue two teenage boys stranded off Auckland's North Shore on Tuesday. The teenagers were suffering from hypothermia after being in the water for some time. The rescue occurred after members of the public heard the boys calling for help.
2 outlets · NZ Shareholders Association rebrands to Investors Association New Zealand
The NZ Shareholders Association has changed its name to Investors Association New Zealand. Chief executive Oliver Mander stated the rebranding recognises increasing investor diversity and the growth of KiwiSaver. The change reflects how more New Zealanders now identify as investors rather than just shareholders.
2 outlets · Equestrian Celia Pickens dies in showjumping accident
Veteran equestrian and volunteer Celia Pickens has died following a showjumping accident at the Papatoetoe Pony Club. Show Jumping Waitematā paid tribute to the long-time competitor, noting she spent her final moments in the saddle.
2 outlets · Christopher Luxon visits Bay of Plenty farmers and residents
National leader Christopher Luxon and several candidates toured the Bay of Plenty on Wednesday. The group visited Pongakawa and Edgecumbe to meet with local residents and farmers to discuss regional issues ahead of the election.
2 outlets · Election campaign enters final fortnight as enrolments close this Sunday
The New Zealand election campaign is entering its final two weeks. Enrolments are set to close this Sunday, with early voting scheduled to begin on Monday. Major party leaders are reportedly increasing their efforts as the campaign nears its conclusion.
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