Silver Ferns win Constellation Cup with Sydney comeback
The Silver Ferns secured the Constellation Cup after a 52-49 comeback victory against Australia in Sydney. After trailing for much of the match, New Zealand won the third Test to sweep the series. This win follows a successful 2026 campaign that included a Commonwealth Games gold medal.
India lead T20 series 2-0 after beating Black Caps
India won the second T20 International by four wickets at Hagley Oval, leaving them 2-0 up in the five-match series. Despite Mitchell Santner taking 4-21, India chased down New Zealand's target of 181 with one ball to spare. The series now moves to Wellington.
Cyclist comes forward after fatal Blenheim crash
A cyclist who may have witnessed a fatal collision between a car and a truck has come forward. The crash occurred at the intersection of Wither and Howick Roads in Blenheim on Friday morning, resulting in one death at the scene.
Sonny Bill Williams reveals he underwent emergency open-heart surgery
Former All Black Sonny Bill Williams has shared that he underwent successful emergency open-heart surgery to treat a congenital heart defect. The 41-year-old discovered the condition during a routine follow-up appointment for neck surgery. Williams detailed the ordeal and his fears for his life in a video posted to YouTube.
Chief of Defence Force resigns over inappropriate relationship
Air Marshal Tony Davies has resigned as Chief of Defence Force after admitting to an undisclosed inappropriate relationship held while in a position of command. Defence Minister Paul Goldsmith stated the situation made Davies' role no longer tenable and has referred the matter to the Inspector General of Defence.
Police believe Dunedin man was in a confrontation before death
Police say 40-year-old David Noah had injuries consistent with an assault before being found unresponsive on Leckhampton Court on 30 September. While a post-mortem has not established the cause of death, investigators believe he was in a confrontation shortly before dying. His death remains unexplained.
Investigation into tutor following allegations of inappropriate behaviour
Police and Oranga Tamariki are investigating a community-based tutor following allegations of inappropriate behaviour. The tutor provided tuition at various organisations across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, impacting students at at least five schools. Authorities are working with the Ministry of Education to identify children who may have had contact with the individual.
Man shot by police in Massey faces multiple charges
A 55-year-old man has been charged with threatening to kill and firearms offences following an armed standoff in Massey. After being shot by the Armed Offenders Squad, the man appeared in Waitākere District Court via a bedside hearing and was remanded in custody.
Fire and Emergency NZ chief executive Kerry Gregory resigns
Kerry Gregory has resigned as chief executive of Fire and Emergency New Zealand, effective immediately. His departure follows a public statement from Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden, who expressed a lack of confidence in him. The minister previously alleged that Gregory withheld information regarding a Serious Fraud Office investigation.
Driver jailed for fatal collision with Christchurch cyclist
Tyson Stechman, 21, has been sentenced to 27 months in prison for dangerous driving causing death and failing to stop after a February crash in Sumner. Stechman, a learner driver, was travelling at excessive speeds on Evans Pass Road when he struck 60-year-old Ian Huntsman.
Auckland Ikea workers to strike for first time this Labour weekend
Approximately 300 Ikea staff in Auckland will picket outside the Sylvia Park store this Saturday from 12pm to 4pm. Workers First Union says the industrial action is a response to a pay offer that fails to include weekend penalty rates or inflation-aligned increases.
Warm start to Labour weekend followed by rain and wind
A warm and sunny start to the long weekend will see temperatures reaching near 30C in some areas. However, MetService warns that heavy rain and strong winds are expected to arrive on Labour Day, potentially disrupting travel, particularly across the South Island.
Woman dies after being struck by train in Henderson
A woman died at a rail crossing near Sturges Road station in Henderson on Friday afternoon. Police were called to the Mt Lebanon Lane crossing around 2.55pm, where the woman was pronounced deceased at the scene. A cordon is expected to remain in place until this evening.
Luxury car dealer disappears following abrupt Petone business closure
Simon O'Reilly has reportedly vanished after his luxury car dealership in Petone closed suddenly. Philanthropist Sir Mark Dunajtschik, who says O'Reilly owes him a substantial amount of money, expressed shock at the closure. The situation has reportedly blindsided various financiers and Wellington elites.
State Highway 3 blocked north of Te Awamutu after three-vehicle crash
A three-vehicle crash near Ngaroto Road left one person seriously injured and another with moderate injuries on Friday morning. Police say the incident occurred just after 7.20am, causing the highway to close. Diversions are currently in place at Racecourse and Ngaroto roads.
Father and son named after deaths in Mangawhai water tank incident
James Martin Sisson, 52, and Keith James Sisson, 78, have been identified as the men found dead inside a water tank at a Mangawhai home on Tuesday. The deaths have been referred to the Coroner, and police stated there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident.
Late-deciding voters could determine outcome of close election
New polling shows party loyalty is declining, with only 14% of voters always supporting the same party. As Labour and National remain locked in a tight contest, a large number of undecided voters may decide the election result. Meanwhile, political parties are targeting older voters who are more likely to turn out at the polls.
Rocket Lab launch creates space jellyfish effect over North Island
A Rocket Lab launch from Māhia on Friday night produced a glowing phenomenon known as a "space jellyfish". The visual effect was caused by sunlight illuminating the rocket's exhaust at high altitude, creating a spectacle seen across the North Island's east coast.
Mission Property Management unlawfully evicted Auckland tenant after sex-work claims
Mission Property Management unlawfully terminated an Auckland tenancy after receiving a complaint that the rental was being used for sex services. The company gave the tenant seven days to vacate and requested payment for commercial disinfection.
Man charged after alleged attack on woman in Stanmore Bay
A 40-year-old man faces five charges following an alleged early morning assault in Stanmore Bay. Police say the man approached a woman on D’Oyly Drive at 5.24am on Thursday, allegedly grabbing her arms and chasing her as she attempted to escape.
South Canterbury Museum to hold closing celebration at Perth St site
The South Canterbury Museum will hold a celebration this Labour Day to mark the end of its era at the Perth St site. The event commemorates 60 years of the Pioneer Hall building before the museum moves to a new facility on Barnard St next year.
Truck driver threatened and forced to empty bank account in Rotorua
A truck driver was allegedly threatened by a group of men and forced to withdraw all funds from his bank account at an ATM. While the trucking company reported the employee was threatened at gunpoint, police stated they are investigating and confirmed no firearms were involved.
Child Cancer Foundation calls for staffing plan at Starship Hospital
The Child Cancer Foundation is demanding a long-term staffing plan for Starship Children's Hospital to address chemotherapy delays. Recent data shows that one in three nursing shifts have fallen below staffing targets this October, following reports that 85 per cent of shifts were short-staffed in August. Health Minister Simeon Brown has met with affected families.
Early reviews for Taika Waititi's Klara and the Sun are bleak
Taika Waititi's latest film, based on a novel by Kazuo Ishiguro, has received poor early reviews ahead of its cinema release. Critics have described the adaptation as a reductive misreading of the book.
Sisters sentenced for manslaughter following death of seriously ill girl
A mother and aunt have been sentenced for manslaughter after a young girl died from an illness. The girl was found unconscious on a couch after three days of arguments regarding who should take her to the hospital. Experts concluded she would have survived with prompt medical attention.
Man charged with concealing body of 21-year-old Braydon Hepworth
A 34-year-old man appeared in Christchurch District Court charged with concealing the body of 21-year-old Braydon Hepworth. The charges suggest Hepworth may have died a month before his body was discovered, having last been seen alive on 3 September.
HR manager awarded $35,000 after unjustified dismissal from Bidfood
The Employment Relations Authority has ruled that Bidfood Limited unjustifiably dismissed HR manager Natalie Plows. While Plows made a "typical Asian" remark to a colleague, the authority found the company's disciplinary process was flawed. Bidfood erred by providing a preliminary dismissal decision before allowing Plows to respond to the investigation.
Helmut Marko opposes Liam Lawson retaining Racing Bulls seat
Former Red Bull adviser Dr Helmut Marko has expressed opposition to Liam Lawson keeping his Racing Bulls seat for next season. The 24-year-old Kiwi driver faces uncertainty regarding his Formula One future as he prepares to compete at the United States Grand Prix in Austin.
Winton Land shareholders express trust concerns at first AGM since founder's resignation
Winton Land held its first AGM following the resignation of founder Chris Meehan. Shareholders expressed concerns regarding company trust, while new chairman Michael Stiassny stated that the business has moved past its recent period of turmoil and governance issues.
Unlicensed motorcyclist charged after being caught speeding in Porirua
A 46-year-old unlicensed rider faces court after being clocked travelling between 170km/h and 180km/h on State Highway 59 on Wednesday night. Police impounded the motorcycle following the incident, which occurred in Porirua. The rider reportedly told officers he was "blowing out the cobwebs."
Fast-track panel grants draft approval for Mosgiel inland port
A fast-track panel has given draft approval for a proposed $100 million logistics hub near Mosgiel in Otago. The Southern Link Inland Port is planned for Dukes Road by Port Otago and Dynes Transport. The project now awaits final feedback and agreement on specific conditions.
Auckland speed climber Helen Lee targets Los Angeles Olympics
Auckland speed climber Helen Lee is preparing to compete in Chile following a record-breaking year. The 27-year-old recently set an Oceania record of 7.37 seconds in China and is now looking towards the Los Angeles Olympics.
Lawyer targeted by inappropriate messages in police group chat
Police staff used unprofessional language and insults to target a lawyer in a group chat. The messages included derogatory terms and comments regarding a photo of the lawyer being placed in a headlock by an officer.
Trump calls LeBron James a disgrace over anthem warmups
US President Donald Trump has accused LeBron James of disrespecting the United States. The criticism follows the NBA star appearing to continue warming up during the national anthem before the Philadelphia 76ers' season opener.
Alexandra Eala to return to Auckland ASB Classic in 2027
Filipino tennis player Alexandra Eala has confirmed her return to the ASB Classic next year. After reaching the semi-finals in Auckland this year while ranked 53rd, the 21-year-old has since climbed into the world's top 20 following a WTA title win in Washington DC.
Electric Avenue explores camping options near Christchurch festival
Organisers of the Electric Avenue music festival are investigating temporary camping options near Hagley Park to reduce travel congestion and accommodation costs. A survey has been sent to attendees regarding travel plans, with potential bus services considered for 2027 and a dedicated campsite possible by 2028.
Fire and Emergency chief remains on leave after minister's rebuke
Fire and Emergency New Zealand chief executive Kerry Gregory is still on extended leave following a loss of confidence from Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden. The agency's board is continuing discussions with Gregory, while Darryl Purdy serves as acting chief executive.
All affected Auckland train lines reopened after City Rail Link closure
Auckland Transport reopened all affected train lines following a closure of the City Rail Link tunnel. The disruption, caused by a ventilation system issue identified during pre-service tests, resulted in cancellations and delays on the East West, South City, and Onehunga West lines during the morning commute.
Police warn Waikato motorists as road toll reaches 28
Police are urging drivers to be alert and slow down ahead of Labour Weekend following 28 deaths on Waikato roads this year. Road policing director Richard Wilson stated officers will be patrolling to issue tickets. This follows data showing road injuries occurred every 15 minutes during the 2025 long weekend.
Events planned for Wairarapa and Tauranga over Labour weekend
Wairarapa will host the Winedogs event at Luna Estate and a paella pop-up at Ata Rangi winery. Meanwhile, Tauranga features various activities including circus performances, live music, and a basketball tournament involving over 200 teams at Mercury Baypark Arena.




































