Luxon defends National MP after photo with gang members emerges
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has defended Tama Potaka after a photo surfaced showing the National MP posing with patched Mongrel Mob members. While Labour leader Chris Hipkins has accused National of hypocrisy, Mark Mitchell stated the image was taken at a Kīngitanga event three years ago.
+26 outlets · Northland to face Canterbury in maiden NPC final
Northland will play Canterbury in the NPC final at Christchurch's One New Zealand Stadium on Monday. The Taniwha are seeking their first-division title for the first time, while defending champions Canterbury will be boosted by the return of five All Blacks.
+26 outlets · Heavy rain and gales forecast for South Island on Monday
An active weather front is expected to sweep across the South Island on Monday and early Tuesday morning. MetService has issued heavy rain warnings for areas including Westland and Fiordland, while Waka Kotahi has urged motorists to take care during return journeys.
+26 outlets · Luxon distinguishes between his gang photos and those of opposition figures
Christopher Luxon has responded to social media photos showing him with Black Power members at a state abuse apology. He stated that his photos at public events should not be conflated with opposition figures pictured with gang members at private campaign events.
+26 outlets · Three more All Blacks ruled out of northern tour
Tyrel Lomax, Samisoni Taukei’aho and Shannon Frizell have been ruled out of the All Blacks' upcoming northern tour due to injuries. The three forwards join a growing injury list that now includes nine players. Selectors are expected to name a 36-man squad on Tuesday.
+26 outlets · Pauline Parker dies in Scotland aged 88
Pauline Parker, who murdered her mother in Christchurch in 1954, has died in Orkney, Scotland. She lived under the assumed name Hilary Nathan and was reportedly residing in retirement housing at the time of her death.
+26 outlets · Legendary athletics coach Arch Jelley dies aged 104
Renowned athletics coach Arch Jelley has died at Bupa Glenburn after spending several months in hospital. The Dunedin-born coach guided many New Zealand middle-distance runners over five decades, most notably coaching Sir John Walker to Olympic gold and a world mile record.
+15 outlets · Kiwis secure dominant 82-16 victory over Cook Islands
The Kiwis defeated the Cook Islands 82-16 in their second Rugby League World Cup match at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch. Debutant Tanner Stowers-Smith scored two tries, while Jamayne Isaako contributed three tries and 11 goals. Despite the large win, concerns remain regarding aerial issues and conceded intercept tries.
4 outlets · Enrolment deadline passes for 2026 general election
The deadline for New Zealanders to enrol to vote has passed. Under new rules, enrolment closed at midnight on Sunday, 13 days before the election on 7 November. Hundreds of thousands of people, including many young citizens, were still not on the roll ahead of the cutoff.
4 outlets · Western Sydney Wanderers defeat Auckland FC 5-2
Western Sydney Wanderers defeated Auckland FC 5-2 at CommBank Stadium in an A-League Men's round two clash. Despite an early lead by Luka Vicelich, the defending champions conceded five goals, including a goal from former Auckland player Liam Gillion.
4 outlets · All Whites coach Darren Bazeley to step down in December 2026
Darren Bazeley will leave his position as All Whites head coach when his contract expires at the end of 2026. New Zealand Football confirmed the departure following results that did not meet expectations. Bazeley, who guided the team to the upcoming FIFA World Cup, will oversee upcoming home matches against India in November.
3 outlets · Cornwall Park to introduce paid parking from December 2026
The Cornwall Park Trust Board will implement paid parking in selected areas and along Pūriri Drive starting 1 December 2026 to manage increasing visitor demand. While entry to the park remains free, the first two hours of parking in paid zones will be free, with daily weekday charges reaching up to $35.
+15 outlets · Proposed Ferris wheel could arrive on Auckland waterfront by December
US-based Skyline Attractions has applied to operate a 32m Ferris wheel at the Queens Wharf Breastworks. The attraction, which could carry 144 passengers, is being considered as part of plans to open central wharves to the public. The project's opening in December 2026 depends on resource consent.
3 outlets · Liam Lawson places sixth in second US Grand Prix practice session
New Zealander Liam Lawson finished sixth during the second practice session at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin. Following a tenth-place finish in the opening session, Lawson maintained strong pace ahead of the US Grand Prix weekend.
3 outlets · Two injured after car crashes into Queenstown hotel entrance
A car struck diners before smashing into the entrance of the Ramada hotel in Frankton on Saturday morning. Police were notified of the incident on Hawthorne Drive at approximately 11.40am. Two people were treated at the scene and transported to Lakes District Hospital in moderate condition.
3 outlets · Fog causes 15 domestic flight cancellations at Auckland Airport
Fog restrictions implemented at 6:33am on Saturday caused significant disruption to domestic regional services at Auckland Airport. A total of 15 domestic flights were cancelled and 15 others were delayed. International flights were not affected by the weather conditions.
3 outlets · Two injured after house fire in Mangatāwhiri
Two people were injured during a house fire on Koheroa Road in Mangatāwhiri early Saturday morning. One person is in critical condition and another is moderately injured following the incident, which emergency services were called to at approximately 4.30am. Fire and Emergency New Zealand sent six crews to contain the blaze.
3 outlets · Tribunal orders compensation after tenant given six hours to vacate
The Tenancy Tribunal has ordered compensation for a tenant forced to leave his home within six hours. The eviction occurred after an administrative issue at the Ministry of Social Development delayed a rent payment. The landlord, AJ Safe Homes, refused to rescind the termination notice despite an offer to cover the rent.
2 outlets · Taranaki man sentenced to prison for threatening to kill
A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to prison for two charges of threatening to kill or cause grievous bodily harm. The man directed threats at a hospital worker and another individual in Taranaki. He later expressed remorse through the restorative justice process.
2 outlets · Woman hospitalised after fire at Dunedin's former Prince of Wales Hotel
A woman was taken to hospital in serious condition following a fire on a top floor balcony at the historic Prince of Wales Hotel in Dunedin. At least three people were evacuated from the building after smoke was seen rising from the site on Saturday afternoon.
2 outlets · Shallow 6.9 magnitude earthquake strikes near northern Vanuatu
A shallow earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 occurred in the sea west of Sola on Saturday afternoon. The United States Geological Survey reported the quake had a depth of 10km. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre previously noted that hazardous tsunami waves were possible for parts of Vanuatu.
2 outlets · Sheep smashes window at Christchurch building
A sheep reportedly smashed a window at a building on Lincoln Road, triggering a response from police and animal control. More FM host Chris Bond witnessed the incident from a nearby studio, initially mistaking the scene for a burglary.
2 outlets · Two men flee in stolen car after Rotorua Aquatic Centre robbery
Police are investigating a robbery at the Rotorua Aquatic Centre car park where two men allegedly demanded a bystander's vehicle. The men fled in the car around 6.40pm on Thursday. The victim was uninjured but shaken, and no arrests have been made.
2 outlets · Wayne Brown calls for $220m annual tourism funding for councils
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has launched a Tourism Funding Charter to seek a long-term national approach to tourism costs. Supported by over 100 leaders, the initiative includes a full-page advertisement calling for the Government to provide councils with $220 million annually.
3 outlets · Columnist provides commentary on the third leaders' debate
Steve Braunias has published a column regarding the third leaders' debate. The piece includes observations on the moderator, Paddy Gower, and the participants.
2 outlets · World is restructuring itself around America, says historian
Historian Anne Applebaum suggests the global process of restructuring around the United States has commenced. She also advised that New Zealand must ensure big tech companies respect national laws and sovereignty to protect against democratic decline.
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