Labour proposes rent-to-buy scheme for public housing tenants
Labour has announced an election policy in Auckland to help public housing tenants purchase their homes. Under the proposed rent-to-buy scheme, working tenants in Kāinga Ora and participating community housing properties would receive a $100 weekly credit towards their deposits.
+15 outlets · National support drops to 29% in latest 1News Verian poll
The National Party has fallen to 29% support in the latest 1News Verian poll, while Labour remains steady at 27%. Meanwhile, National has called for Labour to clarify potential policy concessions to the Greens during future coalition negotiations.
4 outlets · NewNZ First candidate blames woke culture for Manawanui sinking
Wairarapa candidate Ron Mark has blamed "woke bullshit" for the sinking of HMNZ Manawanui in a campaign video. Mark, who also criticised hairstyles like man buns in the military, denied that his comments regarding diversity, equity and inclusiveness were related to the vessel being captained by a woman.
4 outlets · 2 new reportsBelgian base jumper appears in court for Auckland burglary charges
Ilies Nait El Cadi, a 22-year-old Belgian tourist, appeared in the Auckland District Court on two burglary charges. He is alleged to have jumped from an Albert Street hotel and the Seascape skyscraper. The defendant did not enter a plea and has been remanded on bail.
4 outlets · Operators seek cooling solutions after Christchurch stadium heat reaches 32.5C
Venues Ōtautahi is looking into ways to mitigate heat at One New Zealand Stadium after temperatures reached 32.5C during Monday's NPC final. While fans used water stations and 4,000 bottles were sold, the average internal temperature was 28.6C, which was 4.3 degrees warmer than outside.
4 outlets · Two teenagers arrested after revolver found in Manurewa vehicle stop
Two teenagers have been arrested after police stopped a vehicle of interest in Manurewa on Monday night. Officers located a revolver during the stop, which is believed to be linked to a possible road rage shooting that occurred on Saturday.
4 outlets · New Waitākere Hospital ICU unit remains empty due to staffing and budget issues
A fully equipped six-bed intensive care unit at Auckland's Waitākere Hospital currently has no staff, operating budget, or scheduled opening date. The unit was originally expected to be in use by the end of this year.
+15 outlets · Private sector received 80% of recent public health funding increases
A report by Public Futures Aotearoa found that $2.4 billion of a $3 billion increase in public health funding over the last three years went to the private sector. Additionally, private providers received $14.8 billion from Health NZ and ACC in 2024/25, representing 46.4% of their combined spending.
4 outlets · Prada to close Auckland Queen Street outlet
Luxury retailer Prada is closing its two-storey Queen Street store on Wednesday. The outlet has operated in central Auckland for more than 10 years. A retail consultant suggests the closure may not have a significant impact on the street.
3 outlets · Jetstar launches new direct Christchurch to Perth seasonal service
Jetstar has commenced a new seasonal service between Christchurch and Perth, operating three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The route adds more than 37,000 seats over the summer period. Additionally, the airline has resumed direct flights between Christchurch and Sydney.
3 outlets · Dame Lydia Ko denies involvement in South Korean political controversy
Dame Lydia Ko has issued a statement denying claims that she provided private golf lessons to South Korea's first lady, Kim Hea Kyung. The golfer has threatened legal action following allegations that the lessons occurred on the same day a fire in Seoul caused several injuries.
+15 outlets · Dame Jacinda Ardern appointed Professor of Practice at University of Sydney
Former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern will join the University of Sydney as a Professor of Practice from October 2026. She will mentor students and researchers while delivering guest lectures and masterclasses on topics including leadership, public health, and civic trust.
3 outlets · Traffic delays expected in Christchurch after intersection crash
A two-vehicle crash at the Brougham and Colombo Street intersection in Christchurch early Tuesday morning has disabled traffic lights. Police say one person sustained minor to moderate injuries. Motorists should expect delays as traffic management is expected to remain in place for most of the day.
3 outlets · Chris Hipkins defends education record against Prime Minister's claims
Labour leader Chris Hipkins has rejected Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's description of him as New Zealand's worst education minister. Appearing on Polls Apart, Hipkins accused the Government of taking credit for his previous work and highlighted achievements such as record apprenticeship numbers.
2 outlets · Sensible Sentencing Trust removes politician images from attack advertisement
The Sensible Sentencing Trust has removed images of Chlöe Swarbrick, Marama Davidson, and Chris Hipkins from its election attack ads. The lobby group previously faced a formal complaint from the Greens, who accused them of impersonating the party in advertisements featuring the text "BACKING THE GANGS".
+15 outlets · Sand-related toys must undergo asbestos testing before sale in New Zealand
New Zealand will soon require sand-containing toys to be tested for asbestos before they can be sold. This follows a recall of Kmart coloured sand products last November after asbestos was detected. The Commerce Commission and New Zealand Customs will enforce these new requirements.
3 outlets · Reserve Bank expected to raise official cash rate to 3%
The Reserve Bank is widely expected to increase the official cash rate by 25 basis points this Wednesday. While some economists suggest the central bank may not make the right decision, the move is anticipated to bring the rate to 3%.
2 outlets · Black Caps face India in deciding third T20I in Wellington
New Zealand faces India in the third T20I at Wellington's Hnry Stadium after losing the first two matches at Hagley Oval. The Black Caps are attempting to avoid a series defeat after trailing 0-2. Tim Seifert returns to the venue as New Zealand seeks its first home win against India in nine completed T20Is.
2 outlets · Ngāi Tahu Investments to sell Sanford shares for $72 million
Ngāi Tahu Investments will sell its remaining stake in Sanford to Japan's Umios Corporation for $72 million. The unconditional deal, valued at $7.47 per share, was signed on 26 October. Following the announcement, Sanford shares rose 12.3% on the NZX.
2 outlets · NZ First announces ten-point rail policy
Winston Peters has unveiled a $4 billion rail plan called the 'Commonsense Express'. The policy includes making the Te Huia passenger service permanent, upgrading the Kaimai Tunnel, and establishing new metropolitan rail companies. The plan also proposes bringing back the Southerner Train and trialling commuter rail in Canterbury.
2 outlets · NewWaikato Regional Council proposes Te Huia rail service overhaul
A new Waikato Regional Council report recommends expanding the Te Huia passenger rail service. The proposed plan includes hourly trains to Auckland, a new central Hamilton station, and additional stations using battery-electric trains. The project could cost hundreds of millions of dollars.
2 outlets · Maddy Gordon defends mocking Australian crowd during Constellation Cup test
Silver Ferns midcourter Maddy Gordon has stood by her decision to mock the Australian crowd during the third Constellation Cup test in Sydney. Gordon stated she reacted after being subjected to constant booing. New Zealand won the match 52-49, securing their fourth Constellation Cup title.
2 outlets · 2 new reportsOpportunity Party leader Qiulae Wong discusses election prospects in Dunedin
Opportunity Party leader Qiulae Wong visited Dunedin to discuss her party's chances of entering Parliament. During the visit, she addressed potential governing arrangements and discussed topics including immigration and racist rhetoric ahead of the November election.
2 outlets · US band La Dispute cancels Wellington show after flight diversion
Post-hardcore band La Dispute has cancelled their scheduled performance at Wellington's Meow Nui. The group's flight was diverted to Christchurch due to inclement weather and an alleged equipment malfunction. Members of the US-based band described themselves as heartbroken by the cancellation.
2 outlets · Global dairy farmers to visit New Zealand for 2027 conference
Dozens of Jersey breeders, scientists, and industry leaders from up to 39 countries will visit Aotearoa for the World Jersey Conference 2027. The event will feature a three-week tour across the country to showcase New Zealand's dairy industry, genetics, and farms.
2 outlets · Second weather front to bring more wind and rain
Wet and windy conditions are expected to continue across much of New Zealand as a second weather front moves up the South Island. While the front will bring rain and strong winds, meteorologists say it may not be as significant as the weather experienced earlier in the week.
2 outlets · Lyndon Seyb King named after abandoning name suppression in murder case
Lyndon Jack Seyb King, 20, has appeared in the Christchurch High Court facing charges of murdering his 90-year-old grandmother and assaulting two other women. The alleged incidents occurred at a rural Canterbury property. King has pleaded not guilty, and his trial is scheduled for 2027.
2 outlets · Smaller speed camera trailers begin testing in Christchurch
Waka Kotahi has started testing smaller mobile safety camera trailers in Christchurch. These new trailers are designed to be parked in more roadside locations than the existing larger models. No fines will be issued while the testing phase is underway.
2 outlets · Black Ferns players named as World Rugby award finalists
Loose forwards Kaipo Olsen-Baker and Elinor-Plum King have been nominated for the World Rugby Player of the Year Awards. Olsen-Baker is a finalist for Women's 15's Player of the Year, while King is nominated for the Breakthrough Player of the Year. The Black Ferns conclude their season against France in Christchurch this Saturday.
2 outlets · Online grocery shopping interest rebounds across New Zealand
Search interest in online supermarket shopping and home delivery has increased throughout 2026. This follows a period of declining interest during 2023 and 2024.
1 outlet · Firefighters working to extinguish large fires in Otago and Southland
Firefighters are working to extinguish a blaze in Otago, while landowners in Southland monitor a fire that has spread to 80 hectares. Meanwhile, a 1000m² fire north of Nelson was brought under control overnight following a response from 11 fire trucks.
1 outlet · Ballot opens for final 4000 Electric Avenue 2027 tickets
Organisers have opened a ballot for 4000 additional weekend passes for the Electric Avenue 2027 festival. This final ticket release is available exclusively to Greater Christchurch residents. The festival had previously sold out following its last ticket release last month.
2 outlets · Agricultural growth and declining population change Central Otago character
Central Otago is experiencing a shift in character due to a booming agricultural sector and a declining workforce. The region is defined by contrasting weather patterns and a landscape shaped by its gold rush history.
2 outlets · Cancer campaigner shows breast scans to political leaders
Julie Haines, a breast cancer survivor, has met with Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins to show them her scans. The campaigner is running a petition to ensure women are informed about their breast density and offered alternative imaging where necessary.
2 outlets · Cyber attack causes delays to coronial investigations
A cyber security incident at Dunedin-based Zenith Technology has compromised personal information and delayed coronial investigations. The Ministry of Justice confirmed that sensitive court information was captured during the breach. A small number of current cases are experiencing delays as investigations into the incident continue.
2 outlets · Braemar Hospital staff strike over pay dispute
Nurses and technical staff at Hamilton's Braemar Hospital held a four-hour strike on Tuesday. Workers are seeking better pay, with some technicians claiming they earn hundreds less than those in the public sector.
2 outlets · Auckland couple fears proposed waterfront Ferris wheel will spoil views
A couple living opposite a proposed Ferris wheel on Auckland's waterfront has expressed concerns regarding the attraction. They fear the structure will impact their apartment views and increase noise, pollution, and seismic risk. Tātaki Auckland Unlimited is currently exploring the Ferris wheel as one of several options.
2 outlets · Strong winds cause disruption in Wellington
Gale-force winds buffeted Wellington on Monday, causing flight cancellations, power outages, and fallen trees. MetService recorded a peak wind gust of 148km/h on Mt Kaukau. The weather caused significant travel chaos, with some passengers requiring multiple attempts to complete flights into the capital.
2 outlets · Protections restored to Waikanae Māori burial ground after 56 years
The Kāpiti Coast District Council has voted to reinstate protections for Kārewarewa urupā in Waikanae. This decision adds the ancestral burial ground to the District Plan as a site of significance to Māori. Local iwi Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai welcomed the outcome following decades of legal battles.
2 outlets · Wellington man threatened teenage girl over Snapchat photos
Adam Burton, 30, targeted a teenage girl by threatening to expose her to thousands of followers unless she sent him explicit images. The Wellington man used Snapchat to obtain naked photos from the victim. This follows a previous blackmail incident involving a churchgoer five years ago.
2 outlets · Passenger lands in wrong part of Australia after flight to new Sydney airport
An Air New Zealand passenger bound for Perth mistakenly landed at the new Western Sydney International Airport. The flight from Auckland was the first international service to arrive at the Badgerys Creek facility on Monday. The traveller reportedly confused Western Sydney with Western Australia.
2 outlets · Thousands of mental health insurance claims made by foreign students
One of the four largest health insurance providers for international students received 6,500 claims for mental health issues last year. These claims accounted for 9 per cent of the provider's total. Industry insiders suggest that these students require more support.
2 outlets · Country Calendar named 2026 Screen Legend
The long-running rural programme has been named the 2026 Screen Legend. First broadcast in 1966, the show will be honoured at the New Zealand Screen Awards in Auckland on 19 November. The series is also nominated for Best Factual Series.
2 outlets · NASCAR race stopped after 15-car pileup at Talladega
The NASCAR Chase race at Talladega Superspeedway was halted under a red flag with five laps remaining. A 15-car wreck involved New Zealander Shane van Gisbergen and Joey Logano, whose car went airborne and landed on its roof. Logano escaped the accident uninjured.
1 outlet · Sunergise expands solar capabilities with purchase of Infratec
Auckland-based solar company Sunergise has acquired Infratec from WEL Networks to support larger infrastructure projects. The purchase includes all of Infratec's staff and operations. Sunergise, which recently completed New Zealand's largest rooftop solar installation, aims to grow its market share across New Zealand and the Pacific.
2 outlets · Severe winds and heavy rain forecast as firefighters battle bushfires
Strong winds and heavy rain are expected to lash parts of New Zealand. Firefighters are currently battling bushfires, including a vegetation fire that caused evacuations in Roxburgh. Northwest gales could reach 130km/h in exposed areas, while heavy rain warnings remain for the Tararua Ranges.
2 outlets · Wairarapa farmers struggle with mobile coverage after 3G shutdown
A Federated Farmers survey reveals that some Wairarapa farmers are experiencing worsening mobile coverage following the 3G network shutdown. The report found that many farmers cannot reliably reach 111 from their properties, with approximately two in three farmers nationwide facing similar connectivity issues.
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