Wednesday 28 October 2026
21 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Winston Peters defends NZ First ad regarding Manawanui sinking
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters is defending a social media advertisement that blames diversity, equity and inclusion programmes for the sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui. The ad features party candidate Ron Mark, though Peters is reportedly at odds with his own candidate regarding the matter.
+15 outlets · Christchurch events sector delivers record $107m economic impact
Venues Ōtautahi has reported a record $106.99 million economic impact for the Christchurch region over the last 12 months. The council-owned company posted a $6 million net profit for the financial year ending June 30, recovering from a $1.5 million loss the previous year.
3 outlets · 3 new reportsAuckland woman claims $333,333 Lotto prize after four months
An Auckland woman discovered she won $333,333 after leaving a Lotto ticket in a drawer for four months. She plans to use the money for a new car, family assistance, and a holiday. Meanwhile, Lotto NZ is still searching for the winner of an unclaimed $1 million ticket in Hamilton.
3 outlets · 3 new reportsWayne Brown seeks council control of Auckland transport network
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has released his 2026 manifesto ahead of the general election. He is demanding that the next government hand over control of the city's rail and motorway networks to the council. The manifesto also calls for special economic zones and an end to fast-track greenfield housing.
3 outlets · Joseph Parker camp denies reports of upcoming fight against Frazer Clarke
The manager for Joseph Parker has denied reports that the boxer will fight Frazer Clarke on the Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua undercard in Cardiff. While the camp pushed back against the specific match-up claims, they stated that a return to the ring for the 34-year-old is imminent.
3 outlets · Long Covid sufferers facing insurance claim denials via mental health exclusions
Insurance lawyer Tim Gunn says people with Long Covid are increasingly having claims rejected due to mental health exclusions. The 2024-25 National Health Survey reported that over 400,000 people have experienced symptoms lasting more than 12 weeks after infection.
2 outlets · NewSimeon Brown demands transparency over Labour-Greens coalition policy costs
National campaign chair Simeon Brown has called for Labour and the Greens to clarify which smaller-party policies would be included in a coalition. While demanding this transparency, Brown declined to explain National's own position and ruled out negotiating the finance portfolio with ACT.
2 outlets · NewKaikōura dairy farmers upgrade lighting to protect seabirds and night sky
Local dairy farmers have collaborated with the Kaikōura Dark Sky Trust to reduce light pollution. By upgrading dairy shed lighting, the project aims to protect endangered Hutton’s shearwaters while ensuring workers can still operate safely at night.
2 outlets · Pilot escapes injury after emergency landing on Bay of Plenty beach
A 72-year-old pilot, Evan Wheeler, was forced to make an emergency landing on a remote beach after his propeller broke mid-flight. The incident occurred near Mount Maunganui while he was flying a two-seater bush plane back from Ōpōtiki. Mr Wheeler escaped the landing without injury.
2 outlets · Runaway ram smashes into Christchurch charity building
A ram that had been missing for three days smashed through a window of the Comcare Trust building in Addington on Saturday. The animal caused damage to the office, including broken windows and upturned tables. Police and animal control attended the scene on Lincoln Road to capture the sheep.
2 outlets · 2 new reportsBroadcasting Minister offers commercial radio cut price spectrum deal
Broadcasting Minister Paul Goldsmith has personally intervened to offer commercial radio stations a lower cost for spectrum licences. NZME has been offered a 20-year renewal for its frequencies for $11.2 million, a price approximately 70 per cent lower than the 2011 renewal round.
2 outlets · Hunter rescued barefoot and dehydrated in remote Northland forest
A man who became separated from his hunting group in the Warawara Forest near Mitimiti has been rescued. After being missing for several hours, he was located on a steep cliff face by an Eagle helicopter. The man was found barefoot and dehydrated following an overnight search operation.
2 outlets · Two men charged after air guns and meth found in Auckland vehicle
Two men face drugs and firearms charges after a routine traffic stop in Mt Roskill. Police pulled over a Honda CRV due to an expired warrant of fitness and registration. Officers allegedly discovered an air rifle, an air pistol, methamphetamine, and nearly $2000 in cash inside the vehicle.
2 outlets · Waitaki candidates debate health and mining at Wānaka forum
Six party representatives discussed health, mining, and council funding during an election forum in Wānaka on Tuesday night. Opportunity party candidate Kayla Kingdon-Bebb criticised the government for placing unfunded infrastructure mandates on councils and ratepayers.
2 outlets · Gap narrows between National and Labour in latest election poll
The latest poll for the 2026 election shows the gap between the National and Labour parties is narrowing. Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission has dismissed claims regarding voter suppression.
2 outlets · Trespasser causes train delays and detours on Auckland's East West line
Train services on Auckland's East West line are facing delays and cancellations due to a trespasser near Ōrākei. Auckland Transport says trains in both directions will detour through Newmarket, with some stations bypassed. Services are expected to run approximately every 15 minutes.
2 outlets · Wellington City Council to buy out property affected by flash flooding
Wellington City Council is purchasing a property impacted by flash flooding in April. Mayor Andrew Little stated the buyout is due to the property being at risk from landslips on council-owned land. He clarified that there is currently no wider buyout programme in place.
2 outlets · Two arrested after man injured in Hastings aggravated robbery
Two people have been arrested following an alleged aggravated robbery on Avenue Road East in Hastings. Police say a man was injured after being invited to a residential property, where he was subsequently threatened with weapons. Officers established a cordon around 1am on Wednesday after finding the victim.
2 outlets · Luxon criticises Labour's economic record and rejects claims of division
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has accused the former Labour government of mass financial vandalism. In a recent interview, he argued that New Zealanders are still facing the consequences of those economic decisions and rejected suggestions that the country is currently divided.
2 outlets · Feilding community sends 17 tonnes of aid to Ukraine
A community effort in Feilding has packed a shipping container with 17 tonnes of humanitarian supplies for families in Ukraine. Organised by the Ukraine Educational and Support Trust, this is the 13th container sent via Poland to provide much-needed equipment and aid.
1 outlet · Super Rugby Pacific squads revealed for 2027 season
All ten Super Rugby Pacific teams are announcing their squads and new signings throughout Wednesday. The Hurricanes have been the first to reveal their 38-man roster as they prepare to defend their title.
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