Two Pak’nSave stores fined $580,500 for misleading pricing
Pak’nSave Silverdale and Pak’nSave Mill Street in Hamilton have been fined a combined $580,500 in the Auckland District Court. The supermarkets pleaded guilty to Fair Trading Act breaches involving inaccurate shelf prices and misleading promotional deals that failed to match checkout prices.
+26 outlets · 2 new reportsNetball NZ abandons proposed private domestic league
Netball New Zealand has decided not to proceed with a privately run domestic league, despite a non-binding term sheet signed eight weeks ago with investors Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams. The board's decision, made during a Wednesday meeting, leaves the future of next year's elite competition uncertain.
+15 outlets · 3 new reportsLewis Pass reopens after heavy snow closes South Island highways
State Highway 7 at Lewis Pass has reopened following heavy snowfall on Friday. Earlier, snow had closed both Lewis Pass and Arthur’s Pass, with warnings issued for other alpine routes including the Crown Range Road and Milford Road. Police have advised motorists to drive according to current conditions as more snow is forecast.
4 outlets · Voter enrolment rate falls below 2023 levels
The Electoral Commission reports a provisional enrolment rate of 93.6 per cent for this year's election, down from 94.7 per cent in 2023. Chief Electoral Officer Karl Le Quesne noted the figure reflects awareness of new rules requiring enrolment by 25 October, rather than on election day.
3 outlets · 2 new reportsPrecinct Properties delays Auckland waterfront office tower development
Precinct Properties has paused the development of the 227m Pūmanawa Downtown West office tower at 29 Customs Street West. The company cited inflation, interest rates, a weak Kiwi dollar, and construction risks as reasons for the delay. This follows the cancellation of a hotel and apartment portion of the project in August.
4 outlets · 3 new reportsElectoral Commission investigating Harry Mowbray over Split Your Vote campaign
The Electoral Commission is investigating businessman Harry Mowbray for potentially breaching electoral laws through his 'Split Your Vote' campaign. The investigation follows a decision to order the campaign website offline after it was deemed an unauthorised election advertisement.
3 outlets · 2 new reportsSeven of 10 sunscreens fail to meet SPF label claims
Consumer NZ testing found that seven out of 10 sunscreens failed to meet their advertised SPF claims. While all products met broad-spectrum requirements, one expensive sunscreen labelled as SPF50 was found to provide only SPF14.
3 outlets · Fatigue and safety failures caused Bluff ship boiler explosion
A TAIC report found that fatigue, poor communication, and missed safety controls contributed to a boiler explosion on the M.V Olivia in Bluff. The May 2025 accident occurred while crew members were cleaning a boiler that had not yet cooled, resulting in injuries to three people.
4 outlets · Leicester Fainga'anuku embraces versatile role for All Blacks northern tour
Leicester Fainga'anuku has been recalled to the All Blacks squad for next month's tests in the UK. Head coach Dave Rennie has labelled the player a hybrid, naming him as a loose forward. The 27-year-old Crusader says he takes pride in his ability to play multiple positions.
2 outlets · New Zealand musician charged with assault and threatening language
A prominent New Zealand musician is facing charges of common assault and threatening to injure. The artist was scheduled to appear at Manukau District Court on Friday morning. A court spokesperson stated the man is due to appear again next month.
2 outlets · NewAuckland man sentenced for repeatedly striking dog with rope
An Auckland man has been sentenced for assaulting a tan and white mixed-breed dog named North. The SPCA reported that the man repeatedly struck the dog with a rope-like object between December 2023 and February 2024, causing the animal significant distress.
2 outlets · 2 new reportsHurricanes to host Chiefs in Super Rugby rematch at McLean Park
The Hurricanes have confirmed they will host the Chiefs at Napier's McLean Park on Saturday, 8 May 2027. The Round 13 match serves as a rematch of this year's Super Rugby Pacific grand final. The Wellington-based franchise also announced a match in New Plymouth for the 2027 season.
2 outlets · 2 new reportsLiam Lawson remains uncertain about his 2027 Formula 1 seat
New Zealander Liam Lawson is awaiting a decision regarding his future with Racing Bulls. Ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix, the driver is focusing on scoring points to secure a drive for next season while attempting not to overthink the situation.
2 outlets · Man found not guilty of murder due to insanity
A man in his 30s was found not criminally responsible for the death of Douglas Senior in Dunedin. The court heard the defendant believed he was auditioning for a role with the Secret Service when he killed the man with a golf club.
2 outlets · NewDavid Seymour performs song at Christchurch jazz bar
ACT leader David Seymour played guitar and sang 'April Sun in Cuba' on Thursday night. The performance took place during a jam session at Fat Eddie's bar in Christchurch.
2 outlets · Questions raised over Ashburton footpath petition signatures
A petition seeking improvements to a 500m stretch of Allens Rd in Ashburton has faced scrutiny. Concerns have been raised regarding potential duplicate signatures, signatories living outside the region, and a councillor who claims he signed the document unknowingly.
2 outlets · Christchurch theatre to close due to unsuccessful funding application
Little Andromeda theatre in Christchurch is scheduled to close on 19 December after failing to secure funding from Creative New Zealand. Founder Michael Bell stated the lack of support forced the move, though a landlord has offered the possibility of a new location.
2 outlets · Polymarket prices correct after swing towards Labour leader Chris Hipkins
Prediction market Polymarket has corrected its pricing following a sharp swing towards Chris Hipkins being the next prime minister. The movement, which may have been a manipulation attempt, returns the market to a roughly 50:50 outlook for the upcoming election. This follows a recent poll showing Labour leading National.
2 outlets · International group labels New Zealand climate policy rollbacks staggering
Climate Action Tracker has criticised New Zealand for stripping back climate protections. The organisation described the policy rollbacks as staggering and noted that current measures are inadequate to meet 2030 targets without relying on offshore credits. Only the United States and Canada have reportedly gone further in reducing climate protections.
2 outlets · Multimillion-dollar golf and hospitality hub planned for Blenheim
The Bishell family has unveiled plans for Caythorpe Green, a multimillion-dollar development on their Marlborough estate. Located on New Renwick Road, the project will combine high-tech golfing facilities, including a 22-bay driving range, with a cellar door and hospitality services.
2 outlets · New Warrant of Fitness rules and higher fines start Sunday
From 1 November, many vehicles will have extended Warrant of Fitness periods, such as new cars requiring inspections only after four years. However, motorists will face increased penalties for driving unsafe or expired vehicles. The NZTA has reminded drivers that maintaining vehicle safety remains their responsibility.
2 outlets · Ten Southland Stags players secure Super Rugby contracts for 2027
Ten players from the Southland Stags have earned full-time contracts with New Zealand's five Super Rugby franchises for the 2027 season. Among those named in the Highlanders squad is Southland prop Jack Sexton.
2 outlets · Digitisation pace a cause for concern in Manage My Health report
Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster has released a final report regarding the December 2025 Manage My Health cyber breach. The investigation warns that the speed of digitisation and emerging AI risks could increase vulnerabilities if governance frameworks are not strengthened.
4 outlets · Ministry of Awesome launches national startup network in Christchurch
The Ministry of Awesome has established a national Startup Hub Network (NEST) in central Christchurch. The initiative aims to increase the density of New Zealand's startup ecosystem.
2 outlets · Report reveals flaws in firefighter training and claims of beasting
A Fire and Emergency NZ report has identified significant issues within firefighter training processes. The findings include claims that a military-style approach known as "beasting" is used to belittle recruits. In response, the organisation has initiated a training reset, though the report was not shared with the Minister of Internal Affairs.
4 outlets · Politicians visit Christchurch gelato shop during election campaign
ACT's David Seymour and Green co-leader Marama Davidson visited Rollickin Gelato in Christchurch today. The shop has become a regular stop for political leaders to try flavours with political names during the election campaign.
2 outlets · Mt Albert haunted house returns to raise funds for blood cancer
Kristy Oxenham is opening her Auckland home as a Halloween spectacle to honour her late husband, Jason Oxenham. The fundraiser aims to support Myeloma New Zealand's research and patient support work following Jason's death from blood cancer.
2 outlets · Edendale teenager to debut in Formula Ford championship this weekend
Thirteen-year-old Nixon Cripps will make his South Island Formula Ford Championship debut at the Levels circuit in Timaru this weekend. The Edendale resident is transitioning from karting to open-wheel car racing as the next stage of his motor racing career.
2 outlets · Chris Hipkins aims to be inspiring and realistic in new campaign approach
Opposition Leader Chris Hipkins says he has moved away from sweeping rhetoric in favour of realistic promises. During a recent interview, he discussed his campaign approach and his efforts to avoid being dull while remaining inspiring.
2 outlets · David Seymour tells supporters not to vote National to play it safe
ACT leader David Seymour has urged supporters not to vote National to play it safe during a tight election. He stated that voting for ACT still contributes to growing the right bloc.
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