Saturday 31 October 2026

17 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets

  1. Wellington Phoenix extend lead at top with win over Newcastle Jets

    Wellington Phoenix secured a 3-0 away victory against the Newcastle Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium. Goals from Corban Piper, Riley Bidois, and Nathan Walker helped the side achieve three consecutive wins. This result marks the club's best-ever start to an A-League Men season.

    The PostStuffNZ Herald1News+15 outlets ·
  2. Zack Swanwick holds two-shot lead at Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship

    New Zealander Zack Swanwick has taken a two-shot lead heading into the final round at Te Arai Links South Course. After a third-round 67, Swanwick sits at seven-under par. The tournament winner will receive invitations to both the 2027 Masters and The Open Championship.

    StuffNZ HeraldRNZ3 outlets ·
  3. Porirua deputy mayor Kylie Wihapi dies following a fall

    Porirua Deputy Mayor Kylie Wihapi has died unexpectedly following a fall on Saturday morning. Mayor Anita Baker expressed shock at the sudden loss of the former Māori ward councillor. Wihapi had served as deputy mayor since 2022.

    NZ HeraldStuffThe PostRNZ+15 outlets ·
  4. Lawson and Verstappen receive grid penalties after Mexico practice collision

    Liam Lawson and Max Verstappen have each been handed a one-place grid penalty following an unacceptable collision during the second practice session in Mexico. The incident caused a red flag to clear debris from the track. Stewards investigated the clash after Verstappen attempted to overtake the Racing Bulls driver.

    Stuff1NewsRNZ3 outlets ·
  5. Black Ferns sweep WXV series with win over France

    The Black Ferns defeated France 36-7 in Christchurch to complete a three-match series sweep. Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a scored two tries during the season finale at One New Zealand Stadium. This victory marked the conclusion of the team's first campaign under coach Whitney Hansen.

    NZ HeraldStuffThe Post3 outlets · 3 new reports
  6. Police appeal for help after copper wiring theft in Marton

    Police are seeking information regarding the theft of approximately 300 metres of copper wiring from two power poles on Turakina Valley Road. The poles were cut down in the early hours of Saturday 24 October, causing electricity outages. Repairs are expected to cost around $500,000.

    RNZ1NewsOtago Daily Times3 outlets ·
  7. Three arrested after alleged robbery and carjacking in Waikato and Auckland

    Three people have appeared in court following an aggravated robbery in Tuakau on Saturday morning. Police say the suspects allegedly threatened staff with weapons and assaulted a shopkeeper before fleeing in a vehicle. The subsequent police pursuit spanned both the Waikato and Auckland regions.

    NZ Herald1NewsRNZ3 outlets ·
  8. Police investigating two vegetation fires near Glendowie estate

    Police and a wildfire investigator are looking into two vegetation fires that occurred near billionaire Graeme Hart's estate in Glendowie on Friday. Firefighters used three crews and a helicopter to control the blazes on the cliffs overlooking Gentleman's Bay. One fire was reported near Waitara Road in Saint Heliers.

    NZ HeraldStuffRNZOtago Daily Times4 outlets ·
  9. Auckland Marathon apologises for omitting women's names from merchandise

    Organisers have apologised after an unintentional printing error left female runners' names off commemorative hoodies and t-shirts. While men's names were correctly printed, the mistake was highlighted on social media. The event is expected to be the largest in over a decade, with nearly 18,000 people registered.

    NZ HeraldRNZ1News3 outlets ·
  10. Young person may face charges after South Auckland facility fire

    Police say a young person could be charged after a small fire was lit at the Korowai Manaaki youth justice facility in Manurewa. Oranga Tamariki staff alerted emergency services around midday on Saturday. The fire caused minimal damage and was quickly extinguished.

    RNZNZ Herald2 outlets ·
  11. Christopher Luxon warns against strategic voting ahead of election

    National leader Christopher Luxon has addressed the media as political campaigns enter their final week. He cautioned voters against strategic voting and noted how close the polls currently are.

    1NewsStuff2 outlets ·
  12. Woman ordered to pay $200,000 for defamatory Facebook posts

    The High Court has ordered Nga Atawhainga Adrianna Creagh to pay $200,000 to Brendon Ngarino Te Waati for reputational damage caused by false social media allegations. Creagh is also banned from repeating the claims or making similar allegations against the Māori wellness expert.

    NZ HeraldRNZOtago Daily Times3 outlets ·
  13. Wairarapa methamphetamine dealer sentenced to more than 10 years in prison

    Ruben Flutey, 34, was sentenced to 10 years and five months in the Wellington District Court last week. Following a police investigation, he was convicted on 18 charges, including participating in organised crime and supplying methamphetamine. Police say the sentencing is a major blow to a regional drug supply network.

    RNZOtago Daily Times1News3 outlets ·
  14. Auckland warned of delays due to major weekend events

    Aucklanders are being urged to plan ahead for significant road and public transport disruptions this weekend. Large crowds are expected for several events, including the Auckland Marathon, the Diwali Festival, and AUSX Supercross. Approximately 60,000 people are anticipated to attend festivities across the city and region.

    NZ HeraldStuff2 outlets ·
  15. Auckland couple wins $15.25 million Powerball jackpot

    An Auckland couple won $15.25 million in the Powerball draw on Saturday, 24 October. The husband discovered the win while preparing dinner, leaving him in shock. The winning ticket was purchased online via MyLotto.

    Stuff1News2 outlets ·
  16. More than 30 jobs lost as Te Kūiti mill closes

    Claymark is closing its processing mill in Te Kūiti, which is expected to result in the loss of more than 30 full-time positions. Waitomo mayor John Robertson described the closure as a significant blow to the town's population of under 5,000.

    Waikato TimesStuff2 outlets ·
  17. Political commentators discuss Christopher Luxon ahead of election

    Commentators have reflected on Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's public interactions and political outlook. Discussions include his recent appearance in South Auckland and speculative scenarios regarding potential election outcomes involving Labour and the Green Party.

    The PostNewsroom2 outlets ·