Christchurch commuter rail trial and regular South Island services to return
The Government has approved a $3.4 million loan to Mainland Rail for a 12-month passenger rail trial. Starting in mid-2027, commuter services will run between Rangiora, Rolleston and central Christchurch. Regular services between Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill are also expected to resume next year.
+15 outlets · Police fine rugby league fans for dangerous convoy behaviour
Tauranga police issued infringement notices to motorists in two convoys of over 200 vehicles. The Samoan and Tongan supporters were reported for blocking intersections and engaging in dangerous behaviour, such as waving flags from windows, during Saturday evening celebrations.
4 outlets · Lebanon defeats France in golden point finish at World Cup
Lebanon secured a 24-20 victory over France in a golden point finish at CommBank Stadium. The match was described as a see-sawing affair that reached a dramatic conclusion during the final minutes of regular time.
3 outlets · 3 new reportsSouth Africa wins cricket series over Australia as New Zealand tops table
South Africa clinched a 2-1 series victory after defeating Australia by 176 runs in the third Test at Newlands. Simon Harmer took 6-16, while Kagiso Rabada reached 350 Test wickets. Following the result, New Zealand has moved to the top of the World Test Championship standings.
3 outlets · Residents warned to stay indoors after Manurewa scrapyard fire
Firefighters are battling a large blaze at Euro Plus Car Parts in Manurewa that has engulfed multiple vehicles. Thick black smoke has spread across South Auckland, prompting emergency alerts for residents to stay indoors with windows and doors closed. The fire has also impacted access to major roads.
3 outlets · Light aircraft crashes into hangar at Ardmore Airport
Emergency services responded to a light aircraft that flew into a hangar at the Ardmore Flying School in South Auckland on Sunday afternoon. Fire crews attended the scene to manage a fuel leak, while an ambulance and helicopter were deployed. One person was assessed at the site and was uninjured.
3 outlets · Animal hoarder banned from owning animals for 18 years
Tatyana Kondratyeva has been banned from owning animals until at least 2044 following a history of hoarding and ill-treatment. During a recent inspection, several animals were found living in a single carrier, including a sick hen and a distressed rooster.
3 outlets · Sir John Key endorses Paul Goldsmith in Epsom electorate
Sir John Key has released a video endorsing Paul Goldsmith for the Epsom seat. Key is calling for National supporters to vote "two ticks blue" to undo the previous "cup of tea" arrangement with the ACT Party.
2 outlets · Three winners share Lotto First Division prize pool
Three players have each won $333,333 after sharing the Lotto First Division prize from the October 31 draw. Winning tickets were purchased at locations in Auckland, Masterton, and Paraparaumu. The Powerball prize was not won and will roll over to the next draw.
2 outlets · Emergency services respond to possible chlorine leak in Mount Maunganui
Firefighters are investigating a possible chlorine gas leak from a tanker on Totara Street in Mount Maunganui. Crews from Tauranga City, Mount Maunganui, and Greerton attended the scene after the incident was reported around 11.30am on Sunday. Police have closed the road and advised motorists to avoid the area.
3 outlets · Mid Canterbury households could face volumetric water charges within five years
Ashburton District Councillor Russell Ellis has warned that Mid Canterbury residents may be required to pay for water by the litre within five years. This follows guidance from the Water Services Authority, Taumata Arowai, regarding the installation of household meters and the implementation of volumetric charging.
2 outlets · Orange heavy rain warnings issued for parts of South Island
Orange heavy rain warnings have been issued for three South Island regions due to an active front. Up to 300 millimetres of torrential rain is expected, bringing risks of surface flooding, slips, and rising rivers. Strong wind watches are also in place for southern areas.
1 outlet · Former Auckland education worker appears in court for sentencing
Hannah Lealiiee, 45, appeared in the Auckland District Court on Friday for sentencing. The former school staffer previously pleaded guilty to two grooming charges and four other offences involving underage boys. Lealiiee reportedly told police she knew her actions were wrong but enjoyed the attention.
3 outlets · Two men hospitalised after separate stabbings in Hamilton and Ohakune
Police are investigating two separate stabbings in the North Island that occurred overnight. In Hamilton, a man was found with an abdominal stab wound on Ross Crescent and remains in serious condition. Another man was also hospitalised following a stabbing in Ohakune.
2 outlets · Black Ferns players win major World Rugby awards
Kaipo Olsen-Baker has been named World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year, while Elinor-Plum King received the Breakthrough Player of the Year award. The Black Ferns pair were honoured during presentations following New Zealand's 36-7 victory over France in Christchurch.
2 outlets · Nineteen Taranaki players selected for 2027 Super Rugby Pacific squads
Nineteen contracted Taranaki players have been named in Super Rugby Pacific squads for the 2027 season. The Chiefs will feature the highest number of Taranaki representatives, including Jared Profitt and brothers Fiti and Jayden Sa.
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