https://headline.nz/ Latest New Zealand news, at a glance. Each story links to the original reports. en-nz Tue, 27 Oct 2026 06:01:09 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s109177/ https://headline.nz/story/s109177/ 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. Tue, 27 Oct 2026 05:04:41 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s109155/ https://headline.nz/story/s109155/ 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. Tue, 27 Oct 2026 04:15:33 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s109140/ https://headline.nz/story/s109140/ 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. Tue, 27 Oct 2026 04:01:00 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s109130/ https://headline.nz/story/s109130/ 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. Tue, 27 Oct 2026 02:23:09 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s109062/ https://headline.nz/story/s109062/ 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. Tue, 27 Oct 2026 02:02:56 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s109048/ https://headline.nz/story/s109048/ 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. Tue, 27 Oct 2026 01:44:40 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s109074/ https://headline.nz/story/s109074/ 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. Tue, 27 Oct 2026 01:24:34 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s109058/ https://headline.nz/story/s109058/ 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. Tue, 27 Oct 2026 00:59:51 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s109063/ https://headline.nz/story/s109063/ 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. Tue, 27 Oct 2026 00:52:18 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s109066/ https://headline.nz/story/s109066/ 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. Tue, 27 Oct 2026 00:35:52 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s109071/ https://headline.nz/story/s109071/ 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. Tue, 27 Oct 2026 00:34:53 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s109084/ https://headline.nz/story/s109084/ Search interest in online supermarket shopping and home delivery has increased throughout 2026. This follows a period of declining interest during 2023 and 2024. Tue, 27 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s108995/ https://headline.nz/story/s108995/ 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. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 23:59:43 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s109002/ https://headline.nz/story/s109002/ 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. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 23:40:59 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s109001/ https://headline.nz/story/s109001/ 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. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 23:15:57 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s108996/ https://headline.nz/story/s108996/ 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. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 23:15:28 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s109031/ https://headline.nz/story/s109031/ 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. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 23:13:35 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s109037/ https://headline.nz/story/s109037/ 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. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 22:49:36 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s108970/ https://headline.nz/story/s108970/ 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. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 21:55:19 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s108992/ https://headline.nz/story/s108992/ 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. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 21:43:41 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s108941/ https://headline.nz/story/s108941/ 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. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 20:10:42 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s108951/ https://headline.nz/story/s108951/ 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. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 20:05:44 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s108991/ https://headline.nz/story/s108991/ 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. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 19:56:27 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s108933/ https://headline.nz/story/s108933/ 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. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 19:50:54 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s108929/ https://headline.nz/story/s108929/ 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. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 19:30:46 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s108903/ https://headline.nz/story/s108903/ 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. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 19:26:32 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s108963/ https://headline.nz/story/s108963/ 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. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 19:24:10 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s108899/ https://headline.nz/story/s108899/ 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. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 18:37:28 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s108934/ https://headline.nz/story/s108934/ 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. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 18:29:38 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s108911/ https://headline.nz/story/s108911/ 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. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 18:09:19 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s108844/ https://headline.nz/story/s108844/ 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. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 18:00:51 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s108865/ https://headline.nz/story/s108865/ 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. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 17:46:42 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s108842/ https://headline.nz/story/s108842/ 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. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 17:39:03 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s108876/ https://headline.nz/story/s108876/ 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. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 17:29:46 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s108889/ https://headline.nz/story/s108889/ 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. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 17:01:46 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s108805/ https://headline.nz/story/s108805/ 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. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s108753/ https://headline.nz/story/s108753/ 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. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 15:45:50 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s108793/ https://headline.nz/story/s108793/ 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". Mon, 26 Oct 2026 15:45:45 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s108806/ https://headline.nz/story/s108806/ 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. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s108771/ https://headline.nz/story/s108771/ 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. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s108769/ https://headline.nz/story/s108769/ 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. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s108766/ https://headline.nz/story/s108766/ 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. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s108760/ https://headline.nz/story/s108760/ 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. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s108742/ https://headline.nz/story/s108742/ 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%. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s108739/ https://headline.nz/story/s108739/ 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. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s108737/ https://headline.nz/story/s108737/ 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. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s108744/ https://headline.nz/story/s108744/ 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. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 14:55:00 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s108722/ https://headline.nz/story/s108722/ A Wellington barrister will lead an independent review into the care provided to Braydon Hepworth by the Christchurch City Mission. The 21-year-old man was evicted from transitional housing shortly before his body was discovered buried in a Linwood shed. The review follows his death under suspicious circumstances. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 06:57:14 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s108729/ https://headline.nz/story/s108729/ A person was found with serious injuries at an Olliviers Road property in Phillipstown on Monday evening. Emergency services responded to the scene around 5.40pm, and police have established cordons at the address. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 06:50:40 GMT https://headline.nz/story/s108709/ https://headline.nz/story/s108709/ Emergency services are conducting aerial and coastline searches for a man who went missing while kayaking alone near Mill Bay. The kayaker was last seen on a blue and white kayak about 1km offshore. The search involves multiple agencies following reports that he failed to return to shore on Monday afternoon. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 04:14:15 GMT