Society
Labour proposes rent-to-buy scheme for public housing tenants
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.
+15 outlets · Prada to close Auckland Queen Street outlet
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.
3 outlets · Jetstar launches new direct Christchurch to Perth seasonal service
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.
3 outlets · New Waitākere Hospital ICU unit remains empty due to staffing and budget issues
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.
+15 outlets · US band La Dispute cancels Wellington show after flight diversion
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.
2 outlets · Sand-related toys must undergo asbestos testing before sale in New Zealand
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.
3 outlets · Private sector received 80% of recent public health funding increases
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.
4 outlets · Dame Jacinda Ardern appointed Professor of Practice at University of Sydney
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.
3 outlets · Online grocery shopping interest rebounds across New Zealand
Search interest in online supermarket shopping and home delivery has increased throughout 2026. This follows a period of declining interest during 2023 and 2024.
1 outlet · Lawyer appointed to review City Mission care of Braydon Hepworth
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.
4 outlets · Ballot opens for final 4000 Electric Avenue 2027 tickets
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.
2 outlets · Agricultural growth and declining population change Central Otago character
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.
2 outlets · Cancer campaigner shows breast scans to political leaders
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.
2 outlets · Cyber attack causes delays to coronial investigations
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.
2 outlets · Braemar Hospital staff strike over pay dispute
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.
2 outlets · Auckland couple fears proposed waterfront Ferris wheel will spoil views
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.
2 outlets · Protections restored to Waikanae Māori burial ground after 56 years
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.
2 outlets · Passenger lands in wrong part of Australia after flight to new Sydney airport
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.
2 outlets · Thousands of mental health insurance claims made by foreign students
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.
2 outlets · Country Calendar named 2026 Screen Legend
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.
2 outlets · Waiouru military area fire burns 230 hectares
A vegetation fire sparked by live fire training has burnt approximately 230 hectares in the Waiouru Military Area. Firefighters and helicopters are working to control the blaze, which may take another 24 hours to extinguish. The fire has sent smoke across the Desert Road.
4 outlets · Sunergise expands solar capabilities with purchase of Infratec
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.
2 outlets · Chris Hipkins defends education record against Prime Minister's claims
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.
2 outlets · Wairarapa farmers struggle with mobile coverage after 3G shutdown
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.
1 outlet · Royal NZ Ballet announces 2027 season of classics and new works
The Royal New Zealand Ballet has unveiled its 2027 programme, which will feature a New Zealand premiere of Don Quixote and a world premiere of Alice in Wonderland. The upcoming season will include contemporary works and a mix of classical favourites performed across New Zealand.
2 outlets · Victim remains in critical condition after Māngere assault
A person remains in stable but critical condition in hospital following a serious assault on Massey Road in Māngere on Sunday morning. Police are investigating the incident, which occurred outside a commercial premises, and say the alleged offender fled the scene. Authorities believe the attack was an isolated incident with no ongoing public safety concerns.
4 outlets · Air New Zealand flies first international passengers to new Sydney airport
Air New Zealand has become the first international airline to land at Western Sydney International Airport. The inaugural flight from Auckland arrived at 7.28am on Monday, marking the start of a new service that will run three times weekly until March 2027.
3 outlets · NZTA warns against DIY highway maintenance after resident mows roundabout
The New Zealand Transport Agency has advised the public against mowing near live traffic after a Welcome Bay resident mowed an overgrown traffic island himself. Robert Coe took action at the Hairini Street and Welcome Bay Road roundabout, claiming the grass had not been maintained for at least six months.
3 outlets · New analysis shows high cost of chronic health conditions in NZ
More than 80 percent of New Zealand's healthcare costs are spent on treating long-term or chronic conditions. Including general practitioner records shows that the prevalence of people living with multiple conditions is 31 percent.
2 outlets · Jetstar resumes direct flights between Christchurch and Sydney
Jetstar has restarted direct services between Christchurch and Sydney, adding four flights per week. The airline's return provides nearly 40,000 additional seats over the summer season. Jetstar joins Air New Zealand, Emirates, and Qantas as the fourth carrier operating this direct trans-Tasman route.
2 outlets · Black Ferns hooker ruled out of final test against France
Atlanta Lolohea will miss the Black Ferns' season finale against France in Christchurch due to an ankle injury. Holly Wratt-Groeneweg has been named as injury cover for the Blues hooker. The match takes place this Saturday night.
2 outlets · Pauline Parker dies in Scotland aged 88
Pauline Parker, who murdered her mother in Christchurch in 1954, has died in Orkney, Scotland. She lived under the assumed name Hilary Nathan and was reportedly residing in retirement housing at the time of her death.
+26 outlets · Police believe Dunedin man was in a confrontation before death
Police say 40-year-old David Noah had injuries consistent with an assault before being found unresponsive on Leckhampton Court on 30 September. While a post-mortem has not established the cause of death, investigators believe he was in a confrontation shortly before dying. His death remains unexplained.
+15 outlets · Auckland player wins $15.25m Powerball jackpot
An Auckland player has won $15.25 million after scooping the Powerball and Lotto First Division prizes via MyLotto. Other winners include three players who each won $250,000, including one ticket sold at Paper Plus Stratford.
3 outlets · Cornwall Park to introduce paid parking from December 2026
The Cornwall Park Trust Board will implement paid parking in selected areas and along Pūriri Drive starting 1 December 2026 to manage increasing visitor demand. While entry to the park remains free, the first two hours of parking in paid zones will be free, with daily weekday charges reaching up to $35.
+15 outlets · HDC refers Health NZ following patient deaths at Dunedin Hospital
The Health and Disability Commissioner has referred Health NZ after two patients died following care failures. One 67-year-old woman with sepsis waited 13 hours at a rural hospital for a transfer that was denied due to alleged bed shortages and staff assessments.
2 outlets · Airfares expected to rise for summer holiday travellers
Travelers planning summer trips may face higher costs this Christmas. Economist Benje Patterson notes fares will be more expensive than last year, with Stats NZ data showing September domestic flight bookings rose by 5.1% compared to the same period last year.
4 outlets · Tribunal orders compensation after tenant given six hours to vacate
The Tenancy Tribunal has ordered compensation for a tenant forced to leave his home within six hours. The eviction occurred after an administrative issue at the Ministry of Social Development delayed a rent payment. The landlord, AJ Safe Homes, refused to rescind the termination notice despite an offer to cover the rent.
2 outlets · Sonny Bill Williams reveals he underwent emergency open-heart surgery
Former All Black Sonny Bill Williams has shared that he underwent successful emergency open-heart surgery to treat a congenital heart defect. The 41-year-old discovered the condition during a routine follow-up appointment for neck surgery. Williams detailed the ordeal and his fears for his life in a video posted to YouTube.
+15 outlets · Proposed Ferris wheel could arrive on Auckland waterfront by December
US-based Skyline Attractions has applied to operate a 32m Ferris wheel at the Queens Wharf Breastworks. The attraction, which could carry 144 passengers, is being considered as part of plans to open central wharves to the public. The project's opening in December 2026 depends on resource consent.
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