Four fragments of ancient space rock recovered in Wairarapa

Thursday 6 August 2026 · 4 outlets · 3 reports · updated Fri 7 Aug, 4:00am

In this story Fireballs Aotearoa

Four pieces of a 4.6-billion-year-old meteorite have been found in northern Wairarapa following a fireball seen across the lower North Island in late July. Experts tracked the fragments to rural farmland after the object entered the atmosphere on 28 July. This discovery marks New Zealand's 11th confirmed meteorite.

How they headlined it

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Thu 12:58pm6:06pmFri 4am

1. StuffThu 6 Aug, 12:58pm

   Wairarapa fireball yields four pieces of 4.6-billion-year-old rock (opens in new tab)

2. 1NewsThu 6 Aug, 6:06pm

   Spectacular fireball leads to recovery of NZ's 11th meteorite (opens in new tab)

3. Waikato TimesFri 7 Aug, 4:00am

   Boom! Small meteorites found after last month’s fireball that lit up night sky (opens in new tab)

   Also on The Press (opens in new tab)