Liam Lawson secures Racing Bulls seat for 2027
The Kiwi will have a third full season as a Formula 1 driver next year.
🇳🇿 New Zealand News
Trio killed in Diwali horror crash named
A newlywed couple and brother-in-law died after the car they were in lost control at a roundabout, came off the road and tore through a BurgerFuel restaurant.
A 10th suspect arrested in South Africa over alleged bid to fight in Russia-Ukraine war
Nine other people were arrested this week as part of a joint investigation between Interpol and South African police into recruitment drives for the war.
Dutch coalition near collapse as 1 party is upset over tax deal with opposition
Jetten skipped a European Union leaders' summit in Ireland to attend a debate in parliament about the tax measures.
Gang controversy fails to dent support for Te Pāti Māori's top performers
Five days after a marathon election night, Mata unpacks the overhangs, hangovers and political headaches.
Jesse Randall stars in return to Auckland with All Whites against India
Jesse Randall played for New Zealand against India. The former Auckland FC forward returned to his old club ground for the match. During the game, he played on the left-hand side of the pitch. New Zealand is currently ranked world number 88.
One dead after vehicle crashes down bank in Tauranga
A vehicle went off a bank at Pyes Pa in Tauranga on Thursday evening. The accident resulted in one fatality.
Fonterra to close its last ethanol plant
Fonterra confirmed the closure of its final ethanol plant. The company did not provide a specific date for when the shutdown will occur.
Watch: In hot pursuit - the police officer turning heads while on the run
A police officer from Taupō became an unexpected attraction. He found himself being pursued by a chasing crowd.
Live: New Zealand All Whites v India first of two-match international friendly football series
The New Zealand All Whites are playing India in the first of two international friendly football matches. The game is scheduled to kick off at 7pm at Go Media Stadium in Auckland.
Coroner orders NZ Rugby to turn over concussion docs
A coroner has ordered New Zealand Rugby to provide documents regarding concussions. This request is part of an inquiry into the deaths of former rugby players Shane Christie and Billy Guyton. Both deaths are suspected suicides.
Election aftermath: Each party's wins & regrets - and that phone call
Party leaders are currently reflecting on their wins and regrets. This period of contemplation occurs while they wait for a specific count. There are 400,000 special votes remaining to be processed.
Chris Wood leads All Whites against India in Auckland
Chris Wood is leading the All Whites in a match against India. The game is taking place in Auckland. Live updates of the event are being provided.
Why MAPAS still matters after 50 years: 'Bringing everyone to the same starting point'
The Māori and Pacific medical pathway scheme known as MAPAS has been operating for half a century. Its purpose is to provide a structured route into medical education and careers for Māori and Pacific peoples. Advocates argue that the program continues to level the playing field by giving participants a comparable starting point to other applicants. The scheme's longevity reflects ongoing demand for culturally attuned pathways in health professions. Supporters maintain that MAPAS remains relevant as it addresses persistent disparities in medical representation.
RNZ staff plan protests against financial blowout, planned redundancies
The public broadcaster intends to cut the equivalent of 58 full-time positions. This decision follows a reported budget overspend of 11.8 million dollars for the year. Staff members are planning protests against these redundancies and the financial blowout.
Pacific fuel crisis cost region nearly $1 billion in six months, NZ briefings reveal
A fuel crisis started in late February. This situation was caused by the war between the United States of America and Iran. Officials report that the crisis cost the Pacific region nearly a billion dollars. This financial loss occurred during the first six months of the crisis.
Detectives appeal for help identifying man after serious street assault
Detectives are seeking the public's help to identify a man. This individual appears in images released by police. The investigation follows a serious street confrontation that happened in the early morning. One man was sent to the hospital because of the incident.
Teachers, students devastated by major online exam glitch
A major glitch affected the NCEA level 2 English exam. This was the largest exam, involving around 40,000 candidates. The exact number of students who took the test online remains unknown. Teachers and students were devastated by the technical failure.
TVNZ staff called to meeting to discuss news team structure proposal
Staff members at TVNZ have been summoned to a meeting regarding a proposal for the news team's structure. One employee reported that there is considerable anxiety among the staff about the changes.
‘He’s grounded for life’: Australian teen survives six days in bush on chips and water
A 17-year-old Australian teenager survived six days trapped in a creek. The teen fell off a cliff and survived on water and chips. Police air wing rescuers located him after spotting a tackle box from the air. The teenager is now grounded for life.
Ministry of Justice staff describe 'fluffy' strategy, exhausted workforce
A review of the Ministry of Justice found that significant changes are required within the organization. This investigation was ordered after a former Lotto presenter remained on full pay for five years. Staff members described the current strategy as fluffy. The workforce is reported to be exhausted.
Cordons lifted on Hawke's Bay street as police search for people
Police searched for people on a street in Hawke's Bay. The cordons in the area have been lifted. Surrounding roads are now open to the public. A number of armed police officers remain in the area to continue their work.
COP31: Climate action must continue even if 'US is not here', Pacific leaders say
Pacific leaders stated that climate action must persist regardless of the absence of the United States. The U.S. government has no official presence at the current climate talks in Türkiye. This is the second year in a row the Trump administration has skipped the annual summit.
Forthing Taikon update coming to NZ with new face, new name
The Forthing TK5 will arrive in New Zealand in early 2027. This new model is set to replace the Taikon.
Justice boss won’t quit after ‘scathing’ review of ex-Lotto host’s employment
The Ministry of Justice provided a former Lotto presenter with payments totaling up to $550,000. These funds were paid while the individual was suspended on full pay. This arrangement lasted for five years. The head of the justice department will not resign despite a scathing review of the employment situation.
Witness to Myers Park playground attack on child sought by police
Police are searching for a witness following an attack on a child at a Myers Park playground. A 20-year-old individual has been charged with attempted murder in connection with the incident.
Ladyhawke, Lee Mvtthews and Savage join lineup for final Rhythm and Vines at historic vineyard
The 24th and final edition of Rhythm and Vines will take place at Waiohika Estate. Organisers have released the daily stage schedule. More than 50 additional acts have been added to the event. The lineup now includes Ladyhawke, Lee Mvtthews, and Savage.
Delays, cancellations on Auckland's train lines after reported trespasser
Passengers using the Onehunga West and South City train lines in Auckland may experience cancellations and delays. These disruptions occurred after a trespasser was reported on the lines.
Teenager referred to Youth Aid after threat forces four-hour school lockdown
A teenager has been referred to Youth Aid Services after an alleged threat occurred. The incident triggered a response from armed police. A high school was placed under lockdown for four hours. This disruption took place while students were taking NCEA examinations.
Teen referred to Youth Aid over threat to New Plymouth Boys' High School
A teenager was referred to Youth Aid following a threat. This threat caused a high school in New Plymouth to enter a lockdown on Tuesday.
Police seek father with two children who witnessed Labour Weekend park stabbing
Detectives are asking for a man who was with his two young children, one of whom was in a stroller, to come forward. The father reported that he saw a stabbing near a playground during the Labour Weekend. Police believe his testimony could help identify the attacker. The appeal urges the witness to contact investigators.
Abuse survivors call government apology 'hollow' two years on
Abuse survivors have described a government apology issued two years ago as hollow. They informed politicians that they still require help and support. The sufferers are also calling for the establishment of an independent redress system.
Cam Roigard’s deputy audition — why the All Blacks’ No 9 battle is far from settled
The All Blacks are deciding who will start at the number nine position against Wales in Cardiff this Sunday. Cam Roigard is expected to be rested for the match. This creates a competition between Cortez Ratima and Kyle Preston. The battle for the starting spot remains unsettled.
PM quiz: In which Aussie soap did Russell Crowe make an appearance in 1987?
This is a quiz asking which Australian soap opera Russell Crowe appeared in during 1987.
Watch: Livestreamer ‘swatted’ after police told he was armed
A livestreamer was swatted after police received a false report that he was armed. The man stated a troll was responsible for the complaint.
Insurer told traveller not to disclose medical condition
A travel insurer must pay a woman 5,000 dollars and the cost of her business class flights. This ruling follows a situation where the woman became seriously ill while in Bali. The insurer had previously told the traveler not to disclose her medical condition.
Australian test captain to address Khawaja’s ‘long list’ of sandpaper allegations
The Australian test captain plans to address a long list of ball-tampering allegations. He intends to respond properly during a press conference scheduled for Friday in Sydney.
Retail NZ hit by email scam
Scammers targeted Retail NZ by sending fraudulent emails. These messages were designed to look like they came from the organization's membership account.
Malcolm in the Middle star hospitalised after Daytona crash
Actor and race car driver Frankie Muniz was taken to the hospital. The medical emergency occurred after he crashed during a practice lap. The incident took place at Daytona International Speedway. This information was provided by his racing team.
19 hours of staff time goes into ACT councillor's withdrawn motion
High-level staff from the Marlborough council spent 19 hours in meetings and discussions. These efforts focused on a notice of motion filed by an ACT Party councillor. The councillor later withdrew the motion.
Student demands answers after website glitch delays national exam by 40 minutes
A secondary school student wants answers from NZQA regarding a digital English exam. A website crash delayed the test by 40 minutes. This technical glitch forced candidates to complete the exam using pen and paper.
No opposition left in Naoero after all MPs join government
Nauru announced that all its members of parliament have joined the government. This move leaves the island nation with no remaining political opposition. A government statement released on Tuesday described the development as a truly historic moment.
Kiwis fill up the tank, skimp on everything else
Spending on fuel increased by 4.8 percent in October. According to data from Stats NZ, spending in almost every other category decreased during the same period.
TVNZ broadcast abuse survivor’s speech without consent
Regulators have censured TVNZ for a segment aired during a prime-time news bulletin. The broadcast included footage of an abuse survivor speaking at a closed church apology event. This footage was aired without the consent of the survivor.
TVNZ aired graphic sex and fatal stabbing drama at 8.30pm
Broadcasting regulators have censured TVNZ. The network aired the finale of the drama series Half Man at 8.30pm. The show contained graphic sex and a fatal stabbing. Regulators ruled the program was wrongly rated 16 and screened too early.
Mitsubishi’s first new nameplate in almost a decade lands in NZ
The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is now officially on sale in New Zealand. This marks the first new nameplate for the company in nearly a decade.
‘Whirlwind few days’: Trashed Rotorua school flooded with global support
A school in Rotorua received global support after students' work was trashed by a group. Police are currently investigating the incident.
Sports commentator called family rugby crowd ‘a paedophile’s delight’ on live radio
Broadcasting regulators decided that a radio network took appropriate action regarding an on-air comment. A sports commentator had described a rugby crowd as a paedophile's delight during a live broadcast. The network handled the matter by counseling the commentators in private meetings.
Hawke's Bay street cordoned off during police operation
Police have established cordons on Leicester Ave in Tamatea. The area is blocked off between Coventry and Westminster Aves. People are advised to avoid the street while the operation continues.
Radio panellist cleared over comment that transport staff should be shot
Broadcasting regulators have dismissed complaints against a radio broadcaster. The case involved a panellist who suggested that council transport staff should be shot. This comment was made in response to spending on road cones. Regulators ruled that the statement was flippant hyperbole. Consequently, the broadcaster has been cleared of any wrongdoing.