Coppers nab copper thieves in Kāpiti

Source: New Zealand Police Three people have been charged this morning following attempts to steal copper cabling. Police were first made aware of the incident at a development site in Waikanae, Kāpiti Coast, at approximately 1am this morning. After being discovered, one alleged offender was taken into custody, while the other two fled on foot.…

Vandals’ actions threaten Tongariro kiwi

Source: NZ Department of Conservation Date:  05 October 2026 Four traps were burned, and a fifth was believed to have been run over by a vehicle, on a track not far from the popular 42 Traverse. It’s believed the vandalism occurred in mid-September. Department of Conservation Biodiversity Ranger Jerome Guillotel says it’s frustrating to see senseless…

Police release names following Papatoetoe fatalities

Source: New Zealand Police Police can now release the names of those who died in Papatoetoe on Thursday 1 October. They were Dahlia Neville, 6, Hunter Neville, 9, and Edward Courtenay James Neville, 40. Detective Inspector Karen Bright, from Counties Manukau CIB, says the investigation into the fatal incident is ongoing on behalf of the…

Road closed, SH2, Tauranga

Source: New Zealand Police State Highway 2, Takitimu Drive, is closed following a serious crash in Tauranga this morning. Police were called to the single vehicle crash near the Waihi Road on-ramp around 11.15am.  Initial indications suggest there are serious injuries.  The Serious Crash Unit has been advised. The road is closed while emergency services…

Serious crash, SH 6, Pelorus Bridge

Source: New Zealand Police Emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash that has blocked State Highway 6 at Pelorus Bridge.  The single-vehicle crash happened between Maungatapu and Bulford roads, about 10.30am. One person is reported to be in a critical condition.  The Serious Crash Unit is responding.  The road is likely to…

Search underway for wanted man

Source: New Zealand Police There is a strong Police presence in Coromandel town following wanted man Max Bradbury being spotted running across farmland. 27-year-old Bradbury is wanted on firearms charges and is considered a risk to the public. He should not be approached. The Police Eagle helicopter, along with Dog Unit and local staff are…

Uncovering the secrets of the ‘silent mind’

 Source: University of Auckland Monday 5 October 2026 If you can’t imagine the sound of a dog barking or hear your inner voice, you’re not alone. University of Auckland’s Dr Zoé Schelp has spent the past three years studying anauralia, the lack of a ‘mind’s ear’, and anendophasia, the absence of an ‘inner voice’. … Read more

Major parties to outline disability policies at national election forum

 Source: IHC New Zealand Media are invited to attend Inclusive Futures 2026: National Disability Election Forum, where representatives from New Zealand’s major political parties will discuss their plans for improving the lives of disabled people and creating a more accessible and inclusive Aotearoa. The forum is organised by leading disability sector organisations and will … Read more

ASB Quarterly Economic Forecast: Fickle Not Fragile

 Source: ASB Bank ASB forecasts two more OCR hikes to 3.25% before Christmas as inflation proves more stubborn than expected. Fuel prices are delivering a fresh inflation shock, with annual inflation expected to dip slightly in Q3, before climbing back above 4% by year-end. Despite the economy growing 0.2% in Q2, households are yet … Read more

Pre-COP31: World leaders must show up for the Pacific through action, not just speeches

 Source: Amnesty International 4 October 2026 Australia must turn its claim to Pacific climate leadership into concrete action Governments urged to end fossil fuel era and deliver scaled up grants-based climate finance Amnesty International launches campaign spotlighting environmental human rights defenders As Pacific leaders, communities and civil society gather in Fiji and Tuvalu for … Read more

Mobile billing transparency hits five-year low despite new guidelines

 Source: Consumer New Zealand 5 October 2026 Consumers NZ’s fifth annual review of mobile phone provider transparency has found standards at their lowest level since the reviews began. With providers going backwards despite new Commerce Commission guidelines, Consumer NZ says voluntary measures are not delivering the change consumers need. Why transparency matters In November … Read more

SAFE says accountability ignored in Hoggard portfolio complaint

 Source: SAFE For Animals Following a formal complaint lodged over ten months ago, SAFE says the Coalition Government has failed to address concerns over Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard’s oversight of animal welfare. SAFE’s original complaint pointed to a pattern of decisions under Minister Hoggard’s watch that it says prioritised industry interests over animal … Read more

Road closed: Eastern Hutt Road, Taita

Source: New Zealand Police Motorists on Eastern Hutt Road are asked to use alternative routes after a heavy vehicle clipped a power pole, bringing down lines.  The incident was reported about 7.55am, between Page Grove and Peterkin Street.  A section of Eastern Hutt Road is closed while the scene is made safe, and motorists are…

Dry dock project moves to expert consideration

Source: New Zealand Government The Northland Shipyard and Dry Dock project has had its Fast-track application accepted as complete by the Environmental Protection Authority, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. The application for the planned shipyard and marine maintenance facility at Marsden Point will next be referred for consideration by an independent expert panel.  “This…

Working capital grants for regional airlines

Source: New Zealand Government The Regional Infrastructure Fund will provide funding to help regional airlines manage the operating pressures facing the sector, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Associate Transport Minister James Meager say. “These are extraordinary times, with regional airlines having to navigate a period of ongoing challenges. Significant pressures, including the price of…

Dr Maye Musk, author, supermodel, and dietitian, speaks at the Prudential Leadership Forum

Source: Media Outreach Shares perspectives on leadership, resilience and legacy with nearly 1,000 customers, young professionals, and aspiring leaders HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 October 2026 – Prudential Hong Kong Limited (“Prudential”) welcomed Dr Maye Musk, a globally renowned author, supermodel and dietitian, to the Prudential Leadership Forum, titled Beyond Success: … Read more

Election 2026 – Fully funded, fully costed – Labour’s plan to lower your cost of living

Source: New Zealand Labour Party Today I released Labour’s Fiscal Plan. It sets out, line by line, how we’ll get everyday costs under control and exactly how we’ll pay for it. Three free GP visits a year. Free prescriptions. A $20-a-week public transport fare cap. A three-year freeze on fuel tax. Action on grocery prices … Read more

Labour’s pay rise a first step, but pay equity needs a full settlement

 Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa NZNO has welcomed Labour’s promised pay rise for care and support workers as a first step. It says care and support workers now need a full settlement of their pay equity claim and a workable pay equity system for all of its members. Labour … Read more

Labour’s pay equity announcement first step but union campaign will continue

 Source: Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi Public service funding needs clarity The Public Service Association says Labour’s commitment to care and support workers’ pay equity is the first step based on work already completed, but the union campaign for a full settlement within the first 100 days of a new government … Read more

Labour’s pay rise for care workers a welcome step towards pay equity

Source: NZCTU The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi is cautiously optimistic about Labour’s commitment to restore pay equity within its first 100 days and give 65,000 care and support workers an immediate $4 an hour pay rise. “An extra $160 a week from 1 January 2027 will make a tangible difference…

Cordons on Tedder Street, Dunedin

Source: New Zealand Police Tedder Street in Saint Kilda is cordoned off from Bay View Road to New Street following a firearms incident reported around 2.50pm. Armed police are in attendance out of an abundance of caution with one person in custody. No injuries are reported. The public are advised to avoid the area as…