Media in the middle of fudge stunts, debate drama and ‘right v left’ rows

Source: Radio New Zealand The possibility of a generational clash of the finance ministers got the media going. The Press “Are you worried about this Taxpayers’ Union campaign that’s going to be launched against Nicola Willis?” Heather du Plessis-Allan asked the prime minister on Newstalk ZB last Monday. “I haven’t seen it. But I would … Read more

Training exercise to test response to maritime emergency

Source: Radio New Zealand A training exercise will be carried out off the Taranaki coast. 123RF A training exercise will be carried out off the Taranaki coast, in a bid to assess how agencies respond to a maritime emergency. The operation will be held on Sunday between Port Taranaki and the Bell Block area. Locals … Read more

Politicians divided over whether boating rules are fit for purpose

Source: Radio New Zealand Skipper Travis Whiteman. RNZ / Libby Kirkby-McLeod Two lawmakers have expressed different views on whether New Zealand’s boating rules are fit for purpose. But the rules look unlikely to change anytime soon. On Wednesday in the Thames District Court, skipper Travis Whiteman was sentenced and fined for careless operation of a … Read more

Football: Auckland City claim back-to-back National League titles after penalty shootout

Source: Radio New Zealand Auckland City celebrate winning the National League Championship Men’s Final. Shane Wenzlick / Photosport.nz Auckland City FC have defended their National League Championship title with a 7-6 penalty shootout win over Chatham Cup holders Wellington Olympic, after the match finished tied 2-2 following extra time in a thrilling final at Newtown … Read more

Teen who fled youth justice facility found

Source: Radio New Zealand Supplied / Google Maps Police have located a teenager who absconded from a youth justice residence near Christchurch. The boy fled from Te Puna Wai o Tuhinapo in Rolleston on Saturday morning. He was found at 4.15am, with the assistance of the Eagle helicopter. Oranga Tamariki confirmed the boy was back … Read more

‘Opportunity to stamp my own mark’: Chris Hipkins promises a different Labour

Source: Radio New Zealand Labour leader Chris Hipkins is promising voters will see a different Labour in 2026 to the party they turned their backs on in 2023. The last election saw Labour’s six years in government come to an end, and Hipkins returning to the opposition benches just 10 months after becoming prime minister. … Read more

Keep your homes secure this summer

Source: New Zealand Police As the summer season approaches and more people spend time outdoors, Hawke’s Bay Police are reminding residents to take extra precautions to keep their homes secure. Recent reports show that opportunistic thieves have been taking advantage of unlocked doors and windows, even when people are at home. Thieves are always looking … Read more

Basketball: Tough night for Breakers as they fall to Phoenix in Melbourne

Source: Radio New Zealand The Breakers winning run has come to an end. © Photosport Ltd 2025 www.photosport.nz The Breakers fell to a 12-point loss to South East Melbourne Phoenix in their NBL clash in Melbourne, bringing an end to the New Zealanders’ three game winning streak. The 92-80 defeat keeps the Breakers outside the … Read more

Why do some people get carsick and others don’t?

Source: Radio New Zealand Jan Parkes’ early travel blogging trips to Fiordland were seven hours on the road with a baby who wasn’t even walking yet. But with a travel-writing, photography-toting mum who’s covered most of the South Island and 40 countries, her three children (now aged between 7 and 12) learned to take life … Read more

Rising home loan rates blamed on ‘another misstep from Reserve Bank’

Source: Radio New Zealand Kiwibank’s 2026 outlook notes that the Reserve Bank is currently “at the centre of some confusion”. RNZ Miscommunication from the Reserve Bank has driven interest rates higher than they should be, Kiwibank economists say, but they expect the economy to recover next year, anyway. Kiwibank has released its outlook for 2026, … Read more

Homicide investigation launched after two found dead in central North Island

Source: Radio New Zealand Two bodies were found at a property in Ruatiti. A homicide investigation is under way after two people were found dead at a rural property in the central North Island. The pair’s bodies were found at a property in Ruatiti on Saturday afternoon. Ruatiti is in the Ruapehu district near the … Read more

Firefighters extinguish fire in Auckland’s Beach Haven

Source: Radio New Zealand At least five crews were called to scene in the suburb of Beach Haven shortly after 6pm Saturday. RNZ/Marika Khabazi Firefighters have extinguished two housefires on Auckland’s North Shore on Saturday evening. At least five crews were called to a blaze in the suburb of Beach Haven shortly after 6pm. Fire … Read more

Homicide investigation, Ruatiti

Source: New Zealand Police Attribute to Central District Commander Superintendent Dion Bennett: A homicide investigation has been launched following the deaths of two people in Ruatiti. The victims were located by Police at a rural property this afternoon. A scene examination will begin tomorrow (Sunday 14 December) and is expected to take several days. Post-mortem … Read more

Kiwis quinella World Cup freeski halfpipe event in China

Source: Radio New Zealand Finley Melville Ives celebrates victory at Secret Garden, China. FIS Reigning freeski halfpipe world champion Finley Melville Ives from Wānaka has won the FIS World Cup event in China, with compatriot Luke Harrold second. For the first time, two Kiwi halfpipe skiers have shared a podium in either freeski or snowboard. … Read more

On the road: Auckland FC building form as they take A-League lead

Source: Radio New Zealand Auckland FC’s Callan Elliot competes for possession against Central Coast Mariners. PHOTOSPORT Auckland FC have regained the lead at the top of the A-League men’s table with their Friday night victory, but that could quickly change, as their closest rivals, Sydney FC and Brisbane Roar, both have matches on Saturday night. … Read more

Firefighters battling house fire in Auckland’s Beach Haven

Source: Radio New Zealand At least five crews were called to scene in the suburb of Beach Haven shortly after 6pm Saturday. RNZ/Marika Khabazi Firefighters have been sent to two housefires on Auckland’s North Shore Saturday evening. At least five crews were called to a blaze in the suburb of Beach Haven shortly after 6pm. … Read more

Firefighters battling housefire in Auckland’s Beach Haven

Source: Radio New Zealand At least five crews were called to scene in the suburb of Beach Haven shortly after 6pm Saturday. RNZ/Marika Khabazi Several fire crews are battling a house fire on Auckland’s North Shore. At least five crews were called to the suburb of Beach Haven shortly after 6pm Saturday. Fire and Emergency … Read more

Road closed after crash on State Highway 75 in Bank’s Peninsula

Source: Radio New Zealand Police have closed SH75 between Summit Road and Long Bay Road following a crash. RNZ / REECE BAKER A serious crash has blocked State Highway 75 along Christchurch Akaroa Road on Canterbury’s Banks Peninsula. Police have closed the highway between Summit Road and Long Bay Road, and emergency services are at … Read more

Drug dealing dad to lose more than half a million dollars in asset seizures

Source: Radio New Zealand Police say a Wairarapa methamphetamine supplier and his network profited at the expense of the community, and are carrying out court ordered asset seizures. Supplied/ Police More than half a million dollars of riches from organised crime could be stripped from a Wellington methamphetamine dealer after a court order, while his … Read more

Young person escapes youth justice facility near Christchurch

Source: Radio New Zealand RNZ understands the facility the young person escaped from is Te Puna Wai o Tuhinapo. Supplied / Google Maps A young person has escaped from a youth justice facility in Canterbury. RNZ understands the facility they escaped from is Te Puna Wai o Tuhinapo in Selwyn. In a statement, police said … Read more

Interislander ferry failure shows emergency tug needed – Maritime Union

Source: Radio New Zealand The Interislander ferry, Kaiārahi (file). Interislander The Interislander ferry dodged a bullet after suffering a technical failure yesterday, the Maritime Union says. The Kaiārahi experienced steering problems during its 3.30pm voyage across the Cook Strait to Picton. The vessel returned to Wellington as a precaution, docking at 10.05pm. A North Island … Read more

Christopher Luxon mounts leadership defence: ‘I know what it took to rebuild’

Source: Radio New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has mounted a defence of his leadership, reminding people he rebuilt the National Party after “a state of civil war”. Speculation his job was under threat was whirling around Parliament just a few weeks ago, prompting senior Cabinet ministers to outright deny plotting a coup. A series … Read more

Humpback whale dies after being caught in rope

Source: Radio New Zealand A humpback whale tangled in a cray pot line during an earlier incident in Northland in 2018. Catherine Peters DOC A humpback whale has died after becoming caught in a cray pot rope off the Northland coast. The death is revealed in a report for Fisheries New Zealand detailing accidental catches … Read more

Auckland shop owner assaulted in alleged aggravated burglary

Source: Radio New Zealand RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly Police have arrested five people after an aggravated burglary in Auckland’s Albany. The group allegedly entered a store on The Avenue on Friday morning. Police said the offenders were taking items when a fight broke out. They said the store owner was assaulted and received minor injuries. … Read more

Drug dealing dad to lose more than half a million in asset seizures

Source: Radio New Zealand Police say a Wairarapa methamphetamine supplier and his network profited at the expense of the community, and are carrying out court ordered asset seizures. Supplied/ Police More than half a million dollars of riches from organised crime could be stripped from a Wellington methamphetamine dealer after a court order, while his … Read more

‘Extraordinary act of bravery’: Junior Isaako stopped violent attack, saved stabbed man’s life

Source: Radio New Zealand By Noam Mānuka Lazarus, Massey University journalism student Junior Fa’amalosi Isaako was asleep at his home in Flaxmere, Hastings in June, when he was awoken by loud arguing. RNZ Insight / Anneke Smith A man who saved the life of a critically wounded stabbing victim is among 10 people being honoured … Read more

Motorbike rider dies in Northland crash

Source: Radio New Zealand RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly A motorbike rider has died following a crash in Northland. Police said the single-vehicle crash occurred on State Highway 1 in Kaitaia at about 8.50pm on Friday. The rider was taken to hospital in a critical condition but died soon after. Police said a scene examination has … Read more