Memorable arrival starts the year
Memorable arrival starts the year
Carla Probst will never forget the first day of 2026 — not least because she spent part of it in labour in a helicopter.
Two seriously injured after fall at Christchurch festival
Two seriously injured after fall at Christchurch festival
Two people were seriously injured after falling from a Ferris wheel at the Rolling Meadows music festival in Christchurch last night, the New Zealand Herald is reporting.
Dozens dead, scores injured in fire at ski resort bar
Dozens dead, scores injured in fire at ski resort bar
About 40 people were killed and 115 injured when a fire ripped through a crowded bar during a New Year's Eve party in the upscale Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana.
Pledging ‘real action’ on cost of living crisis
Pledging ‘real action’ on cost of living crisis
Megan Woods says she has seen nothing like the incineration of Labour legislation which she has watched from the opposition benches over the past two years.
Teen charged after firecracker sparks bushfire
Teen charged after firecracker sparks bushfire
A teenager accused of tossing a firecracker into bushland on New Year's Eve has been charged after it sparked a bushfire that threatened homes and remains contained but not controlled.
US searches for survivors after strike on suspected drug vessels
US searches for survivors after strike on suspected drug vessels
The United States Coast Guard is searching for survivors of a US military strike against a convoy of suspected drug vessels in the Pacific Ocean, US officials said on Wednesday.
How the world brought in 2026
How the world brought in 2026
As Wednesday turned to Thursday, people around the world said goodbye to a sometimes challenging 2025 and expressed hopes for the new year to come.
Tragic New Year period on Sydney beaches
Tragic New Year period on Sydney beaches
A woman's body has been recovered at one beach, while a search is under way for a missing swimmer at another, in a grim start to the New Year in Sydney.
Health app cyber breach 'incredibly concerning'
Health app cyber breach 'incredibly concerning'
A cyber security breach at ManageMyHealth has been "contained", according to the company - but GPs and patients are still waiting to hear if their health records have been compromised.
Search over as calls for help likely from nearby address
Search over as calls for help likely from nearby address
A search operation found no signs of trouble after a person was heard yelling for help off a Dunedin track this morning.
Caution advised as third-party services 'price gouge' airfares
Caution advised as third-party services 'price gouge' airfares
A Dunedin woman is urging people to check they are not booking flights through a third-party agency, after her elderly mother paid $1300 for two one-way seats with bags from Wellington.
South set for stormy start to new year
South set for stormy start to new year
The new year looks set to get off to a stormy start in parts of the South this afternoon.
Aussies' focus on peace at New Year celebrations
Aussies' focus on peace at New Year celebrations
Australians have rung in the new year with dazzling fireworks and a moment of silent reflection for the Jewish community.
Road deaths drop but still too many: police
Road deaths drop but still too many: police
Police are crediting Operation Open Roads for a reduction in road deaths for the third year in a row.
One dead after overnight crash in Waikato
One dead after overnight crash in Waikato
A person has died following a single-vehicle crash in Waikato's Hauraki District overnight.
Person found dead on highway north of Auckland
Person found dead on highway north of Auckland
A person has been found dead on the Kaipara Coast Highway (State Highway 16), north of Auckland.
Revellers ring in New Year across the country
Revellers ring in New Year across the country
The new year has started with a bang across the country.
Dreary weather not dampening New Year's Eve celebrations
Dreary weather not dampening New Year's Eve celebrations
With less than two hours left of 2025, New Year's celebrations are well underway - despite the dreary weather in many regions.
Dunedinites gather to welcome 2026
Skies clear as young and old gather for Dunedin New Year's Eve celebrations
Dunedin experienced something akin to four seasons in one day on New Year’s Eve — but at least it remained dry for most of the evening's festivities.
Man dead, teen missing after boat capsizes at popular beach
Man dead, teen missing after boat capsizes at popular beach
A man has died and a teenage boy is missing after a boat capsized near a popular beach area.