Smell of smoke triggers emergency landing at Christchurch Airport
Updated 4.40 pm
A report that the cabin of an Air New Zealand plane smelt of smoke triggered an emergency response at Christchurch Airport this afternoon.
National
Six businesses hit in 90-minute crime spree in Christchurch
Six businesses hit in 90-minute crime spree in Christchurch
A 90-minute crime spree caused extensive damage to several Christchurch businesses early today, police say.
Brian Tamaki claims guns seized ahead of Indian PM's visit to NZ
Brian Tamaki claims guns seized ahead of Indian PM's visit to NZ
Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki has claimed his guns were seized ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit next week.
The North Island town with four Macca's branches
'You can never have too many': The North Island town with four Macca's branches
Golden arches are popular in the city of Palmerston North, where construction of a fourth McDonald's branch in the area is under way.
Mother charged with manslaughter after death of 3-year-old
Mother charged with manslaughter after death of 3-year-old
A 33-year-old woman has been charged with manslaughter following the death of her 3-year-old.
US ambassador targets nuclear-free policy
US ambassador targets nuclear-free policy
The new US ambassador says it is not for him to change NZ laws, but he would like the opportunity to work on the country's nuclear policy.
'Pash ‘n ’dash’ weddings to offer budget-friendly vows
'Pash ‘n ’dash’ weddings to offer budget-friendly vows
Big weddings, tiny price tag.
Lake Benmore solar farm granted provisional Fast-track approval
Lake Benmore solar farm granted provisional Fast-track approval
A Canterbury solar farm big enough to cover 320 rugby pitches has been granted provisional approval by a Fast-track panel.
Flood-risk homes gaining value faster than others, data shows
Flood-risk homes gaining value faster than others, data shows
Instead of avoiding homes at risk of flood, house-hunters are snapping them up at a discount, new data shows.
Election 2026 interview: Labour's Tangi Utikere
Election 2026 interview: Labour's Tangi Utikere
This week's Election 2026 political interview guest is Labour MP Tangi Utikere, the MP for Palmerston North.
Farewell Spit petrel to be tested for bird flu
Farewell Spit petrel to be tested for bird flu
A giant petrel found dead on Farewell Spit is being tested for bird flu, but most likely died after being battered by storm conditions, officials say.
India's PM to visit NZ
India's PM to visit NZ
The government has confirmed India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit New Zealand next week.
MSD defends linking staff performance with cutting emergency housing
MSD defends linking staff performance with cutting emergency housing
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD)'s boss is defending linking staff performance with cutting emergency housing numbers, saying it's executing the government's policy.
Schools unable to fill teacher vacancy jobs, many applicants 'unsuitable'
Schools unable to fill teacher vacancy jobs, many applicants 'unsuitable'
Secondary school principals say they are getting more applicants for teaching jobs, but many are not good enough.
Labour pledge to scrap 'terrible' disability bill
Labour pledge to scrap 'terrible' disability bill
Labour says it will scrap the controversial Disability Support Services Bill if it gets into power at the November election.
Controversial golf course holes filled with concrete
Controversial golf course holes filled with concrete
But "concrete eating ducks" had other ideas.
Bill stopping climate lawsuits passes first hurdle
Bill stopping climate lawsuits passes first hurdle
Legislation preventing lawsuits against companies for climate-changing emissions under tort law has passed its first reading in Parliament.
More paid parking at tourist sites after trial raises $1.5 million
More paid parking at tourist sites after trial raises $1.5 million
Paid parking will continue at three popular South Island tourist destinations with more potential sites expected to be announced later this year.
AI to be used on life support trial
AI to be used on life support trial
A clinical trial involving 50 hospital intensive care units has been funded to test if AI can help doctors save the lives of more patients on life support.
Government deficit $3 billion below forecast
Government deficit $3 billion below forecast
The government looks set to report a smaller deficit this year, on the back of higher tax revenue and lower spending.