South set to skip worst of wild weekend weather
Wild weather is forecast to clobber much of the South Island over the weekend but Otago and Southland look set to miss the worst of it.
National
Govt announces half-billion-dollar boost for film industry
Govt announces half-billion-dollar boost for film industry
The government is playing catch-up with other countries that provide more generous film production incentives by announcing more than half a billion dollars for the sector.
Secret marriage behind $2m fraud
Secret marriage helped couple defraud Oranga Tamariki out of $2m
Neha Sharma appeared to be an honest, hard-working Christchurch property manager at Oranga Tamariki. Until she and her husband conned the Government agency out of more than $2 million.
Warning of higher blackout risk next winter
Warning of higher blackout risk next winter
Transpower is warning of higher risks of electricity outages starting in winter 2026.
'Massive clean-up' after Canterbury hay bale blaze
'Massive clean-up' after Canterbury hay bale blaze
Two fire crews stayed overnight to monitor the site of a major hay bale blaze near Ashburton.
New homes only for buyers over 45
New Christchurch homes only for buyers over 45
Two dozen new-build homes have hit Christchurch’s property market, but young first-time buyers should stay clear.
Pharmacist sold stolen medication on Trade Me
Pharmacist sold stolen medication for $126k on Trade Me
A pharmacist made around $126,000 after he stole medication from his work and sold it on Trade Me for four years.
Teen gives back to chopper after rescue
Teen gives back to chopper after rescue
A Christchurch high school student has defied the odds after a devastating crash - and now he’s giving back to the air rescue crew who saved him.
Helicopter tracks stolen car after ramming police
Helicopter tracks stolen car after ramming police
Police have arrested two people after a car fled from police then rammed a patrol car in the carpark of The Warehouse in Takanini.
Scathing report on Oranga Tamariki from Auditor-General
Scathing report on Oranga Tamariki from Auditor-General
The country's highest watchdog has issued a scathing assessment of Oranga Tamariki's procurement and contracting practices last year.
DOC may cut 68 jobs in proposal
DOC may cut 68 jobs in proposal
Sixty-eight roles are proposed to be cut at the Department of Conservation in the latest round of job cuts, but the agency says nobody will be out of work.
Stanford spars with Radhakrishnan over email ‘spam’ remark
Stanford spars with Radhakrishnan over email ‘spam’ remark
A Labour MP of Indian origin has accused the immigration minister of painting migrants in a "negative light" during an answer to a question in Parliament last week.
Health NZ confirms 377 roles cut
Health NZ confirms 377 roles cut
Health NZ has confirmed job cuts at five of its departments, including Hauora Māori services, Pacific health, procurement, planning and funding, and auditing.
Man gets seventh drink-driving conviction
Seventh drink-driving conviction for 200m drive to liquor store
A man’s 200-metre drive to a liquor store for cigarettes ended in his seventh conviction for drink driving.
Ashburton teacher's registration cancelled over pupil treatment
Ashburton teacher's registration cancelled over pupil treatment
A primary teacher who made fun of pupils with learning disabilities, pulled a finger at other children and told some to “p*** off” will no longer be allowed to teach.
'Bit of a scrap': Takahē takes on tuatara
'Bit of a scrap': Takahē takes on tuatara
A takahē and a tuatara have been filmed engaging in a bush-floor stoush in footage captured by a Doc ranger.
'Frank' meeting between van Velden and union
'Frank' meeting between van Velden and union
The Council of Trade Unions has met with Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden, hot on the heels of pay equity changes passing in Parliament under urgency last week.
Complaint from member of public about former top cop
Complaint from member of public about former top cop
The police watchdog has released further details of its investigations regarding former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming.
Homicide probe as woman run down at intersection
Homicide probe as woman run down at intersection
Police in Hamilton have launched a homicide investigation the death of a 30-year-old woman on Thursday morning.
Victims speak out about sexual predator
Victims speak out as sex predator put back behind bars
A father-to-be who was abused as a child was one of three victims - two men and a woman - who described the harm David Brent Phillips caused through his sexual offending.