National

Athletes, artists and academics recognised in King's Birthday Honours

Clockwise from top left: Peter Boshier, Beatrice Faumuinā, Barry Soper, Suzie Bates, Reuben...

Athletes, artists and academics recognised in King's Birthday Honours

One-hundred and seventy-eight New Zealanders have been awarded for their services to Aotearoa in the King's Birthday Honours list including athletes, educators and former police officers.

TranzAlpine stuck in tunnel for an hour

The TransAlpine is a route from Christchurch to Greymouth. Photo: ODT files

TranzAlpine stuck in tunnel for an hour

The scenic train carrying more than 100 passengers got stuck in a South Island tunnel for about an hour.

Parts of South Is brace for possible flooding

MetService is warning of possible flooding and slips, with heavy rain set to hit the South Island. People travelling this long weekend are urged to take care on roads.

'Gutted': No funding for prostate cancer screening

The proposed screening programme would have had a dedicated national unit to call men in for...

'Gutted': No funding for prostate cancer screening

The foundation asked for $6.4m over four years in Budget 2026 to fund two regional pilots for early detection screening for prostate cancer.

More looking to stop vaping, says helpline

E-cigarettes, which heat nicotine-laced liquid into vapour, have rapidly grown into a global market for vaping products.

More looking to stop vaping, says helpline

More people are looking for help to give up vaping, including some who have never smoked before, according to a health support service.

Report critical of LINZ health and safety

Crown land on the shores of Lake Tekapo in Canterbury. Photo: Supplied/ LINZ

Report critical of LINZ health and safety

The handling of "critical risks" to Land Information staff venturing into remote areas has been given the lowest possible ranking for health and safety.

O'Connor talks trade and Waitaki candidacy

The ODT has a new weekly on-line feature, Election 2026 - a feature interview with a politician about the issues of the day.

Willis negotiating tricky Budget path

Finance Minister Nicola Willis’ third Budget has been drafted during troubled economic times. She talks to ODT political editor Mike Houlahan about the challenges.

Govt says AI will help modernise welfare system

Social Development Minister Louise Upston has announced that people coming on to Jobseeker...

Govt says AI will help modernise welfare system

The government says a new law allowing the Ministry of Social Development to use AI to make benefit decisions will modernise NZ's welfare system.

Purpose of English Language Bill questioned

Purpose of English Language Bill questioned

A researcher and linguist based at Otago University says the govt's push to make English an official language raises a question of "what exactly is English being protected from?".

Boy's death after leaving school van investigated

The boy, who attended a school for children with special needs, died on Monday. Photo: RNZ

Boy's death after leaving school van investigated

WorkSafe is making inquiries following the death of a child after leaving a school van earlier this week.

Quake rattles Seddon

A magnitude 4.7 earthquake has struck 15km east of the Marlborough town of Seddon.

Multiple people rescued from Hamilton house blaze

Crews were called to the Frankton property on Saturday morning. Photo: RNZ

Multiple people rescued from Hamilton house blaze

Multiple people have been rescued after a fire broke out in the roof of a house in Hamilton.

Bullet from Nelson driveby narrowly missed person watching TV

Cypress Warren (black sweathshirt), Tiori Edwards (centre) and Francois Teaurima have been...

Bullet from Nelson driveby narrowly missed person watching TV

A person watching TV in the comfort of their suburban lounge narrowly avoided being shot in the head during a drug-related drive-by shooting.

Body in bag trial: Accused grandmother denied knowing victim

Body in bag trial: Accused grandmother denied knowing victim

A jury has been told that a grandmother, who is one of the four charged over the death of Shulai Wang, had told police she didn't know the woman, and that other "homeless ladies" lived in their house.

Goldsmith dismisses Dame Lynda's criticisms as 'same old cliché'

Paul Goldsmith has defended the government's funding of the arts. Photo: RNZ

Goldsmith dismisses Dame Lynda's criticisms as 'same old cliché'

Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith has brushed off criticism of the government at the Aotearoa Music Awards as the "same old cliché", after Dame Lynda Topp delivered an expletive-laden broadside over arts funding.

Budget 2026: Kindys 'will probably have to ask for donations'

Budget 2026: Kindys 'will probably have to ask for donations'

Kindergartens New Zealand says its members will struggle after the Budget increased their operational subsidy by less than 0.5%.

Canterbury man behind $11m illegal lottery avoids prison

Waiariki McIlroy-Jones appears at Christchurch District Court for sentencing on charges relating...

Canterbury man behind $11m illegal lottery avoids prison

A Canterbury man behind the country's biggest illegal lottery will not be going to jail but his punishment is yet to be determined.

'Akin to torture': Systemic failings found in death of neglected 90yo

The findings of Health NZ's independent review into the support and care of a neglected, elderly Christchurch father has highlighted systematic issues and gaps.

Govt pushing law change to allow AI to make benefit decisions

National's Scott Simpson introduced the bill. Photo: RNZ

Govt pushing law change to allow AI to make benefit decisions

A proposed new law would allow the Ministry of Social Development to use AI to make decisions about people's benefits.

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