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.
National
Parts of South Is brace for possible flooding
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
'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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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'
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
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
'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
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.
Donations to ACT Party surge, doubling in 20 days
Donations to ACT Party surge, doubling in 20 days
The ACT Party has received $600,000 in new donations in the last 20 days, more than doubling its tally in election year so far to $1.2m raised.