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CTV Family Member Dawn Vigil Commemorates 14th Anniversary Of Earthquake
Saturday, 22 February 2025, 7:30 pm | David Lynch
It's a sombre duty to acknowledge that, despite the passage of these 14 years, justice & accountability for those innocent souls remain elusive. The CTV building collapse was not just a tragedy; it was an avoidable catastrophe, a stark reminder of the ... More >>
Christchurch To Mark 3 Years Since Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion Of Ukraine
Saturday, 22 February 2025, 5:29 pm | Ukrainian Association
Every year, we come together to share stories of war and peace, honour those who have suffered, and stand united against aggression. More >>
Parihaka Matriarch Maata Wharehoka Dies At Age 74
Saturday, 22 February 2025, 5:19 pm | RNZ
Wharehoka was an expert in marae arts, raranga and karanga, and the caretaker of the marae at Parihaka for nearly 30 years. More >>
Napier Council Proposes Two-year Library Closure To Limit Rates Increase
Saturday, 22 February 2025, 4:28 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
It says the closure will keep the proposed rates increase for Napier ratepayers below 7.9%. More >>
Defiance And Threats As Councils Fluoride Deadlines Loom
Saturday, 22 February 2025, 4:26 pm | Marika Hill - Local Democracy Reporting
There are 14 councils that have been ordered to fluoridate some or all of their drinking water, but who's following the order and who's fighting back? More >>
Tauranga’s Marine Precinct: A Community Asset Sold In The Dark – Calls For Transparency And Accountability Grow
Saturday, 22 February 2025, 3:02 pm | Lobby for Good
Despite small businesses and industry leaders warning against the sale, the Tauranga City Council proceeded with a deal that was not only undervalued but will also cost ratepayers millions in infrastructure upgrades. More >>
Welcome funding boost for QEII
Saturday, 22 February 2025, 2:13 pm | QEII National Trust
QEII chair Alan Livingston said it was welcome news and acknowledged the government and Minister Potaka for recognising the significant role of QEII, alongside private landowners, in New Zealand’s conservation sector. More >>
Homicide Investigation Launched, Rotongaro
Saturday, 22 February 2025, 2:07 pm | New Zealand Police
Detective Inspector Daryl Smith: A homicide investigation has been launched following the death of a man in Rotongaro overnight. Police were called to Hetherington Road at about 10:40pm after receiving reports a male had been stabbed following a roadside ... More >>
Police Investigating Suspicious Church Fires In Masterton
Saturday, 22 February 2025, 2:01 pm | New Zealand Police
Police have undertaken checks at other churches in the town this morning and have located evidence to suggest three further churches were targeted but did not catch alight. More >>
Fire And Emergency Responds To Church Fires In Masterton
Saturday, 22 February 2025, 1:59 pm | Fire and Emergency NZ
The fires are being treated as suspicious and have been referred to Police. More >>
Birkdale Fruit Fly Update, February 22
Saturday, 22 February 2025, 1:57 pm | Biosecurity New Zealand
"Our team is back out today as we continue to ramp up our response efforts to ensure there are no other fruit flies around," Mike Inglis, Biosecurity New Zealand regional Commissioner North says. More >>
Public Will Have Final Say On State Highway 30 Speed Limit
Friday, 21 February 2025, 8:23 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
Whakatāne District Council has made a submission asking New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi to retain the 60kmh speed limit at the hub, but increase it in other sections of State Highway 30. More >>
Masterton Council Opts To ‘Engage’ On Plan, Not Consult
Friday, 21 February 2025, 8:22 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
While most councillors spoke in favour of engaging with the community instead of consulting, councillor Tim Nelson said the process would result in “maybe getting some crumbs of feedback that don’t essentially come back to council in any form ... More >>
‘Huge Bonus’: Complex Kenepuru Rd Sites Could Be Fixed Sooner
Friday, 21 February 2025, 8:18 pm | Maia Hart - Local Democracy Reporter
The new target date is December 2027, although more detailed design work is needed to meet that deadline. More >>
Rail Crossing Upgrade: Carterton Road To Close For 8 Weeks
Friday, 21 February 2025, 8:13 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
A Carterton District Council spokesperson said the crossing upgrades were important for maintaining safety around railways and thanked residents for their ongoing patience. More >>
Tasman’s ‘Champion’ Deputy Mayor Won’t Re-Stand For Election
Friday, 21 February 2025, 8:10 pm | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
After 26 years on the council and an established legacy for his rural ward, Stuart Bryant is looking forward to spending more time with his grandchildren. More >>
Carterton And South Wairarapa Councils Unable To Implement Speed Reductions Under New Law
Friday, 21 February 2025, 7:57 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
Carterton District Council been unable to implement proposed speed reductions because of a coalition government transport rule. More >>
Information Sought After Man Found Deceased, Hokio Beach
Friday, 21 February 2025, 7:12 pm | New Zealand Police
While his death is not currently considered suspicious, Police are making enquiries on behalf of the Coroner, and are working to establish the circumstances surrounding it. More >>
Two Men Facing Drug Related Charges Following Search Warrants
Friday, 21 February 2025, 7:10 pm | New Zealand Police
Two search warrants were executed in Dunedin this afternoon where Police located a number of items of interest. More >>
'Everyone Else Is Just Left In The Cold' - Call For Broader Redress For Abuse Survivors
Friday, 21 February 2025, 6:36 pm | RNZ
A just-released cabinet paper about rapid torture redress payments to survivors of the Lake Alice child and adolescent unit in the 1970s says it's not possible to rule out torture at other locations. More >>
Operation Lavender: Police Acknowledge Sentencing Over Meth Concealed In Beer Cans
Friday, 21 February 2025, 6:00 pm | New Zealand Police
The investigation seized 747 kilograms of methamphetamine largely stored in a Manukau warehouse. It was the largest ever single seizure of methamphetamine in this country. More >>
Three Arrests Following Te Puke Tangi
Friday, 21 February 2025, 5:44 pm | New Zealand Police
Police took a prevention approach, focused on maintaining public order and ensuring road safety for all users, while also allowing mourners the space to grieve. More >>
Councils Consider Collaboration On 3 Waters
Friday, 21 February 2025, 4:54 pm | Dunedin City Council
Dunedin City Councillors will next week consider whether to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between DCC and CCC to explore the potential of a partnership. More >>
Update - Man Arrested In Relation To Assault, Miramar
Friday, 21 February 2025, 4:37 pm | New Zealand Police
Police have arrested and charged a man in relation to the serious assault in Miramar last weekend. Emergency services were called about 4.55pm on Saturday 15 February to Miramar Ave, after a man had been approached by a group of young people and assaulted, ... More >>
New Great South Road Roundabout Helps Enable Future Development For Ngaaruawaahia
Friday, 21 February 2025, 3:43 pm | Waikato District Council
Jointly funded by central government, developers and Waikato District Council, the project is part of a wider investment in the town’s infrastructure, ensuring roads and services help to keep pace with growth. Construction is expected to begin next ... More >>
Wednesday Challenge Puts Call Out To Tauranga Businesses
Friday, 21 February 2025, 3:32 pm | The Wednesday Challenge
Founder and Co-Director, Heidi Hughes, says with already 62 businesses in the Challenge the next target is to hit 100. More >>
NZers Supporting Wildlife Cruelty Through Booking Sites Like Webjet: Report Reveals Travel Companies Linked To Suffering
Friday, 21 February 2025, 3:22 pm | World Animal Protection
Venues sold by Webjet allow tourists to take part in experiences such as watching dolphin shows at venues linked to the bloody “Cove” hunts, and taking selfies with endangered orangutans. More >>
Funding Series Workshops Launched To Support Local Communities
Friday, 21 February 2025, 3:10 pm | Queenstown Lakes District Council
Fiona Reeve, Project Lead of huddl, a newly formed initiative focused on supporting community groups, acknowledges that funding and fundraising remain significant pressure points for many local organisations. More >>
Tūhura Otago Museum Leads Another Wildlife Victory - Velvet Worm Wins Bug Of The Year!
Friday, 21 February 2025, 3:07 pm | Otago Museum
Amongst 21 worthy candidates, the New Zealand velvet worm stood out for its remarkable biology and charm. These creatures first appeared in the fossil record 500 million years ago, making them a unique and ancient survivor. More >>
Appeal For Information Following Fatal Vehicle Fire, Puketaha
Friday, 21 February 2025, 2:53 pm | New Zealand Police
We would like to speak to any witnesses to a vehicle collision on Holland Road, between 3am and 4am that day. In particular, we would like to speak to a woman who was parked on the roadside and spoke with another witness. More >>
Police Urge Motorists To Drive Safe Following Concerning Number Of FatalCrashes
Friday, 21 February 2025, 2:39 pm | New Zealand Police
Five people have died in the four crashes: Three in the Otago Lakes area, and one in Southland. Their deaths have been referred to the Coroner. More >>
Prehistoric Slime-Shooter Wins Bug Of The Year 2025
Friday, 21 February 2025, 2:23 pm | The Entomological Society of New Zealand
The whē (New Zealand praying mantis) came second, while another unusual forest dweller – the giant springtail – took third place. The ātaka (exquisite Olearia owlet moth) and the rō (giant stick insect) came in fourth and fifth, respectively. More >>
NZ CAST Calls For Urgent Redress Reforms For State Abuse Survivors
Friday, 21 February 2025, 2:01 pm | NZ Cast
Our report also highlights findings from the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care, reinforcing that inadequate redress leads to long-term socio-economic harm, including higher rates of homelessness, unemployment, and mental health crises among survivors. More >>
Have Fun, But Stay Safe At Electric Avenue This Weekend
Friday, 21 February 2025, 1:51 pm | New Zealand Police
There will be a Police and Security Team presence at the event to keep you safe. Please talk to us if you have any concerns about your own or someone else’s safety or wellbeing. More >>
CCUS Announcements Move New Zealand Toward A Lower Emission Future
Friday, 21 February 2025, 1:48 pm | Energy Resources Aotearoa
CCUS projects are an essential technology for meeting our emissions goals. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has previously stated that CCUS is "unavoidable" for countries aiming to achieve net emission reduction targets. More >>
Dargaville Offenders Located
Friday, 21 February 2025, 1:30 pm | New Zealand Police
Whangārei – Kaipara Area Commander, Inspector Maria Nordstrom, says local staff have been investigating. More >>
Information Sought Following Kaikohe Aggravated Robbery
Friday, 21 February 2025, 1:28 pm | New Zealand Police
The group has allegedly jumped the counter and taken a number of items including cigarettes and cash. More >>
Auckland Fruit Fly – Controls On Produce Movements Now In Place
Friday, 21 February 2025, 12:19 pm | Ministry For Primary Industries
The horticulture pest was found in one of Biosecurity New Zealand’s national surveillance traps which are placed in fruit trees in residential back yards. Other traps in the area checked in recent days showed no signs of other flies and our initial investigations More >>
Lawyer Penalised $275,000 For Overseas Investment Act Breaches
Friday, 21 February 2025, 11:27 am | LINZ
The High Court penalty judgment follows an investigation by Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) into two overseas individuals who purchased forestry blocks in Gisborne and Rodney without overseas investment consent in 2011 and 2014. More >>
Fatal Crash, Glassford Road, Otago
Friday, 21 February 2025, 11:17 am | New Zealand Police
Police were alerted to the single-vehicle crash at around 11pm. More >>
Gaming Machine Association To Work With With Local Councils To Develop Relocation Policies In Light Of Court Decision
Friday, 21 February 2025, 10:45 am | Gaming Machine Association of New Zealand
“Our focus is on ensuring that councils have the support and guidance they need to create relocation policies that are fair, transparent, and effective." More >>
Experts Gather To Discuss Emerging Threats To Aotearoa New Zealand Drinking Water
Friday, 21 February 2025, 10:40 am | Water New Zealand
The forum, hosted by Water New Zealand and the Water Services Authority Taumata Arowai, aims to bring together many of the country’s leading water scientists and to foster collaboration by bridging the gap between research and water suppliers. More >>
Vegetables As ‘Health On The Shelf’
Friday, 21 February 2025, 10:19 am | Vegetables New Zealand
‘Unless a clear signal is given by central government to regional councils right away, they will keep on proceeding with unworkable regulations that will continue to put vegetable growers out of business. The time to act is now." More >>
SH1 Brynderwyn Hills Road Resurfacing Works
Friday, 21 February 2025, 10:06 am | NZ Transport Agency
Work will take place between 9pm and 5am over five nights, with stop/go traffic management operating during those hours, and a 30km/h temporary speed limit in place. More >>
Rain Reduces Consent Holder Water Restrictions In Tasman
Friday, 21 February 2025, 9:22 am | Tasman District Council
The previous restrictions for Motupiko and Rainy consent holders have been removed with immediate effect. Stage One restrictions for Dam Unaffiliated A Permits on the Waimea Plains have also been lifted. More >>
Water Restrictions Eased After Rain In Tararua Range
Friday, 21 February 2025, 9:09 am | Masterton District Council
While there has been little rain in urban areas, the Council’s Three Waters Operations & Transition Manager Steve Watt said there was sufficient flow in the river, the source of Masterton’s drinking water, to ease restrictions. More >>
“People Have No Idea What’s Coming” - Videos Raise Serious Concerns About Fast-track Central Otago Gold Mine
Friday, 21 February 2025, 9:07 am | Sustainable Tarras Inc
Sustainable Tarras Spokesperson, Suze Keith, says that the group is concerned that “most people have no idea what’s coming”. She says that the planned mine “spells disaster” for Central Otago, and that Santana Minerals are planning to apply for ... More >>
A Race Against Time
Friday, 21 February 2025, 9:01 am | New Zealand Police
Tony stayed with her until emergency services arrived, which took some time as they had to come from Gisborne, then assisted with the rescue. He says getting her back up to the road wasn’t easy, with the team needing to winch her up a vertical bank ... More >>
Dogs And Dangerous Buildings The Focus Of Policy Consultations
Friday, 21 February 2025, 8:56 am | Masterton District Council
The current approach to dangerous and insanitary buildings is reactive, meaning the Council responds promptly when a complaint is received and works with the building owner to remedy issues. Council does not actively seek out such buildings. More >>
ACC Tough For Older Māori To Navigate, Research Finds
Friday, 21 February 2025, 8:52 am | University of Auckland
Healthcare services and ACC need to change to better meet the needs of older Māori who suffer injuries, says Dr Joanna Hikaka, a director of the University of Auckland Centre for CoCreated Ageing Research. More >>
NZ Position At Fisheries Forum "Reckless"
Friday, 21 February 2025, 8:37 am | Greenpeace
"New Zealand’s stance at SPRFMO once again shows the desperate, short-term drive for profit, pushed by this Luxon-led government, which is siding with its fishing industry mates and promoting their interests over ocean protection." More >>
Serious Crash, SH 73/Curletts Road, Christchurch - Canterbury
Friday, 21 February 2025, 8:11 am | New Zealand Police
Curletts Road (State Highway 73) is blocked at the intersection of Lunns Road, following the 5.40am crash. More >>
Zonta Club Of Wellington Celebrates International Women’s Day And Zonta Rose Day
Friday, 21 February 2025, 5:28 am | Zonta Club of Wellington
“Our Zonta Club is thrilled to work with the Hon. Nicola Grigg to organise this annual breakfast. This function is an opportunity to hear from four amazing speakers and to celebrate International Women’s Day.” said Jill Ritchie, President of ... More >>
Kāpiti Mayor To Seek A Second Term
Friday, 21 February 2025, 5:23 am | Janet Holborow
Mayor Janet says the highlight of the term has been getting some important projects off the ground, and seeing some others to completion, particularly Toi Mahara, the Ōtaki Reservoir and Te Ara Whetū (the Waikanae Library). More >>
Local Boards Set Strategy For Emergency Readiness
Thursday, 20 February 2025, 10:29 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
The plan is important because it helps guide us in future emergencies, giving practical guidance to residents and local businesses on how to stay safe and what to do before, during, and after an emergency. More >>
Central Hawke’s Bay Tries To Trim Rates Hike To 10% As Cyclone-hit Hastings Sticks With 15%
Thursday, 20 February 2025, 10:25 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
Central Hawke’s Bay Mayor Alex Walker says they are still working to reduce the rate increase. Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst says all council’s funding for 2025/2026 is committed to the Cyclone Gabrielle rebuild and other critical infrastructure. More >>
Wairarapa Briefs: Parking Bylaw, No Dogs In CBD
Thursday, 20 February 2025, 10:23 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
A number of Masterton businesses known to use roadside parking to keep vehicles, long and short term, were visited by the council’s animal and bylaws team and given two weeks to make alternative arrangements for their vehicles. More >>
Lake Hood May Remain Bloom Free All Summer
Thursday, 20 February 2025, 10:21 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
There is cautious optimism Lake Hood can make it through the summer without an algal bloom with a number of projects to improve the lake's water quality. More >>
Council To Put A Hold On New Roles In Upcoming Year
Thursday, 20 February 2025, 10:14 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
The 10-year plan, adopted in August, approved 32 full-time equivalent new staff members in its first three years. At a briefing on Wednesday, a report showing budget adjustments for the 2025-2026 Annual Plan these had been reduced to 26 over the three years. More >>
Greater Monitoring To Protect ‘Stunning’ Springs
Thursday, 20 February 2025, 10:13 pm | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
An independent review has recommended a comprehensive monitoring programme for the exceptionally clear Te Waikoropupū Springs. More >>
