Latest Regional Headlines
Passion And Excitement, Or Vitriol And Division? What Politicians Expect From Māori Ward Polls
Sunday, 26 January 2025, 6:32 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
The councils are required to run binding local referenda alongside this year's local body elections on 11 October. The local polls will rule on whether councils can keep their Māori wards and constituencies. More >>
Shared Iwi-council Advisors Possible For South Taranaki Tribes
Sunday, 26 January 2025, 6:30 pm | Craig Ashworth - Local Democracy Reporting
Both parties say it will make the council more efficient and if successful the role might be replicated for the district’s three other iwi. More >>
NZ's Fruit Bowl Shrinking As Hawke's Bay Orchards Continue To Feel Impacts Of Cyclone Gabrielle
Sunday, 26 January 2025, 6:14 pm | RNZ
"Nobody who's been significantly affected will survive in their current form," local growers say. More >>
Meet The People Behind Tauranga's $128m Museum
Sunday, 26 January 2025, 6:06 pm | Alisha Evans - Local Democracy Reporter
Work has begun on Tauranga's first museum, expected to open in 2028, but the city's heritage collection was started in 1969. So what will the museum house, and what's happening behind the scenes? More >>
Multiple Arrests In Rotorua CBD Following Operation Trolley
Sunday, 26 January 2025, 5:06 pm | New Zealand Police
While being homeless is not a crime in and of itself, Police has recently received complaints in regard to homeless people in possession of trolleys intimidating members of the public and workers as they walk through the CBD. More >>
Mangawhai Village Area Cordon Remains In Place, Some Homes Remain Without Power
Sunday, 26 January 2025, 2:48 pm | Kaipara District Council
Kaipara District Council has stood up an Emergency Operations Centre and been working closely with FENZ, Northpower, Police and other agencies to coordinate efforts. More >>
Fatal crash, SH73 Arthurs Pass
Sunday, 26 January 2025, 2:43 pm | New Zealand Police
Motorists travelling on State Highway 73 are advised to expect delays and avoid the area if possible. More >>
Fatal Crash, Winton Lorneville Highway
Sunday, 26 January 2025, 2:41 pm | New Zealand Police
The second person remains in hospital in a critical condition. More >>
Second Fatality Following Crash, Milford Clandeboye Road
Sunday, 26 January 2025, 2:40 pm | New Zealand Police
Police extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of those involved. More >>
Unexplained Death, Queenstown
Sunday, 26 January 2025, 2:39 pm | New Zealand Police
Police are now working to establish the full circumstances of how she died. Her death is currently being treated as unexplained. More >>
Fatal crash, SH2 Takapau
Sunday, 26 January 2025, 2:37 pm | New Zealand Police
The road remains closed and will be for most of the day. We advise motorists to avoid the area. More >>
Mangawhai Tornado Update
Sunday, 26 January 2025, 2:34 pm | Kaipara District Council
There is currently a cordon in place around the Mangawhai Village area, where the tornado has caused the most damage to homes. More >>
Mangawhai Tornado Update #2 From Fire And Emergency NZ
Sunday, 26 January 2025, 2:14 pm | Fire and Emergency NZ
Cordons are in place on Moir St and Molesworth Drive and power is still out in the area. People should treat all power lines as live and stay well away from the area so emergency services can move freely. More >>
Fire Crews Respond To Multiple Calls After Mangawhai Tornado
Sunday, 26 January 2025, 6:21 am | Fire and Emergency NZ
Response Coordinator Graeme Quensell says firefighters from several brigades in the area are already at the scene assisting residents and other crews have been dispatched from Waitemata. More >>
Update - Fatal Crash, Buchanans Road, Hei Hei - Canterbury
Saturday, 25 January 2025, 7:28 pm | New Zealand Police
Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing. More >>
Parents And Drivers Urged To Keep Kids Safe As Schools Start Back
Saturday, 25 January 2025, 5:35 pm | New Zealand Police
Inspector Peter McKennie of the National Road Policing Centre says road safety around schools is something to take note of all year round and especially at the beginning of the year. More >>
Fatal crash, Buchanans Road, Hei Hei
Saturday, 25 January 2025, 5:00 pm | New Zealand Police
The road remains closed while the Serious Crash Unit conduct a scene examination. More >>
Fast-Track Legislation Stirs Up Opponents Of Northland Sand Mining Plan
Saturday, 25 January 2025, 3:21 pm | RNZ
Allowing a company to apply for fast-tracked consent to mine sand has galvanised opposition and brought previously disparate groups together, the plan's critics say. More >>
Dog Attack Victim's Mother Fights For Changes To Council Actions
Saturday, 25 January 2025, 3:12 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
A mum is calling for change after her child's lip was torn open when a menacing dog bit her on the face at a Hastings property. More >>
SH1 Closed Following Crash, Waikato Expressway, Bombay - Counties Manukau
Saturday, 25 January 2025, 2:28 pm | New Zealand Police
Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible and expect delays. Check NZTA Journey Planner for updates. More >>
Outdoor Fires Banned In Parts Of Otago From Monday
Saturday, 25 January 2025, 2:27 pm | Fire and Emergency NZ
Otago District Manager Phil Marsh says forecast rain did not happen over the last few days, which means conditions are hot and dry enough to be a significant fire risk. More >>
Fatality Following Crash, Clevely Line, Palmerston North
Saturday, 25 January 2025, 2:26 pm | New Zealand Police
The intersection was closed while emergency services attended and Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination. It re-opened in the early hours of this morning. More >>
Serious Crash, Buchanans Road, Hei Hei - Canterbury
Saturday, 25 January 2025, 2:24 pm | New Zealand Police
Buchanans Road is closed between both Vanguard Road intersections and the intersection with Hei Hei Road. More >>
Council Organisation Loses Nelson Parks Contract
Friday, 24 January 2025, 9:39 pm | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
Nelson City Council’s own environmental company, Nelmac, has lost the contract to maintain the city’s open spaces to one of Australasia’s largest green space contractors after having it for decades. More >>
The Most Popular Ideas For Marlborough’s Annual Plan
Friday, 24 January 2025, 9:37 pm | Maia Hart - Local Democracy Reporter
A new system was launched in November, with an online portal that people could use to upload ideas, and vote on submitted ideas. More >>
‘Thrilled’: Iwi Renews Council Role After ‘Significant Absence’
Friday, 24 January 2025, 9:34 pm | Laura Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
The new committee can make recommendations, but not decisions. More >>
The Community Mission To Protect Northland’s Iconic Surf Beach Dunes
Friday, 24 January 2025, 9:30 pm | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter
Native sand dune grasses play a life-and-death role in protecting the unique coastal landform around Northland’s 3200km coastline. Northlanders from 30 CoastCare groups, hapū & schools are among those who have played a role in a cycle of seed gathering ... More >>
South Auckland Train Station Ready For City Rail Link
Friday, 24 January 2025, 9:19 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
A South Auckland train station, that had pedestrian level crossings removed to improve safety, is now ready for more frequent train services when the City Rail Link opens. More >>
'Nauseating' Worm Farm Granted Consent To Expand
Friday, 24 January 2025, 9:11 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
Its owner says the expansion will allow the company to improve its control of smells coming from the site. More >>
Rotorua Lakes Council Creates Te Arawa 2050 Vision Committee
Friday, 24 January 2025, 9:10 pm | Laura Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Rotorua iwi will regain a seat at the council table this year - but without voting powers. More >>
Serious Crash, Clevely Line, Palmerston North - Central
Friday, 24 January 2025, 9:06 pm | New Zealand Police
The intersection is closed, and diversions are in place. More >>
Road Blocked, SH51, Waipatu - Eastern
Friday, 24 January 2025, 7:55 pm | New Zealand Police
The road is blocked between Napier Road and St Georges Road and diversions are in place. More >>
Councils Need To Fund De-Sexing And Microchipping Of Cats
Friday, 24 January 2025, 5:12 pm | Anne Batley Burton
Unless there is FREE de-sexing and microchipping available, there will still be a large number not complying, says Anne Batley Burton, Founder & Chair of The New Zealand Cat Foundation. More >>
DCC’s 9 Year Plan Seeks To Make Significant Savings
Friday, 24 January 2025, 4:54 pm | Dunedin City Council
Mayor Radich says Councillors will be asked to make tough choices and identify trade-offs when they consider the draft plan for the purposes of public consultation next week. More >>
Road Reopen, SH2, Ormond - Eastern
Friday, 24 January 2025, 4:47 pm | New Zealand Police
Matawai Road/SH2 has reopened following a two vehicle crash this afternoon. Police would like to thank motorists for their patience and understanding. More >>
Daily Water Use Climbs Ahead Of Auckland Anniversary And Waitangi Day
Friday, 24 January 2025, 3:12 pm | Hamilton City Council
Hamilton City Council is urging residents to look at different ways to reduce their water use as the volume of water used in January has hit 80 megalitres per day. More >>
A Drier Week But Expected Rain Keeps Tasman Water Restrictions To A Minimum
Friday, 24 January 2025, 3:08 pm | Tasman District Council
The Moutere Eastern groundwater after the rises previously has now declined to 35.16 m – which is near the 35 m amsl trigger. Wai-iti Dam is 68.2 % full and the Lower Wai-iti River flow is still well above its trigger levels. More >>
Road Closed, SH2, Ormond - Eastern
Friday, 24 January 2025, 2:44 pm | New Zealand Police
Police were alerted to a two vehicle crash near Hatten Lane at around 1.10pm. Initial enquiries suggest there are injuries. More >>
Appeal For Information: Burglaries, Rolleston
Friday, 24 January 2025, 2:43 pm | New Zealand Police
Among the items that were stolen were a number of military medals, including a Pacific Star medal, distinctive jewellery and a go-kart. Police are appealing for any information that could reunite these items with their rightful owners. More >>
Free School Uniform Alteration Service Available From Rangitīkei District Community Hubs
Friday, 24 January 2025, 2:38 pm | Rangitikei District Council
The Community Hub team include Engagement Officer Angela Coleman and volunteer Clara Reibel, who both provide free sewing lessons at Marton Library, with Clara also offering an alterations service on Monday's and Wednesday's. More >>
Greater Wellington Gets Strong Financial Ratings Despite Challenging Local Government Environment
Friday, 24 January 2025, 2:32 pm | Greater Wellington Te Pane Matua Taiao
Chair of Greater Wellington Daran Ponter says the AA+ ratings are a renewed vote of confidence in Greater Wellington’s efforts to make good decisions and deliver value for money for ratepayers. More >>
Mātauranga Symposium – Discover The Power Of Kotahitanga In Education
Friday, 24 January 2025, 2:28 pm | Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Inc
Workshop presenters will focus on 5 key areas as stipulated in the refreshed Ngāti Kahungunu Education Strategy. Participants will be able to attend 4 of the 5 workshops throughout the day. More >>
Weekend Wet Weather Set To Hit South Island Highways
Friday, 24 January 2025, 1:42 pm | NZ Transport Agency
A Heavy Rain Warning is in place for Westland from midday Saturday through until 6 pm on Sunday. This will affect State Highway 6 between Hokitika and Haast. More >>
Resurfacing Work And Road Closures Coming For State Highway 73 Arthur’s Pass
Friday, 24 January 2025, 1:39 pm | NZ Transport Agency
Work is planned for Monday, 3 February, and Tuesday February. It will require State Highway 73 to be closed between Rough Creek Bridge and Peg Leg (near the Otira Viaduct Lookout) between 10 am and 5 pm on both days. More >>
Police Locate Trove Of Stolen Items In Search Warrant Following Air Ambulance Burglary
Friday, 24 January 2025, 1:35 pm | New Zealand Police
A bag containing medical equipment was found in the large amount of stolen property, and it is believed all items in the bag have been recovered. More >>
Kāpiti Coast Joins Free Tyre Recycling Scheme
Friday, 24 January 2025, 1:31 pm | Kapiti Coast District Council
Tyres accepted for recycling include pneumatic (air-filled) and solid tyres for use on motorised vehicles such as cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, aircraft, trailers, and off-road vehicles. More >>
One Charged Following Aggravated Robbery And Flee In Whangārei
Friday, 24 January 2025, 1:07 pm | New Zealand Police
Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer says a 16-year-old was arrested and charged with aggravated robbery and unlawfully getting into a vehicle. Further charges are being considered. More >>
Local Dolphin Defenders’ Port Protest Demands More Hector’s Protection
Friday, 24 January 2025, 11:53 am | Maui and Hector's Dolphin Defenders
In today’s Nelson Port protest, Māui and Hector’s Dolphin Defenders installed 17 memorial crosses with dolphins on them, honouring every dolphin reported killed by the fishing industry in the last fishing year, beginning in October 2023, when ... More >>
Police Appeal For Information Following Fatal Crash, SH30, Whakatāne
Friday, 24 January 2025, 11:49 am | New Zealand Police
The pedestrian was transported to Waikato Hospital by helicopter in a critical condition, where they have since passed away this morning. More >>
Customs Celebrates Successes On International Customs Day
Friday, 24 January 2025, 11:25 am | New Zealand Customs Service
Comptroller and Chief Executive of the New Zealand Customs Service, Christine Stevenson, says Customs’ efforts in 2024 have resulted in the seizure of approximately 4,900 kilograms of illicit drugs, preventing approximately $4.8 billion in social and economic ... More >>
Condemnation Of Antisemitism In New Zealand
Friday, 24 January 2025, 10:51 am | COMS Israel
"We condemn the callous, racist, and antisemitic call posted by one John Minto of Christchurch on his Facebook page this week. This is a call to discriminate against certain visitors coming to our shores and goes against the core values of New Zealanders ... More >>
A Lower Speed Limit For A New Te Rapa PAK’nSAVE, It’s Time To Have Your Say
Friday, 24 January 2025, 10:07 am | Hamilton City Council
Hamilton City Council is proposing to reduce the speed from 80km/h to 60km/h to make the intersection of Wairere Drive and Karewa Place safer for those accessing the new supermarket. More >>
Energy Resources Aotearoa Welcomes New Minister Of Energy
Friday, 24 January 2025, 10:03 am | Energy Resources Aotearoa
Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive John Carnegie says he is hopeful that Minister Watts will continue to collaborate across Government to provide clear direction on New Zealand’s energy system aspirations. More >>
New Year, New Community Champs
Friday, 24 January 2025, 9:56 am | Kaipara District Council
Kaipara District Council is excited to announce that nominations for the 2025 Citizens Awards and Environmental Awards are now open. We’re kicking things off early this year, giving you more time to share the stories and show some love for the champions ... More >>
Southshore Incident Response Notification
Friday, 24 January 2025, 9:49 am | Surf Life Saving New Zealand
Sumner, Taylor’s Mistake, North Beach and New Brighton SAR squads joined the NZ Police, Hato Hone St John and Coastguard to search South Brighton Beach for the teenage swimmer yesterday afternoon. The search was stood down at 8:20pm yesterday. More >>
Water Service Restored Following West Auckland Watermain Repair
Friday, 24 January 2025, 9:48 am | Watercare
Watercare and its contractor had finished repairing, recharging and flushing the large-diameter watermain by early morning. More >>
ERANZ Welcomes Hon Simon Watts As Energy Minister
Friday, 24 January 2025, 9:26 am | ERANZ
ERANZ Chief Executive Bridget Abernethy says it’s good to see the Energy portfolio combined with Climate Change under the same minister because it further supports pragmatic policy solutions as New Zealand transitions to a clean, secure, and renewable ... More >>
New Zealand Not Immune From Jewish Hate Crimes
Friday, 24 January 2025, 9:05 am | Holocaust Centre of New Zealand
Monday 27 January is International Holocaust Remembrance Day and events will be held around New Zealand to remember the six million Jews killed by Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich. More >>
Appeal For Witnesses After Serious Crash Near Te Kauwhata
Friday, 24 January 2025, 8:22 am | New Zealand Police
The single vehicle crash occurred at the intersection of Waerenga Road and Belcher Road, and was reported to Police at 6.35pm. The driver was the sole occupant of the car and was transported to hospital in a serious condition. More >>
Good Progress Overnight On West Auckland Watermain Repair
Friday, 24 January 2025, 8:20 am | Watercare
Watercare chief operations officer Mark Bourne says: “Our contractor did an excellent job of repairing this large-diameter pipe, completing the welding work by 1:30am. This meant our crew were able to start the essential process of recharging and flushing ... More >>