New Zealand
New Zealand fugitive father Thomas Phillips shot dead by police after armed confrontation
Thomas Phillips, fugitive father who evaded police with three children for nearly four years in New Zealand wilderness, believed shot dead during armed confrontation. Two children remain missing as massive search operation continues in rural area
Ross Taylor comes out of retirement four years after quitting, to play for new country
New Zealand cricket legend Ross Taylor is making a comeback from retirement to represent Samoa in their bid for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Taylor, whose mother was Samoan, will play under his full name, Leaupepe Luteru Ross Poutoa Lote Taylor. Ross, who last wore the black jersey in early 2022, became eligible to represent Samoa only in April, after completing the mandatory stand-down period required to switch international allegiances.
Ardie Savea reaches 100th All Blacks test cap against South Africa at Eden Park Saturday
All Blacks loose forward Ardie Savea will earn his 100th Test cap against South Africa at Eden Park Saturday night, September 6, becoming the 15th All Blacks centurion. Kyle Preston receives first call-up as halfback debuts likely in Rugby Championship match
New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon courts multinational investment at Ikea store opening in Auckland
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon promoted New Zealand's streamlined investment processes to multinational companies at Ikea's flagship store opening in Auckland. The government cites fast-track approvals and reduced bureaucracy as key advantages for international investors seeking business opportunities
Strong wind warning issued for Auckland and Coromandel as MetService forecasts 120 km/h gusts
Auckland, Great Barrier Island, and the Coromandel Peninsula brace for severe southwesterly gales, with an Orange Warning in effect for Sunday. Gusts up to 120 km/h could cause damage and hazardous driving conditions. Meanwhile, the South Island faces snowfall warnings on key alpine routes, urging motorists to exercise caution due to expected accumulations.
Propaganda war in Aotearoa? Anti-Maori lobby at loggerheads with Maori Mayor for ‘misleading’ post
Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell objects to a lobby group's post. She claims it misrepresents her views on Maori wards. This occurs amid national debates. These debates include parliamentary conduct and Green Party actions. The lobby group used Tapsell's image without permission. It sparked a copyright dispute. Green Party faces scrutiny. Recent controversies add to political tensions in New Zealand
Porepunkah community grieves as hunt for sovereign citizen gunman Dezi Freeman intensifies
Victoria Police continue a massive manhunt for alleged police killer and sovereign citizen Dezi Freeman after two officers were fatally shot near Porepunkah. As the alpine community reels, authorities have arrested two people and extended a no fly zone while officers search dense bushland and township homes for the armed fugitive
‘In seconds, laughter turned to panic’: Muriwai Beach sand dune collapse leads to man’s death while playing with kids
A 28-year-old man tragically died at Muriwai Beach in New Zealand after a sand dune collapsed on him while he was digging a hole in it while playing with his children. He was trapped for 15 minutes before being rescued and transported to the hospital, where he later passed away.
Warriors lock in NRL finals spot as Dolphins and Sea Eagles left scrambling for survival
The New Zealand Warriors have secured an NRL finals spot ahead of their clash with the Gold Coast Titans. Currently fifth on the ladder, the Warriors outpaced the Dolphins and Sea Eagles, who remain outside the top eight. With playoffs guaranteed, a Titans win could reclaim fourth place
UFC hopeful and football star face deportation as minister holds their last chance to stay in New Zealand
Asliddin Jumanov and Kamilboev Diyorbek, along with two others, face deportation from New Zealand. They arrived from Uzbekistan, promised high wages, but allege exploitation. Despite finding new jobs and community support, visa issues threaten their stay. Green Party and advocates are appealing to the Immigration Minister. The case highlights systemic failures in protecting migrant workers in Aotearoa.
Must Watch
A welfare call, a knife, and fatal gunfire: the final hours of Te Arohanui Pohio
Te Arohanui Pohio’s name meant love, but according to a friend, she had not experienced much of it, Stuff reported. As AI-generated obituaries appeared online declaring she “died peacefully,” a small number of family members gathered at the Kāinga Ora unit on Clyde Road in Bryndwr where Pohio was fatally shot by police ten days earlier, according to Stuff
RBNZ cuts OCR to 3% after economy stalls in Q2, inflation expected to ease by 2026
Reserve Bank of New Zealand reduced interest rates. The Official Cash Rate now stands at 3 percent. This decision follows concerns about slow economic activity. Inflation pressures are also easing. The bank expects inflation to return to its target range by mid-2026. Some members of the Monetary Policy Committee wanted a bigger rate cut.
Kitchen Things temporarily closes all 12 stores as retailer and related companies enter receivership after four decades in business
Kitchen Things, a well-known New Zealand appliance retailer, has entered receivership due to sustained losses from weak consumer demand and intense price competition. Twelve stores have been temporarily closed as receivers assess options, seeking potential buyers for the business and assets. The receivership impacts several related entities, but the Hamilton franchise remains unaffected.
Christchurch Police shooting leaves woman dead, man critically injured after knife incident
A woman was fatally shot and a man critically injured during a Christchurch police shooting after officers responded to a knife incident in Bryndwr. Authorities say the woman advanced on officers with a hunting knife after the man was shot. Both were struck by the same officer during the confrontation
Peter Lester, New Zealand’s two-time Yachtsman of the Year, beloved sailor and leading voice of the America’s Cup, dies at 70
The sailing world mourns Peter Lester, a celebrated figure who passed away at 70. A champion sailor, Lester won world titles and contributed to multiple America's Cup campaigns. Beyond competition, he coached Olympic teams and became a beloved voice in sailing broadcasting, known for his insightful commentary and infectious enthusiasm, leaving behind a lasting legacy.
Hayden Tasker identified as the accused in fatal New Year’s Day attack on Nelson police officer Lyn Fleming
Hayden Tasker faces charges in the death of Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming. The incident occurred in Nelson on New Year’s Day. Tasker pleads not guilty to murder and other charges. He admits to drink driving and driving while disqualified. Fleming died in the hospital. She was the first policewoman killed in the line of duty in New Zealand.
