Man charged over seven suspicious fires in Masterton churches, chapel
Published: May 18, 2025 06:56
Police have arrested a 44-year-old and charged him with arson over the fires that happened three months ago.
🦜 RNZ New Zealand Headlines
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The Latest New Zealand headlines from RNZ News
Site URL: www.rnz.co.nz/news/national
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Kayak fisher brushes off sharks to land monster snapper
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561398/kayak-fisher-brushes-off-sharks-to-land-monster-snapper
Published: May 18, 2025 06:48
Christian-Ray Simons and brother Daniel paddled 6km off the South Taranaki Coast to hook the 91cm, 12kg monster.
Budget 2025: Government commits $164m over four years towards after-hours health care
Published: May 18, 2025 04:35
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Health Minister Simeon Brown are making a pre-Budget health announcement in Auckland.
Sequins, studs and horsehair - one man's collection of wild shoes
Published: May 18, 2025 04:11
Auckland artist Nigel Borell and Wellington council executive Karepa Wall aren't afraid to knock other people's socks off with their footwear choices.
Budget 2025: Government commits $164m over four years towards after-hours health care
Published: May 18, 2025 01:52
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Health Minister Simeon Brown are making a pre-Budget health announcement in Auckland.
Two fatal crashes in Hawke's Bay within three hour period
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561388/two-fatal-crashes-in-hawke-s-bay-within-three-hour-period
Published: May 18, 2025 01:47
Two people have died in separate crashes in Wairoa and Waipawa early on Sunday morning.
Firefighters battle Devonport house blaze
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561387/firefighters-battle-devonport-house-blaze
Published: May 18, 2025 01:26
Four crews were engaged at the peak of the fire.
US plans to expand rocket launch options, 'nothing to do with' NZ Defence Force
Published: May 18, 2025 00:54
The Defence Force says it is aware the United States wants to expand options for rocket launches, but that it has nothing to do with it.
One arrested after gunshot reports in Featherston
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561382/one-arrested-after-gunshot-reports-in-featherston
Published: May 18, 2025 00:24
Police were called to Fox Street just before 10am on Sunday.
'The Pink Hoodz' lending a helping hand to those sleeping rough on Auckland's Karangahape Road
Published: May 18, 2025 00:12
Kick Back co-founder and manager Aaron Hendry said The Pink Hoodz would walk up and down K Road, giving out food and connecting those who need it.
Fatal crash in Hawke's Bay leaves one dead
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561374/fatal-crash-in-hawke-s-bay-leaves-one-dead
Published: May 17, 2025 22:13
A person has died in a fatal car crash in Hawke's Bay.
Weather: Strong winds lash NZ, potential thunderstorms on the way
Published: May 17, 2025 22:12
Heavy wind and rain lashed areas of both the North and South Island overnight - with potentially more to come.
Apparent vandalism to fibre cables in Auckland fixed
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561369/apparent-vandalism-to-fibre-cables-in-auckland-fixed
Published: May 17, 2025 21:23
Chorus says apparent vandalism that took hundreds of Aucklanders offline a few days ago has been fixed.
More Wānaka search and rescue callouts as unprepared people drawn outdoors by social media
Published: May 17, 2025 20:24
Unprepared people are venturing deeper into back country, lured by influencers and websites.
Lynnmall incident: Suspect still on the run after police raid
Published: May 17, 2025 19:44
A man has been charged with aggravated robbery and a second suspect is still on the loose after police swarmed Auckland's LynnMall on Saturday.
The win-win solution for cash-strapped councils
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561356/the-win-win-solution-for-cash-strapped-councils
Published: May 17, 2025 18:47
For the last two years Hauraki District Council has employed a community advocacy officer to help clubs and volunteers access community funding from organisations such as Grassroot and the, Lions Foundation.
One arrested after armed police swarm Auckland's LynnMall
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561349/one-arrested-after-armed-police-swarm-auckland-s-lynnmall
Published: May 17, 2025 08:31
Enquiries are ongoing to locate a second suspect.
Armed police swarm Auckland's LynnMall looking for person of interest
Published: May 17, 2025 06:40
It relates to an earlier incident, police say.
Can I get a home loan with bad credit? - Ask Susan
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561345/can-i-get-a-home-loan-with-bad-credit-ask-susan
Published: May 17, 2025 06:17
RNZ's money correspondent answers your questions.
Suspected vandalism behind internet outage affecting 950 Auckland homes
Published: May 17, 2025 05:05
Fibre cables connecting users to the internet are not worth anything, says provider after latest vandalism causes outage.
Weeknd weather: Heavy rain and severe gales forecast
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561342/weeknd-weather-heavy-rain-and-severe-gales-forecast
Published: May 17, 2025 04:46
An active low pressure system moves east across the South Island late Saturday, while an associated front moves across the North Island on Sunday.
Ex-Labour MP Andrew Little launches Wellington mayoral campaign
Published: May 17, 2025 02:41
The former Labour leader and president has the backing of the Labour Party and says he's ready to do the hard work.
Researchers uncover giant 30-year-old fungus near Eltham
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561332/researchers-uncover-giant-30-year-old-fungus-near-eltham
Published: May 17, 2025 00:23
A trio of fungal experts stumbled across the largest Ganoderma specimen they had ever seen during the annual New Zealand Fungal Foray this week in Taranaki.
Budget 2025: Māori Wardens receive $1.5m funding boost
Published: May 17, 2025 00:13
The extra funding would bring the volunteer organisation's total annual funding to $2.7m.
Trans-Tasman Resources' Taranaki seabed mining project clears first phase of Fast-track process
Published: May 17, 2025 00:03
Trans-Tasman Resources wants to mine the South Taranaki Bight seabed every year for three decades.
Funeral held for Napier teen stabbing victim Kaea Karauria
Published: May 16, 2025 21:14
Police say speculation that the victim or his whānau had gang ties is wrong and unhelpful.
Why did it take so long for an emergency alert to be issued during Auckland's Easter floods?
Published: May 16, 2025 18:16
Healthy Waters received its first alert of heavy rain around 10.29pm Friday, but Emergency Management didn't alert the public until 12.42am Saturday.
Research, ethics, and artificial intelligence
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561303/research-ethics-and-artificial-intelligence
Published: May 16, 2025 16:57
When it comes to studying how bots affect human behaviour, there are other ways to do it than pretending to be one of those bots.
Researchers uncover giant 30-year-old fungus near Eltham
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561301/researchers-uncover-giant-30-year-old-fungus-near-eltham
Published: May 16, 2025 16:34
A trio of fungal experts stumbled across the largest Ganoderma specimen they had ever seen during the annual New Zealand Fungal Foray this week in Taranaki.
Top awards for RNZ journalists at 2025 Voyager Media Awards
Published: May 16, 2025 11:55
RNZ had 13 finalists in the prestigious industry awards.
Abuse toward Wellington City Council staff up 323 percent
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561292/abuse-toward-wellington-city-council-staff-up-323-percent
Published: May 16, 2025 08:34
The rise in abuse, both online and in person, towards Wellington City Council staff had coincided with the Covid-19 pandemic.
10,000 New Zealanders may have lost vision due to toxoplasmosis
Published: May 16, 2025 07:41
Otago University researchers estimate 40,000 people are affected by ocular toxoplasmosis, but lack of funding is hampering efforts to develop new treatments.
Inflation increase expected, but within Reserve Bank's target band
Published: May 16, 2025 07:34
Reserve Bank survey had 41 responses from business leaders and professional forecasters.
Demand increasing for land unaffected by Auckland's water infrastructure constraints
Published: May 16, 2025 06:59
An economist says it could push up prices in the Auckland's central suburbs.
Police Commissioner initiates review into preventing misuse of police tech
Published: May 16, 2025 06:52
Richard Chambers says he wants to safeguard police systems from inappropriate use.
Internet outage hits more than 900 homes in Auckland's North Shore
Published: May 16, 2025 06:36
Over 900 homes in Auckland's North Shore had lost their internet connection, after a widespread network outage late on Thursday night.
Two VTNZ customers turned away after inspectors deemed their cars too dirty
Published: May 16, 2025 06:11
Teen missed his restricted driver's test over VTNZ's claimed 'health and safety' issues with dog hair and sand.
Herbertville residents worry about debris build up under town's only bridge
Published: May 16, 2025 06:00
The regional council says work is being done to clear the waterway, but one resident says until that happens she will get nervous every time the river level rises.
Woolworths says NZ groceries cheaper than UK, Australia if you take off GST
Published: May 16, 2025 05:44
Woolworths New Zealand claims a 'full basket' in New Zealand is 10 percent cheaper.
Timaru man jailed for online sexual exploitation of children
Published: May 16, 2025 05:18
The 49-year-old man was arrested by customs after arriving back from an overseas trip.
Measles case: 78 in quarantine as hundreds of close contacts identified
Published: May 16, 2025 04:27
On 11 May, Health New Zealand announced that it had identified a measles case in Auckland which was linked to overseas travel.
Cat-astrophe avoided after woman finds kitten in car engine
Published: May 16, 2025 04:17
She began hearing unusual noises on her drive home.
Onslow College deputy principal on leave as police make inquiries
Published: May 16, 2025 04:09
Police confirmed to RNZ they had received a complaint about a school staff member.
More unsafe kid’s products found at Panda Mart
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/chinese/561246/more-unsafe-children-s-products-found-at-panda-mart
Published: May 16, 2025 04:05
Forty-seven items have now been declared unsafe in an ongoing Commerce Commission investigation into the bargain store.
Wellington man arrested as part of FBI investigation into cryptocurrency scam
Published: May 16, 2025 03:48
Thirteen people face charges, after search warrants were executed in Auckland, Wellington, and California.
NZ Food Safety proposes increasing residue limits of insecticides, pesticides in food
Published: May 16, 2025 02:46
Public consultation for a proposal to raise maximum residue limits closes at 5pm on Friday.
Lockdowns lift for Papakura schools after nearby assault
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561237/lockdowns-lift-for-papakura-schools-after-nearby-assault
Published: May 16, 2025 01:55
A person is in a serious condition.
Unethical for Wellington council to sign more Golden Mile contracts, Andrew Little says
Published: May 16, 2025 01:47
The Labour Party's candidate for Wellington mayor said he'd be disappointed to see the council march ahead with the plan.
Boaties told to stay away from US warship in Wellington harbour
Published: May 16, 2025 01:13
The USS Blue Ridge is expected to be in Wellington until Thursday next week.
Long-standing Nelson Tenths case back in court
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/561235/long-standing-nelson-tenths-case-back-in-court
Published: May 16, 2025 01:00
In the 1830s, the Crown made a promise to Māori in Te Tauihu. The legal battle is still going.
Is it actually a good time to buy a house?
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/561228/is-it-actually-a-good-time-to-buy-a-house
Published: May 16, 2025 00:51
Twice this week, first-home buyers have been told it might be their big chance to get into the market.
Auckland primary school locked down after reports of partially naked man on grounds
Published: May 16, 2025 00:23
Police said they have apprehended someone.
Big changes possible for social service funding
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561230/big-changes-possible-for-social-service-funding
Published: May 15, 2025 23:34
The head of Social Investment Agency says it's looking to allow for a more streamlined approach for organisations to access funding in light of a damning report on Oranga Tamariki.
South Island in firing line as wet, windy weather expected this weekend
Published: May 15, 2025 23:18
MetService has issued 10 heavy rain watches.
Police remain at Auckland primary school after lockdown
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561221/police-remain-at-auckland-primary-school-after-lockdown
Published: May 15, 2025 23:15
The school went into lockdown "because of a concern to student welfare".
Divine Connection: The secret marriage that helped a couple defraud Oranga Tamariki out of $2m
Published: May 15, 2025 22:52
Neha Sharma appeared to be an honest, hard-working property manager. Her husband ran a construction company. No-one knew they were married.
Firefighters extinguish scrub fire at Wairoa landfill
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561220/firefighters-extinguish-scrub-fire-at-wairoa-landfill
Published: May 15, 2025 22:33
Firefighters have extinguished a scrub fire that had been burning near Wairoa's landfill since Thursday afternoon.
Person found critically ill on Waikato highway
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561201/person-found-critically-ill-on-waikato-highway
Published: May 15, 2025 22:33
State Highway 25 near Thames is open again after a person was found on the road critically ill.
Truck driver dies after hitting parked car in Putāruru, Waikato
Published: May 15, 2025 21:26
The driver was unresponsive when emergency services arrived at the scene.
Cyberbullying in spotlight amid proposed social media ban
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/chinese/561194/cyberbullying-in-spotlight-amid-proposed-social-media-ban
Published: May 15, 2025 20:42
Netsafe has received more than 2000 reports of online harassment in the past year.
Person found seriously injured on Waikato highway, road closed
Published: May 15, 2025 20:37
The person was found on State Highway 25 near Thames.
Auckland school's speakers stolen for siren battles
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561200/auckland-school-s-speakers-stolen-for-siren-battles
Published: May 15, 2025 20:35
Cars decked out in sirens have been blasting music around Auckland.
A surplus of defence riches, but lack of skill and experience
Published: May 15, 2025 20:22
Analysis - The minister of defence, space and spy issues has at least $9b of new money to spend, but faces a defence force demonstrably not ready to spend it.
Social services react to damning report into Oranga Tamariki
Published: May 15, 2025 20:07
The Auditor-General said not knowing the impact cuts would have on children and their families was "unacceptable".
Rock icons ZZ Top, George Thorogood ignite Christchurch crowd
https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/music/rock-icons-zz-top-george-thorogood-ignite-christchurch-crowd
Published: May 15, 2025 19:58
Rock and roll legends ZZ Top and superstars George Thorogood & The Destroyers electrified Christchurch fans at Wolfbrook Arena on Thursday evening.
Two brands targeted as car thefts soar in Masterton
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561187/two-brands-targeted-as-car-thefts-soar-in-masterton
Published: May 15, 2025 19:32
Thieves are stealing the cars purely "for their own enjoyment", a police officer says.
One dead after dirtbike, vehicle crash in Auckland
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561181/one-dead-after-dirtbike-vehicle-crash-in-auckland
Published: May 15, 2025 19:07
Emergency services were called to the crash in Takanini last night.
Taupō desperate to rekindle flights to Wellington after Originair withdrawal
Published: May 15, 2025 18:52
Taupō Mayor David Trewavas says his door is open to offers from other airlines.
Not fighting alleged rapist spared woman from even worse violence, she says
Published: May 15, 2025 18:43
A Wellington man is being investigated over "multiple complaints" of assault, which RNZ understands relate to sex crimes.
One dead after two-vehicle crash near Pahiatua
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561170/one-dead-after-two-vehicle-crash-near-pahiatua
Published: May 15, 2025 18:42
The driver died at the scene of the crash which occurred on State Highway 2.
Christchurch health workers share struggles as sector faces increasing pressure
Published: May 15, 2025 18:25
One district nurse says she has never seen things so bad.
Unclear how much abuse in care redress will reach survivors
Published: May 15, 2025 17:56
Some $533.5 million has been earmarked, but the Minister's office cannot confirm how much will be spent on administration.
Social services react to damning report into Oranga Tamariki
Published: May 15, 2025 17:38
The Auditor-General said now knowing the impact cuts would have on children and their families was "unacceptable".
Transpower warns of higher blackout risk in winter 2026
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561157/transpower-warns-of-higher-blackout-risk-in-winter-2026
Published: May 15, 2025 17:24
Previous estimates had the margin between demand and supply lasting until 2030, but that has reduced dramatically.
Two years on from Loafers Lodge fire Newtown building looms virtually unchanged
Published: May 15, 2025 17:13
The fatal Wellington boarding house fire in 2023 killed five and left many others homeless.
Big numbers for Budget 2025 - but will they be big enough?
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/thedetail/561155/big-numbers-for-budget-2025-but-will-they-be-big-enough
Published: May 15, 2025 16:54
The language of the Budget sometimes takes a professional to decode. The Detail takes a look at what's real and what's nominal.
Pay equity issue will not go away, E tū union says
Published: May 15, 2025 10:11
The government's controversial Equal Pay Amendment Act makes it harder for women-dominated workforces to achieve pay equity.
Auckland police investigate assault at school in suburb of Torbay
Published: May 15, 2025 08:35
Police received reports a student was assaulted in the North Shore suburb of Torbay.
Eagle helicopter tracks stolen car after ramming police in South Auckland
Published: May 15, 2025 08:29
Eagle helicopter tracked the fleeing driver. Two people were arrested.
New mothers embracing Ayurvedic remedies
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/indonz/561108/new-mothers-embracing-ayurvedic-remedies
Published: May 15, 2025 06:48
Some women are turning to Ayurvedic postnatal care, blending traditional cultural practices with modern motherhood.
'More needs to be done' to reverse dire well-being ranking
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561137/more-needs-to-be-done-to-reverse-dire-well-being-ranking
Published: May 15, 2025 06:47
Aotearoa has been ranked last in the world for child and youth mental health in the latest UNICEF report.
Linguistics expert explains why the c-word 'still has the ability to shock'
Published: May 15, 2025 06:21
In the wake of the recent controversy, a University of Auckland linguistics expert says he believes it is still one of the worst swear words.
Department of Conservation could lose another 68 roles in effort to cut costs
Published: May 15, 2025 05:59
The changes come as part of the public sector's efforts to reach government savings targets.
Health NZ confirms 377 roles cut, despite ongoing legal challenge
Published: May 15, 2025 05:23
The departments affected include Hauora Māori services, Pacific health, procurement, planning and funding, and auditing.
Health NZ pays Wellington region more than $60 million after holiday pay botch-up
Published: May 15, 2025 05:03
Health NZ on Thursday paid out more than $60 million to thousands of current staff in the Wellington region for incorrectly calculated holiday leave.
New site found for Auckland recycling plant destroyed by fire last month
Published: May 15, 2025 04:53
The recycling centre that burnt down on Auckland's North Shore last month has found a new site to accommodate staff.
Kiwi brothers beat Aussies at barbecue competition
https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/food/kiwi-brothers-beat-aussies-at-barbecue-competition
Published: May 15, 2025 04:44
Cook Cartel beat barbecue bosses from around the world to become the first international team to win the title at Meatstock Sydney.
State highway closed near Pahiatua after two-vehicle crash
Published: May 15, 2025 04:14
Traffic is being diverted following the incident, which caused serious injuries.
Woman killed as vehicle hits her and power pole in Hamilton, homicide probe launched
Published: May 15, 2025 03:56
Police in Hamilton have launched a homicide probe.
Cop cars, fire engines respond to 'incident' in Westgate
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561114/cop-cars-fire-engines-respond-to-incident-in-westgate
Published: May 15, 2025 03:51
Police have been contacted for comment.
Police seeking information after suspicious house fire on West Coast
Published: May 15, 2025 03:02
Police are looking for any footage from the Cobden area leading up to the blaze.
Auditor-General releases scathing report on Oranga Tamariki
Published: May 15, 2025 02:55
The Office of the Auditor-General said last year it would investigate the procurement and contract management practices of Oranga Tamariki.
FENZ to investigate cause of fire that burnt thousands of hay bales near Ashburton
Published: May 15, 2025 02:12
The blaze broke out in two hay sheds housing 214,000 bales near Ashburton shortly before midnight on Wednesday.
Weekend weather: Heavy rain and strong winds expected across New Zealand
Published: May 15, 2025 01:33
Heavy rain and strong winds are forecasted to move up the country, with several warnings in place for the South Island.
Police called to Mt Eden after person reported injured
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561100/police-called-to-mt-eden-after-person-reported-injured
Published: May 15, 2025 01:18
Police say they are not aware of anyone being injured.
Businessman Peter Huljich reveals himself as convicted inside trader
Published: May 15, 2025 01:06
Peter Huljich was convicted in 2023 in a case brought by the Financial Markets Authority.
DOC ranger snaps rare footage of tuatara and takahē 'having a scrap'
Published: May 15, 2025 01:03
While the takahē started the rough stuff the tuatara "got a couple of bites in" during the bush-floor stoush.
Man arrested after spree of Lego thefts across North Island
Published: May 15, 2025 00:53
Retailers in Whangārei, Auckland, and Te Rapa had been targeted.
Booze delivery fuelling alcohol-related harm, public health experts warn
Published: May 15, 2025 00:28
Three-quarters of alcohol deliveries to Auckland homes were being handed over without checking IDs or simply left on the doorstep.
Principals worried by ERO report changes
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561095/principals-worried-by-ero-report-changes
Published: May 15, 2025 00:27
The Principals Federation worries the changes are too hard on underperforming schools.
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