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The Latest New Zealand headlines from RNZ News
Site URL: www.rnz.co.nz/news/national
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Firefighters plan for El NiƱo impact on wildfires this summer
Published: August 7, 2026 01:23
People in Canterbury, Marlborough, Central Otago, Wairarapa, Hawke's Bay and Tai RÄwhiti are being warned to prepare for increased wildfire risk in the months ahead.
DIA investigating charities associated with Destiny Church
Published: August 7, 2026 01:14
The Department's Director of Charities Services said allegations of serious wrongdoing were being considered.
Bedroom where Pauline Hanna slept alone the focus of inquest into her death
Published: August 7, 2026 01:08
Bed sheets missing from Hanna's room were found in a washing machine when police searched the Auckland home.
'It's a shock': KaitÄia's Northland Mill closes down two weeks early
Published: August 7, 2026 00:51
A skeleton crew had committed to keeping the mill operating until 21 August, "but the workers themselves are a bit relieved", a union organiser says.
Northern Marianas tennis player Carol Lee stuns top seed in Poland
Published: August 7, 2026 00:17
Saipan-born Carol Young Suh Lee has upset the top seed at the Warsaw Open in Poland on her way to the tournament's quarterfinals.
Shearer Dylan Manthey sentenced for inflicting 'extreme violence' on lambs
Published: August 7, 2026 00:02
A shearer caught on film abusing three lambs was drinking too much as he struggled to cope with his father's death, a court hears.
Fiji Rugby defends scheduling after women's test match put between school games
Published: August 6, 2026 23:51
The Fiji Rugby Union has defended its scheduling of the women's test match against South Africa on Saturday.
'A perfect storm': Teachers forced outside subjects of expertise as shortage bites
Published: August 6, 2026 23:50
Teachers are being forced to teach subjects outside their area of expertise as national shortfall climbs, according to an education professor.
Rugby League World Cup: FNRL helping Wests Tigers Fainu brothers prove their Fijian heritage
Published: August 6, 2026 23:36
The Fiji National Rugby League will continue its assistance to the Fainu brothers - Sione, Samuela and Latu - who are interested to play for the Fiji Bati at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
Indian rainbow organisation among winners of community awards
Published: August 6, 2026 22:55
Individuals and organisations have been recognised at two major Indian community awards ceremonies in recent weeks.
Winston Peters says Pacific missed chance to issue statement after Chinese missile test
Published: August 6, 2026 22:54
The Foreign Minister is in Fiji for the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers' Meeting.
Auckland police officer Matthew Rogers pleads guilty to possessing objectionable publication
Published: August 6, 2026 22:52
Matthew Rogers will be sentenced in October for the offending that occurred between August 2023 and October 2025.
Missing woman, 74, saved from 'challenging terrain' on one of the year's coldest nights
Published: August 6, 2026 22:36
The woman hadn't returned from her afternoon walk and was lucky to be found before hypothermia set in, police say.
High school student remains in critical condition following violent attacks in Auckland's Epsom
Published: August 6, 2026 22:32
Two others injured in the alleged attack have been discharged from hospital, police say.
ACC nurses working for Total Care Health go on strike
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/health/924304/acc-nurses-working-for-total-care-health-go-on-strike
Published: August 6, 2026 22:17
The nurses deliver "highly skilled" care and reduce pressure on hospitals, but aren't valued by their employer, one nurse says.
Samoan PM scolds more than 4000 NUS students after violent campus brawl
Published: August 6, 2026 22:03
More than 4000 students at the National University of Samoa were given a dressing down by the country's prime minister after a violent campus brawl last month led to four arrests.
Former Rugby World Cup winner Mike Catt joins Fijian Drua as assistant coach
Published: August 6, 2026 21:16
Former England star Mike Catt has been appointed as senior assistant coach of the Fijian Drua men's team ahead of the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Raising GST threshold just shifts the problem, tax expert says
Published: August 6, 2026 21:16
Labour leader Chris Hipkins said it would make changes designed to help small businesses, if it becomes the government.
Person injured after incident outside SkyCity
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/crime-and-justice/922075/person-injured-after-incident-outside-skycity
Published: August 6, 2026 21:03
A person is in hospital after what police describe as an "altercation" outside SkyCity early this morning.
Why we need to stop saying 'I'm so OCD' or 'everyone's got ADHD'
https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/wellbeing/why-we-need-to-stop-saying-i-m-so-ocd-or-everyone-s-got-adhd
Published: August 6, 2026 20:54
A tidy desk becomes "OCD". Bored in a meeting? "ADHD". A disappointing exam result? "That was traumatising." It's part of the idea behind "concept creep".
Desert Road reaches -10C, Timaru records coldest August day in 28 years
Published: August 6, 2026 20:40
Meanwhile, Timaru has recorded its coldest August temperature in 46 years.
Call for compulsory helmets after study confirms e-scooter dangers
Published: August 6, 2026 20:01
Riders are three times more likely to suffer traumatic brain injuries than motorcyclists, new research shows.
The business of Ooshies - who really benefits?
https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/lifestyle/the-business-of-ooshies-who-really-benefits
Published: August 6, 2026 20:00
Woolworths offers one of the Disney movie characters for every $30 spent, while New World has knife sets.
Desert Road reaches -10C, Timaru records coldest August day in 46 years
Published: August 6, 2026 19:40
Meanwhile, Timaru has recorded its coldest August temperature in 46 years.
'Struggling in silence': Unique circumstances hampering migrant employment prospects amid tough job market
Published: August 6, 2026 19:38
Migrants seeking employment often struggle with a lack of a support network, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.
Pacific foreign ministers to discuss Solomons' idea for regional security treaty
Published: August 6, 2026 19:29
Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers are to discuss a Solomon Islands proposal for a regional security treaty.
Young Kiwis trapped on Solomon Islands mountain never gave up hope of return
Published: August 6, 2026 19:21
Throughout what they referred to as an "adventure", the two young Kiwis believed they would return home.
Desert Road reaches -10C as bitterly cold mornings continue
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/weather/915270/desert-road-reaches-10c-as-bitterly-cold-mornings-continue
Published: August 6, 2026 18:59
Meanwhile, Timaru has recorded its coldest August temperature in 46 years.
Work hard and success will follow? Gen Z isn't buying it
https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/lifestyle/work-hard-and-success-will-follow-gen-z-isn-t-buying-it
Published: August 6, 2026 18:43
Not because they're lazy or entitled, but because they no longer believe the deal applies to them says journalist Emi Nietfeld.
Human Rights Commission calls for human rights-centred, Te Tiriti-based approach to AI
Published: August 6, 2026 18:30
The commission's new report, AI and Digital Technologies: A Human Rights and Te Tiriti o Waitangi Approach, was released on Friday.
AI impacts seen in high youth unemployment figures - tech expert
Published: August 6, 2026 18:29
A new report out today gives a whole stack of other reasons for stopping with NZ's ad hoc approach to AI.
GST expert sounds warning about Labour's tax plan
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/personal-finance/916336/gst-expert-sounds-warning-about-labour-s-tax-plan
Published: August 6, 2026 18:29
Labour leader Chris Hipkins said it would make changes designed to help small businesses, if it becomes the government.
Is English a 'predator language?'
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/916335/is-english-a-predator-language
Published: August 6, 2026 18:29
A viral speech in Parliament calling English a "bastard language" has opened up a wider conversation about the history and power of the language in Aotearoa.
Undefeated barbershop chorus sets sights on becoming world's best
Published: August 6, 2026 17:37
The a capella group Christchurch City Chorus has won every New Zealand competition it has entered and finished fifth in the world two years ago.
One-third of endometriosis patients told to get pregnant - survey
Published: August 6, 2026 17:35
Endometriosis New Zealand chief executive Tanya Cooke says the finding are particularly concerning.
China tensions and new defence treaty on the agenda for Pacific foreign ministers' meeting
Published: August 6, 2026 16:43
Winston Peters is in Suva, Fiji, along with foreign ministers from 17 other Pacific countries.
Cold snap almost over - but not quite
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/weather/915270/cold-snap-almost-over-but-not-quite
Published: August 6, 2026 16:43
But it's another chilly morning for much of New Zealand, with today's conditions very similar to yesterday.
Autism diagnoses more than tripled in 15 years - study
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/health/915172/autism-diagnoses-more-than-tripled-in-15-years-study
Published: August 6, 2026 16:39
Otago University research analysed three national health and disability databases between 2009-23.
Timeline to implement new school subjects 'unrealistic', teachers' union warns
Published: August 6, 2026 08:18
But industry leaders are enthusiastic about the nine new secondary school subjects announced on Thursday.
Wellington City councillors vote yes on super-merger proposal
Published: August 6, 2026 08:07
Regional mayors will decide on Friday on the exact model.
Nelson businesses offered rates deferral amid ongoing city centre roadworks
Published: August 6, 2026 06:46
The Nelson City Council has agreed to defer rates for businesses affected by city centre infrastructure works.
Primary school students sway Wellington City Council on road safety measures
Published: August 6, 2026 06:20
Year five and six students from Lyall Bay School pumped fists after their submission was endorsed by the council committee.
Education industry praises nine new secondary school subjects
Published: August 6, 2026 05:57
But the teachers' union warns timelines for their development and introduction are extremely tight.
Wellington City councillors to submit super-region proposal to government
Published: August 6, 2026 05:47
Regional mayors will tomorrow decide on the exact model - which could see a Wellington-Wairarapa unitary council - merging eight councils together.
Pilot scheme involving police, metal recyclers aims to identify, deter copper thieves
Published: August 6, 2026 05:22
Little is safe from thieves who put themselves at risk and cause huge damage stealing copper and other metals.
Councillors reject 'double-dipping' claims to approve $1.3m for local govt reform proposal
Published: August 6, 2026 05:09
New Plymouth District Council and the Taranaki Regional Council have formed a Pathfinder proposal that stipulates no preference for a future structure.
MÄori roll grows by almost 15,000 voters since last election
Published: August 6, 2026 04:33
Enrolled MÄori voters wanting to switch between electoral rolls have until midnight to decide before this year's election.
El NiƱo's 'spiky' temperatures could harm or even kill people this summer, health official warns
Published: August 6, 2026 03:59
Recent heatwaves in Europe had already caused an estimated 10,000 excess deaths in June.
'Pretty harrowing': Climbers rescued from ravine told family they were safe throughout ordeal
Published: August 6, 2026 03:41
The mother of one of the climbers says the boys are recovering at home - and already planning their next trip.
The trade-off between te reo MÄori and big tech companies
Published: August 6, 2026 03:24
One professor says MÄori place names have been "bastardised" for years, and AI tools may start correcting that.
Man accused of violent Auckland attacks in hospital, court appearance postponed
Published: August 6, 2026 03:15
The 49-year-old was due to appear in court today but it has been postponed.
Speaker will not take action over Winston Peters' 'racist' comments
Published: August 6, 2026 03:14
The Speaker will not be taking action on a request from the Green Party that New Zealand First leader Winston Peters be asked to withdraw and apologise for his comments to their MP Lawrence Xu-Nan.
Snoozing leopard seal leads to cordoned off area at busy Tauranga boat ramp
Published: August 6, 2026 03:10
After a few days of uninterrupted rest, the seal returned to the ocean, apparently unfazed by the attention from locals he attracted.
Emergency services called to crash between car and mobility scooter in Hamilton
Published: August 6, 2026 02:28
Police believe at least one person has been injured in the crash.
Hamilton City Council votes against submitting Head Start proposal
Published: August 6, 2026 02:22
Hamilton City Council today decided, with 12 votes in favour and three against, that it did not want to submit a Head Start proposal.
Kiwi climbers rescued from Solomons ravine after eight days doing well, mum says
Published: August 6, 2026 02:18
Keanu Isaksson, 25, and Luca Zylstra-Law, 19, were trapped in a ravine on Mount Popomanaseu, for eight days before their rescue in the early hours on Tuesday morning.
Documents reveal how Andrew Coster dealt with Jevon McSkimming investigation
Published: August 6, 2026 01:49
Former police commissioner Andrew Coster told staff he expected they would do "everything reasonably possible" to investigate the allegations in a "timely manner".
Kea Aerospace opens new hub in Christchurch
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/904484/kea-aerospace-opens-new-hub-in-christchurch
Published: August 6, 2026 01:42
A company building solar-powered aircraft has marked a major milestone by opening a new manufacturing and operations hub in the city.
CNMI: Tinian mayor welcomes US military training approval
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/pacific/904421/cnmi-tinian-mayor-welcomes-us-military-training-approval
Published: August 6, 2026 01:35
The US Navy and Marine Corps have finalised a plan to conduct distributed operations training on Tinian in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
ACT wants to expand pharmacists power and make it easier to open new pharmacies
Published: August 6, 2026 01:00
If elected, the party would let pharmacists treat more conditions and introduce a 24-hour prescription collection through "secure electronic lockers".
'Wrong people are getting the wrong housing in the wrong places' -Salvation Army
Published: August 6, 2026 00:54
In Salvation Army's recent report it noted over the last five years the housing stock grew 9.1 percent.
Mental health support providers welcome long-awaited action plan to improve system
Published: August 6, 2026 00:42
The plan focuses on launching AI navigation to help access and scale integrated services across mental health.
Inland Revenue calls out horticultural tax dodgers
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/903791/inland-revenue-calls-out-horticultural-tax-dodgers
Published: August 6, 2026 00:39
Inland Revenue is warning it's cracking down on dodgy practices in the horticultural sector.
Emails reveal extent of police director's concerns about Jevon McSkimming complaints
Published: August 6, 2026 00:35
A series of emails from the police's director of integrity and conduct have been released revealing the extent of her concerns about complaints made about disgraced former deputy police commissioner Jevon McSkimming.
Oceania Rugby says PNG must clear debt to regain World Rugby membership
Published: August 6, 2026 00:23
The PNG Rugby Union was suspended in September 2024 over breaches of its tournament obligations, governance and financial non-compliance.
Police take $10m of luxury cars, properties in meth bust across Waikato, Auckland
Published: August 6, 2026 00:12
In a separate operation police also disrupted a methamphetamine importation ring with links to the Mongols gang.
Mortgage lending growth stalls
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/903432/mortgage-lending-growth-stalls
Published: August 6, 2026 00:11
Growth in mortgage lending was near zero in May and June, Cotality says, and the lowest in three years.
Asian candidates eye larger representation in Parliament
Published: August 6, 2026 00:08
Eleven MPs of Asian heritage currently sit in the Beehive, but recent polling could see this number grow after the November election.
Forner police officer Brian Denys McFarlane jailed for nine years over historical sex offending
Published: August 5, 2026 23:56
After the sentencing, police praised the bravery and strength of the victim.
Cost of living takes centre-stage ahead of Cook Islands election
Published: August 5, 2026 23:55
With less than a week until the Cook Islands general election, cost of living pressures, driven by rising energy costs, have emerged as a dominant issue for voters.
New foreign interference portal guided by community experiences
Published: August 5, 2026 23:41
The new portal provides resources in more than 30 languages, including simplified and traditional Chinese.
New season New Zealand wool market cools, but still booming for growers
Published: August 5, 2026 23:28
A long-awaited recovery in prices for New Zealand wool is easing, as buyers become reluctant to spend top dollar on the clip this new season.
Steps the Tauranga hospital cat found safe after going missing
Published: August 5, 2026 23:07
Steps, a 12-year-old tabby, affectionately known as the hospital's "patient support officer" is home safe and sound after disappearing on Monday night.
Investigation into runway incident involving Qantas flight from Queenstown to Sydney
Published: August 5, 2026 22:57
A "breakdown in communication" is being blamed for a close call involving a flight from NZ arriving at Sydney Airport.
PÄtea River Bar tragedy: Coroner highlights lifejacket use after two deaths
Published: August 5, 2026 22:56
The coroner also pointed to Maritime New Zealand advice on the crossing river bars in a report into a double-drowning on the PÄtea Bar last year.
Bougainville and Papua New Guinea decide on date for referendum result to be tabled
Published: August 5, 2026 22:53
The Bougainville independence referendum result will be tabled in Papua New Guinea's national parliament on 27 August.
Auckland's coldest day in five years as power use hits another record
Published: August 5, 2026 22:43
Transpower says another record demand for electricity has been set as cold weather grips the country.
City Rail Link opening date officially revealed - but billboards got in first
Published: August 5, 2026 22:26
Auckland Transport's Stacey van der Putten says the billboard blunder is a "bummer" but at least it happened on the day of the official announcement.
New Caledonia's new president unveils cabinet portfolios
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/pacific/902318/new-caledonia-s-new-president-unveils-cabinet-portfolios
Published: August 5, 2026 21:47
Milakulo Tukumuli, 42, announced his cabinet line-up on Wednesday, following his election by the French Pacific territory's Congress less than a week ago.
New primary industry ventures revealed for foreign investors in New Zealand
Published: August 5, 2026 21:42
Tens of billions of dollars of foreign capital entered New Zealand last year, led by forestry.
Nine new secondary school subjects announced by government
Published: August 5, 2026 21:42
Students could soon be studying "next-gen manufacturing" and "energy and infrastructure".
Billboard gaffe accidentally reveals City Rail Link opening date as 13 September
Published: August 5, 2026 20:56
An AT spokesperson says the signs were put up in error, pre-empting the official announcement.
East Coast farmers push back against pines in return to livestock farming
Published: August 5, 2026 20:55
Two farmers are transforming a forest planted near Gisborne on an original sheep and beef farm four years ago back into a livestock farm.
Government launches long-awaited mental health strategy
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/901997/government-launches-long-awaited-mental-health-strategy
Published: August 5, 2026 20:33
Minister Matt Doocey says mental health deserves the same "long-term direction and accountability" as the rest of the health system.
Xu-Nan grills Peters on 'racist' comments that were directed at him
Published: August 5, 2026 19:52
Green MP repeatedly put Peters' own comments to him directly, but the NZ First leader quibbled that the questions were about his comments made as head of the party.
Manasseh Sogavare unleashes on Solomon Islands government over US agreement
Published: August 5, 2026 19:19
The US Shiprider Agreement signed by the new-look Solomon Islands government has been subject to fiery criticism in parliament.
Proposal to scrap RSE worker limits cancelled by Cabinet, documents reveal
Published: August 5, 2026 19:16
New Zealand's immigration minister wanted to scrap annual limits on Pacific migrant workers under the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme, but could not get the sign-off from Cabinet.
Another frosty start as MetService warns of negative temperatures
Published: August 5, 2026 18:31
Transpower says there could be another record demand for electricity as cold weather grips the country.
Tiaki Wai apologises after Wellington residents fight bills for water they can't use
Published: August 5, 2026 18:21
Wellington residents forced out of their homes due to storm damage have been landed with bills from Tiaki Wai - despite not using any water.
How does your pay compare to the average?
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/personal-finance/901237/how-does-your-pay-compare-to-the-average
Published: August 5, 2026 18:21
Most New Zealanders aren't getting pay increases that keep up with the rate of inflation, new Stats NZ data shows.
Mental distress among new parents carries long-term social cost of $2b a year - report
Published: August 5, 2026 18:21
The report found up to half of mÄmÄ and birthing parents - around 29,000 people annually - experienced mental distress during pregnancy and the early years.
'There are no jobs': Support services warn unemployment crisis driving rising violence
Published: August 5, 2026 18:20
Northland has overtaken Auckland as the region recording the highest unemployment at 8.8 percent, up from 5.1 percent.
City Rail Link opening date revealed as 13 September
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/900907/city-rail-link-opening-date-revealed-as-13-september
Published: August 5, 2026 18:08
An Auckland Transport billboard seen early Thursday morning announced the date.
Early childhood advocates fear funding review will put business bottom lines over children
Published: August 5, 2026 17:16
Many early childhood advocates are worried about the future of their sector as consultation for a major funding review winds up on Thursday.
Mt Eden Prison to be reviewed after 'significant changes and challenges'
Published: August 5, 2026 17:07
Mt Eden is the country's second-largest prison and the only solely remand-focused facility, housing people awaiting trial or sentencing.
Man due in court after violent rampage in Auckland's Epsom
Published: August 5, 2026 16:47
The 49-year-old is accused of assaulting a jogger, stealing the car of a good samaritan stopping to help, and then ramming it into a group of high school students riding bicycles.
More cold weather on the way: 'There's going to be plenty of negative temperatures'
Published: August 5, 2026 05:42
The southerly fronts that brought snow on Tuesday have given way to a ridge of high pressure, bringing still, clear and icy cold conditions.
Fire crews tackle house blaze in East Auckland
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/emergencies_local/895325/fire-crews-tackle-house-blaze-in-east-auckland
Published: August 5, 2026 05:38
Four trucks were sent to the fire at a residential address in Point England.
English 'didn't have to compete' for official status - MÄori Language Commissioner
Published: August 5, 2026 05:30
Te reo MÄori has had to fight for recognition after generations of suppression, while English has long dominated life in Aotearoa, professor Rawinia Higgins says.
Fears young people slipping through gaps in mental health data
Published: August 5, 2026 05:04
There are concerns young people seeking mental health support are slipping through gaps in the data if their referrals are declined when they reach out for help.
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