Person dies after 'tragic' train incident in Te Awamutu
Published: September 20, 2026 18:11
Police say a person has died after an incident at the Waikato railway station last night.
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The Latest New Zealand headlines from RNZ News
Site URL: www.rnz.co.nz/news/national
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Alzheimer's disease starting to be considered a treatable condition - study
Published: September 20, 2026 18:06
Clinical trials are now on the brink of diagnostic and medical breakthroughs, say experts.
The rise of 'accidental landlords'
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/personal-finance/1483439/the-rise-of-accidental-landlords
Published: September 20, 2026 18:05
People hoping to sell who can't get a decent price or any deal at all are holding on to properties as a rental instead.
Early childhood education advocates give screen time policy mixed report card
Published: September 20, 2026 17:54
National's Set Up for Success policy includes banning screen time in early childhood education centres and limiting screen use in years 1 to 3.
'Exasperated' nurses strike at specialist Waitākere Hospital ward
Published: September 20, 2026 17:30
Nurses say staff are rushed and stressed and some patients with extensive health care needs are not getting the care they need.
Supermarket showdown - the battle of the election policy
Published: September 20, 2026 17:29
The supermarket checkout is where the cost-of-living crisis hits hardest, and now it's the target of political parties
'His life was worth nothing to them' - Heartbroken families speak out against work safety rule changes
Published: September 20, 2026 17:03
Ethyn McTier was one of more than 700 people killed in work-related deaths in the past decade.
Patient numbers soar for Whanganui Hospital's 15-bed emergency department
Published: September 20, 2026 06:12
On one day in September, the 15-bed department reached 253 percent capacity - equivalent to about 50 patients in the department at one time.
New Zealand First reveals plan for 'bold shift' in healthcare
Published: September 20, 2026 03:20
Party pledges to "make NZ healthy" with illness prevention policies designed to help overwhelmed hospitals.
St John welcomes move to allow paramedics to prescribe medicines
Published: September 20, 2026 03:16
Specialist paramedics will be able to prescribe medicines covering common infections and treatments needed in urgent and community care, and issue repeat prescriptions for long-term conditions.
Record number of votes cast in 2026 Bird of the Year competition
Published: September 20, 2026 01:51
Singer-songwriter Moana Maniapoto will write a waiata for this year's winner, which will be announced on Monday.
Wellington 'vulnerable' after losing FENZ ladder truck to fire, senior firefighter says
Published: September 20, 2026 00:25
The region's firefighting capabilities have been weakened even further, a senior firefighter says, with no spare truck available to replace the one lost on Saturday night.
One dead after motorbike crash in Matamata-Piako
Published: September 19, 2026 23:16
Another rider on the same bike was transported to hospital in a serious condition.
Tiaki Wai warning wastewater discharged in Lower Hutt stream
Published: September 19, 2026 21:42
The organisation said high rainfall caused the plant in the suburb of Seaview to overflow
Number of meth pipes, bongs seized by Customs soars
Published: September 19, 2026 18:45
The amount of drug paraphernalia stopped at the border in 2026 has already surpassed last year.
Wellington firefighters douse flames in Thorndon firetruck
Published: September 19, 2026 09:34
The truck was one of only two high-reach trucks in the capital.
Country Life: 'Looking for an edge' on a Māori-owned farm
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/country/1475400/country-life-looking-for-an-edge-on-a-maori-owned-farm
Published: September 19, 2026 06:49
At Pukepoto it's about using data to set the farm up for future generations.
Thousands of NZ buildings no longer require earthquake strengthening
Published: September 19, 2026 06:46
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says "common sense has prevailed", as law change spells end to quake-prone building rules in the city.
Fire crews contain Canterbury shed blaze
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/emergencies_local/1474800/fire-crews-contain-canterbury-shed-blaze
Published: September 19, 2026 06:39
Large plumes of black smoke from the fire were seen as far away as Christchurch.
Fire crews battle Canterbury shed blaze
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/emergencies_local/1474800/fire-crews-battle-canterbury-shed-blaze
Published: September 19, 2026 05:25
Large plumes of black smoke from the fire can be seen as far away as Christchurch.
'Yarnarchists' blanket Christchurch for annual yarn bomb festival
Published: September 19, 2026 05:13
This year the festival will feature a silent disco tour, with participants donning yarn-bombed headsets and dancing their way through the collection of artworks.
Police helicopter crew rescues 'ill-prepared' kayakers in Auckland
Published: September 19, 2026 04:43
One of the Eagle helicopter's crew entered the water to help the group, after they capsized in Maraetai on Saturday.
Greenpeace protests Conservation Amendment Bill in downtown Auckland
Published: September 19, 2026 04:09
The environmental group claims 35,000 attended the march, but police report somewhat less.
$80k isn't much, how have I ended up near the top tax rate? Ask Susan
Published: September 19, 2026 03:11
RNZ's money correspondent answers your questions.
Forest and Bird calls for fast-tracked coal mining application to be declined
Published: September 19, 2026 02:29
The EPA has asked mining company Bathurst for more information about how it would protect wildlife in Buller.
Homicide investigation launched after woman found dead in Wellington
Published: September 19, 2026 01:59
Emergency services were called to Gahagan Way, Newlands, around 4am.
Speldhurst still waiting for speed sign change
Published: September 19, 2026 01:44
Speldhurst residents are still waiting for the promised 80km/h limit to appear on the road signs.
Man left unconscious and another in custody after assault in Gisborne
Published: September 19, 2026 00:30
The victim of the assault was left unconscious and requiring hospital treatment.
Te Kuiti supermarket damaged after mobility scooter catches fire
Published: September 18, 2026 23:27
FENZ said the blaze spread to the front of the New World store in Te Kuiti.
From wanting to be seen as white to finding his way back to te reo Māori
Published: September 18, 2026 22:58
Nathan Grey was taught that success meant moving away from his Māoritanga, his identity. Now he's reconnected with his roots - and is helping others do the same.
Flu season passes peak - but watch out for a second wave
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/health/1468897/flu-season-passes-peak-but-watch-out-for-a-second-wave
Published: September 18, 2026 22:10
Numbers have dropped with a level of herd immunity from both vaccinations and people who have had the virus.
A Niue-based trust has been named a finalist in the prestigious Earthshot Prize
Published: September 18, 2026 21:43
The Niue Ocean Wide Trust has been announced as one of the finalists in the Earthshot Prize.
'We're one people' - a young Tongan man's te reo Māori journey
Published: September 18, 2026 21:28
A Tongan New Zealander shares insights from his te reo Māori journey
Tonga claims Oceania netball championship title
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/pacific/1466657/tonga-claims-oceania-netball-championship-title
Published: September 18, 2026 20:32
Tonga finished the week-long competition undefeated.
Person found dead in Wellington suburb
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/regional/1466130/person-found-dead-in-wellington-suburb
Published: September 18, 2026 20:13
Emergency services were called to Gahagan Way, Newlands, around 4am.
Country Life: The farm photographer who captured a changing New Zealand
Published: September 18, 2026 20:02
Photos taken by pioneering agricultural journalist Ron Vine in the 1930s and 40s have been recognised for their unique record of NZ farming and Māori communities during a period of profound change.
Country Life: 25 years of Banks Peninsula conservation
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/country/1465788/country-life-25-years-of-banks-peninsula-conservation
Published: September 18, 2026 20:00
Farming with nature is "part of the gig" for those on the peninsula.
Tauranga eyes options to sell stake in airport
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/regional/1464894/tauranga-eyes-options-to-sell-stake-in-airport
Published: September 18, 2026 19:30
The council will vote on a working programme exploring new ownership models for Tauranga Airport.
'A very capable and loving father': Oranga Tamariki's litany of failures in the Tom Phillips case
Published: September 18, 2026 18:59
An inquiry found missed opportunities to keep the children safe. Now OT’s chief executive says she is "seeking answers".
Psychiatric patient was considered high risk of violence two weeks before murder, inquest hears
Published: September 18, 2026 11:52
Zakariye Mohamed Hussein's risk of violence and unauthorised leave were both recorded as high, but he was still deemed a low risk to the community.
Primary Health Organisation makes changes at Pahiatua Medical Centre
Published: September 18, 2026 07:11
Centre staff have threatened to resign en masse next week, unless their pleas for help are taken seriously.
Timaru woman finds rare moa bones during daily beach walk
Published: September 18, 2026 06:51
After years spent scanning the shoreline, Pippa Yates has added another collection to her family's home bone cabinet.
Waiheke Island's only respite care house for children with disabilities to be sold
Published: September 18, 2026 06:23
Melanna House has been closed for a year and Kainga Ora has confirmed it will sell the house after it failed to find another provider to run the disability respite care service.
State Highway 3 closed near Whanganui after serious crash
Published: September 18, 2026 05:47
There are reports of injuries after the crash, which involved a pedestrian and a vehicle.
One dead after freight train collides with car on State Highway 1 near Invercargill
Published: September 18, 2026 05:32
The serious crash happened near the intersection with Mill Road South, shortly before 1.30pm.
Tauranga teen urges government to give youth a greater say over social media ban
Published: September 18, 2026 05:26
Ōtūmoetai College student Liam Howard wants a youth committee created to address the policy, after most of his peers opposed it in a survey.
Asian businesses deliver mixed verdict on CRL’s initial economic impact
Published: September 18, 2026 05:19
Business owners are seeing a noticeable lift in foot traffic at the end of the first working week, but not everyone is benefitting from the renewed activity.
SH8 through Lindis Valley closed after crash between campervan and car
Published: September 18, 2026 05:12
The crash was reported just after 3pm between Cluden Creek Rd and Phillips Rd.
Major property developer doubts Auckland CBD height removal will prompt short-term building
Published: September 18, 2026 05:07
A major Auckland property developer doesn't believe there will be a single new apartment built in the short term because of the change.
Hamilton arrest fuels critics' concerns over citizen's arrest
Published: September 18, 2026 05:00
Retail NZ spokesperson Carolyn Young said her organisation had always been concerned about allowing anyone to use reasonable force when making a citizen's arrest.
New survey sees horticulture overtake sheep, beef as most confident rural sector
Published: September 18, 2026 04:14
Those with a positive outlook attributed rising commodity prices, overseas markets and increasing demand for their optimism.
Committee backs Wānaka bottle store next to Plunket clinic, AA meetings, despite concerns
Published: September 18, 2026 04:03
Some Wānaka residents are appalled an off-licence has been granted for a Super Liquor to open next door to a Plunket clinic.
Call for legacy wilding pine forest owners in South Island hotspot to pay for spread
Published: September 18, 2026 03:44
"If there isn't any repercussions there, legally or regulatory, then there's always going to be good and bad players."
Nearly 1000 stalking warnings, 140 charges, but 0 convictions
Published: September 18, 2026 03:34
The new law carried a maximum penalty of five years' in prison.
Potentially lethal drug used for animal euthanasia stolen from car in Auckland
Published: September 18, 2026 02:52
A warning has been issued by police to anyone in possession of the medication.
Government retirement village policy a 'disgrace' - Residents Association
Published: September 18, 2026 02:52
Association vice president Di Sinclair says the coalition has had three years and this policy just kicks the can further down the road.
Fiji targets new constitution by Christmas Eve as watchdog warns of 'self-coup' risk
Published: September 18, 2026 02:42
With an election looming and political parties in campaign mode, the Fijian government has hinted that a new constitution could be in place by Christmas Eve.
Serious between car and freight train partly closes State Highway 1 near Invercargill
Published: September 18, 2026 02:25
The serious crash happened near the intersection with Mill Road South, shortly before 1.30pm.
Pedestrian seriously injured after being hit by vehicle in Auckland's Drury
Published: September 18, 2026 02:20
Great South Road was closed between the State Highway 1 off-ramp and Waihoehoe Road.
Christchurch's Orana Wildlife Park could get $1 million grant from ratepayer funds
Published: September 18, 2026 01:56
Financially troubled Orana Wildlife Park looks set to receive more than $1 million of ratepayer money.
Principals frustrated by government's curriculum changes, federation says
Published: September 18, 2026 01:54
More than 1200 principals from around the world have been meeting in Auckland this week for the International Confederation of Principals Convention.
Flight of the Conchords sell out Auckland and Wellington shows in 3 minutes
https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/music/comedy-duo-flight-of-the-conchords-sell-out-in-3-minutes
Published: September 18, 2026 01:32
Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement have filled four New Zealand shows with just a handful of seats left in Christchurch.
Slink skin factory boss protests outside Southland council over charges
Published: September 18, 2026 01:19
Eddie Zhi has carried dead lambs to a council car park after enforcement orders halted his business.
South African police find a ninth woman's body near Johannesburg, serial killer fears grow
Published: September 18, 2026 00:59
President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed "no stone will be left unturned" in the investigation into the deaths.
'Get on board':Te reo Māori offers a deeper understanding of Aotearoa
Published: September 18, 2026 00:48
Te reo Māori is being learnt by more people across Aotearoa, as the language continues to be revitalised across generations. This year's Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori theme, Ake,...
Dead Petone seal tests negative for bird flu
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/regional/1453570/dead-petone-seal-tests-negative-for-bird-flu
Published: September 18, 2026 00:24
Testing has ruled out bird flu in the Petone leopard seal, with DOC saying she likely died of old age.
Could a flexible superannuation cost taxpayers less?
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/1452817/could-a-flexible-superannuation-cost-taxpayers-less
Published: September 17, 2026 23:51
Could a flexible superannuation cost taxpayers less?
Tonga, Samoa secure 2027 Netball World Cup qualification
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/pacific/1452454/tonga-samoa-secure-2027-netball-world-cup-qualification
Published: September 17, 2026 23:30
The Tonga Tala and and Tifaimoana Samoa have qualified for an invitation to next year's Netball World Cup in Australia.
Nearly 1000 stalking warnings, 140 charges since law came into effect
Published: September 17, 2026 23:27
The new law carried a maximum penalty of five years' in prison.
Lechuan Zhu and Yanan Tang jailed for importing 2.5m black market cigarettes
Published: September 17, 2026 23:07
A judge condemned a couple who moved to New Zealand solely to run a black-market cigarette operation.
'We are very open': Fiji's tourism minister says HIV emergency should not deter visitors
Published: September 17, 2026 22:43
Viliame Gavoka says Fiji's HIV emergency should not alarm tourists from countries such as Australia and New Zealand, as health researchers and community groups call a stronger response.
Controversial move on orders pass third reading, under urgency
Published: September 17, 2026 22:37
Police will soon have the power to order people to move if they are being disorderly, begging or rough sleeping.
Retirement village repayment period to shrink under new plan
Published: September 17, 2026 22:12
Leaked documents show the government wants operators to repay residents within nine months, not 12.
Child flu hospitalisations fall for first time since August
Published: September 17, 2026 22:07
New data shows the number of children in hospital with flu-like illness has dropped, but doctors warn viruses are still spreading.
Russians begin voting in controlled election as war drags
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/1450225/russians-begin-voting-in-controlled-election-as-war-drags
Published: September 17, 2026 21:37
Only Kremlin-aligned parties are on the ballot, and Moscow has also organised voting in occupied Ukraine.
Seven of the weirdest things coffee does to your body
https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/wellbeing/7-of-the-weirdest-things-coffee-does-to-your-body
Published: September 17, 2026 21:35
3. Coffee can interact with your medicines.
City Rail Link boosts Auckland rail patronage to seven-year high
Published: September 17, 2026 21:18
More than 90,000 people a day are boarding Auckland trains, Auckland Transport says.
India free trade finale brings odd pairings
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/politics/1437015/india-free-trade-finale-brings-odd-pairings
Published: September 17, 2026 21:15
Parliamentary debates featured unusual political couplings and disagreements. Political foes voted together - both for the bill and against it.
Wellington residents still out of homes months on from floods
Published: September 17, 2026 20:18
The city council has committed to producing a public report into the disaster, with one councillor apologising if the council's response was a failure.
From ‘rough’ Hunua farm girl to one of Hollywood’s go-to stuntwomen
https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/people/from-rough-farm-girl-to-one-of-hollywood-s-go-to-stuntwomen
Published: September 17, 2026 20:09
Falling off heights, setting herself on fire and swinging from horses - Kiwi Dayna Pomare has pushed herself in pursuing her passion over more than 30 years.
Tauranga mayor hopes to be able to reopen Mauao Mount Maunganui tracks by summer
Published: September 17, 2026 19:53
The mountain has been off limits since a deadly landslide claimed six lives in January this year.
Sick overstayer's deportation costs Immigration NZ $85,000
Published: September 17, 2026 19:53
The woman - and her own government - both refused to pay the costs of getting her home.
Another whale-watching boat mishap reported in Tonga
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/pacific/1447903/another-whale-watching-boat-mishap-reported-in-tonga
Published: September 17, 2026 19:31
It comes just over three weeks after another unlicensed boat carrying several New Zealand Anglican Church delegates the capized and sank.
Auckland CBD height limits could be scrapped
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/1447928/auckland-cbd-height-limits-could-be-scrapped
Published: September 17, 2026 19:30
The government and Auckland's mayor want fewer planning rules, to "take full advantage" of the new City Rail Link.
Police charge woman believed to be mother of baby found dead in Sydney bin
Published: September 17, 2026 19:04
A woman believed to be the mother of a baby found in a Sydney bin last month has been charged.
Woman describes father's death after nine hours in waiting room
Published: September 17, 2026 18:54
Daughter of man who died in Waikato Hospital's ED among members of the public speaking out for World Patient Safety Day.
Improving safety on West Auckland rail crossings will take decades
Published: September 17, 2026 18:45
The cost is estimated at around $3 billion but a Waitākere ward councillor says the west is intensifying rapidly and cannot be forgotten.
Student transience falls to lowest point in more than a decade
Published: September 17, 2026 18:31
More than 2000 children changed schools twice or more last year.
Hundreds of children embracing te reo swim safety lessons
Published: September 17, 2026 18:30
Three schools are taking part in the lessons on the Kāpiti Coast, learning about water safety in a space created specifically for te reo Māori.
Economic scorecard: Why are things so bad in Wellington?
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/1447027/economic-scorecard-why-are-things-so-bad-in-wellington
Published: September 17, 2026 18:30
ASB's latest rankings have placed the capital at the bottom of the pile.
More Kiwis taking 'hands off' approach with self-driving technology
Published: September 17, 2026 18:28
Driverless cars are legal in New Zealand, but must still operate under human supervision.
Pāpāmoa man used 21 different controlled drugs after going ‘hard' at the gym
Published: September 17, 2026 17:19
The explanation offered was that he would "mix" them to help with recovery after he "works out at the gym hard".
Climate advocacy group calls for release of LNG terminal safety information
Published: September 17, 2026 17:19
MBIE insists the proposed Port Taranaki facility is safe - but won't release two initial safety evaluations, citing commercial reasons.
Australian property investors eye trans-Tasman landgrab
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/1446377/australian-property-investors-eye-trans-tasman-landgrab
Published: September 17, 2026 17:19
Economic changes across the ditch and a favourable exchange rate have made New Zealand a very tempting market.
Labour's proposed corporate homicide charges welcomed by Pike River Mine families
Published: September 17, 2026 17:19
Under the proposal, an individual could be sentenced to life in prison and companies could be fined up to $10 million.
Wellington residents still traumatised months after flash flooding
Published: September 17, 2026 17:19
The city council has committed to producing a public report into the disaster, with one councillor apologising if the council's response was a failure.
Bootcamps bill passes final reading under urgency, will become law
Published: September 17, 2026 17:19
The controversial legislation is now poised to become law, with opposition parties vowing to scrap it if they win the election.
Why 'in-between generation' may miss out on KiwiSaver bonuses
Published: September 17, 2026 17:19
National's policy would allow babies born from 1 July 2027 to receive $1500.
Politicians urged to address country's overloaded health system
Published: September 17, 2026 17:19
Daughter of man who died in Waikato Hospital's ED among members of the public speaking out for World Patient Safety Day.
FENZ was 'breaching their own law in regards to levy collections', minister says
Published: September 17, 2026 17:19
Minister for FENZ Brooke van Velden says she was also in the dark about the organisation spending nearly half a million dollars looking into the issue.
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