Jurassic Park star Sam Neill says cancer-free after gene therapy
Published: April 29, 2026 10:26
The New Zealand icon revealed in a 2023 memoir he was "possibly dying" with stage-three non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
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The Latest New Zealand headlines from RNZ News
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The music of Marlon Williams continues to win all the prizes
https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/music/the-music-of-marlon-williams-continues-to-win-all-the-prizes
Published: April 29, 2026 09:04
The folk singer adds the Taite Music Prize to his trophy haul which includes two Silver Scroll Awards and a swag of Tūī, with this year's Aotearoa Music Awards still to come.
One dead, four injured in crash on SH2, Takapau
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/emergencies_local/593753/one-dead-four-injured-in-crash-on-sh2-takapau
Published: April 29, 2026 08:55
The crash on State Highway 2 near Maharakeke Rd was reported to police just after 6.30pm.
About 40 Wellington addresses uninhabitable following floods: Council
Published: April 29, 2026 08:11
Wellington City Mission, in conjunction with the council, was assisting some 40 families or individuals with temporary accommodation at motels and backpackers in the wake of the storm.
Fuel costs double for West Auckland foodbank amid crisis in Middle East
Published: April 29, 2026 06:55
With the sky-rocketing cost of using diesel-run trucks and no promises whether they'll get government funding in the next budget, Fair Food's future remains uncertain.
Modern Slavery bill passes first reading under new Parliament rule
Published: April 29, 2026 06:29
The bill uses a new rule introduced in 2020 which allows a member's bill to be progressed so long as it has support from a majority of MPs who are not in the executive.
Otago sea lion colony hits major population milestone - with 38 new pups
Published: April 29, 2026 06:01
For the first time in more than a century, the Otago Pakake/sea lion population has delivered more than 35 pups in a season.
Mother of baby who suffered serious injuries desperate for answers
Published: April 29, 2026 05:57
A police investigation is under way after the baby was taken to Christchurch Hospital on Monday with serious unexplained injuries.
Person hurt as blaze tears through large industrial building
Published: April 29, 2026 04:36
Firefighters have extinguished a fire that tore through a Timaru industrial premises this morning.
Ultra-marathon swimmer Jono Ridler delivers petition to ban bottom trawling to Parliament
Published: April 29, 2026 04:16
After swimming almost 1400km, Jono Ridler delivered the petition to ban bottom trawling, signed by 73,647 people, and called for an end to the practice.
Lower Hutt boy finds rare native Hochstetter's frog exploring creek near his home
Published: April 29, 2026 01:55
Genetic testing confirmed the Hochstetter's frog was a descendant of a group which escaped captivity during a flood nearly 50 years ago.
Dilworth abuse inquiry: Man pleads not guilty to sexual offending
Published: April 29, 2026 00:43
The arrest of the man in his 60s was the fourteenth in the police investigation.
6% pay rise agreed for junior doctors
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/health/593701/6-percent-pay-rise-agreed-for-junior-doctors
Published: April 29, 2026 00:13
Union president Jordan Tewhaiti-Smith said reaching an agreement without having to take industrial action was "a huge win".
Disappointment as plans to commemorate victims of historic sexual slavery rejected
Published: April 29, 2026 00:08
The Korean Garden Trust wanted to install a bronze sculpture and plaque for the 200,000 victims, known as 'comfort women', who were forced into slavery during the 1930s and 40s.
Government cracking down on large nitrous oxide canisters as misuse continues to grow
Published: April 28, 2026 23:44
The canisters will automatically be classed as psychoactive substances if they do not have a lawful use.
Can your nervous system really be overloaded? Can it reset?
https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/wellbeing/can-your-nervous-system-really-be-overloaded-can-it-reset
Published: April 28, 2026 23:28
Is this the 'nervous breakdown' of our times? And can you reset?
Disgraced immigration adviser Qian Yu faces a further $25,000 in fines
Published: April 28, 2026 23:25
Qian Yu breached licence rules in seven cases, including one where she created a residence-qualifying job in return for thousands of dollars.
Massey University's Albany campus evacuated over fire in classroom
Published: April 28, 2026 23:13
Ten fire trucks are at the campus fighting a fire in a classroom on the top floor, Fire and Emergency says.
Police appeal after aggravated robbery at business in Christchurch's Somerfield
Published: April 28, 2026 22:45
Officers investigating an aggravated robbery in Somerfield are appealing for help from the public.
Firefighters battle large industrial building fire in Timaru
Published: April 28, 2026 22:43
The building was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived, FENZ says.
Man facing firearms charge after police raid in Coromandel
Published: April 28, 2026 21:04
Police used a drone and gas after the 37-year-old refused to leave the property.
New direct-to-satellite technology launched to help farmers manage cattle from above
Published: April 28, 2026 20:50
Smart collar firm Halter has launched new direct-to-satellite technology that will work without the need for towers.
'Significant' El Niño event could impact New Zealand's winter
Published: April 28, 2026 19:02
A formidable weather system is forecast to arrive, and could have a major effect on rainfall across the country.
How to solve a cryptic crossword
https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/screens/games/how-to-solve-a-cryptic-crossword
Published: April 28, 2026 18:55
There is method to the madness, with patterns you can learn to break down puzzles.
Police having to use the same fingerprinting tech despite warnings
Published: April 28, 2026 18:34
There had been talks since 2024 about the urgency of getting a new national automated fingerprint identification system.
Police delay final phase of withdrawal from mental health call-outs
Published: April 28, 2026 18:34
The Public Service Association's national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said the delays to phase four showed police are aware that the changes aren't working.
Three intense calamities inspired NZ writer Elizabeth Knox
https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/people/three-intense-calamities-inspired-nz-writer-elizabeth-knox
Published: April 28, 2026 17:33
Her older sister had a psychotic break, her brother-in-law was struck and killed by a vehicle in Rarotonga and her mother was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
More prosecutions likely as 16 truancy cases under investigation
Published: April 28, 2026 17:14
One parent is being taken to court and Ministry of Education is investigating 16 cases of chronic absence.
Where does your tax money actually go?
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/593644/where-does-your-tax-money-actually-go
Published: April 28, 2026 17:14
In the year to 30 June, 2025, total government spending was $183.5 billion.
Support to lift cultural status of vocational training to equal a university education
Published: April 28, 2026 16:50
A report by The New Zealand Initiative largely supports a Ministry of Education proposal to replace NCEA exams with a qualification system that includes trade-related skills.
Inquest begins into death of teen Karnin Petera during Abbey Caves school trip
Published: April 28, 2026 16:50
Karnin Petera, 15, was swept away by floodwaters during a school caving trip in Whangārei three years ago.
School enrolments forecast to drop after reaching record high last year
Published: April 28, 2026 16:50
The forecast followed a decade in which the national roll increased by about one percent or more almost every year since 2015.
Call for a national strategy on ageing, diverse population
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/chinese/593604/call-for-a-national-strategy-on-ageing-diverse-population
Published: April 28, 2026 07:21
Report warns New Zealand is at a demographic inflection point, noting that it was essential to plan ahead.
Ōhura residents staying put despite history of flooding
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/community/593626/ohura-residents-staying-put-despite-history-of-flooding
Published: April 28, 2026 07:07
About 50 homes were damaged during a flash flood earlier this month and five left uninhabitable.
Christchurch flatmates track down stolen goods after robbery
Published: April 28, 2026 06:07
After coming home to find their place ransacked, the trio cracked out the old "good cop, bad cop" method.
Principal says prosecution should be ‘last resort’ for truancy
Published: April 28, 2026 05:53
The government announced it was taking a parent to court over their child's chronic absence from school as part of a crackdown on truancy.
Clean-up continues one week after Wellington floods
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/emergency/593616/clean-up-continues-one-week-after-wellington-floods
Published: April 28, 2026 05:27
One week after parts of Wellington were damaged by sudden flooding, the clean-up for some residents continues.
Woman accused of 'predatory' stealing-spree against hospital patients
Published: April 28, 2026 04:34
Police say patients in Auckland and Waikato had personal belongings and credit cards stolen while undergoing treatment.
Police investigate after baby suffers unexplained injuries at Christchurch property
Published: April 28, 2026 04:26
Several police officers could be seen on Tuesday at a property on Barbadoes St.
Auckland childcare centres offer steep discounts to keep afloat
Published: April 28, 2026 04:13
Operators say the incentives reflect a deepening affordability crisis in early childhood education.
Dunedin man charged with trying to strangle police officer
Published: April 28, 2026 04:08
Three police officers received medical treatment after the confrontation in Dunedin on Monday.
Neighbours evacuated as fire engulfs home in Rolleston
Published: April 28, 2026 02:12
Four fire trucks were called to the blaze on Lowes Road about 11.17am on Tuesday.
'Total loss': Fire tears through Auckland boat building facility
Published: April 28, 2026 00:09
Large plumes of grey smoke were seen billowing out across neighbourhoods.
Community group alarmed by Shotover River's spike in E. coli, council opens investigation
Published: April 28, 2026 00:04
Otago Regional Council confirmed it was investigating a March reading.
House mould risk worsened by recent flooding, BRANZ says
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/community/593575/house-mould-risk-worsened-by-recent-flooding-branz-says
Published: April 27, 2026 23:35
BRANZ resilience research project co-leader Catherine Nicholson says research shows about 50 percent of homes already have visible mould.
Search continues for missing Christchurch woman Rowena Walker
Published: April 27, 2026 23:23
Land, water, and aerial searches in and around the Christchurch's red zone are being conducted this week.
Large fire at West Auckland boat building facility
Published: April 27, 2026 23:02
Large plumes of grey smoke have been seen billowing out from the location in Auckland.
Wilding pine control group fears Queenstown's vistas could be decimated without more funding
Published: April 27, 2026 20:34
Whakatipu Wilding Control Group wants the government to stump up more funding to stop the spread of the invasive trees.
State Highway 1 Desert Road between Rangipo and Waiouru closed after truck, car crash
Published: April 27, 2026 19:42
Initial inquiries show the car likely crossed the centre line, police say.
Frustration 'on max' with rescues, but change on the way
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/emergency/593552/frustration-on-max-with-rescues-but-change-on-the-way
Published: April 27, 2026 19:34
Search and rescue experts are hoping to see the back of an emergency dispatch system they say is tangled and can run at two speeds, depending who is paying.
Calls for NZTA boss to front up over SH3 closures
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/593539/calls-for-nzta-boss-to-front-up-over-sh3-closures
Published: April 27, 2026 19:34
The Awakino Gorge slip on State Highway 3 has been closed seven times by weather-related events over the last 12 months.
The quiet power of headphones for people with autism
https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/wellbeing/the-quiet-power-of-headphones-for-people-with-autism
Published: April 27, 2026 19:02
Rather than promoting anti-social cues, headphones can open up the world for autistic people.
Power in immigration bill 'invokes images of ICE', critics say
Published: April 27, 2026 19:00
Advocates are concerned the government is taking New Zealand down a path to US-style crackdowns on overstayers and asylum seekers.
Woman killed in Christchurch crash
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/regions_canterbury/593546/woman-killed-in-christchurch-crash
Published: April 27, 2026 18:58
Police said the driver was the only person in the vehicle.
What is medical tourism, and what are the risks of having surgery overseas?
Published: April 27, 2026 18:54
Explainer - As stories emerge of New Zealanders suffering complications following surgeries overseas, here's what you need to know about the medical tourism industry.
Parent prosecuted over child's school absence as part of government's truancy crackdown
Published: April 27, 2026 17:41
Associate Education Minister David Seymour last year promised the government would be tougher on chronic absences from school.
Our Changing World: A taste for science
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/science-and-technology/593537/our-changing-world-a-taste-for-science
Published: April 27, 2026 17:41
Not too sweet, not too sour - there's a lot of testing behind the tasty fruit on our supermarket shelves.
Concerns legal loophole is allowing landlords to run underground boarding houses
Published: April 27, 2026 17:41
There are concerns a legal loophole is allowing landlords to continue running underground boarding houses. Auckland Council inspected 38 illegal lodges last year and all but nine opted to revert...
Tom Phillips: Police reject koha for officer injured in Marokopa shooting
Published: April 27, 2026 16:54
Police said they were "touched" by the offer, but declined it in line with police's gifts, discounts and hospitality policy.
Phone, video appointments part of Health Sector Fuel Response Plan
Published: April 27, 2026 06:03
The Ministry of Health is finalising a Health Sector Fuel Response Plan to ensure patients get appropriate attention during the fuel crisis.
Two charged after Northland and Waitematā motorists forced to stop, threatened with gun
Published: April 27, 2026 03:37
Police say the charges relate to two incidents last Saturday, one in Northland one in Waitematā.
Body found in Kaipara harbour believed to be missing man, police say
Published: April 27, 2026 03:16
A person was found dead at about 2.45pm on Sunday near the wharf at Kaipara Harbour on Shelly Beach Road.
Fatal crash in Taranaki
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/emergencies_local/593508/fatal-crash-in-taranaki
Published: April 27, 2026 02:47
One person is dead following a crash in Kapuni.
Department of Conservation, Horizon Regional Council investigate drying of Pukepuke Lagoon
Published: April 27, 2026 02:32
About 3000 eels were rescued from the coastal Manawatū lake bed earlier this month.
Person rescued after going overboard from Cook Strait ferry
Published: April 27, 2026 01:52
StraitNZ Bluebridge spokesperson confirmed a person overboard sparked deployment of the ship's rapid emergency vessel.
Winter brings highest demand for charities- survey reveals
Published: April 27, 2026 01:30
The survey conducted by The Catalytic Foundation found demand this year is at the highest level since 2020.
Five men in Taupō court for allegedly manufacturing meth and deliberate fire
Published: April 26, 2026 22:44
The men, aged 28 to 73, are set to appear in Taupō District Court on Monday.
New research suggests pretend play can help mental health
Published: April 26, 2026 19:03
Children have huge imaginations and diving into them can lead to better emotional regulation.
Wellinton Water reports 'Minor discharge' of wastewater into Lyall Bay
Published: April 26, 2026 08:16
The discharge was the result of a blockage to the 150mm CIRC inlet main into the pump station, the water services provider said.
Ōhura's state of emergency lifts, but locals face long road to recovery
Published: April 26, 2026 07:41
Some residents have "lost everything", after floodwaters swept through the town a week ago, the district's civil defence controller says.
Person seriously injured after alleged South Auckland assault
Published: April 26, 2026 04:20
Police responded to a callout in Manurewa about 3pm.
Local state of emergency lifts for Ōhura
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/emergencies_local/593455/local-state-of-emergency-lifts-for-ohura
Published: April 25, 2026 23:41
Swathes of farmland have been inundated by the deluge which hit the settlement in the early hours of Sunday morning.
He taonga tuku iho: Remembering 28th Māori Battalion soldier Robert McLean
Published: April 25, 2026 21:33
The legacy of Robert McLean, recognised for his bravery, has left a strong impression on those he knew and loved, his son tells RNZ.
New invention sees newborn babies stay asleep during hearing checks
Published: April 25, 2026 21:33
Hearing checks are offered to all newborns in New Zealand, however the baby needs to be asleep, or at least very settled, throughout the test.
Kiwi shearers facing charges after footage showing abuse of sheep uncovered
Published: April 25, 2026 20:14
Newly emerged footage shows workers standing on a sheep's neck, sewing up bloody wounds without painkillers and hitting sheep with blunt objects.
Gisborne's State Highway 35 opens after rainfall damage
Published: April 25, 2026 20:08
Heavy rainfall last week had created some cracking in the Waikura slip area, which originally closed following the January storm.
Councils want government to pay for more for natural hazard protections
Published: April 25, 2026 18:22
New Zealand spent $64b on hazard-related costs since 2010: 97 percent of that was response and recovery, and only 3 percent went to reducing risk," a parliamentary briefing document says.
In pictures: Anzac Day commemorations around New Zealand and afar
Published: April 25, 2026 13:54
Thousands of New Zealanders gathered around the motu and overseas to remember acts of service and lives "abruptly and tragically ended", for Anzac Day 2026.
Man rescued after clinging to kayak in harbour for hours
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/community/593425/man-rescued-after-clinging-to-kayak-in-harbour-for-hours
Published: April 25, 2026 09:12
A man has been rescued close to death after clinging to a kayak in frigid water for hours off Auckland's coast, after a rescue involving several services, police say.
SH35 closed after cracking occurs in slip between Pōtaka and Wharekahika/Hicks Bay
Published: April 25, 2026 07:58
NZTA says last week's heavy rainfall created cracking in the Waikura slip between Pōtaka and Wharekahika/Hicks Bay.
Air New Zealand flight to Gisborne sent back to Auckland due to 'hydraulic issue'
Published: April 25, 2026 07:02
Flight NZ5171 departed Auckland at 5.20pm bound for Gisborne, but turned around over the Eastern Bay of Plenty and diverted back to Auckland Airport.
Police investigating Dunedin 'grievous assault' appeal for information
Published: April 25, 2026 05:49
Police were called to an address on Heriot Row at about 8am Saturday to a report that someone had been assaulted with a weapon.
SH 56 and 57 closed near Shannon after crash
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/community/593417/sh-56-and-57-closed-near-shannon-after-crash
Published: April 25, 2026 04:42
Emergency services are responding to reports of serious injuries after the crash, at the intersection of state highways 56 and 57, and both roads are closed.
New measles case in Wellington - Health NZ
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/health/593407/new-measles-case-in-wellington-health-nz
Published: April 25, 2026 02:21
Officials are still investigating the source, but several locations of interest have been identified.
One in critical condition after weapon assault in Dunedin
Published: April 25, 2026 02:08
Police say the assault was at a private address between two people known to each other.
Two dead, one seriously injured after SH36 crash near Rotorua
Published: April 25, 2026 01:52
Police say initial inquiries show one vehicle crossed the centre line - and they are working to understand why.
Two seriously injured in Upper Hutt motorbike crash
Published: April 25, 2026 01:44
The southbound lane of State Highway 2 on River Road is blocked and diversions are in place.
Measles case in Wellington
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/health/593407/measles-case-in-wellington
Published: April 25, 2026 00:35
Officials are still investigating the source, but several locations of interest have been identified.
Royal New Zealand Air Force completes medical evacuation from Antarctica
Published: April 25, 2026 00:03
The evacuation from McMurdo Station brought home a patient who needed "higher medical attention".
Researchers call for ute tax, citing burden on health system
Published: April 24, 2026 22:40
They say utes contribute about seven times as much social harm in areas like air pollution, and accidents involving utes are seven times more likely to be fatal.
Youth arrested for aggravated robbery of Napier dairy
Published: April 24, 2026 22:23
The pair are alleged to have used a stolen car to rob the dairy on Wednesday night.
Astronomers believe 'otherworldly' light seen in the sky linked to Chinese rocket launch
Published: April 24, 2026 21:56
Otago astronomer Ian Griffin says the striking phenomenon appeared about 30 minutes after a rocket reportedly lifted off from China.
Auckland liquor licences axed or suspended after selling booze to teen Silas Sims before fatal crash
Published: April 24, 2026 21:25
16-year-old Silas Sims' blood contained more than three times the legal alcohol limit for adult drivers when he was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.
Bay of Plenty highway closed, one seriously injured after crash
Published: April 24, 2026 20:22
The two-vehicle crash closed the highway at the intersection of Leonard Road.
Te Kaha review: Christchurch's new stadium delivers for its city
Published: April 24, 2026 20:18
Opinion - RNZ examines the highs and lows of the stadium's opening night.
Memorial for young man who died at Auckland's Arkles Bay damaged for sixth time in nine days
Published: April 24, 2026 20:13
The mother of Tyler Porter, who died at Arkles Bay last year, says sentimental items, including a photograph of her son were also taken from the site.
Country Life: Hands-on high school agriculture
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/country/593389/country-life-hands-on-high-school-agriculture
Published: April 24, 2026 19:58
Geraldine High School is encouraging young people into primary sector careers.
NZ Remembrance Army calls for more volunteers to help restore veterans' graves
Published: April 24, 2026 18:07
The New Zealand Remembrance Army has restored about 350,000 headstones so far, as well as putting up about 140 new headstones on unmarked graves.
Live: Anzac Day commemorations around New Zealand
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/community/593370/live-anzac-day-commemorations-around-new-zealand
Published: April 24, 2026 17:41
Our Anzac Day coverage begins live at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
Daughter dedicates decades to preserving the legacy of the 28th Māori Battalion
Published: April 24, 2026 17:13
Juliana Keefe has spent over 25 years documenting her father and fellow soldiers, determined their stories are not lost.
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