Latest Regional Headlines
Rain, Winds And Large Waves Still Affecting Aotearoa New Zealand
Thursday, 1 May 2025, 12:58 pm | MetService
Warnings and Watches have been updated, with the wettest weather expected for Canterbury and eastern Marlborough, and the strongest southerly winds in the lower North Island. More >>
Unsafe Quad Bike Killed Farmhand
Thursday, 1 May 2025, 12:16 pm | WorkSafe NZ
The bike was purchased second-hand and had no crush protection device installed. The farm manager and bike owner, Dane Hemphill, has now been sentenced for health and safety failures uncovered by a WorkSafe investigation. More >>
Term Extended For Acting Secretary For Education
Thursday, 1 May 2025, 12:06 pm | Public Service Commission
Ellen MacGregor-Reid has been acting Secretary for Education since last October, when the previous Secretary’s term ended. More >>
Proposal For New Parking Time Restrictions At St Clair Open For Consultation
Thursday, 1 May 2025, 12:03 pm | Dunedin City Council
The proposed changes aim to increase parking turnover and availability, and to help better meet the needs of local businesses and the community. New short stay time restrictions will improve safety in the area and reduce instances of illegal stopping ... More >>
Red Strong Wind Warning Issued For Parts Of The Wellington Region
Thursday, 1 May 2025, 11:53 am | Wellington Region Emergency Management Office
We know that Strong Wind Warnings are fairly common for our region and it’s easy to get complacent, but Wellingtonians should take this one seriously and be prepared. More >>
Body Located In Whangamatā Believed To Be Man Reported Missing
Thursday, 1 May 2025, 11:42 am | New Zealand Police
Police extend our condolences to the man's family and friends during this difficult time, and continue to offer them support. More >>
Red Warning Issued For Winds In Wellington
Thursday, 1 May 2025, 11:41 am | MetService
A Red Warning signifies that people need to act now as immediate action is required to protect people, animals and property from the impact of the weather. People are encouraged to stay indoors or seek sturdy shelter away from trees. More >>
Wellington City Council storm update – 11.30am
Thursday, 1 May 2025, 11:39 am | Wellington City Council
Wellingtonians are advised to stay indoors if possible and take extra care if travelling due to the conditions. More >>
Minor Changes Proposed To Porirua Bylaws And Policies Involved In Collective Review
Thursday, 1 May 2025, 11:25 am | Porirua City Council
Four bylaws and two policies are being reviewed, with only minor changes proposed as Council believes they are working as intended. More >>
Canterbury Storm Update - Strong Winds And Rain, Waikirikiri/Selwyn River Rising, Akaroa Highway Closed
Thursday, 1 May 2025, 11:13 am | NZ Transport Agency
All highways around South Canterbury remain open with up to 150mm of snow on Burkes Pass, around Tekapo and the highway into Aoraki/ Mt Cook overnight and this morning. Drivers should be prepared for poor visibility in the circumstances and travel later ... More >>
Bus Bike Rack Use Resumes All Hours In Queenstown
Thursday, 1 May 2025, 11:03 am | Otago Regional Council
The use of bike racks during the day from 7am to 6pm resumed on Queenstown’s 23 buses two weeks ago, but now that all Queenstown’s 23 buses have been modified and are compliant with Land Transport rules, bike racks can be used at night as well ... More >>
LGNZ Releases Safety Guide As Elected Member Abuse Continues To Rise
Thursday, 1 May 2025, 10:42 am | LGNZ
At its All-of-local-government meeting in Wellington this morning, LGNZ launched a ‘How to stay safe’ guide for elected members, as part of a session on addressing abuse against elected members. More >>
See The Bulls Defend The Ranfurly Shield For Free At Stadium Taranaki
Thursday, 1 May 2025, 10:30 am | Taranaki Regional Council
Free buses have been arranged to bring residents from south, coastal and central Taranaki to the match, which will see the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls take on King Country at 6pm. More >>
Wool Industry Violence Prompts PETA Demand: Shearers Must Be 20+
Thursday, 1 May 2025, 10:28 am | PETA Asia Pacific
PETA notes that the young workers are mostly males with developing brains, which studies have shown manage aggression more effectively with age. More >>
Puke Ariki’s Dementia-Friendly Book Group Connecting People Through Literature
Thursday, 1 May 2025, 10:27 am | NPDC
The group for people with early-onset dementia and other neurogenerative conditions uses an approach which sees librarians reading aloud selected passages, poems and short stories, followed by thoughtful discussion guided by librarians Louanne Rielly ... More >>
Wrongful Arrest Of Man In Westgate
Thursday, 1 May 2025, 10:23 am | Independent Police Conduct Authority
In this case, although we accept that Officers A and B believed it was Mr X they were talking to, we have concluded that the information known by the officers at the time only justified a mere suspicion that he may have committed arson, not ‘good ... More >>
Outdoor Burning Ban In Place
Thursday, 1 May 2025, 10:22 am | Hawkes Bay Regional Council
Outdoor fires are allowed outside of the airshed, provided certain rules are followed. These include only burning untreated wood, paper, cardboard, or vegetation, and ensuring that the fire isn’t impacting neighbouring properties. More >>
Auckland Women’s Centre Joins Tidal Wave Of Criticism Of Transphobic Curriculum Proposals
Thursday, 1 May 2025, 10:20 am | Auckland Women's Center
The draft guidelines completely omit reference to gender diversity, including the experiences of transgender and non-binary young people. Concepts central to Māori understandings of identity and well-being are also entirely absent from the revised ... More >>
"Police Accept Findings Into Wrongful Arrest
Thursday, 1 May 2025, 10:16 am | New Zealand Police
Waitematā District Commander Superintendent Naila Hassan says Police accept the Authority’s findings in this matter. Our staff were acting with good intention at the time and suspected the man had committed the offence. More >>
Economic Development Survey For Local Businesses
Thursday, 1 May 2025, 10:07 am | Thames Coromandel District Council
We’re inviting businesses across our district to take part in the Economic Development Survey for Local Businesses, open from Thursday 1 May to midnight, Saturday 31 May 2025. More >>
Detectives Deal To Offender’s Spree
Thursday, 1 May 2025, 9:38 am | New Zealand Police
Detective Senior Sergeant Goldie says a man initially hid from Police inside a property before jumping out a window and running on foot. More >>
Name Release, Fatal Crash, Bunnythorpe
Thursday, 1 May 2025, 8:18 am | New Zealand Police
Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing. More >>
Tairāwhiti Police Arrest Senior Mongrel Mob Member
Thursday, 1 May 2025, 7:15 am | New Zealand Police
Gang members in the Wairoa area need to start caring about their community and the children and other innocent people who are put at risk by their violent altercations. More >>
Serious Crash: Tiverton Road, Avondale
Thursday, 1 May 2025, 7:01 am | New Zealand Police
As of 6.30am, the Serious Crash Unit completed its examination and the scene is in the final stages of being cleared. More >>
State Highway 3 Closed, South Of Inglewood
Thursday, 1 May 2025, 6:59 am | New Zealand Police
There is a diversion off the highway at Tarata Road from Inglewood, onto Kaimata Road South, Tariki Road South, Salisbury Road, to Beaconsfield Road, and back onto the highway. More >>
State Highway 10 Blocked - Northland
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 8:27 pm | New Zealand Police
There are no diversions and motorists are asked to avoid travel if possible. More >>
Section Of SH2 North Of Napier Closed Between 11pm And 3am - Eastern
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 8:07 pm | New Zealand Police
There are no diversions in place, so travel between Napier and Wairoa between 11pm and 3am will not be possible. More >>
“Listen To Locals, Not Councils” Taxpayers’ Union Tells Simon Watts To Commit To Rates Capping Legislation
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 7:11 pm | New Zealand Taxpayers' Union
We’ve been pushing for rates capping laws for years. Used in the UK and states of Australia—they’re neither new, nor radical. But they are effective. More >>
Tangata Whenua Calls For Shakeup Of Wastewater Group
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 7:09 pm | Zita Campbell - Local Democracy Reporter
Samuel Lewis seeks "better, fairer representation" on Gisborne's wastewater group. More >>
Tauranga Marine Precinct Sale Finalised After Court Dismisses Injunction
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 7:08 pm | Alisha Evans - Local Democracy Reporter
The settlement comes two weeks after a High Court judge dismissed the interim injunction that had halted the sale. More >>
Hemi Rolleston Wins Tauranga Māori Ward Byelection
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 7:03 pm | Alisha Evans - Local Democracy Reporter
The final vote count shows Rolleston won by 119 votes. He received 543 votes. More >>
Canterbury Bus Fares To Increase From July
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 7:02 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Greater Christchurch bus fares will increase in July, with the standard adult fare increasing from $2 to $3. More >>
Final Result: Te Awanui Ward By-Election
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 5:55 pm | Tauranga City Council
The seat became vacant earlier this year after the resignation of Mikaere Sydney for medical reasons. More >>
South Island Rail To Be Cut Adrift For 4 Years, Due To Early Axing Of Aratere Ferry
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 5:34 pm | Save Our Trains
“While we have applauded the necessary decision by Minister Peters to resurrect the rail ferries programme, we now see how much the Government’s earlier axing of the rail ferries is costing us,” spokesperson Dave Macpherson said. More >>
Embolden Your Councils: Seabed Mining Critics Call On Voters
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 5:26 pm | Craig Ashworth - Local Democracy Reporting
Protect Our Moana Taranaki co-leader Fiona Young highlighted a petition calling for councils and councillors across Taranaki, Whanganui and Manawatu to oppose Trans-Tasman’s plans. More >>
Support Pours In For Ashburton’s Inhouse Water Proposal
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 5:20 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Submissions suggest the public is on board to go with the flow for the proposed future of Ashburton's water services. More >>
Ruapehu Mayor Welcomes DOC Concession For Whakapapa Ski Field As Critical Step In Securing Mt Ruapehu’s Future
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 5:18 pm | Ruapehu District Council
Mayor Kirton extended his thanks to both the Department of Conservation and Cabinet for their roles in enabling this outcome, following a challenging period since Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Limited (RAL) entered voluntary administration in 2022. More >>
Update 5pm Wed 30 Apr: SH1 Mangamuka Gorge Will Remain Closed Overnight
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 5:14 pm | NZTA
NZTA will provide another update before noon tomorrow. More >>
Buller Mayor Calls For Civility As Costs And Tempers Rise
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 5:13 pm | Lois Williams - Local Democracy Reporter
Buller’s mayor Jamie Cleine says the councillor’s behaviour was unacceptable and he is hoping for an explanation or apology from Cr Reidy at a council meeting this afternoon. More >>
Whanganui Citizens’ Assembly: Māori, Teens, Elders Among Chosen 40
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 5:10 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
From teens to elders, 40 locals have been painstakingly selected for a diverse assembly that will be paid to discuss and debate the future of outdoor pools and come up with recommendations for the council. More >>
Wairere Drive Speed Limit Reduction One Step Closer To A Green Light
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 5:01 pm | Hamilton City Council
Council must now apply to NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi for approval before the speed limit can be formally changed. More >>
Hurunui Proposes 3.3% Rates Rise, But Roading Budget Suffers
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 4:55 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The Hurunui District Council's annual plan is out for consultation, with a proposed average rate rise of 3.31%. More >>
PSNA Complaint About TVNZ Reporting Upheld By The Broadcasting Standards Authority
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 4:50 pm | Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa
We pointed out the error quickly but TVNZ refused to issue an apology and said it didn't really matter because the mayor of Amsterdam had said there were anti-semitic attacks so the TVNZ mistake was minor. More >>
Go-Ahead Given To Finalise Ground-Lease Sale Negotiations
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 4:48 pm | Wellington City Council
Today’s debate and vote on the ground leases was closed to the public given the commercially-confidential nature of the negotiations. The Council will also not identify the individual sites until sales are completed, at which point further information ... More >>
Hurunui Council Seat To Remain Vacant
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 4:43 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The seat left by Cr Garry Jackson on the Hurunui District Council will remain vacant until October's election. More >>
Private Dump Owners Unhappy Over Council Court Action
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 4:40 pm | Lois Williams - Local Democracy Reporter
The company, under Timaru-based directors Tony Moir and Bruce Tinnelly, is being prosecuted by the regional council, on charges of discharging contaminants to land. More >>
Selwyn Councillor Phil Dean Steps Down
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 4:37 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Selwyn District Councillor Phil Dean has resigned to focus on other commitments. More >>
Hawkins Eyes Up South Wairarapa Mayoral Challenge
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 4:36 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
She said she would fight for “actual solutions and innovation” that fit the district and its financial challenges. More >>
Another Wind Warning For Auckland Harbour Bridge - Don't Get Blown Away!
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 4:28 pm | NZTA
Drivers of high sided vehicles and motorcyclists are advised to avoid the Auckland Harbour Bridge and use the western ring route on State Highways 16 and 18. More >>
Marine Precinct Contract Settlement Completed
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 4:09 pm | Tauranga City Council
Chief Executive Marty Grenfell says the Council will continue engaging with all marine industry stakeholders as well as ensuring that the wider interests of the community are met. More >>
Nelson To Blenheim State Highway Speed Limit Increase ‘Disrespectful’ To Locals
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 4:05 pm | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
The reverse of road speed limits means SH6 between Nelson and Blenheim will return to 100km/h. More >>
'Oh Hell No' - Crash Survivor Angry At Increased Speed Limits On SH3 Near Waitara
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 3:47 pm | RNZ
Trevor Dodunski understands the consequences of a head-on crash better than most. More >>
Fatal Crash, Awakino, Waitomo District
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 3:40 pm | New Zealand Police
State Highway 3 at Awakino remains closed. More >>
Pilot Project Delivers Promising Results For Sustainable Urban Design
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 3:32 pm | Auckland Council
The Living Roof Monitoring project was launched to assess how well these verdant rooftops perform compared to conventional ones. After months of careful monitoring, the results highlight their effectiveness as a sustainable urban solution. More >>
Harbour Ferry Transitions To Cashless Payments
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 3:29 pm | Greater Wellington Te Pane Matua Taiao
Ferry staff will be able to provide in-person support and assist passengers with any questions. More >>
Whites Bridge Near Arthur’s Pass Village – Delays Next Week For Rock Scaling
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 3:23 pm | NZTA
NZTA thanks all road users for their patience while the crew is dropping loose boulders safely off the rock face, ahead of the construction of a rockfall safety fence over the coming weeks. More >>
Draft Annual Plan Maintains Momentum In Roading Improvements
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 2:27 pm | Hurunui District Council
The draft Plan was adopted by Council at Tuesday’s meeting with a proposed increase in the general rate of 3.31% - a significant reduction from the 14.49% proposed in the draft Long Term Plan. More >>
Severe Weather Brings A Suite Of Warnings For Both Islands
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 2:07 pm | MetService
Widespread rain is currently affecting many parts of the North Island, with some areas experiencing heavy downpours. These conditions are forecast to become more persistent and spread further across the island by this afternoon (Wednesday). More >>
New Greater Christchurch Metro Fares To Come Into Effect In July
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 1:56 pm | Environment Canterbury
Environment Canterbury Chair Craig Pauling said today’s decision was about the timing for when new fares would come into effect, after the decision to increase fares was made by Council last year. More >>
Voting Ban “Undermines Democratic Principles” Says Justice Group
Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 1:39 pm | People Against Prisons Aotearoa
“The right to vote is the basis of democratic government. Legitimate governments cannot arbitrarily remove people from the pool that elects them. If the Government strips New Zealanders of the right to vote, it is attacking the democratic principles ... More >>