Latest Regional Headlines
Big Buddy Offering Free Mentored Programme: Applications Close End Of March
Monday, 17 March 2025, 9:56 pm | Big Buddy
The FREE programme connects boys with mentors and facilitators to tackle challenges, build confidence, resilience and responsibility and complements core support programme “Big Buddy One-2-One” which matches one Big Buddy to one Little Buddy aged between ... More >>
New Lawyers Organisation Set Up To Stop Judicial And Other Bullying
Monday, 17 March 2025, 9:53 pm | New Zealand Lawyers Protection Association NZLPA
The goal of the NZLPA is to create a support for counsel in their worst hour of need. More >>
Fatal Train Incident, Elles Road, Invercargill
Monday, 17 March 2025, 9:23 pm | New Zealand Police
A scene examination has been conducted and Police and KiwiRail are working to clear the scene. More >>
Whangārei District Council Back Tracks On Staunch Fluoridation Resistance
Monday, 17 March 2025, 8:39 pm | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter
17 March 2025 Fluoride will start being added to Whangārei drinking water on Wednesday morning, subject to the outcome of a High Court hearing in Wellington tomorrow. Whangārei District Council (WDC) this afternoon voted almost unanimously to back down at the ... More >>
Community Boards Resist Western Bay Of Plenty Merger Proposal
Monday, 17 March 2025, 8:36 pm | Alisha Evans - Local Democracy Reporter
At an appeal hearing on Thursday, four of the region's five community boards spoke against the proposed changes because it would diminish their local voice. More >>
Rotorua Retirement Village Approved Under Fast-track Consent
Monday, 17 March 2025, 8:35 pm | Laura Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
The village - complete with bar, cafe and theatre - has been green lit. More >>
Kaikōura Seabirds Fight For Survival
Monday, 17 March 2025, 8:33 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Kaikōura residents are being reminded to be on the lookout for injured and distressed birds, as young Hutton's shearwater chicks take flight for the first time. Turning off the lights and following the town's new lighting rules will help, too. More >>
Auckland’s Struggling Local Boards Unite In Letter To Wayne Brown
Monday, 17 March 2025, 8:31 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
The board chairs have unanimously rejected the council's proposed cost-cutting measures. More >>
'It's Broken Me': How Online Gambling Ruined A Woman's Life
Monday, 17 March 2025, 8:22 pm | RNZ
Her addiction began with a single email. It ended when she was caught stealing $300k from her employer. More >>
Hundreds In Northland Protest Fast-Tracked Sand Mining Operation
Monday, 17 March 2025, 8:16 pm | RNZ
Auckland-based sand mining company McCallum Brothers is currently in the process of applying for resource consent to extract sand. More >>
Autistic Man In Seclusion Ward Stuffs Paper In Ears To Escape 'Distressing' Noise
Monday, 17 March 2025, 7:47 pm | RNZ
Jay is sensitive to sound, but is locked in a compulsory care unit right next to a construction site. More >>
Serious Train Incident, Elles Road, Turnbull Thomson Park - Southern
Monday, 17 March 2025, 6:07 pm | New Zealand Police
The incident was reported to Police around 5:20pm. More >>
Community Slam Dunks For A Good Cause
Monday, 17 March 2025, 5:40 pm | Timaru District Council
“We are excited to support the upcoming Basketball tournament, it is dedicated to raising funds for multicultural Aoraki and The Y. This event brings together the community for a great cause, combining the love of basketball with the power of giving ... More >>
Police Target Antisocial Road Users In Feilding Following Noted Community Concern
Monday, 17 March 2025, 5:15 pm | New Zealand Police
As part of our continued focus in this area, Police from around Manawatū were out in force sending one clear message – if you break the law, you can expect enforcement action. More >>
Join Police On A Ride Along
Monday, 17 March 2025, 4:38 pm | New Zealand Police
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, who features in the new series, says the goal is to give viewers a realistic sense of the work - and lives - of the men and women in New Zealand Police. More >>
ORC Council Meeting In QT On Wednesday
Monday, 17 March 2025, 4:33 pm | Otago Regional Council
“As always there’ll be a diverse range of subjects considered at this meeting which will give people a chance to sample some of the wide-ranging environmental work ORC undertakes for communities,” she says. More >>
Changes To Minimum Floor Levels Aim To Better Protect New Builds From Flooding
Monday, 17 March 2025, 4:18 pm | Dunedin City Council
The new requirements set by the Dunedin City Council (DCC) will come into effect today, and are the first update to coastal minimum floor level requirements since 2011. The latest update sets a new minimum floor level of between 3.05m and 3.17m ... More >>
Update: Fatal Crash Following Fleeing Driver Incident, Penrose
Monday, 17 March 2025, 4:14 pm | New Zealand Police
One person has died, and another person remains in a critical condition after a driver allegedly fled from Police and crashed on Great South Road just before 2pm. More >>
Five Animals Killed; Demand For Rodeo Ban Intensifies
Monday, 17 March 2025, 2:52 pm | SAFE For Animals
SAFE Campaign Manager Emily Hall says the death toll of five this season illustrates the inherent cruelty of rodeo. More >>
Metlink Encourages Passengers To Plan Ahead During Union Meeting
Monday, 17 March 2025, 2:43 pm | Greater Wellington Te Pane Matua Taiao
Metlink advises passengers to plan ahead between 10am and 1:30pm, when drivers will be attending the meeting. More >>
Police Get Whiff Of Dodgy Deal
Monday, 17 March 2025, 1:43 pm | New Zealand Police
At about 2.20am, Police received a report of a suspicious vehicle parked on Wakelin Road with the engine running. More >>
Our Union’s New Name: ‘FIRST Union’ Becomes ‘Workers First Union’
Monday, 17 March 2025, 1:35 pm | FIRST Union
Dennis Maga, Workers First General Secretary, said he was proud that the union was making its mission clear with the new name. More >>
A Mosaic Of Severe Weather
Monday, 17 March 2025, 1:18 pm | MetService
Heavy Rain Warnings have been issued for the Westland District and Fiordland for only the second time this year, as these regions bear the brunt of the incoming rain. More >>
Public's Help Sought After Serious Miramar Incidents
Monday, 17 March 2025, 12:03 pm | New Zealand Police
About 2.30am, Police on patrol found a person unconscious and critically injured near the intersection of Camperdown Road and Totara Road. The victim was taken to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition. More >>
Maritime Union Strongly Critical Of Tony Gibson Appeal
Monday, 17 March 2025, 11:51 am | MUNZ
Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Carl Findlay says the conviction of Mr Gibson was an important public recognition of the harm he had caused. More >>
Te Whare Develops New Strategy To Deliver Tangible Impact On Whānau Affected By Family And Sexual Violence
Monday, 17 March 2025, 11:23 am | Te Whare
Kaimahi and representatives from partner organisations shared the impact of each of these pillars on whānau and within the wider community, while Bishop Te Kītohi Pikaahu explained how cultural connection and wairuatanga can help whānau to free More >>
"$437 Million Sinkhole” Eye-watering Sums Budgeted For Wellington Council’s Social Housing Upgrades
Monday, 17 March 2025, 10:51 am | Taxpayers' Union
Attempts were made last year to push out these upgrades so more work could be done in lowering the cost—but was ultimately voted down. More >>
Race Unity Speech Awards 2025: Rangatahi Speak Out On Race Relations In Aotearoa
Monday, 17 March 2025, 10:45 am | Race Unity Speech Awards
Now in its 25th year, the Race Unity Speech Awards are held in support of Race Relations Day (21 March) and this year the topic for the awards is Te Moana Nui o te Kanorau – The Great Ocean of Diversity. More >>
Former Charity Worker Pleads Guilty To Theft From Community Care Trust
Monday, 17 March 2025, 10:09 am | Serious Fraud Office
Ms Warren misappropriated funds from Te Roopu Awhina Ki Porirua Trust, which worked with whānau across Porirua to offer social services including care and protection programmes for children. More >>
ORC Advances Air Quality Strategy For A Healthier Future
Monday, 17 March 2025, 8:59 am | Otago Regional Council
Decisions will be made on key strategies for a path toward cleaner air in Otago at this Wednesday’s Council meeting, in Queenstown, says ORC’s General Manager Planning and Transport, Anita Dawe. More >>
Help Shape Otago’s Future – ORC’s Annual Plan Open For Feedback
Monday, 17 March 2025, 8:42 am | Otago Regional Council
The annual plan provides information about ORC’s work programme for the coming year and what that will cost. It details any key changes from the Long Term Plan 2024-34, including changes to planned transport improvements. More >>
Te Awa Ōtākou (Otago Harbour) Issues And Opportunities Report Tabled
Monday, 17 March 2025, 8:38 am | Otago Regional Council
The extensive feedback for the report was analysed and summarised into seven themes of accessibility, environmental health, tourism, arts and culture, infrastructure resilience, climate resilience and governance. More >>
Mentors Ready To Support Not-for-Profits
Sunday, 16 March 2025, 10:13 pm | SociaLink
Mentoring Coordinator Leanne Rhodes-Robinson has been impressed with the calibre of the mentors who have put themselves forward to support up-and-coming leaders. More >>
Landfill Lament: Recycling Mistakes Could Fill A Cruise Ship
Sunday, 16 March 2025, 9:39 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
Napier City and Hastings District have adopted the Draft Joint Waste Management and Minimisation Plan, which aims to ensure the councils meet requirements and communities have a clear path of action for waste over the next six years. More >>
Community Boards Resist Western Bay Merger Proposal
Sunday, 16 March 2025, 9:37 pm | Alisha Evans - Local Democracy Reporter
At an appeal hearing on Thursday , four of the region’s five community boards spoke against the proposed changes because it would diminish their local voice. More >>
NZTA To Review Automatic Speed Reversals In Gisborne After Public Backlash
Sunday, 16 March 2025, 9:34 pm | Zita Campbell - Local Democracy Reporter
NZTA will review speeds on Gisborne's State Highway 35. More >>
Appeal To Council To Help Protect Kaikōura Seabirds
Sunday, 16 March 2025, 9:32 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
An appeal has been made to the Kaikōura District Council to help protect the banded dotterel / pohowera, which nests on the Kaikōura coastline. More >>
‘We Have Come Home’ – Iwi Heart Of Nelson Housing Project
Sunday, 16 March 2025, 9:28 pm | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
Nelson's newest suburb has received $31m of council support, will see the creation of 2700 jobs, and will serve as a legacy for Ngāti Koata. More >>
Shorter Opening Hours Proposed For Marlborough Bars
Sunday, 16 March 2025, 9:23 pm | Maia Hart - Local Democracy Reporter
The council first began drafting a local alcohol policy in 2014, but did not go through with it because other policies around the country were being appealed by “large players”. More >>
Old Papatoetoe’s ‘Exciting’ Revamp Almost Complete
Sunday, 16 March 2025, 9:19 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
Eke Panuku - Auckland Council's development arm - is carrying out the redevelopment of the South Auckland suburb, which aims to bring new life to the area. More >>
Whangārei Drinking Water Fluoridation Could Start On Wednesday
Sunday, 16 March 2025, 9:16 pm | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter
Whangārei District Council chief executive Simon Weston said fluoridation would aim for a target fluoride dose rate of .85mg/l of water. More >>
Auckland Beach Community May Get New Hub
Sunday, 16 March 2025, 9:13 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
The proposed hub will be located in the Beachlands Memorial Hall, providing access to library services, arts programs, and council customer services. More >>
Council Rejects Call To Extend Mount Hot Pools Opening Hours
Sunday, 16 March 2025, 9:08 pm | Alisha Evans - Local Democracy Reporter
Julie and Jim Carle petitioned Tauranga City Council to return the pools, which have sat at the base of Mauao for nearly 60 years, to the 6am opening time used before the Covid-19 pandemic, instead of the current 7am. More >>
‘Delight And Relief’ As Ashburton Council Boss Reappointed
Sunday, 16 March 2025, 8:59 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Hamish Riach says he is ready to steer the Ashburton District through major projects and political shifts after being reappointed for another five years. More >>
Road Closed Following Crash, SH2, Waioeka - Bay Of Plenty
Sunday, 16 March 2025, 7:26 pm | New Zealand Police
One person has sustained minor injuries. The road is completely blocked and has been closed. More >>
Fatal Crash Following Fleeing Driver Incident, Penrose
Sunday, 16 March 2025, 4:37 pm | New Zealand Police
The Serious Crash Unit is examining the scene, and the road remains closed. More >>
Man Charged In Whangārei Homicide
Sunday, 16 March 2025, 3:29 pm | New Zealand Police
Another man, known to the victim, was arrested at the property and has now been charged with murder. More >>
Appeal For Witnesses To Huntly Fire
Sunday, 16 March 2025, 3:28 pm | New Zealand Police
As part of our inquiries, Police are seeking any witnesses to what happened. More >>
Man Arrested For Hamilton Murder And Wounding
Sunday, 16 March 2025, 3:26 pm | New Zealand Police
The injured man remains in a critical condition in hospital. More >>
Serious Crash: Great South Road, Penrose - Counties Manukau
Sunday, 16 March 2025, 3:25 pm | New Zealand Police
The three-vehicle crash was reported to Police just after 2pm. More >>
Crash blocks Auckland Northern Motorway, Dairy Flat - Waitematā
Sunday, 16 March 2025, 3:23 pm | New Zealand Police
Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays. More >>
Murder Charge In Kaikohe Homicide
Sunday, 16 March 2025, 3:19 pm | New Zealand Police
A man taken into custody at the time has now been charged with murder. More >>
Homicide, Whangārei
Sunday, 16 March 2025, 3:18 pm | New Zealand Police
A 53-year-old man, known to the victim, was arrested at the address and is assisting with our inquiries. More >>
‘Up For The Challenge’: Rangitīkei Council’s New Boss Sets Priorities For First Months
Saturday, 15 March 2025, 10:04 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
Carol Gordon stepped into the role two weeks ago, replacing Kevin Ross, who put his retirement on hold in August 2023 to take the reins at Rangitīkei following the resignation of Peter Beggs. More >>
Tight Turnaround For Easter Trading Policies
Saturday, 15 March 2025, 10:01 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
Without the policies in place, only certain businesses are allowed to trade on Easter Sunday, such as dairies, petrol stations, garden centres and cafes. More >>
QR Codes Explain New Street Names
Saturday, 15 March 2025, 9:59 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
Using a smart phone the code can take readers to the council webside page which gives a translation of the names into English, along with a short history of the areas and the meaning behind the names. More >>
South Wairarapa Council Hopes To Get Speed Review Over The Line
Saturday, 15 March 2025, 9:58 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
There was previously a recommendation to consult on dropping the speed limit of the Martinborough Square to 40kmh. More >>
Fix On Unstable South Wairarapa Road Delayed
Saturday, 15 March 2025, 9:55 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
Significant rainfall caused further slips and slumping on a section of Lake Ferry Rd that was under repair. More >>
Waimakariri Councillor Announces Bid For Mayoralty
Saturday, 15 March 2025, 9:53 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Councillor Paul Williams has announced he will stand for Waimakariri Mayorality. More >>
Hurunui Mayor Seeks Third Term
Saturday, 15 March 2025, 9:52 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Three waters reform is the top priority for Hurunui Mayor Marie Black, as she seeks a third term. More >>