Midwives in New Zealand have reached a significant agreement with Health New Zealand, securing a 3.5% pay increase and a $235 lump sum after a nationwide 24-hour strike. The deal includes substantial salary improvements for both graduate and senior midwives.

New Zealand and Australia's role as key hubs in the Pacific methamphetamine trade is fueling a growing drug crisis in the region, according to a crime expert. The situation has led to increased meth use, HIV outbreaks, and law enforcement challenges.

A man from Northland, New Zealand, has been jailed for two years and three months after attempting to set fire to a police station in a bid to impress a woman. His actions, which were caught on CCTV, have sparked a strong response from the court and highlighted the dangers of drug use and reckless behavior.

New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is investigating reports of inconsistencies in the emergency alert system following recent tsunami warnings. Some residents received multiple alerts, while others received none, raising concerns about the system’s reliability.

Police have confirmed that an ongoing operation in Maketū is linked to the death of 20-year-old Zain Matenga Taikato-Fox, who succumbed to critical injuries at Rotorua Hospital. The investigation continues with increased police presence in the area and a community preparing for a tangi to honor the young man.

The New Zealand government has denied that the FBI's new office in Wellington is targeted at countering China, despite statements from FBI Director Kash Patel suggesting otherwise. The government emphasizes that the new office is aimed at addressing transnational crime and the increasing influence of major drug traffickers across the Pacific.

The New Zealand government has passed legislation to repeal the 2018 oil and gas exploration ban, marking a significant shift in energy policy. The repeal, which passed with a narrow majority in Parliament, has sparked debate over the country's energy future and its environmental commitments.

Residents of Taupō are rallying to improve working conditions at the local hospital as the town faces a severe shortage of doctors. Community members, healthcare workers, and local leaders are pushing for targeted funding and policy changes to ensure the hospital remains viable and accessible for the region's 40,000 residents.

The government has passed the repeal of the 2018 oil and gas exploration ban, marking a significant shift in New Zealand's energy policy. The move has sparked debate over energy security, environmental concerns, and the balance between economic interests and climate commitments.

The New Zealand government has denied that the FBI's new office in Wellington is aimed at countering China, despite statements from the FBI director suggesting the move is part of a broader effort to address global security challenges.

New Zealand's economy continues to struggle, but the blame for the downturn is not simply on government spending cuts or central bank interest rate hikes. Economists argue that the situation is more complex, with both fiscal and monetary policies playing a role in the current economic challenges.

A major drug-smuggling operation targeting Auckland International Airport has led to 27 arrests, with police and customs authorities seizing over 600 kilograms of methamphetamine and 112 kilograms of cocaine. The investigation, known as Operation Matata, has revealed a network of alleged baggage handlers working with transnational crime syndicates.

A 32-year-old man from Taranaki has been sentenced to three years in prison for having a sexual connection with a 12-year-old girl, resulting in her becoming pregnant. The incident has left the young mother-to-be grappling with long-term consequences and has sparked a discussion on the vulnerability of young people and the societal impact of such crimes.

A person was spotted surfing at Christchurch's Scarborough Beach despite a national tsunami advisory issued after an 8.8 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Russia. Emergency officials warn of the dangers posed by strong currents and urge the public to heed official alerts.

A New Plymouth man died in a house fire while attempting to retrieve his ute keys to take his injured nephew to the hospital. Friends describe him as selfless and deeply caring, with the community mourning his loss.

The family of Tyreece Te Pairi has laid him to rest in Tolaga Bay after his tragic death during a 21st birthday celebration in Hamilton. They are now calling for justice as the police investigate the incident, which has left the community in shock and mourning.

A lawyer representing former members of Gloriavale calls for urgent government intervention after the community's leader admits to multiple sexual assault charges. The case has reignited debates about accountability and protection in isolated communities.

A major drug smuggling operation has been dismantled in a sweeping police and customs investigation, with 15 baggage handlers at Auckland International Airport now facing charges. Over 631kg of methamphetamine and 112kg of cocaine were seized in the operation.

Pharmacy owners across New Zealand are calling for urgent government action after the tragic death of a two-month-old infant, Bellamere Arwyn Duncan, who allegedly received an adult dosage of phosphate from a pharmacy. The incident has sparked a nationwide debate over the state of pharmacy services and the risks posed by systemic underfunding and overwork in the sector.

Peter Holmes, the man convicted of murdering Jamie Ellis in 2011, has been released from prison after 14 years. The Parole Board ruled that he no longer poses a risk to the community, but he must adhere to strict conditions for the rest of his life.