Auckland business owner Ashik Ali has pleaded guilty to manslaughter after his unroadworthy truck killed a road worker in Remuera. The case highlights years of non-compliance with safety regulations and raises concerns about the enforcement of vehicle safety laws.

New Zealand's National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) is facing calls for reform as concerns over the lack of structured pathways and the use of unit standards intensify. Education Minister Dr. Megan Wood has called for a re-evaluation of the system, emphasizing the need for collaboration with industry to ensure alignment with workforce needs.

New Zealand households are facing mounting pressure as non-discretionary costs rise, forcing consumers to cut back on discretionary spending. Centrix reports a plateau in arrears improvements, while small businesses, especially in the hospitality sector, struggle with rising operating costs and shifting consumer patterns.

Coalition parties in New Zealand are urging the opposition not to reinstate the 2018 ban on oil and gas exploration, arguing that it is crucial for energy security and economic growth. However, the opposition has pledged to restore the ban if they gain power, highlighting the ongoing political and environmental debate over the future of the energy sector.

New Zealand and Australia are at the center of a growing methamphetamine crisis in the Pacific, with local drug markets expanding rapidly due to changes in smuggling tactics and the involvement of criminal networks.

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.