Residents of Te Puke are demanding urgent action from the Western Bay of Plenty District Council as recurring floods threaten their homes and livelihoods. The Ōhineangaanga Stream has become a major source of concern, with residents calling for solutions such as stopbanks and improved stormwater management.

The Chief Human Rights Commissioner has criticized New Zealand's proposed voting reforms, calling them a 'backward step' for democracy. The legislation, which would ban prisoner voting and same-day voter enrollment, has sparked significant debate over its impact on electoral inclusion and human rights.

New Zealand government to fund a one-off National Day of Reflection for survivors of abuse in care on 12 November 2025, with $1 million allocated for survivor-led events. Survivors and advocacy groups have expressed mixed reactions, with some calling it symbolic and questioning the lack of long-term commitment.

A secret recording led to the arrest of Graham James Fox for historical abuse, revealing his admission of inappropriate conduct with a teenager in the early 1990s. The case highlights the long-term impact on the victim and the legal implications of the confession.

The UK plans to recognize the state of Palestine in September, contingent on Israel taking steps to end the crisis in Gaza, including a ceasefire and commitment to a two-state solution. This decision aligns with growing international pressure on Israel, as seen in similar moves by France and New Zealand.

A massive milk spill occurred on State Highway 2 in Bay of Plenty after a tanker overturned late Tuesday night, causing the highway to close. No injuries were reported, but the incident highlights concerns about transportation safety and environmental impact.

New Zealand's government has made a last-minute change to shift oil and gas cleanup decisions to ministers, drawing criticism from opposition parties. The move follows the costly Tui oil field cleanup and raises concerns about the future of the fossil fuel industry.

New Zealand continues to face severe weather conditions with heavy rain, strong winds, and the threat of flash flooding and landslides. MetService has issued warnings for several regions, urging residents to stay prepared.

More than 36,000 nurses, midwives, and healthcare assistants in New Zealand are striking over concerns about pay and patient safety, highlighting the ongoing struggle for adequate staffing and fair wages in the healthcare sector.

New Zealand is facing severe weather conditions as thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds impact the Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, and Coromandel regions. Power cuts, localised flooding, and fallen trees are reported, with further disruptions expected.

New Zealand faces a potential weather crisis with heavy rain and thunderstorms expected across multiple regions. Residents are being urged to prepare for possible flooding and disruptions as emergency services monitor the situation closely.

The recent decision to prioritize 'New Zealand' over 'Aotearoa' on passports has sparked debate about cultural identity and the role of te reo Māori in official contexts. This editorial explores the implications of the move and its reflection of the Government’s current priorities.

A nationwide strike by approximately 36,000 nurses, midwives, and healthcare assistants is set to begin on Wednesday at 9 a.m. This marks a significant escalation in ongoing disputes over staffing levels, pay, and patient safety.

A 37-year-old videographer, Daniel Nganeko, has died in hospital following an assault outside a local rugby club in New Plymouth. The incident has sparked widespread grief and calls for justice from the community and local organizations.

A repeat sex offender, Michael Brendon Buck, has been sentenced to 10 months and two weeks of home detention for multiple charges of sexual conduct with a child under 12. The court emphasized the need to protect children and others from the real and genuine risk posed by Buck.

Former members of the Gloriavale Christian Community have testified in court that they were sexually abused by the community’s former leader, Howard Temple. The trial has revealed a culture of fear and control within the religious group.

New Zealand Netball has secured a free-to-air broadcast deal with TVNZ for the 2026 ANZ Premiership, marking a shift away from its long-time partner Sky Sport. This move aims to increase the sport's visibility and attract more sponsors, though players may face pay cuts due to the financial uncertainty of the new arrangement.

Auckland is facing a severe homelessness crisis, with a 90% increase in people sleeping rough since September 2024. The council has called for urgent government action, emphasizing the need for policy reform and increased support for homeless individuals.

Kohurau Contracting has been fined $70,000 and ordered to pay $50,000 in reparation after a forestry worker lost four fingers in a workplace accident. The court ruled the company guilty of breaching safety regulations and issued a project order to improve industry standards.

Aimee-Rose Yates, a passionate Auckland primary school teacher and bowel cancer advocate, has passed away at 32 after a three-year battle with the disease. Her legacy continues to inspire efforts for early cancer detection and improved health outcomes in New Zealand.