Category: australasia
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New Zealand's Current Account Deficit Widens to $3.8 Billion
New Zealand's seasonally adjusted current account deficit has widened by $153 million to $3.8 billion in the September 2025 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today. The primary income balance and the goods balance both contributed to the…
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Climbers Identified in Fiordland Tragedy
Police have released the names of the two climbers who died on the north buttress of Sabre Peak, Fiordland, over the weekend. They were 28-year-old Connor Scott McKenzie, a dual citizen of New Zealand and Canada, and 23-year-old Australian citizen…
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South Island Braces for Cold Snap and Possible Snowfall
A front is expected to move rapidly northwards over the South Island this Friday, followed by a cold southwesterly flow, according to MetService. Snowfall is possible on mountain passes about the southern and central South Island. There is low confidence…
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Serious Crash Blocks State Highway 2 at Tanners Point
State Highway 2 at Tanners Point in the Bay of Plenty is currently blocked due to a serious crash that occurred this morning. The two-vehicle collision, involving a truck and a van, took place between Wolseley Road and Bridgman Lane…
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New Zealand Weather Outlook: Cold Southwesterly Flow Expected
A front is expected to move rapidly northwards over the South Island on Friday 19 December 2025, followed by a cold southwesterly flow, according to MetService. Snowfall is possible on mountain passes about the southern and central South Island. MetService…
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Mike Pannett Appointed as New Zealand Police Deputy Commissioner
Assistant Commissioner Mike Pannett has been appointed as a statutory Deputy Commissioner of New Zealand Police, a move welcomed by Police Commissioner Richard Chambers. Chambers stated that Pannett's appointment followed "a lengthy and very thorough selection process". Chambers lauded Pannett…
Politics and GovernmentLaw EnforcementWorldAustralasiaFederal GovernmentNational Security Mike PannettRichard ChambersNZ PoliceDeputy CommissionerNew Zealand Police
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New Zealand to Enhance Census with Admin Data
Stats NZ is moving towards using administrative data, supplemented by surveys, to measure New Zealand’s population and dwellings. A recent report updates the technical feasibility of this approach, outlining Stats NZ’s readiness to shift towards an admin data-first approach for…
Politics and GovernmentScience & TechnologyAustralasiaFederal GovernmentSocial IssuesEducation
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Media Advisory: Suppressions in Place for Mt Wellington Homicide Case
NZ Police have issued an advisory to media regarding interim suppression orders related to Operation Hawkin, the Mt Wellington homicide case from December 5, 2025. While a Coroner’s non-publication order is set to expire on December 17, 2025, at 5pm,…
Law EnforcementLegalMediaMedia CrisisSocial IssuesAustralasia
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New Zealand Police 391 Recruit Wing Graduation Ceremony
The New Zealand Police will hold the graduation ceremony for the 391 Recruit Wing on Thursday, December 18, at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua. The event celebrates the completion of the initial training course by the newly attested police officers,…
Politics and GovernmentSocial IssuesLaw EnforcementAustralasiaGeneral Politics New Zealand Police391 Recruit WingGraduation CeremonyRichard ChambersMark MitchellLouisa WallPorirua
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Two Youths Arrested After Hamilton Aggravated Robbery
Two youths have been arrested following an aggravated robbery at a business in Hamilton on Sunday, December 14. Police responded to a report of the incident on Crawford Street around 5:30 pm. It was reported that a group of six…
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Police Seek Man in Connection to Ruatiti Homicide
Police are actively searching for Mitchell Cole, 29, in connection to a double homicide in Ruatiti. According to Central District Commander Superintendent Dion Bennett, Cole is believed to be in the Ruatiti area and should not be approached if seen.…
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Police Seek Public Help After Christchurch Trailer and Motorcycle Thefts
Christchurch police are asking for the public's help in their investigation of a stolen trailer and subsequent motorcycle thefts. On Monday, December 15, police received a report that a trailer had been stolen from Kairua Road, Hornby, overnight on Sunday,…
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Police Remind Southlanders: Beaches Are Roads, Obey Traffic Laws
As Southland anticipates increased beach visits with the arrival of warmer weather, police are reminding the public that beaches are subject to the same road rules as conventional roads. Senior Sergeant Scott MacKenzie, Southland Area Road Policing Manager, emphasized the…
Law EnforcementTransportationSocial IssuesAustralasia SouthlandOreti BeachScott MacKenzieRoad SafetyTraffic LawNew Zealand PoliceCrime Stoppers
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Wellington City Council Issues Update on Resource Consents
Wellington City Council has provided an update on recent resource consents. The list includes resource consents issued from December 1 to December 14, 2025. Additionally, the council has published a list of resource consents received during the same period. The…
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New Zealand Food Prices Rise 4.4% Annually
Food prices in New Zealand have increased by 4.4 percent in the 12 months to November 2025, according to figures released today by Stats NZ. This follows a 4.7 percent increase in the 12 months to October 2025. The grocery…
BusinessEconomyTradeAgricultureAustralasia Food PricesStats NZInflationGroceryMeatConsumer Price IndexStatistics NZ
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Auckland Motorway Maintenance Planned for SH16 Royal Road
Auckland motorists should prepare for upcoming night works on the State Highway 16 (SH16) Royal Road southbound off-ramp. The NZ Transport Agency has announced safety improvement works scheduled from Sunday, January 18, to Sunday, March 1, 2026, between 9pm and…
Politics and GovernmentTransportationAustralasiaState Governments
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New Zealand Weather Alert: Front Approaching South Island
A front approaching the lower South Island is expected to bring brief heavy rain to western areas and Southland on Friday, December 19, 2025. According to MetService, snowfall is possible on mountain passes in the far south of the South…
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Severe Weather Warnings Lifted for South Island
MetService has lifted all severe weather warnings and watches for the South Island, issued earlier today at 9:43 am. The warnings, which covered heavy rain and severe northwest gales, are no longer in effect as conditions have eased. A front,…
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Kogan Recalls Child Car Seat Products Due to Safety Concerns
Kogan has issued recalls for two child car seat products due to safety concerns. The first recall involves a child car seat belt adjuster/clip/chest strap. According to the recall notice, the product does not comply with mandatory safety standards for…
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Severe Weather Warning: Heavy Rain and Gales Hit South Island
MetService has issued severe weather warnings for parts of the South Island, effective Monday evening. An active front, preceded by strong northerlies, is moving north, bringing heavy rain and severe gales. The public is advised to stay updated with the…
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Fatal Crash in Waipā Triggers Critical Incident Investigation
A critical incident investigation is underway following a fatal crash in Waipā last night. According to Acting Waikato District Commander Will Loughrin, the incident occurred after police observed a black BMW speeding on Arapuni Road around 8.40pm. Police activated their…
Law EnforcementTransportationSocial IssuesAustralasia WaipāWaikatoArapuni RoadFatal CrashCritical Incident InvestigationNew Zealand PoliceIndependent Police Conduct Authority
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Two Climbers Found Dead in Fiordland National Park
Two climbers have been found dead in Fiordland National Park after a search and rescue operation. Police were alerted to the missing pair around 7:40 pm on Saturday, December 13, after another climbing group activated a beacon when the two…
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Crash Closes Lane on State Highway 1, Dunsandel
A crash this morning has closed one lane on State Highway 1/Main South Road in Dunsandel, Selwyn. The single-vehicle accident, where a vehicle hit a powerpole, occurred between Browns Road and Frasers Road. Police were notified at approximately 11:50am. Initial…
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Foxton Beach Fire Victims Named
Police have released the names of the two people who died in a Foxton Beach house fire last Tuesday. They were 79-year-old Thomas Muliaga, and 71-year-old Fiona Cameron. Inspector Ross Granthan, Manawatu Area Commander, said, “Our thoughts remain with their…
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Woman Charged After Man Found Dead in Tauranga
A woman has been charged after a man was found dead at a Tauranga address on Sunday, December 14. Emergency services were called to a Fraser Street address at approximately 11.40am, where they discovered the deceased man. A 37-year-old woman…
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Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Forecast for New Zealand
Heavy rain and strong northwest winds are impacting parts of the South Island, with the North Island bracing for similar conditions on Tuesday. A cold front is moving up the country, bringing periods of heavy rain and strong northwesterlies, followed…
WeatherAustralasiaDisastersGeneral Weather South IslandNorth IslandHeavy RainStrong WindsMetServiceMetService New Zealand
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MetService Issues Severe Weather Outlook for New Zealand
A severe weather outlook issued by MetService at 10:28 am on Monday, December 15, 2025, indicates potential weather hazards for New Zealand. On Wednesday, December 17, a front is expected to move east of the North Island. There is low…
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Severe Weather Warning: Heavy Rain and Gales for South Island
MetService has issued a severe weather warning at 9:40 am on Monday, December 15, 2025, for parts of the South Island, citing the likelihood of heavy rain and severe northwest gales. An active front preceded by strong, moist northerlies is…
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Six Arrests Made in Waikanae Homicide Investigation
Police have made six arrests in their investigation into the death of Michael Tofts, who died at a Kakariki Grove, Waikanae address on Wednesday, November 19. Five gang associates have been charged with murder, and one person has been charged…
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Fatal Crash in Waipa Claims One Life
One person died following a two-vehicle crash in Waipa last night. The crash on Arapuni Road was reported just after 8:40 pm. One person died at the scene, and three others sustained serious injuries. Arapuni Road remains closed near Monckton…