Latest breaking news NZ | Stuff.co.nz

December 9 2023

Kia Ora, Aotearoa!

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Waikato Times

Rates rebels on the rise

The Post

Letting rail decline 'not serious option'

The Press

West Coast attraction a gamechanger

Newsable

Guess the fake headline

Phillips stars as Black Caps fight back in second test

All-rounder's innings of 87 put NZ ahead of Bangladesh, while they took two wickets before bad light halted play on day three.

Andrew Voerman

The moment a wannabe serial killer was caught on bus bound for Sydney

Kevin Pettiford was nonchalant as detectives approached him, but the arrest put an end to the now-convicted killer’s plan for infamy.

Sarah McPhee

Head-on crash injures multiple people

Fire crews have rescued a person trapped inside a vehicle and two people have been flown to hospital in a serious condition as SH1 to be closed for hours.

'Roof shout' hosted for $250m skyscraper in Auckland CBD

The building will feature a hotel and 30 luxury apartments that will have access to a concierge and valet service.

Heavy rain and strong wind to lash NZ this weekend

Tertiary institutions won't struggle without Te Pūkenga - Minister

The mystery of baby's headstone stolen from an Auckland home

The headstone went on a "little bit of an adventure", after mum Tania Ranby noticed it missing in November.

Large pregnant sea lion hides from amorous males on Dunedin golf course

In Dunedin, golfing hazards don’t come much bigger than a 200kg pregnant sea lion.

Shark tag from Australian great white found after being tracked to remote beach

A tag that popped off a great white at least 2.95m long has been found in Southland after days of searching by locals.

Dad dies of 'asphyxia by sand' while walking on beach with toddler

latest headlines

11:16pm

Quick thinking schoolkids honoured for emergency skills

editors’ picks

Quiz: Afternoon trivia challenge

Quiz: The Hard Word

10 things I'll never understand about Thailand

Mid-century Tapper House listed for $3.775m

Phoenix vow to improve after vice-captain's abrupt exit

Boy and the Heron proves Hayao Miyazaki still has the magic touch

Flights with this budget carrier can cost less than an Uber

The 14 times Eddie Jones denied links with Japan top rugby job

national More

Pair found guilty over killing of Angela Blackmoore 28 years ago

Laurie Anderson, Blackmoore's partner at the time of her death, has thanked prosecutors, police and the reporters who "kept this case alive".

Whānau seek justice as Harley Shrimpton farewelled

Five weeks since he disappeared, whānau today gathered for Harley Shrimpon’s funeral.

Auckland Zoo tiger pregnant 3 months after killing cub

It is hoped Auckland Zoo tigers Zayana and Ramah can contribute valuable new genetics to the critically endangered Sumatran tiger species.

Investigation after death of man 20 days on from attack

The Auckland man died in hospital weeks after being found lying on a road with critical injuries.

Ruby and Simba: the tiny dogs who infuriate their neighbours

They have amassed 17 complaints from their Napier Hill neighbours over the past three years - and now things have escalated.

Neighbour helped when a husband had an unsurvivable stroke. Now it's her time of need

Rosie Ross came to help in the middle of the night when Pat Campbell's husband had a "massive" stroke. Now Ross needs some support of her own.

stuff shorts

Listen now

Josie Pagani

Government’s way forward in relations with Māori lies in rediscovering biculturalism

OPINION: There has been a tendency in Pākehā coverage to imply that this week's protests are a debate between an authentic Māori voice and those who are anti-Māori. This is a mistake. Read more in The Post.

James McCulloch

Victims of crime don’t feel heard; here’s what we can do about that

Sally Gepp

It may have been contentious, but we need to keep this tool to protect precious places

Ben Thomas

Luxon may want to unite, but landmines remain

Head-on crash injures multiple people

Recap: Black Caps vs Bangladesh

Heavy rain and strong wind to lash NZ this weekend

Young dad died of 'asphyxia by sand' while walking on beach with toddler

She was watching Magic Mike on a plane. Then she was handed a note

The moment a wannabe serial killer was caught on bus bound for Sydney

Quiz: Afternoon trivia challenge: December 8, 2023

Tertiary institutions won't struggle without Te Pūkenga - Simmonds

Welsh couple's garden ornament turns out to be unexploded bomb

The bomb, which dates from 1880 to 1890, is believed to have been fired from a warship using the beach as target practice.

Israeli forces strip Palestinian men in northern Gaza operation

Footage published by Israeli media showed the IDF rounding up several dozen undressed Palestinians.

McDonald’s Australia hit with lawsuit for allegedly asking staff to work for free

Thousands of current and former McDonald’s staff across six years were asked to do "pre-shift checks" and tasks after work for no pay, the union is arguing.

Watch: Smuggler has prairie dog and 2 otters shoved in his undies

A tourist has been busted trying to smuggle the animals in his boxers at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

Phillip Schofield refused to co-operate with affair inquiry

An inquiry clears ITV of a cover-up, with the former This Morning presenter having ‘reluctantly declined’ to take part in the review.

Higgins didn’t want to be known as 'the girl raped in Parliament', ex-boyfriend tells court

A former boyfriend of Brittany Higgins says she was sobbing in his arms and “broken” when they met days after she alleges her then-colleague Bruce Lehrmann raped her.

lifestyle More

BBC news presenter busted flipping the bird on live TV

Lawsuit accuses Sean Combs of raping 17-year-old girl

Prince Harry claims he was ‘forced to step back’ from royal duties, court hears

Fergie's toe-sucking incident could feature in The Crown spin-off

This week's best celebrity looks prove that glamour is back

Nightmare before Xmas: Inside Pixie Town

What new mums should avoid when having sex

Mulletfest: Inside the Aussie festival celebrating the luscious 'do

Prince Harry ‘turned down' Duke's wedding invite because it would be too awkward

US news anchors allegedly cheated together. Their exes are now dating

travel More

She was watching Magic Mike on a plane. Then she was handed a note

The passenger was happily watching the latest exploits of Channing Tatum when she got a tap on the shoulder from her neighbour.

The most commonly stolen hotel item isn't soap or coffee

Some bold guests have even tried taking TVs or mattresses with them as they leave. Yes, mattresses.

Christmas gift guide: What to get the friend who's recently divorced

Divorce is exhausting. Make them feel pampered this Christmas - or help them release the rage.

These are the busiest days at airports over Christmas

To avoid getting sick on a plane, choose your seat wisely

British Airways flight missed hitting drone by just 6 metres

The return of Auckland Airport's famous 'bluecoats'

business More

Leaked document shows RNZ planning 'new digital experience'

The broadcaster previously said it would not plough funds from a $26 million boost in public money into areas where media was already strong.

Give parents $73 a week for kids until they are five: Unicef

Put kids ahead of tax cuts, organisation says.

$40k paid in interest, for $44k drop in house value

Numbers show how hard it is for people who bought at the peak of the market to even tread water.

Travel agent loses bid to overturn unjustified dismissal ruling

The Employment Court found Helloworld's consultation on a Covid-19 restructure was unfair and rushed and some dismissals were 'predetermined'.

Prepare to find another $70 a week to get by in 2024: ASB

The bank’s economists noted that because the figures were for an average household. Some would pay less but those with significant debt could end up paying notably more.

Petrol prices fall to five-month low

AA had warned the average price of 91 octane could hit $3.50 a litre by Christmas but now says a downward trend could continue into January.

rural More

Do your research before planting a 24m tree in your garden

The pine nut seedling looked lonely and pathetic sitting on the $5 bargain - but there was a very good reason why it was there.

Shearing world record holder poised for shot at another in Te Anau

Piopio's Sacha Bond is already a world record holder, but later this month she will seek another in the brutal world of endurance shearing.

Vessel seized after deception by fisherman

Meatworks defends environmental responsibility

PurePod partners with farmers

prosper More

Businesses struggle with aftermath of Covid support

Thousands have defaulted on loan that was intended to help through pandemic, but fell due just as inflation soared.

Why you should perfect the art of the follow-up

OPINION: It doesn't matter how good your marketing is or how much advertising you're doing if you can't close a sale.

How embracing the vlog could boost your business

Astin Parore, 20, with six-figure art business: 'Don't underestimate young people'

Five couples 'accidentally' bought a classic country pub

the forever project More

After dithering, New Zealand joins world pact to triple green power

What the newly signed agreement means for the growth of wind and solar farms.

New Zealand shamed at global climate summit

The Government u-turn on oil and gas exploration has been called out.

Watch 15 million tonnes of emissions vanish this week

UAE looks to burnish its climate credentials with $48 billion pledge

Why is the previous climate minister going to the COP28 global talks?

pou tiaki More

Pearl Harbour: Beginning and the end

December 7 (Dec 8 in NZ) marks one of the most pivotal moments in US history: the attack on Pearl Harbour, and the subsequent entry of the United States into World War II.

Human Rights Commission appoints shared leader to honour treaty

The new partnership model aims to honour Te Tiriti, but an ACT MP says it is a "thumb to the nose" of Kiwis who voted against co-governance.

Māori Women's Welfare League president visits Taranaki

Te Ropu Wahine Maori Toko i te Ora (Māori Womens Welfare League) national president Hope Tupara is visiting Waitara this weekend.

Kiwis may face Covid-19 testing in Samoa amid new wave of cases

Samoa has announced 30 new cases of Covid-19 and New Zealand says it is monitoring the situation in Apia closely.

Student excited for Japanese sister city experience

Dylan Lee has been selected for a working holiday in the country where he was born - his first visit since he was 4 months old.

The Kīngitanga calls for Māori unity to 'hold new government to account'

A national hui is planned for January 20 as concerns mount over the coalition having potential to “undermine decades of hard-fought justice and equality for our nation”.

'The damage is done': Ngāti Kauwhata leader responds to new coalition agreement

The new National-led government's 100-day plan is an insult to Māori, and undercuts huge advances made over the past few decades by Māori and non-Māori to uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Meihana Durie says.

NZ city is one of the world's top rainbow destinations for 2024

It joins the likes of Costa Rica, Madrid, Vienna, Paris and Stockholm as one of the best places for LGBTQI+ tourists to visit in 2024.

sport More

Recap: Black Caps vs Bangladesh

Day three of the second test ended with the hosts two down and leading by 30 in Dhaka.

‘Devil’ Warner breaks silence on Mitchell Johnson feud

The Australian opener wasn't about to inflame the feud with Johnson, brushing aside his former team-mate's incendiary comments.

Rahm signs with LIV Golf for $920m

Two-time major champion performs huge U-turn and aligns with cash-rich Saudis, putting Ryder Cup future in doubt.

‘No plan B’: Olympics still insist on surfing venue despite coral damage

Watch: Munro left stranded on 99 in smashing start to BBL

Watch: English flanker banned for headbutt after 'moment of madness'

Stuff leads the way in history-making FIFA Women's World Cup coverage

homed More

Colour of 2024 is light, fuzzy and totally 80s

The colour was chosen to evoke a “feeling of kindness and tenderness”.

New farmhouse kitchen can handle '12 sizzling steaks'

Nigella Lawson meets Mary Berry - that's how kitchen designer Margaret Young describes her client, an exceptional home cook in the Deep South.

Dogs both great and small

Dogs are magnificent yet clownish, solemn yet silly. And we love them for it – perhaps because we recognise that great/small split in ourselves.

Why Saltburn's gothic pile is off limits

When your tiny home turns into a disaster

Couple's fifth house relocation listed, but they say, 'no more'

Should drinking glasses be stored rim up or down?

entertainment More

Trailblazers shred like there's no tomorrow: The week in photos

The Nelson Mountain Bike Club held their annual Shred like a Girl competition, which saw incredible action from some of our best female riders. Stuff visual journalist Martin De Ruyter was there to capture it all.

One of the best sports dramas of the century comes to Neon

REVIEW: Director Peter Berg's authentic, visceral style does the rare thing of presenting American football in a gritty – rather than glossy – light.

Eight great shows to stream this weekend

A near two-year wait for a truly compelling and disturbing celebrity docu-series is finally over, while the darkly hilarious Slough House crew return.

Ryan Bridge to replace The Project with new 7pm show

Could one rig The Chase?

Larry Charles' Dicks fails to capture cult stage show's mojo

Alan Jones denies claims he indecently assaulted men during radio career

motoring More

Carmaker calls off electric vehicle launch in NZ (for now)

Renault has postponed plans to launch a new EV early next year, releasing the news a week after National said it would end the Clean Car Discount scheme.

Aussie electric motorbike maker readying New Zealand launch

Australian electric motorbike build, Savic, has confirmed its first production bike is nearing delivery, and New Zealanders are next on the list.

Surprisingly, Tesla is not NZ's most searched car brand online

Porsche reportedly testing a greener, electrified 911

ensemble More

The music that helped tastemakers get through 2023

The listening habits of fashion designer Kate Sylvester, musician Erny Belle, mayor Tory Whanau and more. Read more on Ensemble.

Shattering the myths surrounding sex, identity and pleasure

Podcaster and intimacy coach Stacey O'Gorman wants the traditional whitewashed sex industry to go deeper.

10 Christmas gift ideas for the summer sceptic in your life

Renters rejoice: Showers are better than bathtubs IMHO

spotlight More

One of NZ's most prestigious golf courses now overgrown and neglected

Gulf Harbour Country Club's green has hosted world tournaments but now is dying, covered in piles of rubbish.

Ministry leak shows redundancy plans ahead of new government

A leaked email shows a government department singled out by David Seymour is already making cuts ahead of the formation of the Luxon-led government.

The new police car and the sea: 'an unfortunate episode'

With fog rolling in and unable to find the exit to a beach, a police officer found their vehicle stuck in soft sand. Soon the tide would swamp the 2022 vehicle.

World Rugby concedes All Blacks' disallowed try in RWC final should have stood

The acknowledgement will put the issue of excessive TMO intervention firmly in the spotlight.

1News More

Disney Magic at Sea

SPONSORED: Experience the enchantment of a Disney cruise.

A beginner's guide for first home buyers

SPONSORED: What is the market like for first home buyers? Better than you might think.

Christmas gift guide: Great ideas for kids

Delight the little people in your life with these gems, available from Chemist Warehouse.