By the numbers: NZ's week of cold, stormy weather
17 min ago There've been 261 lightning strikes in Auckland and 120kph wind gusts in Wellington. Here’s what the numbers tell us about this week's cold snap.
Family friend used PlayStation to groom 10-year-old boy
12:05 PM Daniel Sean Mathias used video games to develop a friendship with his victim, who he groomed over time, before escalating to inappropriate touching and attempted rape.
Past halfway through flu season, but we're 'not out of the woods' yet
Reported flu cases are falling, but another wave could be coming. Meanwhile, one region is seeing more RSV than other major centres combined.
$3 million upgrade of Diamond Harbour wharf to begin soon
The project, which will take about six months to complete, will improve access and safety for wheelchair users, bikes and pushchairs.
Some councillors 'uncomfortable' with closed-door briefings
The mayor says closed-door workshops help guide councillors through complex issues but one councillor questions whether they are akin to "voting in secret".
National average house price falls under $1 million
Wellington house prices fell by 12.2% over the last six months, but prices are softening nationwide, Quotable Value says.
'Leaving a polytech course to take up a job or an apprenticeship isn’t necessarily a bad outcome', says Hipkins
Polytech retention rates 'highlight a longstanding issue', says Education Minister.
Flooded dam threatened homes in Mid Canterbury
Several homes were evacuated when the north branch of the Ashburton River caused plenty of concern after breaching its banks.
Tyre stockpiler jailed over unpaid tax, lies and forgery 'catastrophe'
A judge said Michael Benny Le Roy's years of criminal activity had caused "considerable havoc" and sentenced him to three years in prison.
'Coldest week of the year' looms for Kiwis
Kiwis should keep their coats and umbrellas handy as the wintery blast will continue for the next few days.
No 'scarred landscape' here: 800,000 trees planted on former gold mine
An international mining company is making good on its promise to rehabilitate one of its now-defunct West Coast gold mines.
Residents of flood-prone Westport neighbourhood called to ‘closed door’ meeting
A resident of a West Coast community hit hard by repeated flooding says they’re being treated like “trailblazers – in a rotten way” for how flood-prone areas will be dealt with.
Recap: Land slip in the storm blocks central Wellington street
One end of The Terrace was closed to traffic after the wet and cold weather affecting much of the lower North Island and South Island brought down a bank.
Power restored in North Dunedin after outage
Power was cut to a large part of North Dunedin for an hour as the city shivers with single digit temperatures.
Covid-19: 4006 new community cases, 16 people in ICU
There are 4006 new reported community cases of Covid-19, the Ministry of Health says. Meanwhile, 16 people are in ICU and 654 hospitalisations.
Plans underway for a gondola to the slopes
New planning rules for Queenstown and Wānaka have created an easier route for gondola applications, although investors are want assurance tourism will bounce back.
The six costly things 'anticipated' to improve Christchurch's rivers
ANALYSIS: The city must spend over $300 million, undertake two investigations, and compile an action plan. Still, many say action cannot stop there.
Verity Johnson: Should I stay or should I go?
OPINION: Do you want to be part of the old world’s established glamour? Or do you want to build the new world’s adventure?
Flooding and sea level rise are hurting our estuaries and coasts
OPINION: We must avoid tipping points, when an ecosystem can no longer restore itself, or we stand to lose our precious estuary resources and species forever.
Reaching back to a trusted tree and the betrayal of a heroic boyhood
OPINION: "I sat sulking underneath the umbrella tree, raging over an unwelcome adolescence that had separated me from the tribe."
Deciphering the Kiwi smile
OPINION: New Zealand habits like smiling at strangers have rubbed off on me.
Farewelling James Lovelock, the ultimate freethinker
OPINION: He's best remembered for the Gaia theory, but his invention detected the ozone hole.
National average house price falls under $1 million
Wellington house prices fell by 12.2% over the last six months, but prices are softening nationwide, Quotable Value says.
'Blatant exploitation': Migrant workers packed in freezing, damp rooms
One Pacific Island worker living in a crowded motel was coughing blood, but his boss told him to "take a panadol". Kirsty Johnston reports.
Mixed views on Ashburton’s proposed $8.6m project to boost primary sector
“No brainer or a “waste of money”. Councillors have mixed views on a proposed multimillion-dollar plan to foster successful and sustainable farming in the district.
Hotel guests forgo room cleaning in return for free coffees and cocktails
Short-staffed hotels are offering discounts to guests who do without daily room cleaning, and self check-in kiosks are helping reduce the need for receptionists.
Are these our most dangerous jobs?
Having a 65kg weight land on her foot ended a stevedore's career, and she counts herself lucky not to be among those killed on the job as regulators try to prevent serious accidents at 13 New Zealand ports.
Squash stars celebrate NZ's 19th Comm Games gold
Paul Coll can get his party started but mixed doubles partner Joelle King's celebrations are on ice for another day.
Queens hand Kāhu first loss of season in Tauihi
Tokomanawa Queens show their Tauihi title credentials, winning both games over weekend, including handing unbeaten Kāhu first loss.
Basement to brilliant: Taranaki Airs clinch top spot for NBL finals
They won just two of 17 games last season, but Taranaki Airs will head to NBL finals as top seeds, completing stunning turnaround.
Canterbury surge in second half to avoid shock FPC loss to Counties
Two tries just after the break helped Canterbury come away from Pukekohe with the win and stay at the top of the Premiership ladder.
Southern football league - all the intrigue of the big time
The Southern League is supposed to be amateur but it's rife with accusations and rumours its successful teams are more like professional outfits.
Shakespeare for the 21st century, with cellphones and gender swapping
To text or not to text, that is the question.
Christchurch revival for former Court Theatre leader's play
When Ross Gumbley co-wrote the play Flagons and Foxtrots he just wanted to keep his theatre in business.
What's on in Ōtautahi Christchurch this weekend and beyond
Visit a field with more than 1 million daffodils, enjoy winter with ice skating and tobogganing, or see a show that will offend those who think people are too easily offended.
Winetopia 2022: An extravaganza of New Zealand's best wines
The festival, which celebrates New Zealand’s wide range of top-quality wine, continues in Christchurch in August.
