New Zealand Hits Record Low: Lake Tekapo Plunges to -12.5°C

New Zealand experienced its coldest night of the year so far in the early hours of this morning, with temperatures plummeting to -12.5C at Lake Tekapo. According to MetService meteorologist Michael Pawley, the widespread cold snap brought sub-zero air temperatures as far north as Auckland, with frosty conditions reported across much of the country. Temperatures … Read more

Luxury Queenstown Estate Hits Market for $35 Million

A luxury estate in Queenstown is set to hit the market with an expected price tag of $35 million, positioning it among New Zealand’s most expensive residential property sales of the year. According to Mark Harris, managing director and co-agent at New Zealand Southby’s International Realty, the 4065 sqm property is a legacy estate that’s … Read more

Dunedin Midwinter Festival Caps Ticket Capacity

Dunedin has shifted its annual Midwinter Carnival to a restricted-capacity format to manage crowd safety, limiting attendance to 8,000 people across two nights. According to the Dunedin Midwinter Carnival Trust, the change moves the event from open-street festivities to the grounds of the 153-year-old First Church to resolve long-standing overcrowding issues that previously saw up … Read more

Queenstown Security Firm Loses Licence After Staff Drug Bust

A security company in Queenstown has lost its licence after five of its guards were arrested during a two-month drug investigation. New Zealand Police executed multiple search warrants across the area, resulting in eight total arrests and the seizure of more than $120,000 in cash, alongside quantities of cocaine, ketamine, GBL, and MDA. Why the … Read more

Severe Weather Warning Issued as NZ Storm Intensifies

New Zealand is bracing for a significant weather event as a slow-moving, humid trough prepares to sweep across the country, bringing prolonged heavy rain to the North and South Islands. MetService has expanded its alert network, issuing fresh orange heavy rain warnings for Northland and Taranaki Maunga, while placing several regions under new watches. The … Read more

Two Dead in Separate Crashes Within One Hour

The King’s Birthday holiday weekend has begun with a tragic start, as two fatal crashes occurring within an hour of each other have pushed the preliminary road toll to two. Two Fatalities in Under an Hour The first incident occurred on State Highway 1 in Allanton, approximately 20km southwest of Dunedin. Emergency services were dispatched … Read more

Rain Warnings and Surprise Warm-Up: Weather Forecast Update

New Zealand is preparing for a sharp transition in its weather patterns as the King’s Birthday weekend approaches. After a month defined by high pressure and exceptionally dry conditions, a significant weather system is set to sweep across the country, marking the start of the meteorological winter on June 1. MetService meteorologist Ngaire Wotherspoon confirmed … Read more

Mayor Admits 22% Rate Hike Will Be a ‘Tough Ask

Waitaki Residents Face “Tough Ask” as Council Approves 22% Rates Hike In an extraordinary Waitaki District Council meeting on Tuesday, local councillors “reluctantly” agreed to a 22% rates increase for the upcoming financial year. The decision comes as the council attempts to address a projected $14 million operating deficit. A Long-Term Financial Struggle The decision … Read more

Dunedin woman seduced into sending $800,000 to fake US general

A Dunedin woman has reported a significant financial loss after believing she was sending money to a man posing as an American general over a period of five years. The matter came to light when the woman visited the Dunedin Central Police Station seeking advice regarding a document she had received. Details of the Financial … Read more