Man arrested over alleged ‘cowardly attack’ after noisy burnouts

Police have arrested a 24-year-vintage patched Black Power member following an alleged serious assault that took place over the weekend in Waikato. Assault Follows Reports of Burnouts The arrest comes after two people were injured in what police described as a “cowardly attack” on Saturday night in Mātangi. The pair had attempted to confront occupants … Read more

Former minister Bayly won’t contest seat, looks to National list

National Party MP Andrew Bayly announced on March 3, 2026, that he will not seek re-nomination for the Port Waikato electorate in the upcoming election. Bayly, who has represented the district since 2014, cited a planned relocation to the South Island as the reason for his decision. Ministerial Resignation and Recent Controversies Bayly previously resigned … Read more

Thames-Coromandel roads battered by storm

Severe weather this week has caused significant damage to roads in the Thames-Coromandel region, leaving some areas inaccessible. Photos from NZTA show the extent of the damage, including slips, fallen trees, and swollen waterways. Road Closures and Recovery Efforts Parts of the East Coast remain cut off due to road closures. According to NZTA Waikato … Read more

Documentary crew told about Phillips shootout by police before family

A member of the police media team informed a documentary film crew about the death of Tom Phillips at least one hour before his family was notified, according to information revealed by RNZ. Details of the Notification Phillips died following a shootout with police in September 2025 after officers responded to reports of a burglary. … Read more

Heavy rain warnings for already soaked Northland, Auckland and Coromandel

Heavy rain watches have been upgraded to warnings as a period of intense downpours approaches Northland, parts of Auckland, and the Coromandel Peninsula. MetService has issued orange heavy rain warnings for Monday and Tuesday, anticipating prolonged rainfall, potential thunderstorms, and localized heavy showers driven by a strong, humid easterly flow. Widespread Rainfall Expected Northland is … Read more

Two dead, one missing after three seperate water-related incidents

Three separate water-related incidents today have resulted in two confirmed fatalities and one missing person, according to police reports. The incidents occurred in Akaroa, Lower Kaimai, and along the Waikato River. Details of the Incidents The first incident was reported in Akaroa, Banks Peninsula, at 1:15 PM. Emergency services responded to a location near the … Read more

Man hits $1m Lotto jackpot two weeks after cancer diagnosis

The Unexpected Intersection of Luck, Loss, and Life’s Priorities The story of a Hamilton man winning a $1 million Lotto jackpot just weeks after a cancer diagnosis is a stark reminder of life’s unpredictable nature. It’s a narrative that resonates deeply, tapping into universal themes of hope, fear, and the re-evaluation of priorities. But beyond … Read more

Severe thunderstorm watch issued for parts of North Island

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for portions of the North Island, beginning this afternoon. The forecast indicates potential for thunderstorms between 1pm and 9pm today. Storms Expected Across Multiple Regions The affected areas include inland Bay of Plenty (east of Rotorua), eastern Taupō, inland Gisborne, and the Wairoa District. MetService reports these thunderstorms … Read more

Flash flooding in Wairoa, funnel clouds seen as storms batter North Island

Severe storms brought flash flooding to streets in Wairoa on Saturday, prompting a series of severe thunderstorm watches and heavy rain warnings across the North Island. The disruption began with a severe thunderstorm warning issued for Wairoa at 11am, renewed twice before being lifted in the early afternoon. According to MetService, conditions were “favourable for … Read more