Peeni Henare, a prominent figure in the New Zealand Labour Party, has officially resigned from Parliament, concluding a 12-year legislative career. Henare, who served as a Cabinet Minister, announced his departure to pursue new opportunities outside of politics, marking the end of his tenure representing the Tāmaki Makaurau electorate.
The 2026 North Island Rally Series has officially commenced in New Zealand. Competitors and organizers are now turning their attention to the upcoming Possum Bourne Memorial Rally, a highlight of the national motorsport calendar honoring the legendary New Zealand rally driver.
The New Zealand share market experienced a significant downturn, falling by approximately 3% as investors reacted to heightened global economic concerns and the escalation of conflict in the Middle East. The decline reflects broader international market volatility as traders assess the potential impact of geopolitical instability on global supply chains and energy prices.
The New Zealand Government has launched the first round of its Flexible Fund, inviting applications for projects to deliver up to 770 new social homes and affordable rentals. This initiative aims to address high housing need across the country, replacing a previous 'patchwork' of housing programmes with a single, contestable fund.
A New Zealand teacher has been found guilty of serious misconduct by the Teachers Disciplinary Tribunal after experiencing a manic episode at school. The incidents included swearing at students, drinking alcohol on school grounds, making inappropriate comments, and accessing pornography on his personal phone during school hours. The teacher had informed the school of his bipolar disorder.
An Auckland woman, 44, has been charged with obtaining by deception in connection with an alleged romance scam spanning 18 years. The scam reportedly defrauded a Dunedin man of over $517,000 between 2006 and 2024. She appeared in Auckland District Court, where she was granted interim name suppression and remanded on bail.
New Zealand has significantly increased its space launch limit from 100 to 1,000, effective February 12, 2026, to accelerate the growth of its burgeoning space and advanced aviation industries. This decision follows a comprehensive environmental review that deemed the risk from increased launches to be low, providing long-term certainty for industry investment and expansion.
Air New Zealand flight attendants, represented by E tū and FAANZ, are undertaking a two-day strike on February 12-13, 2026, impacting international wide-body flights. The industrial action has led to the cancellation of at least 46 flights, affecting approximately 9,500 customers amidst a dispute over pay and working conditions.
General practitioners in New Zealand have commenced prescribing stimulant medication for adult ADHD patients as of February 1, 2026. This significant policy change aims to improve access to diagnosis and treatment, reducing previous barriers like long waitlists and high specialist costs.
A 33-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with a shooting that occurred in Palmerston North on January 12. The arrest followed a police pursuit involving a stolen vehicle, which was eventually spiked, leading to the man fleeing on foot before being apprehended.
Gloriavale Christian School will continue to operate after its board successfully sought interim orders from the High Court, preventing the Ministry of Education's decision to cancel its registration from taking effect. The Ministry had cited concerns over safety and compliance with registration criteria.
Graham Garnett, 66, missing since December 30 in New Zealand's Kahurangi National Park, has been found alive at Venus Hut. Discovered by contractors, he was airlifted to Nelson Hospital, ending a multi-agency search that was recently suspended.
Biosecurity New Zealand has initiated a comprehensive response in Mt Roskill, Auckland, following the detection of a single male Queensland fruit fly on January 7, 2026. Legal restrictions on the movement of fruit and vegetables are now in place across two controlled zones to prevent potential spread and protect New Zealand's vital horticulture industry.
Sir Tim Shadbolt, the charismatic and unconventional former mayor of Invercargill and Waitematā, has died at the age of 78 after a long illness. Known for his extensive public service and distinctive personality, he was New Zealand's longest-serving mayor, holding office for a total of eleven terms across two cities. His legacy includes championing Invercargill and his early activism.
Abortion numbers in New Zealand have increased by 37 percent since the decriminalisation of abortion in March 2020 and the subsequent introduction of national telehealth services. This rise is attributed to improved access to care, with early medical abortions now comprising a majority of procedures.
New Zealand's Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced a significant increase in fishery officer patrols over the summer to combat illegal paua gathering and black-market trade. The move addresses a growing poaching problem, particularly in regions like Wellington and Wairarapa, and aims to protect the valuable marine resource.
New Zealand and India have concluded a Free Trade Agreement, offering New Zealand exporters unprecedented access to 1.4 billion Indian consumers. The deal, finalized in December 2025, aims to eliminate or reduce tariffs on 95% of New Zealand's exports to India and 100% of India's exports to New Zealand, fostering significant economic growth and investment.
A recent report associated with Foodstuffs South Island's facial recognition trial has revealed that six out of ten top offenders threatening staff across its network are under 18. The trial, launched in October 2025 across three Christchurch stores, aims to deter serious incidents, though its watchlists explicitly exclude minors.
A 21-year-old man has been charged with murder in connection with the death of 55-year-old Jason Poa, also known as Jason Tipene, in Hamilton, New Zealand. Poa died at a Lake Crescent address on December 18, with the accused set to appear in court on December 26.
The New Zealand government is implementing new power bill relief measures starting December 2025, including automatic monthly credits, expanded support for vulnerable households, and temporary reductions in line charges, aiming to ease financial pressure during the summer peak.
