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.
Registered nurse prescribers in New Zealand can now prescribe an additional 211 medicines, significantly expanding their scope to cover common and long-term conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. This move, effective December 4, 2025, aims to improve timely healthcare access and reduce pressure on general practitioners.
A global software issue affecting the Airbus A320 family of aircraft led to significant flight cancellations and delays for Air New Zealand and Jetstar across New Zealand. The problem, linked to the Elevator and Aileron Computer (ELAC) and potentially intense solar radiation, impacted thousands of travelers and prompted a worldwide recall of approximately 6,000 aircraft.
New research from Massey University and collaborators has uncovered the extensive presence of 'forever chemicals' (PFAS) in New Zealand's marine mammals. The study, analyzing 127 stranded whales and dolphins across 16 species, indicates that these persistent pollutants affect both coastal and deep-diving species, with exposure linked more to age and sex than habitat.
The All Blacks, led by Head Coach Scott Robertson, unveiled their 36-man squad for the 2025 European tour. Having already faced Ireland, Scotland, and England, the team is now set to conclude their campaign with a match against Wales.
New Zealand is experiencing a significant 'exit wave' with a record number of citizens departing and fewer foreigners arriving. Net migration fell to 10,600 in the year to August 2025, driven by high costs, slow economic growth, and a weak labor market.
New Zealand is experiencing a notable 'exit wave' with net migration falling to its lowest level since 2013. A record 72,700 citizens departed in the year to September 2025, primarily for Australia, driven by high living costs, slow economic growth, and better overseas opportunities.
New Zealand is experiencing a significant 'exit wave,' with net migration falling to its lowest level since 2013. Record numbers of citizens are departing, primarily for Australia, while fewer non-citizens are arriving. High living costs and a weak economy are cited as key drivers of this trend.
New Zealand is experiencing a notable 'exit wave,' with provisional data from Stats NZ indicating a net migration gain of 27,100 in 2024, a sharp decline from 128,300 in 2023. This marks the lowest net migration since 2013, driven by a record loss of 47,100 New Zealand citizens and fewer non-citizen arrivals. High living costs, stagnant wages, and limited opportunities are prompting many to seek prospects, primarily in Australia.
