Category: australasia
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Wellington Council Explains Ward System
Wellington City Council explains how wards affect local governance. "Did you know that where you live in Wellington has an impact on how the Council is run?" the council asks. The council highlights the importance of understanding wards and representation…
Politics and GovernmentAustralasiaState GovernmentsGeneral Politics Wellington City CouncilWellingtonwardslocal governancerepresentation reviewTe Ngākau Civic PrecinctStreetworks
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Magnitude 5.7 Earthquake Hits Kermadec Islands, New Zealand
A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Kermadec Islands, New Zealand, on July 15, 2025, at 09:54:56 UTC, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake, which occurred at a depth of 10 km, was centered at 30.218S, 177.962W. Its location…
WeatherDisastersAustralasia EarthquakeKermadec IslandsUSGSSeismologyNatural DisasterGeophysicsUSGS Earthquake Reports
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Crash Causes Traffic Delays in Ōtāhuhu
A crash between a bus and a car is causing traffic delays in Ōtāhuhu. Emergency services are at the scene where a driver is trapped in a vehicle. Great South Road is closed northbound between Nelson and Beatty Streets. Motorists…
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Serious Crash Closes Masters Road, Waiuku
Emergency services are attending a serious single-vehicle crash on Masters Road, Waiuku, reported at 3.30pm. The accident has led to the closure of Masters Road between Kidd Road and Waiuku Road. The extent of injuries is still being confirmed. The…
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NZ On Air Announces New Touring Support for Local Musicians
NZ On Air, with support from the NZ Music Commission, has announced the New Music Project Touring fund to support Aotearoa’s music scene. This pilot fund aims to help local artists promote their album or EP release through live performances…
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NZ On Air Launches New Music Project Touring Fund
NZ On Air, with support from the NZ Music Commission, has announced the New Music Project Touring fund, a pilot initiative designed to help local artists promote their album or EP release through live performances across Aotearoa. The fund will…
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North Island Braces for Potential Severe Gales
A low-pressure system is expected to move east across the upper North Island on Thursday, July 17, 2025, bringing potential severe weather. MetService has issued a severe weather outlook, noting a low confidence level (20% likelihood) that severe southwesterly gales…
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Annabel Trends Banana Teether Recalled Due to Safety Hazard
A product recall has been issued for the Annabel Trends Banana Teether due to safety concerns. The teether, sold from March 30, 2021, to July 21, 2022, at retailers including Not Socks Gifts, Lock Stock and Barrel NZ Ltd, Riverstone…
BusinessHealthSocial IssuesAustralasiaProduct SafetyMedical ScienceLegal
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Serious Crash Closes State Highway 56 at Tiakitahuna
State Highway 56 at Tiakitahuna is closed following a serious crash. Police were called to the scene, north of Rangiotu Road, at approximately 7.30pm. Initial reports indicate serious injuries. Diversions are in place, and motorists should anticipate delays.
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Media Monitor: 1News reports concrete truck incident, church fire, flood damage
1News is reporting that a worker died in Auckland after a concrete truck tipped onto a house in Remuera. WorkSafe confirmed the death. Also, a fire damaged a church at Saint Mary's Catholic School in West Auckland. Fire and Emergency…
WorldDisastersSportTransportationEmployment and LaborMedical ScienceClimate ChangeEuropeAustralasia
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Name Released in Fatal Kaitaia Crash
Ngaiwa Miru, 27, of Kaitaia, has been identified as the man who died in a crash in Kaitaia on Friday, according to a statement released by the New Zealand Police. Police have expressed their condolences to the family and friends…
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NZ Retail Spending Edges Up in June 2025
Spending in New Zealand's retail sector saw a slight increase in June 2025, according to the latest electronic card transactions (ECT) data. Stats NZ reported that retail industries experienced a 0.5 percent rise, equating to $32 million, while core retail…
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Severe Weather Outlook: Strong Winds and Rain Expected in Northern New Zealand
A strong west to southwest flow is expected to impact northern and central New Zealand on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, according to MetService. While the flow is expected to ease during the day, a low in the north Tasman Sea…
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Parnell Road in Auckland City Reopens After Fire
Parnell Road in Auckland City has reopened after being closed due to a fire earlier this morning. Police have expressed their gratitude to motorists for their cooperation and understanding during the road closure. The incident caused disruption to traffic in…
Politics and GovernmentLaw EnforcementAustralasiaTransportation
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Great North Road in Avondale, Auckland, Reopens After Fire
Great North Road in Avondale, Auckland City, has reopened after a fire that occurred earlier today. The New Zealand Police have thanked motorists for their cooperation during the road closure, acknowledging their patience and understanding while emergency services responded to…
Politics and GovernmentLaw EnforcementAustralasiaDisastersTransportation
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Fatal Crash Closes Telegraph Road in Burnham
One person died in a two-vehicle crash on Telegraph Road, Burnham, reported around 3:30 p.m., according to police. The Serious Crash Unit is investigating. The road is closed, and diversions are in place until the scene examination concludes. Further details…
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Stolen War Medals Recovered and Returned to Veteran's Grandson
Stolen war medals, originally taken from a mailbox in Wellsford, have been recovered and returned to their owner, Patrick Conlon. The medals, awarded to his grandfather Elmer James Conlon for service in World War I, were reported missing on July…
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MetService Issues Severe Weather Outlook for New Zealand
A front is set to move across New Zealand on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, followed by a south to southwesterly flow. According to the MetService, the risk of severe weather is minimal. A weak ridge of high pressure will cover…
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Earthquake Strikes Kermadec Islands, New Zealand
A magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck the Kermadec Islands region of New Zealand on July 12, 2025, at 05:16:47 UTC, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake, centered at 30.061S, 178.792W, had a depth of 218 km. Its location was…
WorldWeatherDisastersAustralasia EarthquakeKermadec IslandsUSGSSeismologyHicks BayGeological SurveyUSGS Earthquake Reports
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Crash Causes Delays on SH29, Lower Kaimai
A crash on State Highway 29 near Hanga Road, Lower Kaimai, is causing delays for motorists. Emergency services responded to the single-vehicle incident around 2:30 p.m. One person suffered moderate injuries. Diversions are in place. Motorists are advised to expect…
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Police Correct Name in Seddon Fatal Crash
Police have issued a correction regarding the identity of the victim in a fatal crash that occurred in Seddon on June 18. The deceased is Andres Bonifacio Hernan Vergara Oportot, 50, from Blenheim, not the person named in the earlier…
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MetService Issues Severe Weather Outlook
A trough moving east of New Zealand will be followed by a narrow ridge of high pressure, then a front affecting Fiordland late on Monday. MetService reports low confidence that rainfall accumulations about Buller District may approach warning criteria on…
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Media Monitor: Consumer NZ reports on misleading pricing, sunscreen regulation
Consumer NZ is reporting that two Foodstuffs supermarkets have pleaded guilty to 18 charges of misleading pricing. It said the charges involve inaccurate pricing and specials at two Pak'nSave supermarkets. Consumer NZ also noted concerns about sunscreen SPF label claims…
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Tree Falls on Vehicle, Blocking Horahora Road in Arapuni
Horahora Road, situated between State Highway 1 and Arapuni Road in Arapuni, Bay of Plenty, is currently closed due to a road incident this morning. Police were alerted to the situation at approximately 5:45 am, after a tree fell onto…
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Severe Weather Watch for Westland as Other Warnings Lifted
A severe weather watch remains active for the ranges of Westland due to ongoing unsettled conditions across New Zealand. Issued at 7:29 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025, by MetService, the warning highlights periods of heavy rain expected in the…
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Recall: Ocean & Earth Youth & Kids Ponchos Due to Fire Hazard Labeling Issue
Exit Surf Products is recalling Ocean & Earth Youth & Kids Ponchos due to non-compliance with the mandatory safety standard for children’s nightwear. Sold at various surf shops from September 2023 to July 10, 2025, the fire hazard labelling is…
BusinessSocial IssuesLegalAustralasiaTradeLaw EnforcementProduct Safety
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Fatal Crash on SH 1, Tīrau
One person died in a crash between a car and a truck on State Highway 1, near Tīrau. Emergency services were called to the scene, between Webster Road and State Highway 5, about 4pm today. The sole victim sadly died…
WorldTransportationDisastersAustralasia Fatal crashSH 1TīrauPolice Media CentreAccidentTraffic CollisionNew Zealand Police
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Name Released in Seddon Fatal Crash
Police have released the name of the victim of a fatal crash in Seddon on June 18th. Lorena Vargas Burgos, 48, from Blenheim, died in the crash. Police have extended their condolences to her family and friends. Enquiries into the…
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Media Monitor: New Zealand Hit by Heavy Rain, Power Outages
RNZ is reporting that parts of New Zealand are experiencing weather-related emergencies. It said Tasman residents are being warned to seek higher ground, hundreds of homes in the Far North are without power, and heavy rain is falling throughout the…
WeatherPolitics and GovernmentBusinessSportWorldAustralasiaLegal TasmanWellingtonJulia DeLuneyAustraliaMigrationRNZ News
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Police Investigate Vehicle Break-ins in Rolleston, New Zealand
Rolleston Police are seeking public assistance following a series of vehicle break-ins in Arbor Green, Harrison Drive, Marcoola Crescent, and Brenley Drive areas. The incidents occurred in the early hours of Monday, July 8, and Friday, July 11. Senior Constable…