While the public weren't informed, police said it adhered to civil aviation regulations and privacy laws surrounding the footage it recorded.

Police used drone to surveil thousands at Chch's Electric Ave festival

The drone operated as an "eye in the sky", hovering at a fixed point a few hundred metres away from the festival.

Sun, May 25

3:29

Oliver Watson appearing in court via an audiovisual link.

Claim landowner helped Beckenridge escape alive recanted in new twist

Oliver Watson had initially told police his cousin had admitted he and others had helped provide shelter to the Beckenridges, but rescinded his statements in the Coroner's Court today.

Wed, Apr 23

2:18

Mike Zhao-Beckenridge.

Evidence in Beckenridge case 'severely contaminated' – expert

A coronial hearing is underway in Christchurch to determine whether Mike Zhao-Beckenridge was murdered or involved in a staged disappearance.

Tue, Apr 22

2:31

Mike Zhao-Beckenridge, then 11, vanished with his stepfather John Beckenridge in March 2015.

'They are alive': New claims emerge in Beckenridge case

Mike Zhao-Beckenridge went missing in March 2015 after he was picked up from his Invercargill school by his stepfather John Beckenridge.

Tue, Apr 22

2:37

Orana Wildlife Park in Christchurch has faced intense scrutiny.

Second senior manager leaves Orana Wildlife Park

The manager of exotic species, who oversaw the team caring for animals like gorillas, giraffes and lions, has resigned amid transformational change at the embattled zoo.

Thu, Mar 27

2:43

Jarrod Gilbert.

NZ a 'soft target' for scammers, researcher Jarrod Gilbert says

New study shows more than 10% of Kiwis have experienced fraud or deception in last year, making it the most prevalent type of crime in New Zealand.

Wed, Feb 19

2:08

December 2024
Orana Park

Orana Park told to improve vet care after major investigation

Significant change is coming to the Christchurch zoo, following an independent investigation by the Zoo and Aquarium Association.

December 17, 2024

4:36

November 2024
Three students staged a protest after having multiple relief teachers who weren't fluent in sign language.

Teacher quality concerns raised at deaf education service Ko Taku Reo

Three young students staged a protest, saying their teacher was unable to use sign language – despite having fully deaf students in their care.

November 23, 2024

3:01

Lynn Anderson

Orana Park boss resigns amid zoo investigation

Lynn Anderson announced her resignation in an all-staff meeting last night, as reviews and investigations at the Christchurch zoo continue.

November 13, 2024

3:50

Anthony Thom and his son Dillon unearthed the $10k specimen in a remote West Coast River.

Father and son duo unearth $10k gold nugget in West Coast river

Anthony and Dillon Thom said the discovery of the 40 gram specimen was like winning the lottery.

November 3, 2024

2:07

October 2024
1News can reveal WorkSafe has issued another warning, which includes improving its protection for zookeepers working with dangerous animals.

Christchurch's Orana Wildlife Park faces more scrutiny

1News can reveal WorkSafe has issued the zoo with another warning, which includes improving its protection for zookeepers working with dangerous animals.

October 11, 2024

4:57

September 2024
Documents reveal Minister Nicole McKee pushed through an urgent change to New Zealand’s gun laws without public consultation.

Officials raise alarm after McKee makes rapid gun law change

Documents obtained by 1News show Minister Nicole McKee, a former gun lobbyist, has used a backroom process to change New Zealand law in a way that benefits gun clubs.

September 8, 2024

3:25

August 2024
1News’ Thomas Mead spoke to 20 current and former staff who raised animal welfare concerns.

Zoo investigation: Orana Park probe to look at leadership

Staff working at the Christchurch zoo have been asked to give their opinion on their managers, as an independent investigation begins to look at Orana's leadership.

August 17, 2024

5:21

Principal Simon Coleman told parents the incident went "against everything Ashburton College stands for".

Ashburton College student hospitalised, police look into assault report

A "completely unacceptable" incident between two Year 9 students has left one in hospital, with police making inquiries.

August 15, 2024

Students are being forced to work in cramped conditions due to a lack of relief teacher availability.

Schools struggle to staff classes amid relief teachers 'crisis'

One principal called the situation "a crisis" after advertising for a teaching position and receiving no responses.

August 10, 2024

2:15

Rowley School teacher Erina Coleman encouraging her students to brush their teeth.

Toothbrushes go to school to teach children oral health

Dental issues in children remain concerningly common in New Zealand, with many five-year-olds struggling with decay by the time they start school.

August 7, 2024

2:00

July 2024
Orana Wildlife Park.

MPI to probe death and injury records at Orana Wildlife Park

The animal welfare regulator has carried out a "rapid assessment" at the Christchurch zoo following a 1News investigation.

July 24, 2024

2:30

It follows a 1News investigation revealing allegations of animal welfare concerns at the zoo.

Undercover footage: Orana zookeepers fear death in 'unsafe' vehicles

Zookeepers say they are "terrified" while driving vehicles at the Christchurch zoo, saying they won’t offer protection if a lion escapes.

July 22, 2024

6:22

Buried trauma: Zookeepers expose animal deaths at Orana Wildlife Park

Buried trauma: Zookeepers expose animal deaths at Orana Wildlife Park

A 1News investigation uncovers a raft of concerning animal welfare issues at the Christchurch zoo.

July 21, 2024

Orana Wildlife Park in Christchurch.

Orana Wildlife Park issued with WorkSafe warning over vehicles

Christchurch's Orana Wildlife Park — home to 1000 animals across 90 species — has been ordered to improve its safety practices.

July 12, 2024

May 2024
Orana Wildlife Park chief executive Lynn Anderson (file photo).

Orana Wildlife Park tells zookeepers to put allegations 'aside'

In a leaked email, chief executive Lynn Anderson advised her staff to put "aside" safety, animal welfare and toxic workplace claims made by an anonymous informant.

May 29, 2024

Orana Wildlife Park in Christchurch.

Anonymous informant raises concern about Orana Wildlife Park

An open letter has been sent to the Christchurch City Council, calling for an independent review at the South Island zoo. But the park strongly refutes the claims.

May 23, 2024

Researchers Dr Heather Hendrickson and Danielle Kok

NZ scientists hope to end AFB, a devastating bee disease

Scientists at the University of Canterbury are using viruses to fight American Foulbrood, a deadly bee pathogen that kills hives.

May 18, 2024

2:18

AFB Pest Management Plan Management Agency defends extreme action to prevent spread of American fooulbrood bacteria.

Agency that ordered burning of $2m in bee boxes defends process

Springbank Honey owner Steven Brown says he was forced to burn 10,000 bee boxes last weekend under threat of imprisonment.

May 17, 2024

2:39

Springbank Honey’s Steven Brown says he was forced to burn $2m worth of equipment, without compensation, after some were found to contain spores of the American Foulbrood disease.

Under threat of jail, beekeeper burns $2m of bee boxes

A national agency ordered Steven Brown to burn 10,000 bee boxes, after two tests came back positive for American Foulbrood disease – but offered no compensation.

May 15, 2024

0:26