Police today also confirmed the names of two people who were killed while in the water yesterday and over the weekend.
Environment
Tuesday 6:00pm
2:43
The well-travelled road provides access to the lighthouse and its resident seal colony.
Tuesday 4:55pm
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency completed the upgrades on State Highway 1 through Kaikōura towards the end of last year.
Tuesday 4:24pm
The discovery will provide a "vital" breeding stock for the slow growing species, researchers say.
Tuesday 10:20am
0:45
Christchurch City Council said the leak occurred after the septic system was blocked by items, including bottles, being put in the public toilets at Corsair Bay.
Tuesday 9:31am
It's bushfire season and there's no safe level of exposure to the smoke they produce. But you can take steps to minimise your risk.
Tuesday 6:00am
The Queenstown District Council said it has been unable to safely assess what load Skippers Bridge can currently support.
Mon, Jan 12
With wild felines now added to NZ's most unwanted list, high-tech inventions are being developed to help address the issue.
Sat, Jan 10
2:52
DOC said it was "cautiously optimistic" but there was a possibility the whales "could turn and re-strand".
Fri, Jan 9
Pacific Island nation offers the world an opportunity to be a 'careholder' to each square kilometre of its Marine Protected Area.
Peter Winter is still a very active member of the Mt Somers Walkway Society – founded a mere 40 years ago.
Thu, Jan 8
A spokesperson for Hawke's Bay Regional Council said hot, dry weather created ideal conditions for potentially toxic algae to grow.
Resources including a NZDF NH90 helicopter and canyon teams are being utilised in the search for Graham Garnett.
Wellington Water said on social media it was repairing a part in one of its sedimentation tanks on Monday January 12, with preparations beginning this Friday.
Ōhope Beach Golf Links was prosecuted last year for clearing nearly 500 native trees and shrubs from an area of significant indigenous biodiversity.
Wed, Jan 7
Legal restrictions are now in force on moving fruit and vegetables out of the area it was found.
A biodiversity officer was monitoring the Mataitawa Bush when she spotted some small, unusual tunnels – revealing an unfamiliar trapdoor spider.
Meet Swampy, the purpose-built amphibious excavator that has begun dredging the pop-up garden patch growing out of the Taylor River in central Blenheim.
MetService shared a picture on social media of the sun's 22⁰ circular halo, visible due to a thin veil of high cloud which covered the upper North Island.
Tue, Jan 6
Despite our global reputation for being barefoot in public settings, the opinion of New Zealanders is far more nuanced.
Concern was raised when 20-year-old Connor Purvis did not return from his intended climb up Mount Huxley on or about December 30.
Mon, Jan 5
Researchers are investigating "hotspots" of a venomous spider throughout the country this summer.
December 31, 2025
The Queenstown Lakes District Council was fined $235,000 in June over concerns with the facilities.
December 30, 2025
Police were alerted around 10pm Sunday after the man failed to return from his walk and was reported missing.
December 29, 2025
Police said a man became unresponsive while walking the Taranaki Falls Track.
December 27, 2025
