1News

Fireworks explode over the Chao Phraya River during New Year celebrations in Bangkok, Thailand.

Countries around the world begin to welcome 2026

The new year swept closer for the Middle East and parts of Europe and Africa after drummers in Asia pounded in 2026 and fireworks lit the skies.

9:16am

In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks at the New Year gathering held by the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing on December 31, 2025.

World

China’s Xi renews promise to take back Taiwan

The country is set to speed up self-reliance in science and technology as the United States imposes increasingly tight controls on access to semiconductors and other high-tech items.

12:00pm

New Zealand

Feilding Lotto player wins $700k in Strike Four on New Year’s Eve

The winning ticket was sold at Woolworths Feilding.

9:38am

New Zealand

One dead after crash on State Highway 26, Hauraki

Police were notified of the incident on the intersection of State Highway 26 and Cadman Road, Tirohia, at about 12.40am.

8:21am

A cable from the historic Ōpiki Bridge has fallen into the Manawatū River.

New Zealand

Cable from historic Ōpiki Bridge falls into Manawatū River

The fallen cable poses a serious risk to river users and Horizons Regional Council said it was too early to know when it would be removed.

New Zealand

Person found dead on highway north of Auckland, police seek information

The death is currently being treated as unexplained, and inquiries into the circumstances are underway, police said.

10:04am

2026 January calendar on yellow background

New Zealand

Govt's new year changes: How they'll affect your wallet

Here's a rundown of what's set to change over the next few months.

Crime and Justice

New Zealander arrested for going onto tarmac at Perth Airport

The man allegedly broke the glass on an alarm and activated it, before pushing past airline staff at the international terminal.

10:30am

New Zealand

Watch: Auckland rings in 2026, fireworks light up Sky Tower

Lasers, projections and more than 3500 fireworks lit up the CBD as the clock struck midnight in New Zealand's largest city.

5:07

There will be plenty of the wet but the rain will ease for at least a day for those enjoying the long weekend.

New Zealand

Heavy rain, thunderstorms possible for South Island

Parts of the South Island are welcoming the New Year with heavy rain warnings and severe thunderstorm watches.

11:00am

Crime and Justice

New Zealander arrested for going onto tarmac at Perth Airport

The man allegedly broke the glass on an alarm and activated it, before pushing past airline staff at the international terminal.

10:30am

New Zealand

Watch: Auckland rings in 2026, fireworks light up Sky Tower

Lasers, projections and more than 3500 fireworks lit up the CBD as the clock struck midnight in New Zealand's largest city.

5:07

New Zealand

Heavy rain, thunderstorms possible for South Island

Parts of the South Island are welcoming the New Year with heavy rain warnings and severe thunderstorm watches.

11:00am

World

Countries around the world begin to welcome 2026

The new year swept closer for the Middle East and parts of Europe and Africa after drummers in Asia pounded in 2026 and fireworks lit the skies.

9:16am

World

China’s Xi renews promise to take back Taiwan

The country is set to speed up self-reliance in science and technology as the United States imposes increasingly tight controls on access to semiconductors and other high-tech items.

12:00pm

New Zealand

Feilding Lotto player wins $700k in Strike Four on New Year’s Eve

The winning ticket was sold at Woolworths Feilding.

9:38am

New Zealand

One dead after crash on State Highway 26, Hauraki

Police were notified of the incident on the intersection of State Highway 26 and Cadman Road, Tirohia, at about 12.40am.

8:21am

New Zealand

Cable from historic Ōpiki Bridge falls into Manawatū River

The fallen cable poses a serious risk to river users and Horizons Regional Council said it was too early to know when it would be removed.

New Zealand

Person found dead on highway north of Auckland, police seek information

The death is currently being treated as unexplained, and inquiries into the circumstances are underway, police said.

10:04am

Life

Feeling lonely? How to reconnect with old friends - and make new ones

Feeling lonely? Experts say you might not be alone, but it could be time to refresh your friendship approach.

Life

Menopause, sex and the joy of being 60: Robyn Malcolm doesn't hold back

2025’s most read: As her long career climbs to new exciting peaks, one of NZ's favourite actors remains unguarded and fierce.

Crime and Justice

New Zealander arrested for going onto tarmac at Perth Airport

The man allegedly broke the glass on an alarm and activated it, before pushing past airline staff at the international terminal.

10:30am

New Zealand

Watch: Auckland rings in 2026, fireworks light up Sky Tower

Lasers, projections and more than 3500 fireworks lit up the CBD as the clock struck midnight in New Zealand's largest city.

5:07

Life

Feeling lonely? How to reconnect with old friends - and make new ones

Feeling lonely? Experts say you might not be alone, but it could be time to refresh your friendship approach.

Life

Menopause, sex and the joy of being 60: Robyn Malcolm doesn't hold back

2025’s most read: As her long career climbs to new exciting peaks, one of NZ's favourite actors remains unguarded and fierce.

New Zealand

Heavy rain, thunderstorms possible for South Island

Parts of the South Island are welcoming the New Year with heavy rain warnings and severe thunderstorm watches.

11:00am

World

Countries around the world begin to welcome 2026

The new year swept closer for the Middle East and parts of Europe and Africa after drummers in Asia pounded in 2026 and fireworks lit the skies.

9:16am

World

China’s Xi renews promise to take back Taiwan

The country is set to speed up self-reliance in science and technology as the United States imposes increasingly tight controls on access to semiconductors and other high-tech items.

12:00pm

New Zealand

Feilding Lotto player wins $700k in Strike Four on New Year’s Eve

The winning ticket was sold at Woolworths Feilding.

9:38am

New Zealand

One dead after crash on State Highway 26, Hauraki

Police were notified of the incident on the intersection of State Highway 26 and Cadman Road, Tirohia, at about 12.40am.

8:21am

New Zealand

Cable from historic Ōpiki Bridge falls into Manawatū River

The fallen cable poses a serious risk to river users and Horizons Regional Council said it was too early to know when it would be removed.

World

Countries around the world begin to welcome 2026

The new year swept closer for the Middle East and parts of Europe and Africa after drummers in Asia pounded in 2026 and fireworks lit the skies.

9:16am

World

China’s Xi renews promise to take back Taiwan

The country is set to speed up self-reliance in science and technology as the United States imposes increasingly tight controls on access to semiconductors and other high-tech items.

12:00pm

New Zealand

Feilding Lotto player wins $700k in Strike Four on New Year’s Eve

The winning ticket was sold at Woolworths Feilding.

9:38am

New Zealand

One dead after crash on State Highway 26, Hauraki

Police were notified of the incident on the intersection of State Highway 26 and Cadman Road, Tirohia, at about 12.40am.

8:21am

New Zealand

Cable from historic Ōpiki Bridge falls into Manawatū River

The fallen cable poses a serious risk to river users and Horizons Regional Council said it was too early to know when it would be removed.

New Zealand

Person found dead on highway north of Auckland, police seek information

The death is currently being treated as unexplained, and inquiries into the circumstances are underway, police said.

10:04am