Archives for Fri, Jan 9, 2026

Archives for 9 January 2026

Ditching NZ for Oz: Kiwis at departure gate reveal why they're leaving

2025’s most read: Last year was meant to be the one when NZ closed the income gap with Australia and stemmed the exodus. Instead, more Kiwis than ever left for a better life.

Politics •Fri, Jan 9

Minneapolis ICE agent shooting and the law on firing at moving vehicles

A contested question is back into the national spotlight: When is a law enforcement officer justified in using lethal force against someone in a moving vehicle?

North America •Fri, Jan 9

Forget your punishing resolutions: 2026 is the year of the gentle tweak

Writer Ruth Spencer only has one goal this year and it involves an avocado, a spoon and (obscurely) the musician Shayne Carter.

People •Fri, Jan 9

Alleged thieves flee on bus after Auckland liquor store robbery

Three offenders allegedly entered the store in Auckland's Sunnynook shortly before 9pm, with two people stealing boxes of alcohol.

Crime And Justice •Fri, Jan 9

Thousands feel 5.4 magnitude quake centred near Taranaki town

More than 14,000 people had reported feeling the quake, which struck at 8.29am.

Earthquakes •Fri, Jan 9

Neighbour of Rotorua parolee facility speaks out

The Pūwhakamua programme, which supports paroled ex-prisoners reintegrating into the community, has struggled to find a future location.

Tauranga And Bay Of Plenty •Fri, Jan 9

Alleged thief charged after bid to disguise herself with clothes off rack

Police were called to a Henderson sports store at around 3pm on Thursday after staff confronted a woman allegedly trying to conceal nearly $200 of baseball caps.

Crime And Justice •Fri, Jan 9

Familiar favourites top New Zealand's baby names for 2025

New Zealand’s most popular baby names for 2025 have been revealed, with parents once again favouring familiar choices.

Life Issues •Fri, Jan 9

Metal lettering hacked from National War Memorial in Wellington

The Ministry of Culture and Heritage Manatū Taonga said the forced removal of signage has caused "considerable damage" to the national place of remembrance.

Wellington •Fri, Jan 9

Passengers disembark after ferry stranded overnight in Wellington

About 200 people spent the night onboard the Bluebridge ferry Connemara after a ramp fault forced the Picton sailing to return to port.

Transport •Fri, Jan 9

Heat alerts for parts of NZ, severe weather to lash South Island

The heat was expected to ramp up today, particularly in Whakatāne, Napier, Hastings, Motueka, Blenheim and Kaikōura where heat alerts have been issued.

Weather News •Fri, Jan 9

Family devastated after loss of 'life's work' in Pakuranga blaze

The blaze broke out at a specialty grocer in the east Auckland shortly after midday, as professional firefighters were taking part in industrial action.

Auckland •Fri, Jan 9

Train tracks and lines ripped up at now-closed Melling Station

The station, which had its last service on Christmas Eve, will be closed for three years.

Transport •Fri, Jan 9

Newborn with 'non-survivable injuries' dies in hospital, pair charged

The 10-week-old boy was taken to Pukekohe Maternity Hospital in a critical condition on January 2.

Crime And Justice •Fri, Jan 9

Sir Tim Shadbolt remembered as Invercargill mourns long‑serving mayor

Tributes flow for the charismatic former Invercargill mayor, whose humour, heart and bold ideas helped shape the southern city for more than three decades.

Southland •Fri, Jan 9