Restricted fire season implemented
FENZ GRAPHICDry conditions have prompted Fire and Emergency New Zealand to implement a restricted fire season in the coastal Waitaki zone. Fenz Waitaki district commander Craig Gold said outdoor fires would need a permit from today until further notice. Inland Otago, including Queenstown Lakes, Central Otago and northern parts of the Waitaki district, was already in a restricted fire season. Mr Gold said the latest change in fire season reflected the increasing levels of fire risk around Otago. He urged residents to visit www.checkitsalright.nz to find out the fire season status for any location in the country and get advice on how to use fire safely.
Source:Otago Daily Times
January 18, 2026 15:32 UTC
Father fears release poses danger
Miss Elliott’s father, Gil Elliott, told the Otago Daily Times he sent a written submission to the parole board about six weeks ago, having gone back over everything that happened at the time. While he did not think the parole board would let Weatherston out on the first occasion, "theoretically, they could". He hoped members of the parole board were "well and truly aware" of what narcissists were and what they were capable of. "If they let him out, then it’s a risk that the parole board takes that he will not react to some perceived insult. The parole board needed to understand there was no cure for NPD — "once a narcissist, always a narcissist".
Source:Otago Daily Times
January 18, 2026 15:32 UTC
Flooding, slips as heavy rain hits Northland
"Motorists are advised to take extra and avoid travel due to flooding and slips between Whangaruru and Helena Bay." MetService forecasters issued a heavy rain warning for Northland through to midday Sunday, with a warning the rain was expected to continue to accumulate after flooding overnight. Whangārei District Council said heavy rain and surface flooding had closed roads, isolating some communities. A slip in Helena Bay had washed on to the road to Rawhiti, and flooding had also hit Whakapara and Punaruku. Northpower said there were power outages for Helena Bay, Ōakura, Punaruku, and the Whangaruru Peninsula, and about 750 households appeared to be affected.
Source:Otago Daily Times
January 18, 2026 15:01 UTC
Orca encounter: Teen diver’s close-up moment off Coromandel coast
“One orca checked me out, looked me right in the eyes, scanned me, and fully interacted with me.”Video footage posted to social media shows the incredible moment the orca swam up within arm’s reach of the divers. Henderson, who has only worked with the diving tour operator for a few weeks, described the one-minute encounter as “epic”. She said the orca had been hunting stingray and playing with the bubbles left by the divers as they descended 30m toward Castle Rock. Henderson said the divers did not reach out or attempt to touch the orca, despite being within touching distance. Divers from the Cathedral Cove Dive and Snorkel had a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with a pod of orca last Friday.
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 18, 2026 14:37 UTC
Weather: Widespread damage across Northland after torrential rain leaves region flooded
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Source:New Zealand Herald
January 18, 2026 14:25 UTC
Kahurangi National Park: Missing tramper Graham Garnett discovered alive in hut
However today contractors working in the area discovered Garnett sheltering in Venus Hut at around 2.30pm. The New Zealand Defence Force was enlisted to aid in the search for tramper Graham Garnett, who went missing in a South Island national park in late December. The New Zealand Defence Force was enlisted to aid in the search for a tramper who went missing in a South Island national park more than a week ago. Two specialist canyon teams searched the “steep” terrain with special equipment, while a field team looked across the search area. Search and Rescue Nelson said in a Facebook post it was delighted to learn that Garnett had been located safely.
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 18, 2026 13:26 UTC
Trump ‘wants nations to pay $1bn to join his Gaza peace board’
Donald Trump is asking countries that want a spot on his new “Board of Peace” for Gaza to pay $1bn (£747m) which he will control, according to a report. The White House has started to unveil administrators who will supervise Gaza as part of the second phase of the US president’s peace deal. They include Sir Tony Blair, Steve Witkoff, the White House envoy, and Jared Kushner, Mr Trump’s son-in-law. An “Executive Board” will oversee the postwar management of the enclave for the Board of Peace, and will include other world leaders who are expected to be announced at Davos next week. White House officials are yet to comment.
Source:Stuff
January 18, 2026 11:55 UTC
Will this election year be dominated by the economy, or could international events take centre stage?
And as 2026 gets underway in this New Zealand election year, the economy is likely to be an important factor in determining the outcome. We saw some notable economic data this week, some of which suggested signs of life in the economy. At the same time, a political poll, very early in election year, suggested a tight election outcome is on the cards. Secondly, will stronger/improving economic data flow through to voters actually feeling and believing things are getting better? “The success of manufacturing is central to the health of the New Zealand economy.
Source:Stuff
January 18, 2026 07:00 UTC
Letters: Where are the people against the Iranian regime?
Minto is probably suffering from an overindulgent Christmas and New Year just like the rest of us. Finally, students are perhaps silent as they prepare diligently for the next semester as they now realise protesting is not a course requirement. I guess that is the problem when one is trying to make a silk purse out of a sows ear? O’Sullivan also covers many other trade missions organised to diversify our export destinations. Labour’s previous foreign minister was in comparison afraid of flying and rarely engaged internationally, although their current trade spokesman Damien O’Connor is good value.
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 18, 2026 01:03 UTC
Queenstown paraglider crosses main divide in epic South Island flight
The idea of crossing from east to west was conceived in a pub the night before the flight. We’re going to Coronet Peak, I’ll pick you up at 8 o’clock – let’s just try’.”The mid-December feat began at Coronet Peak above Queenstown. Kellett eventually landed at Whataroa, 230km from his takeoff point, while Chelle touched down near Fox Glacier. The route taken by Kellet, taking off from Coronet Peak and landing in Whataroa. On the second flight, fellow pilot Kinga Masztalerz accompanied Kellett, following him through the passes and over remote wilderness about 20km behind.
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 18, 2026 00:30 UTC
Police investigating suspicious fire in central Auckland suburb
NZ Herald Morning News Update | Flooding in Northland, Trump applies Greenland tariff pressure, Tamaki denied access to Harbour Bridge for Destiny Church march. Sign in hereAccess to Herald Premium articles require a Premium subscription. Police are investigating a suspicious early morning house fire that left one person hospitalised. Fire and Emergency New Zealand was called to the address on Potter Ave in the central Auckland suburb of Wesley about 4am today. Investigations are underway after a suspicious fire was lit in the doorway of a home on Potter Ave in Wesley, Auckland.
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 17, 2026 23:57 UTC
A person dies after being hit by vehicle in Haruru, Northland
A person has died after being hit by a vehicle in Northland. A person dies after being hit by vehicle in Haruru, NorthlandA person has died after being hit by a vehicle in Northland. Photo / NZMEA person has died after being struck by a vehicle in Haruru, Northland. A police spokesperson said the pedestrian was hit on Puketona Rd, near the Garden Court intersection, at around 12.10am today. “Sadly, despite emergency services best efforts, the pedestrian died at the scene.”Puketona Rd was closed between Haruru Falls Rd and Te Karuwha Parade while the Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination, the spokesperson said.
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 17, 2026 23:33 UTC
Rassie Erasmus posts cryptic message on Tony Brown’s All Blacks speculation
Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has posted a cryptic message on social media following speculation linking his assistant Tony Brown with a move to the All Blacks. The rumour mill has been in overdrive in recent days after Scott Robertson stood down as All Blacks coach two years into a four-year contract, following a scathing review that found multiple frailties within the team and reports of player unrest. Jamie Joseph has emerged as the front-runner to replace Robertson, but should he get the job, it’s likely he would want fellow former All Black Brown by his side due to their strong connection. The pair coached the Highlanders to Super Rugby glory in 2015, also coaching Japanese expansion side the Sunwolves and more recently the Japan national team at the 2023 World Cup. Brown is currently contracted to the Springboks through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, meaning New Zealand Rugby (NZR) would need to negotiate him out of a deal to get him, or wait until after the tournament in Australia.
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 17, 2026 22:52 UTC
General Debate 18 January 2026
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Source:New Zealand Herald
January 17, 2026 22:39 UTC
Three Strikes 2.0 was meant to put away the worst criminals. So far it has barely been used
A slower strike rate under version 2.0 is not surprising because the process takes longer before a strike is imposed, compared with version 1.0. So why is version 2.0 being used so minimally? Three Strikes 2.0 is working as intended,” McKee said. To avoid this, the Government initially announced a 24-month sentencing threshold for each strike offence under version 2.0, though this was shorter than what officials had recommended. The strikes under 1.0 with long-enough sentences have been “reactivated” for version 2.0.
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 17, 2026 22:32 UTC