Several reported killed in Iran protests
Several people have been killed during unrest in Iran as the biggest protests to hit the Islamic Republic for three years sparked violence in several provinces.
'Absolutely horrendous' start to year on Australian beaches
'Absolutely horrendous' start to year on Australian beaches
Three people have drowned and two people are missing and feared dead, as the new year gets off to a tragic start on the east coast of Australia.
Firefighters walking off job for an hour today
Firefighters walking off job for an hour today
Members of the NZ Professional Firefighters Union will walk off the job for an hour at midday today.
Men warned before fall from ferris wheel
Men warned to stop swinging seat before fall from ferris wheel
The operator of a ferris wheel in Christchurch says three men were warned to stop swinging their bucket, just before they fell from the ride.
Two found dead in separate houses on same property
Two found dead in separate houses on same property
An investigation is under way after two people were found dead in separate houses on a property in the Bay of Plenty.
Thrillers, mysteries the most borrowed
Thrillers, mysteries the most borrowed
Dunedinites love a good murder, and the city’s librarians have the receipts to prove it.
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'The system can’t get much worse'
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'The system can’t get much worse'
A Kurow tractor driver denied a spot on the surgery waiting list worries he might have to wait until he is unable to walk.
Memorable arrival starts the year
Memorable arrival starts the year
Carla Probst will never forget the first day of 2026 — not least because she spent part of it in labour in a helicopter.
Two seriously injured after fall at Christchurch festival
Two seriously injured after fall at Christchurch festival
Two people were seriously injured after falling from a Ferris wheel at the Rolling Meadows music festival in Christchurch last night, the New Zealand Herald is reporting.
Dozens dead, scores injured in blast at ski resort bar
Dozens dead, scores injured in blast at ski resort bar
About 40 people were killed and 115 injured when a fire ripped through a crowded bar during a New Year's Eve party in the upscale Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana.
Pledging ‘real action’ on cost of living crisis
Pledging ‘real action’ on cost of living crisis
2026 is election year and parties are already jockeying for position. In a five-part series ODT political editor Mike Houlahan asked a senior MP from the leading parties about how the first two...
Teen charged after firecracker sparks bushfire
Teen charged after firecracker sparks bushfire
A teenager accused of tossing a firecracker into bushland on New Year's Eve has been charged after it sparked a bushfire that threatened homes and remains contained but not controlled.
US searches for survivors after strike on suspected drug vessels
US searches for survivors after strike on suspected drug vessels
The United States Coast Guard is searching for survivors of a US military strike against a convoy of suspected drug vessels in the Pacific Ocean, US officials said on Wednesday.
How the world brought in 2026
How the world brought in 2026
As Wednesday turned to Thursday, people around the world said goodbye to a sometimes challenging 2025 and expressed hopes for the new year to come.
Tragic New Year period on Sydney beaches
Tragic New Year period on Sydney beaches
A woman's body has been recovered at one beach, while a search is under way for a missing swimmer at another, in a grim start to the New Year in Sydney.
Health app cyber breach 'incredibly concerning'
Health app cyber breach 'incredibly concerning'
A cyber security breach at ManageMyHealth has been "contained", according to the company - but GPs and patients are still waiting to hear if their health records have been compromised.
Search over as calls for help likely from nearby address
Search over as calls for help likely from nearby address
A search operation found no signs of trouble after a person was heard yelling for help off a Dunedin track this morning.
Caution advised as third-party services 'price gouge' airfares
Caution advised as third-party services 'price gouge' airfares
A Dunedin woman is urging people to check they are not booking flights through a third-party agency, after her elderly mother paid $1300 for two one-way seats with bags from Wellington.
South set for stormy start to new year
South set for stormy start to new year
The new year looks set to get off to a stormy start in parts of the South this afternoon.
Aussies' focus on peace at New Year celebrations
Aussies' focus on peace at New Year celebrations
Australians have rung in the new year with dazzling fireworks and a moment of silent reflection for the Jewish community.