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 under way for person yelling for help near Whare Flat
Search under way for person yelling for help near Whare Flat
A search operation is under way to find a person 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.
Road deaths drop but still too many: police
Road deaths drop but still too many: police
Police are crediting Operation Open Roads for a reduction in road deaths for the third year in a row.
One dead after overnight crash in Waikato
One dead after overnight crash in Waikato
A person has died following a single-vehicle crash in Waikato's Hauraki District overnight.
Person found dead on highway north of Auckland
Person found dead on highway north of Auckland
A person has been found dead on the Kaipara Coast Highway (State Highway 16), north of Auckland.
Revellers ring in New Year across the country
Revellers ring in New Year across the country
The new year has started with a bang across the country.
Dreary weather not dampening New Year's Eve celebrations
Dreary weather not dampening New Year's Eve celebrations
With less than two hours left of 2025, New Year's celebrations are well underway - despite the dreary weather in many regions.
Dunedinites gather to welcome 2026
Skies clear as young and old gather for Dunedin New Year's Eve celebrations
Dunedin experienced something akin to four seasons in one day on New Year’s Eve — but at least it remained dry for most of the evening's festivities.
Man dead, teen missing after boat capsizes at popular beach
Man dead, teen missing after boat capsizes at popular beach
A man has died and a teenage boy is missing after a boat capsized near a popular beach area.
Taiwan remains on alert as China pulls back on drills
Taiwan remains on alert as China pulls back on drills
Taiwan stayed on high alert today after China staged massive military drills around the island the previous day, keeping its emergency maritime response centre running, the head of the...
Health portal cyber breach investigated
Health portal cyber breach investigated
The personal health portal ManageMyHealth has identified a cyber security breach.
NZ not part of statement warning of deteriorating Gaza situation
NZ not part of statement warning of deteriorating Gaza situation
New Zealand has not joined an international statement warning the humanitarian situation in Gaza is rapidly deteriorating.
Former Premier League footballer jailed over academic fraud
Former Premier League footballer jailed over academic fraud
Former English Premier League player and Egypt international Ramadan Sobhi has been sentenced to one year in prison in connection with an academic fraud case.
Trump enters election year with big wins, and headwinds
Trump enters election year with big wins, and headwinds
US President Donald Trump stormed back into office with a policy blitz that expanded presidential power and reshaped America's relations with the world. But it has come at a steep cost
Road re-opens after Rakaia Bridge crash
Road re-opens after Rakaia Bridge crash
The road has re-opened after a crash that blocked State Highway 1 on the Rakaia Bridge this afternoon.