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Hundreds without power in Dunedin thunderstorms
Hundreds of people are without power in Mosgiel near Dunedin, and also in Southland.
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'Maybe there will be more people in the evening'
5:33 pm todayIt's Christmas and almost everyone is filling up on food and presents - but spare a thought for those working.
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Man wanted for questioning in Ruatiti homicide turns himself in
4:48 pm todayA man wanted for questioning after a double homicide in the central North Island has handed himself over to police.
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An 'almighty thud' - Witness's shock as plane smashes into holiday home
2:35 pm today"I thought 'oh that doesn't sound too good,'" the witness told RNZ after the crash.
New Zealand headlines with summaries.
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What it's like learning to swim as an adult
4:30 pm todayWhen I went to swimming classes as most kids do in New Zealand it did not stick, so I went back as an adult, writes Nick James.
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Most of NZ's flowering plants grow nowhere else, and Xmas is peak bloom
4:57 pm todayChristmas falls in peak flowering season, a time of rebirth and reprodction more akin to the northern Easter.
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'Jesus bands us together' - Celebrating the season at church
3:23 pm todayChristmas isn't just about food and presents - for many, it's also a time to worship and give thanks.
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Storm warnings for Boxing Day, wet front still over South Island
12:49 pm todayA slow moving storm front still over some South Island areas has prompted new warnings for Waikato northwards, for Boxing Day.
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The town that opened its doors to Polish refugee children
1:16 pm todayIt's been eight decades since hundreds of children found a new home in Pahīatua during WWII.
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Christmas Day marked with reflection, fun and shared lunch
12:06 pm todayNew Zealanders throughout the country are celebrating Christmas Day. We take a look at what a 2025 Christmas looks like.
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Celebrating Christmas with Indian culinary favourites
3:40 pm todayWhile many households across New Zealand will serve roast ham and pavlova, Indian families are gathering around tables laden with rice and meat dishes, rich curries and sweets infused with cardamom…
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Two injured in stabbing, police say
Police are investigating after two people were injured at a business north of Hamilton.
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What makes Chris Knox's Seizure an essential album
5:03 am todayNick Bollinger explores the work of one-of-a-kind musician Chris Knox, with a particular focus on his 1989 solo album Seizure.
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All alight: Final train departs from Lower Hutt station
5:03 am todayMelling train station has seen its last service for about three years, ahead of major infrastructure works.
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Three youths arrested after Christmas Eve robbery
The trio are due to appear in Youth Court in the coming days.
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Facial recognition trial reveals minors among worst offenders
24 Dec 2025Report shows six out of 10 of the top offenders threatening Foodstuffs South Island staff were under 18.
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Xmas miracle: Far North town gets running water for first time in months
24 Dec 2025Residents of Kāeo have lived under a boil-water notice for more than 10 years, but in October the water stopped completely.
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'Human waste on every surface': Tenant ordered to pay $73k
24 Dec 2025The tenant claimed the damage to the house had been made "when he was out".
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Multiple hospitalisations due to synthetic drug use
24 Dec 2025High Alert is warning people to use "extreme caution" if using synthetic drugs.
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Uncovering the mysteries behind eel migration and spawning
24 Dec 2025Dr Amandine Sabadel said tracking technology has helped find the first clues as to how and where eels spawn but there is still more to do. Audio
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ECan 'put on notice' over rule-making for discharges
24 Dec 2025The High Court stopped short of ordering the regional council to change the rule relating to the discharge of nitrates because of the amount of time that has lapsed.
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Boy left swimming for life as rescue helicopter call delayed
24 Dec 2025Police stood down rescue helicopter despite calls about a 14-year-old swimming away from a burning boat in Lake Taupō, RNZ has learned.
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Liam Lawson raises more than $50k for breast cancer research
Lawson's pit-stop from the racing circuit to drive laps in Cromwell drew thousands of motorsport enthusiasts and drive to survive fans to the circuit on Tuesday.
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A Russian Christmas to keep the tradition alive
24 Dec 2025An Auckland-based Russian playgroup is helping families teach their children traditional festivities.
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Where will traffic be on Christmas and Boxing Day?
24 Dec 2025The Transport Agency is warning more cars on the road, tired drivers, and people driving on unfamiliar roads can all add up.
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Festive spirit spurs teens to commit to neighbourhood spruce-up
24 Dec 2025The initiative has also inspired other residents to contribute by tidying up their own properties. Audio
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'Deporting my child is like cutting off my arm' - Appeals after nurse's son denied visa
24 Dec 2025Immigration New Zealand rejected the visa application of Nelson aged care worker Nithin Mankeel's son after he was diagnosed with autism.
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What is (and isn't) open on Christmas Day
24 Dec 2025By now, for many of us, presents will be wrapped and the groceries bought. But for those who need a last-minute gift or a dash to the supermarket, you may be in luck.
