https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/rss NZME Get the latest vital news, groundbreaking opinion, and essential commentary around New Zealand from Newstalk ZB. Sat, 06 Jun 2026 16:20:48 Z en https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/friends-house-share-feud-ends-with-disputes-tribunal-ruling-neither-owes-the-other-a-cent/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/friends-house-share-feud-ends-with-disputes-tribunal-ruling-neither-owes-the-other-a-cent/ Friends who fell out after buying a house together ended up fighting over cleaning products, internet and power costs.  Sat, 06 Jun 2026 04:19:54 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/muriwai-tragedy-person-found-dead-after-falling-from-rocks/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/muriwai-tragedy-person-found-dead-after-falling-from-rocks/ A person has died after reportedly falling from rocks at Muriwai.  Sat, 06 Jun 2026 04:09:38 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/multiple-myeloma-tauranga-woman-fundraising-for-treatment-in-china/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/multiple-myeloma-tauranga-woman-fundraising-for-treatment-in-china/ Twelve years ago, Tauranga dancer Maria Wortman-Dabrowska was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (blood cancer). For years, her treatments were successful. Now she has relapsed and is “out of options”. The 56-year-old is eyeing a $200,000 trip overseas for a clinical trial. Megan Wilson reports.  Fri, 05 Jun 2026 23:11:56 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/coroner-finds-green-mp-efeso-collins-died-from-silent-heart-disease/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/coroner-finds-green-mp-efeso-collins-died-from-silent-heart-disease/ Efeso Collins was doing what he had always done – showing up for his community – when his life was suddenly cut short.  Fri, 05 Jun 2026 20:14:27 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/aussie-influencer-and-comedian-christian-hull-praises-doc-staff-who-returned-lost-wallet/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/aussie-influencer-and-comedian-christian-hull-praises-doc-staff-who-returned-lost-wallet/ An Australian comedian and content creator has commended Department of Conservation staff who reunited him with his wallet, 100km north of where he left it. Fri, 05 Jun 2026 07:09:57 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/myles-macduff-remembered-as-family-shares-mnd-journey-during-action-month/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/myles-macduff-remembered-as-family-shares-mnd-journey-during-action-month/ The first thing people noticed about Myles MacDuff was his presence. Fri, 05 Jun 2026 05:52:30 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/meridian-energy-wins-draft-approval-to-take-more-water-from-lake-p%C5%ABkaki/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/meridian-energy-wins-draft-approval-to-take-more-water-from-lake-p%C5%ABkaki/ Meridian Energy may soon be allowed to take more water from Lake Pūkaki for power generation after receiving a draft decision from a fast-track panel. Fri, 05 Jun 2026 03:03:10 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/ashburton-s-286m-lotto-powerball-winner-claims-prize-days-after-scoring-mega-windfall/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/ashburton-s-286m-lotto-powerball-winner-claims-prize-days-after-scoring-mega-windfall/ New Zealand has a new millionaire, with Lotto NZ confirming the winning ticket has been claimed.  Fri, 05 Jun 2026 01:13:17 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/alerts-issued-as-thunderstorms-with-tornado-and-flood-threat-to-lash-north-island/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/alerts-issued-as-thunderstorms-with-tornado-and-flood-threat-to-lash-north-island/ A severe thunderstorm watch is in place for the top half of the North Island as an electrical storm threat moves up the country.  Thu, 04 Jun 2026 23:08:55 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/resident-of-property-where-gurshabad-singh-drowned-says-neighbour-grandson-tried-to-save-his-life/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/resident-of-property-where-gurshabad-singh-drowned-says-neighbour-grandson-tried-to-save-his-life/ A grandmother at the house where an 8-year-old boy drowned is struggling with his death but hailing her neighbour and grandson as “absolute heroes” for trying to save his life.  Thu, 04 Jun 2026 21:28:42 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/coroner-makes-findings-on-drowning-death-of-napier-man-howard-reese/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/coroner-makes-findings-on-drowning-death-of-napier-man-howard-reese/ After hours clinging to a capsized boat in a chilly sea, Howard Reese told his crayfishing buddy, “I can’t take any more of this. I’m too cold. I’ve had it.”  Thu, 04 Jun 2026 19:15:04 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/radio-and-podcast-awards-newstalk-zb-wins-station-of-the-year-for-sixth-straight-year-heather-du-plessis-allan-named-broadcaster-of-the-year/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/radio-and-podcast-awards-newstalk-zb-wins-station-of-the-year-for-sixth-straight-year-heather-du-plessis-allan-named-broadcaster-of-the-year/ Newstalk ZB has won Station of the Year for a record sixth straight year, while drive host Heather du Plessis-Allan was named the Sir Paul Holmes Broadcaster of the Year for a second straight year at the 2026 NZ Radio and Podcast Awards. Thu, 04 Jun 2026 07:07:35 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/huffer-accused-of-using-ai-to-recreate-models-in-new-campaign/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/huffer-accused-of-using-ai-to-recreate-models-in-new-campaign/ A model who previously worked for Huffer claims the New Zealand-owned fashion label has used AI to generate new campaign images of models. Thu, 04 Jun 2026 05:53:37 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/taranaki-cafe-owner-faces-threats-after-posting-photos-of-child-who-etched-words-into-4500-couch/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/taranaki-cafe-owner-faces-threats-after-posting-photos-of-child-who-etched-words-into-4500-couch/ A cafe is facing a public backlash, including threats of arson and ram raids, after posting images of a young child scratching her name into a leather couch. Thu, 04 Jun 2026 03:48:30 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/erueti-wirihana-sentenced-to-seven-years-for-the-cold-case-manslaughter-of-hastings-man-eddie-peters/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/erueti-wirihana-sentenced-to-seven-years-for-the-cold-case-manslaughter-of-hastings-man-eddie-peters/ The daughter of the victim in a seven-year-old manslaughter case has told the heavily tattooed gang member who killed her father that he was “just a pathetic little boy”.  Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:45:38 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/arson-charge-laid-over-blaze-at-prime-minister-christopher-luxon-s-northpark-office/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/arson-charge-laid-over-blaze-at-prime-minister-christopher-luxon-s-northpark-office/ A man has been charged with arson after a fire broke out at Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s Auckland office.  Wed, 03 Jun 2026 23:40:31 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/police-release-image-of-bike-linked-to-alleged-murder-of-far-north-kuia-t%C4%81rati-buckley/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/police-release-image-of-bike-linked-to-alleged-murder-of-far-north-kuia-t%C4%81rati-buckley/ Police are searching for a mountain bike allegedly ridden by the man charged with the murder of a Far North kuia.  Wed, 03 Jun 2026 22:27:18 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/lotto-powerball-28m-win-ashburton-four-square-celebrates-hopes-it-s-one-of-their-lucky-locals/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/lotto-powerball-28m-win-ashburton-four-square-celebrates-hopes-it-s-one-of-their-lucky-locals/ The Ashburton shop where last night’s eye-watering $28.2 million Lotto Powerball was sold is hoping it’s gone to one of their “very lucky locals”.  Wed, 03 Jun 2026 20:45:17 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/whang%C4%81rei-judge-grants-discharge-to-young-driver-shiralee-collis-in-fatal-crash-case/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/whang%C4%81rei-judge-grants-discharge-to-young-driver-shiralee-collis-in-fatal-crash-case/ Crash victim Kerry McDonald was not a man who held grudges, and if he had survived, his family believe he would have had strong words for the motorist who hit him - but ultimately, he would have shown kindness.  Wed, 03 Jun 2026 19:18:05 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/spca-adoptions-fall-over-five-year-period/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/spca-adoptions-fall-over-five-year-period/ The number of pets adopted from the SPCA has fallen by almost 2400 in the last five years, as the cost-of-living crisis bites for pet owners. Wed, 03 Jun 2026 17:00:11 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/wellington-airport-drug-bust-39kg-of-meth-found-disguised-as-tea/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/wellington-airport-drug-bust-39kg-of-meth-found-disguised-as-tea/ Two women have been charged after Customs officers allegedly seized 39kg of methamphetamine disguised as tea. Wed, 03 Jun 2026 08:50:37 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/trial-begins-for-laura-williams-accused-of-setting-fire-to-her-partner-s-man-cave/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/trial-begins-for-laura-williams-accused-of-setting-fire-to-her-partner-s-man-cave/ “All your s***’s already f***in’ burnt so don’t even bother trying to get it” a woman accused of arson allegedly told her partner just hours after he hit her, cut off his ankle bracelet and fled the property. Wed, 03 Jun 2026 08:35:41 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/christchurch-mother-calls-for-bereavement-leave-to-rise-from-three-to-10-days/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/christchurch-mother-calls-for-bereavement-leave-to-rise-from-three-to-10-days/ A grieving mother whose daughter died three years ago has launched a petition to extend New Zealand’s minimum bereavement leave from three days to 10. Wed, 03 Jun 2026 08:28:45 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/otago-university-rejects-claims-grant-robertson-breached-neutrality-rules-over-definitions-of-woman-and-man-bill/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/otago-university-rejects-claims-grant-robertson-breached-neutrality-rules-over-definitions-of-woman-and-man-bill/ The University of Otago has rejected claims that Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson breached institutional neutrality requirements by criticising a controversial bill defining “woman” and “man” in law. Wed, 03 Jun 2026 04:08:47 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/fatbergs-wash-ashore-at-t%C4%81hunanui-back-beach-after-nelson-flooding/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/fatbergs-wash-ashore-at-t%C4%81hunanui-back-beach-after-nelson-flooding/ Pet owners in Nelson are being warned after reports of dogs eating solidified waste washing up on local beaches. Wed, 03 Jun 2026 04:03:13 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/well-and-truly-on-its-way-el-nino-likely-to-peak-over-new-zealand-summer/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/well-and-truly-on-its-way-el-nino-likely-to-peak-over-new-zealand-summer/ By Kate Newton of RNZ Wed, 03 Jun 2026 03:39:22 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/wh%C4%81nau-pay-tribute-to-hokianga-kuia-t%C4%81rati-buckley-allegedly-murdered-in-far-north/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/wh%C4%81nau-pay-tribute-to-hokianga-kuia-t%C4%81rati-buckley-allegedly-murdered-in-far-north/ The whānau of a kuia allegedly murdered in the Far North say she dedicated her life to helping others, especially tamariki and mokopuna. Wed, 03 Jun 2026 02:58:40 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/portobello-remains-confirmed-as-missing-otago-man-murray-wakefield/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/portobello-remains-confirmed-as-missing-otago-man-murray-wakefield/ Human skeletal remains found on the Portobello coastline in March have been identified as those of a man reported missing from the area last year, Police say. Wed, 03 Jun 2026 02:00:26 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/tauranga-man-dies-after-police-taser-incident-investigation-launched/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/tauranga-man-dies-after-police-taser-incident-investigation-launched/ A man has died in police custody in Tauranga overnight. Wed, 03 Jun 2026 01:22:30 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/police-appeal-for-witnesses-after-serious-crash-on-tairua-rd-whangamat%C4%81/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/police-appeal-for-witnesses-after-serious-crash-on-tairua-rd-whangamat%C4%81/ Police investigating a crash that left two people injured are appealing for witnesses or dashcam footage. Wed, 03 Jun 2026 01:16:17 Z