Emergency Services
Midday Report Essentials for Wednesday 5 November 2025
Unemployment edged up to a near nine-year high as businesses halted hiring, but slack in the jobs market increased, and wage growth slowed further; New research shows vaping is the likely reason for… Audio
Rotorua tourist spot Mitai Maori Village damaged by fire
A popular Rotorua tourist spot is thought to have been significantly damaged after a blaze on Tuesday night. Wetini Mitai-Ngati, Chief Executive of Mitai Maori Village spoke to Charlotte Cook. Audio
Whakamātūtū on brink of closing down
Wellington's Depression Recovery Centre is on the brink of closing down, because of a lack of funding. Ali Lewis is a client at Whakamātūtū and spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Fire damages popular Rotorua tourist spot
Tankers were brought in and State Highway 5 closed down for a time after the blaze broke out just after 10pm.
Large fire spreads through Hawke's Bay farmland
The fire began just 30 minutes before a restricted fire season came into force.
Person seriously hurt after two-vehicle crash in Auckland
Emergency services were called to the intersection of Elliot Street and Ray Small Drive at 2.04pm.
Managing asbestos needs legally enforceable guidelines
Worksafe is consulting on replacing the industry's existing approved code of practice with guidelines.
Large vegetation fire in Darfield
A large vegetation fire is spreading and destroying structures near Darfield in Canterbury. Reporter Adam Burns spoke to Charlotte Cook. Audio
Explosions, three structures destroyed as large fire spews black fumes
Fire fighters were called to the blaze burning through trees at a property near Darfield about 10am.
Explosions as fire guts Wellington homes
"Vicious" flames spread quickly in strong winds across two properties.
Measles vaccination efforts ramp up in Auckland
Measles vaccination efforts are ramping up in Auckland communities, with pop-up clinics, door to door campaigns and pharmacies all doing their part. Lucy Xia reports. Audio
Cause of Island Bay house fire to be investigated
The major fire has damaged two homes and a garage in the Wellington suburb.
Experts call for nationwide mental health response team
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission is calling for a single, nationwide mental health crisis response system -- after 35-thousand people sought help last year. Commission's Chief Executive… Audio
Firefighters on watch overnight after blaze damages two Wellington homes
One Island Bay home was 'completely gutted', with neighbours urged to close doors and windows to avoid exposure to smoke.
Worker seriously injured at Christchurch's KiwiRail depot
The injured person was taken to hospital in a serious condition.
Firefighters question David Seymour’s upgrade claims
All Black turned firefighter Steve Devine has urged David Seymour to meet him at any fire station in the country, to see the state of trucks they're using. He spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Teen killed in motorbike crash was going three times the speed limit
The 19-year-old wasn't wearing a helmet when he crashed in Napier last year.
Bus bursts into flames, after hitting Auckland overpass
Fire crews are battling a blaze near Constellation Busway Station, with police urging people to avoid the area.
Person falls from Wellington balcony, gunshots reported
Police are probing reports of a possible gunshot, after a person fell from a Brooklyn Road apartment.
One person dies, two injured in Waikato crash overnight
Police were called to a crash in the rural community of Rangiriri at about 10pm Saturday.
