On April 29, 1864, one of the most iconic battles of the New Zealand Wars took place: the Battle of Gate Pā (Pukehinahina), in Tauranga, Bay of Plenty. It was fought between around 230 Māori warriors, led by the Ngāi Te Rangi iwi, and over 1,600 British and colonial troops.What Sparked the Battle?The Crown sought to assert control over Māori land in Tauranga, prompting resistance from local iwi. Gate Pā was built as a defensive fortification with complex trenches and bunkers, designed to withstand artillery fire — a remarkable feat of engineering for the time.The Outcome of the BattleDespite being…

The Cave Creek incident, a day that began with an ordinary student field trip ended in disaster, forever altering the country’s approach to public safety and government accountability.The group involved was from Tai Poutini Polytechnic in Greymouth. Seventeen outdoor recreation students and one Department of Conservation (DOC) officer traveled to Paparoa National Park on the South Island’s rugged West Coast. Their visit included a stop at the Cave Creek viewing platform, a timber structure built to give visitors a clear view of the dramatic limestone sinkhole below.At around 11:25 a.m., as the group gathered on the platform, it suddenly gave…

Wellington’s beloved barbecue hotspot, Wilson Barbecue, has officially entered liquidation, bringing a sombre close to one of the city’s most unique culinary ventures. Known for its bold American-style smoked meats and a Guinness World Record to its name, the restaurant is now the latest casualty in a growing list of hospitality businesses struggling under financial pressure.From Smokin’ Success to Shuttered DoorsWilson Barbecue earned a cult following in the capital for serving up slow-cooked brisket, ribs, and other Southern US-style delights. What started as a food truck and pop-up evolved into a permanent fixture, celebrated for its generous portions and authentic…

One of the most shocking events this month was the discovery of a British couple in their Roseneath home. Ben and Claire Anderson, who had recently relocated to New Zealand, were found deceased following a police welfare check. Authorities are treating the incident as a suspected murder-suicide.“Initial findings suggest no third party involvement,” police said. The case has been referred to the coroner, and the British High Commission is assisting with family notifications and support.Miramar Homicide and Burglary Believed LinkedIn Miramar, police continue to investigate a disturbing incident involving a homicide and an aggravated burglary. Abdul Nabizadah, 63, was found…

On April 19, 1884, Annie Alice Crisp made New Zealand history. She became the first New Zealand woman to be awarded a royal honour — the Royal Red Cross — for her exceptional work in nursing. This event not only marked a milestone in our national story but also shone a light on the vital role of women in public service, long before they had the right to vote.Annie Alice Crisp: A Pioneer in CareAnnie Alice Crisp was the Lady Superintendent of Auckland Hospital, a role that placed her at the heart of New Zealand’s public health system. At a…

Wellington’s Hutt Valley has become a focal point in New Zealand’s escalating battle against illegal street racing, as recent events have underscored the challenges faced by law enforcement in curbing this dangerous trend.​Violent Confrontation in TaitaOn April 19, police officers responding to reports of illegal street racing in Taita were met with hostility from a crowd of approximately 80 individuals. The situation escalated rapidly, with bottles being hurled at the officers, forcing them to retreat and call for additional support. This incident is part of a troubling pattern of aggression towards law enforcement during such crackdowns.Operation Kereru: A Zero-Tolerance ApproachIn…

A scrub fire near Paremata Railway Station in Porirua, north of Wellington, disrupted train services on the Kāpiti Line on Wednesday afternoon. Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) crews responded to the blaze around 1:20 PM, with multiple units working to contain the fire. Although the flames did not reach the railway tracks, train services between Porirua and Plimmerton were temporarily halted as a safety precaution, and overhead power was switched off at FENZ’s request. Power was restored shortly after 3:00 PM, and train operations resumed. However, some services continued to experience delays, with bus replacements deployed on certain routes.…

A transformer fire in Churton Park on April 14, 2025, led to widespread power outages across multiple Wellington suburbs, including Johnsonville, Ngauranga, and Glenside. Over 1,000 homes were affected, with emergency services and Wellington Electricity crews working throughout the day to restore supply.Transformer Fire Sparks Emergency ResponseAt around 11:30 AM, emergency services were alerted to a fire at a transformer on Halswater Drive in Churton Park. According to Fire and Emergency New Zealand, two fire trucks were dispatched. Firefighters were required to wait for the power supply to be isolated before they could safely tackle the blaze.The transformer was severely…

A New Era of Māori RepresentationThe year 1868 marked a significant turning point in New Zealand’s political landscape. For the first time in history, the country’s Māori population gained representation in Parliament. This development, driven by the Māori Representation Act of 1867, gave birth to the first four Māori Members of Parliament (MPs). This momentous event not only reshaped New Zealand’s political framework but also laid the foundation for ongoing efforts toward equitable indigenous representation.In this article, we will explore the significance of this election, the trailblazing leaders who took office, and the lasting impact it had on Māori rights…

What began as a bold idea in 2015 has evolved into New Zealand’s premier music festival. Electric Avenue, held annually in Christchurch’s iconic Hagley Park, has grown into a cultural cornerstone—drawing tens of thousands from across Aotearoa and beyond. In 2025, the festival marked a major milestone, attracting more than 70,000 music lovers over two days, making it the largest music event in New Zealand.A Festival Born in ChristchurchElectric Avenue launched on Waitangi Day, February 6, 2015. The inaugural event featured a lineup of top local talent including Shapeshifter, Fat Freddy’s Drop, and Ladi6, attracting 8,000 attendees. Set against the…