Eight people were injured after a bus with school students on board crashed into a tree in southern Auckland this morning.
Police said the crash occurred at around 8.45am on Elliot Street in Pahurehure, Papakura, when a bus hit a tree.
St John said it assessed eight people at the scene, with three taken to Middlemore Hospital.
Two of them were in a serious condition and one was moderate.
Emergency services at the scene of a crash on Elliot Street in Papakura. (Source: 1News)
“Two other patients self-transported to a local medical centre, in a moderate condition.
“The remaining three patients were assessed and treated at the scene.”
Auckland Transport confirmed the bus involved was operating on the 377 route between Papakura and Park Estate.
Rosehill School told parents the bus was carrying some of its students when the crash occurred.
“Senior leadership went to the site as soon as possible to work alongside emergency services to support students on-site,” the email to parents read.
The front of the smashed bus pictured on Elliot St. (Source: 1News)
“We will continue to support whānau during this time. As usual, in times of high emotion, our guidance team will be available to offer counselling and assistance to our students.”
Police said it was carrying out an examination at the scene, and asked the public to avoid the area if possible.
Auckland Transport said it would work closely with emergency services and its contracted bus operator, Ritchies, to “ensure this incident is thoroughly investigated”.
“This will have been a distressing incident for everybody onboard the bus and AT will be reaching out to passengers today to offer our support,” AT director for public transport and active modes Stacey van der Putten said.
A “highly venomous” yellow-bellied sea snake was found dead by a member of the public over the weekend on Rangiahua/Flat Island, near Aotea/Great Barrier Island.
A file image of a yellow-bellied sea snake (Source: 1News)
Department of Conservation project manager Sarah Dwyer said the snake was found on Saturday.
“Thankfully, the snake was reported immediately to DOC and is now at the DOC office on Aotea. The snake will be sent to Te Papa for their collection.”
This latest sighting is not the first of its kind in recent times.
The snake is now at the DOC office on Aotea. (Source: Department of Conservation.)
On April 27, 1News reported a yellow-bellied sea snake was discovered alive on a beach north of Auckland.
When DOC arrived at the location, however, it said the snake was dead after it appeared to have been bitten by a dog and “hit with something”.
A live snake had also been found near Hokitika on the West Coast in recent weeks.
It was expected more sightings would occur, due to storm events in the warmer waters to the north of New Zealand where the snakes generally live.
Dwyer said sea snakes and kraits were occasional visitors to New Zealand’s waters but they were considered a native species under the Wildlife Act 1953.
“This is because they arrive here naturally from time to time on ocean currents — rather than by human transportation.
A live yellow-bellied sea snake has washed ashore at Omaha Beach, north of Auckland. (Source: Department of Conservation)
“It is therefore illegal to kill or harass a sea snake, or possess one or any part of one without a permit.”
Dwyer said sea snakes and kraits were highly venomous but they were “docile creatures”.
“There is no record of anyone in New Zealand being bitten.”
DOC marine science adviser Karen Middlemiss said snakes generally didn’t last long after arriving in New Zealand.
“The waters are far too cold, so when they do wash up on the beaches, they don’t survive very much longer than a couple of days.”
If someone found a sea snake or krait, Dwyer recommended to “keep well away” and call 0800 DOC HOT.
About 100 Tongan pilgrims started arriving in the Vatican to support Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi as preparations begin for tomorrow’s election of a new Pope.
‘Ekitoni Vaiangina with Cardinal Mafi, He said it was an incredible opportunity to take a photo with Cardinal Mafi ahead of the conclave. Photo/’Ekitino Vaiangina
Cardinal Mafi, the Bishop of Tonga, is one of only two cardinals from the Pacific islands chosen to participate in the historic vote.
A total of 133 cardinals will gather in the Sistine Chapel for the conclave, the term used by the Vatican to describe the closed-door assembly where cardinals elect the next Pope.
The Tongan pilgrims expressed their pride in Cardinal Mafi’s role, highlighting the rare Pacific representation in the papal election process.
The conclave begins tomorrow, Thursday, 8 (NZ time), amid global anticipation of the selection of the next leader of the Catholic Church.
Catholic member Eikitino Vaiangina told Kaniva News that he and approximately 30 other Catholics from New Zealand had arrived, with more on their way.
He shared a photo with Cardinal Mafi earlier, noting it was an opportunity to take a picture with him before the conclave election.
He said that there were 99 pilgrims scheduled for their visit to the Vatican.
How does the Conclave work?
According to Vatican News, the term “Conclave” comes from two Latin words: cum (with) and clavis (key). In Church terminology, it designates both the secluded place where the papal election is held, and the body of Cardinals convened there to elect the new Pope.
Formally established in 1274 by Pope Gregory X, the upcoming Conclave starting on May 7 to elect the 267th Pope will be the 76th in the form we know today, which was established by Pope Gregory X in 1274, and the 26th held under the gaze of Michelangelo’s Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel.
Over the centuries, various reforms gradually shaped the procedure for the election of the Pope. The first significant changes were introduced by Pope Nicholas II in 1059 with the Bull In nomine Domini, which specified that only cardinals could elect the Roman Pontiff.
Before that, the Successor of Peter was chosen with the participation of the ecclesial community: clergy assessed candidates proposed by the faithful, and the bishops chose the Pope. External influences and interferences from political powers, of course, played a major role in the election, often hindering the electoral process.
In 1179 Pope Alexander III promulgated the Constitution Licet de vitanda introducing the requirement of a two-thirds majority — a key element that remains today.
The Voting Process
Each cardinal, in order of precedence, writes the name of their chosen candidate on the ballot, folds it, holds it aloft so it is visible, and carries it to the altar. There, a chalice is placed with a plate covering it.
Each elector says aloud, in Italian: “Chiamo a testimone Cristo Signore, il quale mi giudicherà, che il mio voto è dato a colui che, secondo Dio, ritengo debba essere eletto”. (“I call as my witness Christ the Lord, who will be my judge, that my vote is given to the one whom I believe should be elected according to God”.)
The cardinal then places the ballot on the plate and uses it to drop the vote into the chalice, bows to the altar, and returns to his seat.
Cardinals who are present but unable to walk to the altar due to illness give their folded ballot to one of the scrutineers, who brings it to the altar and deposits it in the same manner, without reciting the oath again.
These are the words printed on each ballot that the 133 cardinal electors will use to choose the 267th Roman Pontiff. The ballot is rectangular, with the top half bearing the Latin phrase and the bottom half left blank for the cardinal to write the name of their chosen candidate. The ballot is designed to be folded in half – a detail prescribed by the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis.
Ballot Distribution
Each cardinal elector receives at least two or three ballots, distributed by the ceremonial officers. Then, the senior cardinal deacon draws lots to appoint three scrutineers (to count the votes), three infirmarii (to collect votes from ill cardinals), and three revisers (to verify the count). If any of those selected are unable to fulfil their roles due to illness or other reasons, new names are drawn in their place. This stage is known as the pre-scrutiny.
Before voting begins, all non-electors – including the secretary of the College of Cardinals, the Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations, and the ceremonial officers – must leave the Sistine Chapel. The senior cardinal deacon then closes the doors, opening and closing them only as needed, such as when the infirmarii go to collect the votes of ill cardinals and return.
The “Room of Tears”
Once a Pope is elected, he will be led to the “Room of Tears”, a small room next to the Sistine Chapel where he dons the white papal vestments for the first time.
A social media star from Vava‘u is taking the internet by storm with a series of jaw-dropping stunts that blend traditional Tongan toughness with modern viral flair.
Siaki Lonitenisi first captured attention by casually gripping a scorching-hot cooking pot, fresh off an open flame, barehanded, not once but twice, without flinching.
Then, he upped the ante by shooting down drinking coconuts with a rifle, hitting every target with perfect precision. Clips of his feats have sparked a wave of challengers attempting to replicate his skills.
Not content with just one amazing stunt, Lonitenisi demonstrated his sharpshooting skills by knocking down three breadfruit with his rifle, without missing a single shot.
His most audacious stunt came when he snatched a beehive mid-livestream, causing the swarm to flee rather than attack, prompting his now-famous declaration as “taki ‘o e vaotaa” (leader of the jungle).
Now, fans are challenging the Tongan star to aim even higher by attempting a Guinness World Record.
While Guinness World Records confirms there’s no existing category for gripping scorching hot pots, deeming it too dangerous, Lonitenisi is proving some records are made to be broken—or invented. There is also no specific Guinness World Record for shooting down coconuts from coconut trees.
The suggestion comes after similar records were set, including one by a Pakistani man, Muhammad Rashid (Pakistan) in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan, who smashed 43 green coconuts with the head in one minute on 12 November 2023.
The most coconuts smashed with one hand is 148, and Muhamed Kahrimanovic (Germany) achieved this on the set of Lo Show Dei Record in Milan, Italy, on 21 February 2022.
Social media is buzzing with ideas for potential records Lonitenisi could attempt. Could he set a new mark for the fastest coconut shooting?
With his growing online following and demonstrated skills, many believe he has what it takes to put Tonga on the world record map.
His fans are certainly ready to cheer him on if he does.
The Guinness World Record for the heaviest monarch was held by King Tāufa’āhau Tupou IV of Tonga, who died in 2006. At his peak, he weighed 209.5 kg (462 lb).
EDITOR’S NOTE:This story has been updated to reflect only factual information meant to be reported. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the previous version.
The Trump administration has announced a new measure offering undocumented immigrants in the U.S. a $1,000 (NZ$1,676) incentive to leave the country voluntarily.
The Department of Homeland Security stated that the program would also provide travel assistance and reduce deportation risks for those who use the CBP One app to declare their intent to return home.
The move marks a significant escalation in the administration’s immigration enforcement policies, prioritising mass deportations in recent months.
Tonga Prime Minister
Meanwhile, in a separate diplomatic engagement, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met with Tongan Prime Minister Dr ‘Aisake Eke and Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Secretary General Baron Waqa to reinforce the U.S. commitment to the Pacific region.
Prime Minister Eke, is the current PIF Chair, and Baron Waqa is PIF Secretary General.
The Deputy Secretary highlighted that the United States, as a Pacific power, remains committed to engagement with the region and looked forward to deepening cooperation on a range of issues to secure a free, open, and prosperous Pacific region.
The Deputy Secretary, Prime Minister, and Secretary General also discussed expanding opportunities for strengthening commercial ties to promote durable, long term economic growth and development that benefits both Americans and Pacific Islanders.
The Tongan government has issued a stern warning prohibiting unauthorised access to uninhabited Crown lands, including the remote ‘Ata Island, effective immediately.
The Ministry of Lands, Survey, Planning, and Natural Resources released a public notice on May 6, 2025, emphasising strict enforcement of existing land laws to protect these areas.
‘Ata Island, located approximately 160 kilometres (99 miles) south-southwest of Tongatapu, is designated as Crown Land under the Land Act, placing it under the direct authority of the Minister for Lands.
The notice clarifies that Tongan citizens must obtain written permission from the Minister before landing, occupying, or using the island for any purpose, including filming, research, or tourism.
Foreign nationals face even stricter regulations: entering or using ‘Ata Island without a permit is a criminal offense, punishable by fines, imprisonment, or deportation.
The government also requires foreign entities to secure additional approvals, such as environmental and immigration clearances, before accessing uninhabited Crown lands.
Violators will be removed immediately and may face legal penalties, including revocation of future permits. The ministry has urged the public to report any unauthorised activities on ‘Ata Island to the authorities in Nuku’alofa.
This move underscores Tonga’s commitment to preserving its uninhabited islands and enforcing sovereign control over its natural resources. Officials cite concerns over environmental protection and illegal activities as key reasons for the crackdown.
For further inquiries or permit applications, contact the Ministry of Lands, Survey, Planning, and Natural Resources in Nuku’alofa.
A homicide investigation has been launched after a man died in the south Auckland suburb of Manurewa this morning.
(Source: 1News)
Emergency services were called to the property on Mahia Rd just before 10am after it was reported that a man was “seriously injured”.
A man was found by police in a “critical condition” and died at the scene.
“Police are continuing to gather information from the scene, and there will be an increased police presence in the area,” Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers said.
“A scene examination will continue throughout today as we work to understand the exact circumstances surrounding this tragic incident and who was involved.”
Vickers said police would be working to identify and locate any persons of interest.
“Police would ask anyone who saw what happened, who has not yet spoken to us, to please get in touch.”
Anyone with information was asked to call police on 105.
More than 25kg of cocaine has been seized and four men arrested following an joint investigation into the importation of the drug into Christchurch.
More than 25kg of cocaine was seized at Lyttelton Port. (Source: NZ Police)
Police and Customs received information about a “significant importation” of cocaine that had come through Lyttelton Port on March 29.
Search warrants were then executed across the country by specialist teams to support investigators with evidence gathering.
Four men, aged between 30-36, have been arrested in Christchurch, Wellington, Tauranga and Auckland as a result of the six-week investigation.
They will face multiple charges, including possession of cocaine for supply and burglary, and will appear in various district courts across a range of dates.
Detective Senior Sergeant Phil Sparks said the seizure equated to more than 250,000 doses of cocaine and $9 million of harm.
“That is an enormous amount of damage and misery that had been heading into our communities that has now been halted through this investigation.”
Sparks said the success of the investigation was partly down to the “excellent partnership” between Customs and the police.
“We continue to have a focus on engaging with businesses and supporting their legitimate services by keeping them safe with prevention advice to deter drug trafficking organisations’ attempts to exploit their people and premises.”
Customs acting investigations manager Rachael Manning said the investigation resulted from quick action and close collaboration between the agencies as well as industry partners.
“We know that transnational and serious organised crime groups are actively targeting New Zealand to drive up both demand and supply of illegal drugs such as cocaine for maximum profit. They’re using every method possible to exploit any vulnerabilities within international supply chains, whether that’s at seaports, in secure areas or on vessels themselves.”
The National Party has introduced a new members’ bill to ban social media for those aged under 16.
Christopher Luxon and Catherine Wedd announce a bill to restrict social media for under-16s. (Source: 1News)
Christopher Luxon announced the bill alongside National Tukituki MP Catherine Wedd this morning.
Wedd said the My Social Media Age-Appropriate Users Bill “puts the onus on social media companies to verify that someone is over the age of 16 before they access social media platforms”.
Key aspects of the Bill would include obligations for the social media platforms, defence for providers to rely on reasonable verification measures, penalties for non-compliance, regulatory oversight and a review after three years.
Fake news, deepfakes and conspiracies on social media are linked to frequent searches for “gaslighting”. (Source: istock.com)
Currently, there are no legally enforceable age verification measures for social media platforms in New Zealand, Wedd said.
Members’ bills are introduced by MPs who are not Ministers, and need to be drawn from a ballot to be debated in Parliament.
Luxon said he was hopeful of gaining bipartisan support.
“It’s not a political issue, it’s a New Zealand issue.”
He had spoken with coalition partners ACT and NZ First about it, but would let them speak about their position.
He said this was an issue he had been passionate about since 2018, and as a dad he felt the party needed to do more to keep young people safe from online harm.
“It’s time that New Zealand acknowledged that for all the good things that come from social media, it’s not always a safe place for our young people to be and we need to do something about it.”
He said teachers and parents had raised issues with him including cyber bullying, exposure to inappropriate content and exploitation and social media addiction.
“Social media should not be exempt from social responsibility, and it is time we put the onus on these platforms,” he said.
Wedd said social media was “an extraordinary resource”, but came with risks for young people.
“As a mother of four children I feel very strongly that families and parents should be better supported when it comes to overseeing their children’s online exposure.
The bill closely mirrors the approach taken in Australia, which passed the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill in December 2024
There are questions over the ban’s effectiveness, Australia Correspondent Aziz Al Sa’afin reports. (Source: 1News)
At the end of last year, a 1News Verian Poll found more than two-thirds of New Zealand voters supported restricting social media access for under-16s.
The poll results showed that 68% backed introducing similar legislation in New Zealand as in Australia, while 22% were opposed, and 10% were undecided or preferred not to say.
National Party supporters and women showed the strongest support for the proposed restrictions, while opposition was highest among 18-34-year-olds and men.
Wedd said “other jurisdictions are also taking action”.
“Texas recently passed legislation which bans under 18s from social media use and the UK, the EU and Canada all have similar work in train,” she said.
“This bill builds on National’s successful and successful cell phone ban in schools and reinforces the Government’s commitment to setting our children up for success.”
Tonga Police have confirmed the death of a 74-year-old man at his residence in Masilamea, Tongatapu.
The discovery was made on May 1, 2025, after neighbours reported concerns about the man’s welfare.
Police arrived at the scene and found the man deceased in his home.
According to neighbours, he was last seen alive on March 27, 2025.
A medical report from Vaiola Hospital confirmed that the man had passed away more than 48 hours before his body was discovered, with the cause of death determined to be cardiac arrest.
The body has been released to the family for burial.
Tonga Police expressed their deepest condolences to the grieving family and loved ones, acknowledging the difficulty of their loss.
Authorities have not indicated any suspicion of foul play but continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the delayed discovery of the death.
