From the most ‘only in NZ’ yarns to unexpected viral Kiwi moments making it worldwide, 2024 has been a year of wild headlines and unforgettable stories.
Whether it was local legends using beer to save a pub from disaster, losing an iconic Kiwi sweet treat, or viral NZ town pronunciations, New Zealand’s local news has kept us entertained all year long.
Here are 15 of the most talked-about news stories we shared this year:
End of Newshub
The shocking farewell rocked the New Zealand media scene as Newshub’s biggest names responded to the "heartbreaking" news of their newsroom's closure.
Emotions were high as they shut up shop after 34 years of producing daily news.
Fred Again’s NZ trip
The UK DJ planned a surprise trip to NZ to perform a bunch of pop-up gigs. But that wasn’t the only surprise he had in store – he managed to reunite with the group of Wellingtonians he entered a pub quiz with 14 months earlier on his last visit to NZ.
Hundreds of Te Kuiti sheep ‘ram raided’ a local Liquorland
While ram-raids were a hot topic in the news in the early part of the year, in a bizarre turn of events, hundreds of sheep in Te Kuiti caused chaos at a local Liquorland – bringing a whole new meaning to the word.
Jack Black, Jason Momoa, and Rita Ora perform form a band in NZ
We’ve had plenty of celeb appearances around the country this year, but one unforgettable moment was when this star-studded crew created a supergroup and took on a Stevie Nicks classic during the Minecraft movie wrap party.
NZ Singer Paige opened for the Jonas Brothers
After months of campaigning on social media, Paige finally got her “Camp Rock moment” with the Jo-Bros. She shared a behind-the-scenes look at her whole day leading up to her duet with Joe Jonas.
NZ Warriors announce HUGE new signing for 2025
The Wahs lost Sean Johnson, Jazz Tevaga, and Addin Fonua-Blake this year, but all eyes are now on their latest signing – James Fisher-Harris, who will be joining the lineup next season.
NZ's most expensive pie
This $50 pie became the talk of the country, leaving Kiwis scratching their heads over what could make the pastry so pricey.
Choccy fish caught saying goodbye for good
Fans of the iconic Cadbury Chocolate Fish were left devastated when the fate of the classic Kiwi sweet treat was revealed.
Local legends save pub
When disaster struck, a group of quick-thinking locals stepped in to save a beloved pub from burning down with their bevvies.
As they said: "Sometimes you've just got to do what you've got to do.”
‘Shortland Street’ close to being axed
Long-time fans of Shortland Street were left fuming after news broke that the show’s future was close to being axed for good.
It wasn’t until it was confirmed the show would still air on fewer days that we could breathe a sigh of relief and be rest assured it’s not going anywhere just yet.
NZ Olympian Eliza McCartney shared her Te Reo at the Olympic village
Olympian Eliza McCartney left us in awe with a powerful and moving Te Reo welcome to fellow Kiwi athletes at the Paris Olympic Games.
NZ Black Ferns broke royal protocol with King Charles
The Black Ferns broke royal rules to give King Charles a heartwarming group hug that he described as “healing”.
The moment was equally hilarious as it was wholesome.
NZ reclaimed the Guinness World Record for the largest haka
Thousands of Kiwis packed onto the field at Eden Park in Tāmaki Makaurau to perform ‘Ka Mate’ and reclaim the record from France, who had held it for 10 years.
Dunedin airport’s ‘hug limit’ sign goes viral worldwide
A simple slip of the tongue turned into a hilarious yarn when a US reporter’s mispronunciation of Dunedin, while reporting on the airport’s hug limit, went viral. Classic!
Hīkoi mō te Tiriti goes viral in the US
The powerful Hīkoi mō te Tiriti took TikTok by storm when it went viral in the US, sparking strong reactions from people on the other side of the globe.
It’s been a year, that’s for sure! Here’s to what 2025 has in store!
