Police updates and urban planning shaped New Zealand's releases on 1 October. New Zealand Police gave an update on the Edgeware homicide and named the victim of a fatal crash at Peria, while Chris Bishop announced planning changes to support Wellington's growth.
Thursday 1 October 2026 (Pacific/Auckland source-local date) · 3 releases · MediaRelease.co editorial digest
Police have charged a 52-year-old man with murder after a woman was found deceased at a Purchas Street property in Edgeware, Christchurch, on 30 September. Detective Senior Sergeant Colin Baillie said the man was taken into custody at the scene and remanded in custody, with a court appearance set for 16 October. Police are not seeking anyone else and a scene examination continues.
New Zealand Police have named the two people who died in a crash on Oruru Road, Peria, on 26 August. They were Waihue Susan Epiha, 35, and Huhana Te Waiora Goodwin-Epiha, seven months, both of Peria. Police extended condolences to their whānau and friends and said enquiries into the crash remain ongoing.
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has confirmed district-plan changes for four Wellington sites after a heritage planning investigation. Listings will be removed from the Karori Tunnel, Kelburn Viaduct and Miramar oil tank, and Courtenay Place height limits for non-heritage buildings will change. The former General Headquarters Building on Taranaki Street keeps its listing. Advice estimates about 550 extra apartments and around $200 million in construction activity.
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