Key Takeaways
- The year 2025 was marked by an abundance of industrial action across the public sector in New Zealand, including one of the largest strikes in the country’s history.
- Geopolitical tensions, weather extremes, and contentious policy changes dominated the headlines.
- Scandals rocked the police force, including the resignation of former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming, who was facing allegations of sexual misconduct and possessing objectionable publications.
- The government’s cuts to free school lunches were widely criticized, with schools, students, and parents complaining about the quality and timing of the meals.
- The Gaza ceasefire brought an end to two years of devastating warfare, but the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues, with high levels of food insecurity and displacement.
Introduction to 2025’s Biggest News Stories
The year 2025 was a significant one for New Zealand, with a wide range of news stories making headlines across the country. From industrial action and police scandals to geopolitical tensions and contentious policy changes, there was no shortage of major events that captured the nation’s attention. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the biggest news stories of 2025, including the strikes, scandals, and significant events that shaped the year.
The Disgraced Former Top Cop and Police Cover-Up
One of the most significant news stories of 2025 was the resignation of former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming, who was facing allegations of sexual misconduct and possessing objectionable publications. The allegations against McSkimming were first reported in December 2024, and he was subsequently placed on leave. In May, he resigned before he could be dismissed, and in August, he was charged with eight counts of possessing objectionable publications, including child sexual exploitation and bestiality material. McSkimming pleaded guilty and was sentenced to nine months’ home detention. The scandal also led to a damning report by the Independent Police Conduct Authority, which found serious misconduct at the highest levels of police over how they handled accusations of sexual offending by McSkimming.
The School Lunches Fiasco
Another major news story of 2025 was the controversy surrounding the government’s cuts to free school lunches. The cuts were widely criticized, with schools, students, and parents complaining about the quality and timing of the meals. The situation was further complicated by the liquidation of Libelle Group, the major provider of the school lunches, in March. The issue continued to make headlines throughout the year, with a school in Whangarei complaining about receiving mouldy meals in December. An investigation by NZ Food Safety found that the rotten lunches were most likely caused by a mix-up by the school.
Trump Tariffs and Geopolitical Tensions
The year 2025 was also marked by significant geopolitical tensions, including the announcement of "reciprocal" tariffs by US President Donald Trump. The tariffs sparked trade wars and caused turmoil in global stock markets, with New Zealand initially receiving a baseline tariff of 10 percent, which was later increased to 15 percent. The move was widely criticized, with many countries accusing the US of protectionism and threatening to retaliate with their own tariffs.
The Search for Tom Phillips and the Marokopa Children
One of the most gripping news stories of 2025 was the search for Tom Phillips and his children, who had been evading authorities in the dense bush of the rural community of Marokopa for four years. The search finally came to an end on September 8, when Phillips was killed in a shootout with police, and his children were safely found in a remote campground. The case had made international headlines and sparked a wide range of emotions, from concern for the children’s welfare to outrage at Phillips’ actions.
The Gaza Ceasefire and Humanitarian Crisis
The Gaza ceasefire, which was reached almost exactly two years after the start of the war, was a significant development in 2025. The truce stopped two years of devastating warfare in Gaza, triggered by the 7 October 2023 attack in which Hamas-led gunmen killed and took Israeli hostages. While the ceasefire has seen Israeli hostages released and detained Palestinians freed, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues, with high levels of food insecurity and displacement. The situation remains fragile, with winter storms exacerbating the crisis and the need for ongoing support and aid.
Te Pāti Māori and Internal Conflict
The year 2025 was also marked by internal conflict within Te Pāti Māori, which had been a smashing success in the previous election, growing its caucus from two to six members and claiming all but one of the Māori seats. However, the party was rocked by allegations of intimidation and financial mismanagement, which led to the expulsion of MPs Mariameno Kapa-Kingi and Tākuta Ferris. The party later reinstated Kapa-Kingi after she applied for a temporary court order.
The Death of Pope Francis and the Election of a New Pontiff
The death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, was a significant event that sparked a wide range of emotions around the world. The 266th head of the Catholic Church died aged 88, after a long illness. Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as his successor in a surprise choice, taking the name Leo XIV and becoming the first US pontiff.
The Mega Strike and Industrial Action
The year 2025 was marked by an abundance of industrial action across the public sector, including a megastrike that involved more than 100,000 primary and secondary teachers, primary principals, teacher aides, nurses, doctors, ACC workers, and other healthcare workers. The strike was one of the largest in New Zealand’s history and was sparked by demands for better pay and working conditions. While there has been some progress, many major disputes remain unresolved, and a significant number of pay negotiations are due to kick off in the New Year.
The End of the Census and a New Era of Data Collection
After 70 years, the Census has been scrapped, and the government has announced that it will be replaced with a combination of administrative data from other government agencies and smaller annual surveys that a sample of the population will complete. The Census had provided fascinating insights into New Zealand’s changing face over the years, but the government has argued that the new approach will be more efficient and effective.
The Bondi Terror Attack and Its Aftermath
The year 2025 ended with a devastating terror attack in Bondi, Australia, which saw two gunmen open fire on a Hanukkah celebration, killing 15 people, including a 10-year-old girl. The attack was declared an Islamic State-linked terrorist incident, and the perpetrator was charged with 59 offences, including one terrorist act and 15 counts of murder. The attack sparked a wide range of emotions, from shock and outrage to sadness and grief, and has raised concerns about the ongoing threat of terrorism and the need for continued vigilance and cooperation to prevent such attacks.