Photo: RNZ / Quin Tauetau
The year 2025 felt like the year of the strikes.
Over the past 12 months, we saw an abundance of industrial action across the public sector, including one of the largest strikes in New Zealand history.
Geopolitical tensions, weather extremes and contentious policy changes also dominated the headlines.
Scandals rocked the police force, free school lunches were criticised, and New Zealand said good-bye to seven decades of the Census.
Here are some of the biggest stories that made headlines around the country:
The disgraced former top cop and a police cover-up
Former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming had a dramatic fall from grace, but not without taking several top cops with him.
The first signs of trouble emerged in December last year when media reported McSkimming was on leave amid separate investigations by police and the Independent Police Conduct Authority.
The investigations related to allegations of sexual misconduct by McSkimming from a former non-sworn female police employee.
Police then began a second criminal investigation related to McSkimming's use of his work electronic devices, which were discovered during the initial investigation.
Aft
Continue Reading on RNZ
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.