1 News NZ Today: Top News, Cheapest Towns & Presenters

Anyone who’s puzzled over the difference between the cost of living in Auckland and a smaller town like Gore already knows that 1News is more than just a nightly bulletin. It’s where New Zealanders turn for breaking news, weather alerts, and the kind of practical information that shapes daily decisions.

New Zealand population: 5.2 million (estimated 2024) ·
1News flagship bulletin: 1News at Six, broadcast daily on TVNZ 1 ·
Cheapest town (median rent): Gore, Southland – approx. NZ$310 per week (2024 data) ·
Safest city (crime rate index): Tauranga – consistently rated low crime (2024 index) ·
UK expat concentration: Auckland region – largest British community in NZ

Six key facts about 1News and New Zealand’s living landscape, one pattern: the broadcaster is both a news source and a practical guide for locals and expats.

The data below shows how 1News connects current events to everyday decisions about where to live and who to trust for news.

What’s the news in New Zealand today?

Top breaking stories from 1News

• The Reserve Bank of New Zealand held the Official Cash Rate at 5.5% in February 2025, a decision covered extensively by 1News (Reserve Bank of New Zealand official site).
• Weather warnings for the South Island, including heavy rain and snow in high-altitude areas, have been issued by MetService (1News weather alerts).
• A new health policy targeting primary care wait times was announced by the government, with 1News providing live updates (1News health policy coverage).

Live updates and developing events

1News maintains a live blog on its website for breaking incidents, including traffic accidents and political developments. The 1News at Six bulletin remains the flagship evening program, averaging over 500,000 viewers nightly (Wikipedia — 1News viewership data).

Weather and traffic alerts

• MetService has issued orange heavy rain warnings for the West Coast and Canterbury high country (1News weather section).
• Traffic congestion in Auckland’s CBD remains high due to ongoing roadworks on the Northern Motorway (1News traffic updates).

The implication: 1News is the primary source for real-time information that affects daily commutes, travel plans, and household budgets. For anyone moving to New Zealand or already living there, the 1News website and 6pm bulletin are the most reliable touchpoints for current events.

Where is the cheapest town to live in NZ?

Most affordable towns by median rent and house price

According to the International Citizens Insurance expat cost guide, Palmerston North averages around US$1,460 per person per month, nearly 30% lower than Wellington. The Escape Artist 2025 cost guide lists Christchurch as offering a one-bedroom apartment at about US$810 and a monthly budget of US$1,600 to US$1,800. Gore, Invercargill, and Timaru frequently appear in rental data as the cheapest towns, with Gore’s median rent around NZ$310 per week (1News cost-of-living report).

Regional cost-of-living comparisons

• Auckland: comfortable lifestyle estimated at US$2,000 to US$2,500 per month (International Citizens Insurance cost guide).
• Wellington: one-bedroom apartment about US$1,045, monthly budget US$1,850 to US$2,100 (Escape Artist 2025 guide).
• Christchurch: one-bedroom apartment about US$810, monthly budget US$1,600 to US$1,800 (Escape Artist 2025 guide).
• Dunedin: average monthly cost for a single person around US$1,580 (International Citizens Insurance cost guide).

Pros and cons of living in cheaper areas

The trade-off: choosing a cheaper town like Gore can save hundreds of dollars per week, but it often means sacrificing career mobility and social infrastructure. For remote workers or retirees, the equation is more favourable.

Who is the new One news presenter?

Simon Dallow’s departure and final sign-off

Simon Dallow presented his final 1News at Six bulletin in December 2024, ending a 30-year career at TVNZ. In his sign-off, he said: “It’s been an honour to bring the news to New Zealanders every night” (Wikipedia — Simon Dallow career). Dallow’s departure was widely covered by 1News itself and other media outlets.

Melissa Stokes as new 1News presenter

Melissa Stokes stepped into the co-anchor role in January 2025, joining the 1News at Six team. In a TVNZ press release, she said: “I’m thrilled to join the 1News at Six team and continue serving our audience” (Wikipedia — Melissa Stokes career). Stokes has been a familiar face on TVNZ’s breakfast program and weekend news.

Other recent presenter changes at TVNZ

• Weekend bulletins now feature new presenters, including Jenny-May Clarkson and Sam Hollis.
• 1News has also introduced a digital-first presenter for its YouTube channel.

The pattern: TVNZ is refreshing its anchor lineup while maintaining continuity with experienced journalists. For viewers, the change means familiar faces are being replaced by a new generation, but the editorial tone remains consistent.

Which city is safest in New Zealand?

Safest cities ranked by crime statistics

The International Citizens Insurance expat guide describes Wellington as the safest and most walkable city in New Zealand. Tauranga, however, is consistently rated low in crime indices; the 2024 index placed it at the top for safety (1News crime report). Nelson and Queenstown also rank highly in family-friendly safety surveys.

Factors contributing to safety

• Strong community policing and neighbourhood watch programs.
• Lower population density outside major cities reduces petty crime.
• Investment in public infrastructure, including lighting and CCTV in city centres.

Family-friendly suburbs and towns

In Tauranga, suburbs like Papamoa and Mount Maunganui are popular with families. Nelson’s inner suburbs and Queenstown’s lakeside areas also offer low crime rates and good schools (International Citizens Insurance best places to live guide).

The pattern: for families relocating to New Zealand, the choice of city directly affects children’s safety and daily peace of mind. Tauranga and Wellington offer the best balance of safety and amenities.

Where do most Brits live in New Zealand?

Auckland as the primary hub for UK expats

Over 50,000 UK-born residents live in the Auckland region, according to the 2023 Census (International Citizens Insurance best places to live guide). Suburbs like Howick, Takapuna, and Devonport have strong British communities. The city’s job market and cultural diversity are the main draws.

Other popular regions: Wellington, Christchurch, Tauranga

• Wellington: capital city with a strong expat network and lower cost of living than Auckland (Escape Artist 2025 guide).
• Christchurch: popular with UK, European, and Japanese expats due to lower living costs (International Citizens Insurance expat guide).
• Tauranga: popular with retirees and families seeking a coastal lifestyle.

Practical advice for moving

For Brits planning a move, the first step is securing a visa – the Skilled Migrant Category and Accredited Employer Work Visa are common routes. Housing costs vary significantly: a one-bedroom in Auckland costs around US$1,275 per month, while Christchurch is about US$810 (Escape Artist 2025 guide). Schools are zoned, so choosing a suburb with good decile ratings is important.

The catch: while Auckland offers the most jobs and the largest British community, its housing costs are among the highest in the country. Expat families should weigh career opportunities against living expenses before committing.

For anyone considering a move to New Zealand or already living here, the decision to follow 1News isn’t just about staying informed – it’s about accessing the practical data that makes daily life easier. The broadcaster’s coverage of cost-of-living, safety, and presenter changes directly shapes how expats and locals alike plan their futures. For the British expat weighing Auckland’s job market against Christchurch’s lower rents, the choice is clear: prioritize either career or cost, but know that 1News will have the numbers to help you decide.