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Words that harm: Mum’s plea after death of 14yo daughter

"Things are already hard enough for kids. If one can be saved that would be something."

Lawson solid in Belgian Grand Prix practice, given huge qualifying boost

Two of the Kiwi’s top 10 rivals have been given grid penalties for the grand prix.

Adam Pearse: How NZ First's candidate conundrum will shape its next caucus

OPINION: The party is holding its annual convention in Auckland this weekend.

'They saved my life': Billy TK in hospital after heart attack

The Covid-19 conspiracy theorist and failed politician said he is grateful to be alive.

I'm in a live-apartnership, are my assets going to be safe?

OPINION: By law, partners' assets are considered joint – what if we live seperately?

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How I bought my first home at 23

Opinion: Many young people no longer even consider owning a home, but Lucy Bendell explains how it can be done.

NZ First preaches rebuilding hope, opportunity at annual conference

Party members and candidates are gathering in Auckland for the conference and election campaign launch, as polling shows the party's popularity continues to rise.

'Even fruit is a luxury': What a multi-generation household spends on groceries

A professional couple finds, with two pre-schoolers and two grandparents in their home, they still need to watch their grocery budget tightly.

Backed into a corner by Iran, Trump may resort to more reckless escalation

Iran may be no match for the United States militarily, but it’s been very successful in exerting what leverage it does have over the Strait of Hormuz.

Woman arrested over $100,000 online marketplace scams

Police are warning people to "never trust a screenshot".

All Blacks v Ireland: What you need to know

The All Blacks' Eden Park fortress is on the line as Ireland arrive in Auckland for the first time since their historic 2022 series win.

Going underground to find the City Rail Link's winners and losers

Want to know who gains the most from one of Auckland's biggest-ever transport projects? The answers are in the train timetables.

Burnham set to be UK's next PM as he is declared Labour Party leader

Burnham has been prime minister-in-waiting for weeks, since winning a special election for a seat in Parliament a month ago.

My job lost its soul, then I lost my job: how it feels to be redundant at 49

OPINION: Working in an industry that reduced humans to numbers on a spreadsheet was depressing – but losing that work was alarming.

US strikes bridges in Iran, who retaliates by targeting neighbours

The interim ceasefire agreed to last month has collapsed — though efforts remain to salvage it — and the region has endured days of back-and-forth attacks.

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Three councils vote to merge, but one still not keen

The three councils have voted to merge into one region-wide local authority in a two-stage process spread over several years – and the fourth may yet be forced to join them.

Cricketing icon who hit six sixes in an over dies

Garry Sobers’ world-record test innings of 365 not out as a 21-year-old set him on the path to becoming arguably the sport’s greatest allrounder.

Oscar-winning actress known for iconic Home Alone 2 role dies

Brenda Fricker, who won an Academy Award for her role as Bridget Fagan Brown in the 1989 film My Left Foot, dies aged 81.

Powerful 7.3 earthquake hits Mexico-Guatemala border

A strong earthquake struck the southern Mexican Pacific coast on Friday, right on the border with Guatemala, and was felt from Mexico City to El Salvador.

Iranian strike damages key source of Kuwait’s drinking water as attacks escalate

Iranian strikes on Friday hit a power and water desalination plant in Kuwait, damaging one of the key sources of drinking water in the small desert nation.

How a massive 'brand new' makeover added $1m to a home's value

See the before-and-after transformation that helped turn this Christchurch renovation into a $1 million payday.

Before the summer crowds arrive, take a look inside this city’s best open homes

Why buyers are looking at Tairāwhiti-Gisborne again, and the homes worth your time this weekend.

All Blacks ‘bar up’ for biggest test of the year

All you need to know about the Nations Championship match between the All Blacks and Ireland at Eden Park.

‘We wake up with headaches’: Alleged mouldy rental turns dream move into a nightmare

Woman claims her three-bedroom home is riddled with mould, damp and leaks in multiple places and she believes it’s affecting her family’s health.

2027 Range Rover Sport Electric revealed: Luxury EV confirmed for 2026 launch

The full electric Range Rover Sport is set to be the fastest yet, and unlike some competitors, it will closely resemble its combustion-powered siblings.

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‘Can't afford to be picky right now’: The uni grads struggling to find even entry-level jobs

University graduates across New Zealand are losing faith in their degrees as they navigate a job market that feels like it is working against them.

Editorial: Winston Peters, the political price setter

EDITORIAL: For decades Winston Peters has turned votes on the margins into power at the centre.

Who wrote the new school curriculum? Experts say it wasn't them

Kiwi education experts employed to write the curriculum allege they were effectively sidelined from the process, saying final drafts bear little resemblance to their work.

The man hoping to end Labour's 69-year Tāmaki drought is keeping it real

“I think the race is wide open ... we’re building momentum.”

Election 2026: NZ First claws at National, Labour for disillusioned vote

NZ First is hosting its biggest ever annual convention in South Auckland this weekend.

History says Luxon can’t win – or Hipkins

OPINION: Anyone who tells you they know what will happen in this election is lying.

Too much meh, not enough glee – time for Rennie’s ABs to shake off the mediocrity

The All Blacks will likely have to play their best rugby of July to keep their undefeated Nations Championship, and Eden Park streak, intact on Saturday night.

Has Wellington On a Plate become too expensive for its own good?

Wellington On a Plate began with $25 lunches designed to fill empty tables during hospitality’s toughest months. Today, the food festival features luxury events costing hundreds of dollars, prompting questions over whether the festival has moved too far from its affordable beginnings.

OECD stuff-up: NZ’s real wages have not dropped 6%

OPINION: The news that New Zealand was an outlier in wage growth within the OECD spread like wildfire within our media. But it wasn’t quite true.

Inside the last-minute backdown on a homeschooling law change

Education Minister Erica Stanford's last-minute decision to abandon controversial law changes triggered a frantic scramble inside the Ministry of Education as it raced to stop legislation due for its final vote that day.

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‘Everything was hard’: Liquidations on the rise in fickle building industry

Brian Honeybone had 50 years experience in the building industry. It could not insulate him from the vagaries of the market.

The shopping conundrum: Some Christchurch malls thrive as others struggle

A walk-through of some of Christchurch’s major shopping centres has revealed a mixed picture of retail health, with some malls operating at full capacity while others have dozens of vacant spaces.

Suspended Christchurch police officer spends years on full pay awaiting trial

A Christchurch police officer accused of theft has been suspended on full pay for at least three years, at a cost to NZ Police of $260,000.

Scroll less, talk more: $12 million to help preschoolers learn to talk

As scrolling on a phone replaces everyday family chat, preschools are stepping in with a multi-million dollar programme to teach kids how to have a conversation.

How an unsolicited email brought an Australian coal dream to Southland

Private emails reveal how an Australian entrepreneur won access to ministers with a plan promising jobs, fertiliser and low emissions, despite unresolved questions over how its carbon would be managed.

Murderer quietly caring for rabbit while awaiting one-on-one treatment

Convicted murder Lewis Robert Blackburn has likened himself to a pet prison rabbit he cares for, who is also slowing down behind bars.

Why some community clubs are shrinking while others are booming

As fewer people commit to traditional community groups, clubs across New Zealand are reinventing themselves to survive - and some are thriving by embracing a new generation of members.

‘It is a real concern for people’s pet cats’: Bird flu risk escalates

Cat owners are being advised to consider keeping their cats indoors and away from wild birds to reduce the risk of catching infectious bird flu.

Beyond Pegasus: Where Waimakariri’s next homes could be built

While Waimakariri has identified capacity for up to 17,000 new homes, community leaders, developers and council are debating where growth should happen and how quickly land can be brought to market.

The 40-year-old looking to lead Canterbury Rams to the NBL title, 16 years after pro debut

He made his pro hoops debut for Southland Sharks in 2010, but 16 years on American veteran is back in the NBL to try and help the Rams to another title.

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Charity behind cancelled Matamata Mustang draw proves elusive

Visits to addresses linked to NZ Rescue, its companies and trustees failed to find any answers as an Internal Affairs investigation continues.

Plan change would mean pricier veges say growers

Veggie growers in north Waikato are worried that new “unworkable” environmental legislation could lead to higher veggie prices on supermarket shelves or growers selling up.

Whatawhata folk backs plans for a big slow-down at crossroads

Shopkeepers who have seen near misses or had to scramble to help after frequent smashes at the busy intersection welcome plans for a speed cut.

Running the width of Canada in a superman suit

Losing both parents to cancer would likely be crushing for most people. For Jonathan Nabbs, it galvanised him into a cross-Canada quest.

Days of Future Past: Two fatal road accidents in 1936 Hamilton

In one the victim was a five-year-old girl, the other a 72-year-old man.

A man with a heart to serve the most vulnerable

Tame Tame Broughton was a farmer, a rugby player, an entertainer and a stalwart of Vinnies and his church.

My Marist education haunted me for decades

OPINION: Decades after finishing high school, an ‘almost reverential’ eulogy for an abuser prompted Andrew Johnstone to make a complaint.

Pics in hi-vis and a council recovery plan: Letters to the editor

There’s a clothing item that often pops up in photos of politicians, writes a reader. Check out today’s letters.

Model that opened Whakapapa River access could be used elsewhere

Minister says the quick action that enabled Fish and Game to snap up a riverside property to ensure public access could be a model for elsewhere.

‘Ultimate man for all political seasons’: Former colleagues pay tribute to the late Sir Bill Birch

Sir Bill Birch was a National MP from 1972 to 1999 and served in a variety of high-powered roles within the party.

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Councils spent millions replacing new road signs after Simeon Brown’s speed limit edict

The transport minister’s decree came at significant cost to councils, and newly released emails show the extent of the backlash.

The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending July 17

A warm welcome back to The Bookshop Detectives.

What to see in Chugoku, the Japanese region with something for everyone

It’s home to ancient traditions, epic outdoor adventures and one of the world’s most important historic sites – and that’s just the start of the story.

‘They’ve delighted generations of people’: Jack Tame’s favourite New Zealand authors

The Q+A host talks us through his life in books.

How New Zealand could (and why we should) co-host a Fifa Men’s World Cup

A bold and beautiful vision for 2038.

Every surprise coming from Lume’s launch

Landing on app stores today, the music platform offers fans the chance to ‘go deeper’. So what does that look like?

‘It felt like a truck’: Earthquake near Te Anau triggers brief tsunami scare

A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck 40km north of Te Anau at 9.14pm last night.

New Zealand’s media has been gripped by Paul Henry mania

The Herald carried an op-ed from Paul Henry on why he was running for parliament before saying ‘screw it’ and running at least 15 more stories on why Paul Henry is running for parliament.

Why boil up is having a moment

How the cheap and humble meal went from broke to bougie.

‘So depressing’: The Wellington street full of ghost houses

‘You could turn down there and feel like you’re in some kind of dystopian, post-apocalypse movie.’