Top stories
NZH

Indian PM lands in Auckland under tight security for first official visit
Ahead of the visit, a well-advanced police operation brought in specialist staff.

Warriors ruthless, Tigers toothless as Webster’s men bounce back with win
An unanswered 18 points in the second-half saw the Kiwi side back to winning ways.

'A man of action': Tributes flow for North Shore businessman Bill Smale
A memorial celebration will be held on July 25 at Westlake Boys Auditorium.

Trump entrances me. But compartmentalising US loyalties with China trade is tricky
OPINION: As NZ gets a new ambassador, US relations have never been more delicate.

Who is top of the pile in New Zealand’s booming burger business?
Takeaway food sales hit $1.1b in early 2026, up 3.4% on the year before.
1N

Indian PM Narendra Modi touches down in Auckland for historic visit
The Indian leader, who is the highest-profile head of state to visit New Zealand in more than a decade, touched down in Auckland at 8.15pm.

Jetboat crashes into rocks at Queenstown's Shotover River
Fire and Emergency NZ was alerted to the crash near Arthur's Point at 3.14pm on Friday, responding with two crews from Queenstown and one from Frankton.

Chef Al Brown 'on the mend' after undergoing back-to-back surgeries
The Kiwi chef says he is "in good shape" after undergoing hand and ear operations within three weeks, thanking hospital staff as he recovers.

Two killed, three injured in Northland crash
One person is in a critical condition after a two-vehicle crash in Ahipara that killed two people this morning.

Christchurch CBD blooming with newbuilds: 'The pace is picking up'
More than a decade after the earthquakes flattened much of Christchurch's central city, the CBD skyline is filling with new apartments and townhouses.

All Blacks skipper Savea likely to sit out early part of South Africa tour
Dave Rennie's plan has hard-working Savea starting against Italy and Ireland before he has a rest and returns for Tests against world champions.

'You've got the whole lot!': Huntly man's surprise Lotto win
The winner of the $1 million Lotto draw didn't know he was the recipient of all four prizes until he read a news story, and checked his ticket.

How to prevent your Instagram images from being used for AI
A new feature introduced by Instagram this week allows your photos to be used by anyone to make AI images.

Florida airport renamed President Donald J Trump International
A new name change for Palm Beach International airport has been solidified, with renovations underway to transform the airport's brand and signage in honour of President Trump.

Australia welcomes NZ joining Pacific defence alliance
"We welcome the New Zealand government's interest in joining the Ocean of Peace Alliance with Australia and Fiji once it enters into force," Foreign Minister Penny Wong said.
St
‘We feel sick about it’: We're down $350k on our family home. Do we sell, or keep paying $950 a week to hold on?
Four or five years after buying at the peak of the property market, many people now need to move house for a job or to look after family. Our experts tell us what to consider.
Six ways midlifers are wrecking their knee health, according to a surgeon
One expert reveals the common mistakes that can lead to osteoarthritis and what we can do to reduce our risk of damage
Five Auckland open homes we'd happily spend our weekend wandering through
This weekend's best Auckland open homes, from $1.8m to $6.25m.
Why these AI tools are deemed too dangerous to release
Anthropic's new AI model, Mythos, is now accessible after being ordered offline by the White House to implement safeguards.
After Stuff told his story, paralysed man's five-year housing wait is over
A housing error contributed to stroke survivor Trevor Potter waiting years for help. Now, he finally has a state home.
Want to get more out of your workout? The unlikely treat that could help
Looking for an edge on leg day? Researchers in Malaysia say the answer could be as simple as taking a quick whiff of dark chocolate.
Spain v Belgium - FIFA World Cup quarterfinal
Follow live coverage of the FIFA World Cup quarterfinal game between Spain and Belgium in Los Angeles.
‘Makes absolutely no sense’: One apartment block, two flood risk ratings and owners left in ‘limbo’
Auckland Council assigned different flood risk categories to units within one building, creating insurance problems for remaining owners.
Don’t wait until you’re unhappy: your mid-year relationship audit
One of the biggest mistakes I see couples make is waiting too long to deal with problems.
Weekender quiz: How many points is a K worth in Scrabble?
Stuff weekender quiz: July 11, 2026
TP
The mysterious case of the missing hospital waiting list data
When I asked Health NZ where its detailed waiting list data had gone in the last quarter’s reporting, they said it was accidentally left off. And then it happened again.
Editorial: A country struggling to afford its ambitions
EDITORIAL: The shelving of major roads is not simply about transport priorities. It reflects a country whose economic growth has failed to keep pace with its sense of entitlement.
MBIE ‒ success, failure or something in between?
With the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport now up and running, The Post looks at whether mega-ministry MBIE provides a road map or a warning.
No place like home: What’s enticing ‘brain drain’ Kiwis back
The so-called “brain drain” is a trend that has ebbed and flowed, with a range of factors enticing young Kiwis overseas. But no matter where they end up, one thing remains true - New Zealand will always be home.
Opportunity is filling a housing hole Labour can’t
OPINION: Labour will never go quite as left as some would like on housing. Opportunity will.
Grief drives musician to create an AI companion from his wife’s words
Musician Chelfyn Baxter turned to artificial intelligence after losing his wife Helen, creating Zoe — a digital companion built from her words, memories and their shared life.
Hurricanes magic dust lifts mood of low-key All Blacks test, as band reunites to warm up Cake Tin
Three weeks on from the Hurricanes’ title win, coach Dave Rennie will hope the yellow and black connection can spark his side in this classic banana skin test against Italy.
Pioneer or ‘pervert’: The strange case of John Money
How did a mostly forgotten New Zealand scientist and arts patron become an internet bogeyman?
Why experts say Huffer’s forensic report doesn't settle model likeness claims
The debate around the fashion brand’s use of AI isn’t over, say experts, despite a forensic report finding ‘no evidence’ the likenesses of real models were mimicked.
At‑risk children waiting longer as social worker shortages deepen
Investigations into the 2021 death of Malachi Subecz were supposed to make Kiwi kids safer. But the number of at-risk kids waiting to be assigned a social worker is growing.
TPr
Young child ‘running wild’, drunk, as child protection agency fails to respond to warnings
The agency responsible for keeping children safe is broken and “dysfunctional”, say Canterbury principals who are calling for a meeting Oranga Tamarki leaders.
Toddler ‘on his deathbed’ before leukaemia diagnosed - Mum calls for better access to blood tests
Zander’s mum said the West Coast toddler had no immune system left by the time he successfully had blood taken.
One economy, three councils: Would a Greater Christchurch super-city actually mean more clout?
Greater Christchurch has the population, workforce and economic output of a major New Zealand city-region, but its political voice and ability to argue for investment are split three ways.
Former banker turns down Australian job to chase Christchurch lifestyle
While thousands of New Zealanders continue heading across the Tasman in search of higher wages, former banker Ujval Patel made the opposite choice.
Love-Hate Relationship on air fryers: Hot air or hot property?
In which a cooking gadget proves itself pointless ... but in a fraction of the time it would take a conventional oven.
From $251m to $524m: How Parakiore’s cost doubled
Christchurch’s Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre has finished with an estimated final cost of about $524 million, more than double the indicative project cost listed when the facility was first agreed.
Pioneer or ‘pervert’: The strange case of John Money
How did a mostly forgotten New Zealand scientist and arts patron become an internet bogeyman?
At‑risk children waiting longer as social worker shortages deepen
Investigations into the 2021 death of Malachi Subecz were supposed to make Kiwi kids safer. But the number of at-risk kids waiting to be assigned a social worker is growing.
Nelson AI programme expands reach in Canterbury Uni collaboration
Nelson AI Sandbox and the University of Canterbury have agreed to explore collaboration on AI capability, education and “responsible adoption”.
Grief drives musician to create an AI companion from his wife’s words
Musician Chelfyn Baxter turned to artificial intelligence after losing his wife Helen, creating Zoe — a digital companion built from her words, memories and their shared life.
WT
How one man’s rusting boat became ratepayers’ $55,000 headache
Months before it sank in an April cyclone local had been pleading with officials to act. They wanted to, but couldn’t, documents reveal.
Nursing union calls for staffing transparency on night of ED death
The health system must disclose whether the Waikato ED was short-staffed at the time of a tragic patient death, the nursing union says.
Monarchs butterflies give Waikato winter the royal tick of approval
Sightings of the iconic black and orange insects are on the decline, making a swarm overwintering in the town particularly encouraging.
Star-gazing, Matariki kai and Michelin stars
I had the best location for star-gazing in my childhood, in the foothills of Mt Maungatautari, near Cambridge.
Days of Future Past: Profanity and propaganda accusations levelled at play
Critics decried the ‘sordid realism’, the profanity, and the ‘ridicule’ of the British Army, but there were supporters too.
Bladder bag emptying on neighbour’s lawn sees KO tenant kicked out
Emptying a catheter bag on the neighbour’s lawn and trying to staunch out passers-by with gang signs and stares saw a state house tenant kicked out.
Health NZ U-turns on plan to stop publishing hospital waiting list detail
Health NZ said Kiwis would have to make OIA requests for detailed hospital waiting list data that it previously published every quarter. Then we asked the minister for comment.
A hospital site suggestion and an ED nightmare: Letters to the editor
One letter writer reckons it’s time for the hospital to shift somewhere more spacious, another recounts his late wife’s ED admission.
Centre stage: Speedster’s golden home-town opportunity in coach’s toughest ABs selection call
Billy Proctor is one of a number of All Blacks looking to make their mark against the out-of-sorts Italians at the Cake Tin on Saturday evening.
All about the energy: Hamilton celebrates Matariki
Ready for the stage as part of Hamilton’s Maanawatia a Matariki celebrations on Friday, Taparia Tuakana said the final touch to his look will be a “bright smile”.
Sp

Vera Ellen on what it feels like when AI takes your music
Deeply personal music about painful experiences have been scraped for parts.
The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending July 10
All hail the return of Heartstopper!

What to watch this Matariki weekend
From historical docudramas to heartwarming family films, these are our viewing picks for Matariki 2026.
Why you should watch Hinemihi: The House with Golden Eyes
A story of survival, loss and belonging.
How Puanga is helping me to grieve te reo Māori
The revival of tātai arorangi provides an opportunity to connect with our whakapapa and reo.

The pick of the Matariki picture books
A selection of Matariki-themed books to share with friends and whānau – updated for 2026.

A view from the junction of media and politics
Mike Munro’s career spans gallery journalist in the time of Muldoon and Lange, spin doctor to Helen Clark and chief of staff for Jacinda Ardern.

A brief guide to the stars of Matariki
In te ao Māori, each star plays an important role for the year to come.

The Spinoff Books midwinter quiz
Are you a lit legend, or do you need to get thee to a library?

Ladi6 would really like you to take a break because busyness is overrated
The queen of New Zealand hip hop gives her take on what’s important in life.