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(Composite image: Vinay Ranchhod)

Woman reclaims personalised plates after they turn up on stranger's car

A Waikato woman spent eight months navigating a bureaucratic dead end before a phone call from police achieved what NZTA could not.

DOC has begun vaccinating five of the country's most endangered birds including kākāpō, takahē, tchūriwat'/tūturuatu/shore plover, kakī/black stilt and kākāriki karaka/orange-fronted parakeet.

Newly arrived bird flu could wipe out NZ's endangered species

A seabird found on Wellington's Petone beach has tested positive for the potentially deadly H5 strain of the virus.

An aerial view of Paerātā station

Opening date of two new Auckland train stations scheduled

The stations opening next month are the first two of three being built between Papakura and Pukekohe.

Governments, gyms, banks, insurers and airline loyalty programmes insist you use their app for access to some services.

Why is everything an app now? Stores 'must step up'

Governments, gyms, banks, insurers and airline loyalty programmes insist you use their app for access to some services.

Lionel Messi.

England and Argentina make key changes for World Cup semifinal

Watch live on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+

Damage at Churchill Park in Gisborne from cars.

'Hoons' tear up Gisborne park – locals call for cameras

Vehicles have been frequently ripping up the grass at nearby Churchill Park in Gisborne over the past year and some people have had enough.

Sun conures Nico and Mango have been reunited with their family. (Source: NZ Police)

'Overjoyed': Parrots stolen from Auckland ditched in park

Sun conures Nico and Mango were taken from their home in Browns Bay on Friday.

A brown skua standing on the beach at Macquarie Island.

The H5N1 strain of bird flu has been confirmed in NZ. What now?

A brown skua returned a positive test after it was found on Petone Beach in Wellington.

Petone Beach on July 15.

Case of H5 bird flu confirmed in New Zealand

Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard confirmed the discovery this afternoon.

Fuel prices are tipped to climb in the coming weeks as global oil markets react to renewed conflict in the Middle East.

'Fill up now': Fuel to climb again amid renewed US-Iran conflict

Drivers warned fuel prices will rise as renewed US-Iran fighting near the Strait of Hormuz and a Russian diesel export ban put fresh pressure on global oil markets.

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Fog shrouds Auckland Airport, sparking flight cancellations

NZTA traffic cameras showed fog blanketing roads around the airport, including along State Highway 20 northbound between the airport and Kirkbride Rd.

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Locals fed up with ‘hoons’ ripping up community parks with car donuts

Kiwa Pools users are fed up with vehicles frequently ripping up the grass at nearby Churchill Park in Gisborne over the past year.

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Alec Baldwin faces backlash for 'all about you' Sam Neill tribute

American actor Alec Baldwin is facing mixed reviews and social media backlash over a video tribute he posted following the death of Sir Sam Neill.

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End of an era for 136-year-old race track as battle begins over 35-hectare site

Wednesday’s race meet could possibly be the last for Avondale Racecourse with its future uncertain.

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‘Fill up now, next week’s going to be worse’: Return to war, return to high petrol prices

The US military reimposes a blockade on Iranian ports over Iran’s attacks on ships trying to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

Film Review - The Odyssey

The Odyssey is epic, in every sense of the word. Watch the trailer, and read the review

Getting home, and turning back the clock, has long been at the root of Christopher Nolan’s films.

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Tensions boil over early between England, Argentina in World Cup semifinal

Follow live coverage of the FIFA World Cup semifinal between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Georgia.

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ICE agents ‘handcuffed migrant after shooting him dead’

Federal officers apparently seen pulling motionless man from white sedan in footage shared online

APTOPIX Boat Accident San Francisco

Rescuers keep searching for 3 people after a boat sank in San Francisco Bay, killing 1

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Rescuers were still searching for three people missing after a boat involved in a memorial service sank in the cold, fast-moving waters of San Francisco Bay near Alcatraz Island, authorities said Wednesday.

Nepal Bird Flu

Deadly bird flu confirmed in New Zealand. Here’s what you need to know

NZ has confirmed its first case of the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu virus after it was detected in a wild seabird. Officials say there is no evidence it has spread beyond the single bird, but are urging the public to report sick or dead birds.

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$323m spent on road planning but key projects in slow lane

The Government has spent millions on early work for several Roads of National Significance, even as many projects are pushed into slow‑progress phases.

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Editorial: Universal Basic Income deserves another look

Milton Friedman proposed it. Today's left often champions it. A universal basic income remains controversial, but New Zealand's tax and welfare system gives fresh reason to reopen the debate.

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Fans around the motu ready as England v Argentina clash kicks off

One team is the reigning champ. The other aims to end a 60-year drought. Fans around the motu are waking early to cheer them on.

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Pacific Islands Forum silent on China's nuclear missile test, for now

It’s understood that while PIF members have been discussing a joint statement behind closed doors, they have not reached agreement on what it should say.

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Bird flu spread likely inevitable as first case confirmed

Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard is asking New Zealanders to be alert after the bird tested positive for H5 bird flu but also said that at this stage there is no evidence of any illness beyond this seabird.

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The warning signs for All Blacks as stunning Eden Park streak faces Irish threat

ANALYSIS: It may be a fortress the men in black haven’t lost at in 32 years, but this time there is no ‘bounce-back’ factor to throw into the motivational mix.

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Are the days of construction policy ‘flip flops’ over?

There’s more political alignment on the future of construction than might be expected, but the devil is in the detail, a BuildNZ politicians panel reveals.

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Road a ‘rutted, bumpy mess’: Community near Martinborough isolated

A community near Martinborough has been cut off for more than a week after their road was damaged by slips, and part of it collapsed.

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Watt on earth? The case of the impossible power bill

OPINION: When your electricity account makes no sense, every appliance becomes a suspect.

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The flaw in New Zealand’s favourite way to get rich

Opinion: New Zealand's housing downturn has exposed an uncomfortable truth about the way we build wealth

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Is the Reserve Bank’s blunt tool fit for purpose?

Is the Reserve Bank’s blunt tool fit for purpose?

Time for a rethink on the mandate for taming inflation, argues Bernard Hickey.

Please stop calling the Spanish consulate. It’s just Tasha

‘I wanted to help, but I live in Kaitaia. I don’t even know what the Spanish embassy is.’

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

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.

Did we just witness Shortland Street’s most bonkers episode yet?

Even after 34 years, our longest-running soap is still full of surprises.

Dating Files: A 33-year-old who’s ‘profoundly aware of my biological clock’

‘If a man can’t confidently pick up dinner on the first date, he is definitely not picking up any emotional labour or future childcare.’

NZ Wars: Waerenga-a-Hika is necessary viewing for healing the past

NZ Wars: Waerenga-a-Hika is necessary viewing for healing the past

A story of survival and hope for an iwi forced off their lands.

A new, free festival puts marginalised writers on the main stage

A new, free festival puts marginalised writers on the main stage

‘At big festivals we always end up in the side rooms.’

The Michelin man should’ve made more room at the table

The Michelin man should’ve made more room at the table

If spring rolls piled high on paper plates can win Bib Gourmands abroad, why not butter chicken pies stuffed into white paper bags here?

Paul Henry is running for parliament – and could be a bigger problem for Luxon than for Labour

Paul Henry is running for parliament – and could be a bigger problem for Luxon than for Labour

The controversial broadcaster has announced he is standing for Act in the 2026 election.

Who could have predicted this? National can’t afford its roads

Who could have predicted this? National can’t afford its roads

It was easy to figure out Simeon Brown’s roading promises were a fantasy from the start. He still got an easy ride from much of our media.