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Auckland actor who twice played Cookie Bear charged with child sex abuse
The man also allegedly used social media sites to send explicit messages to young people.

France and Spain square off for a place in Fifa World Cup final
Follow the action as France and Spain play the first semi-final in Dallas.

'That's a real problem': Paul Henry on why PM 'doesn't seem to be clicking'
Interview: Inside a bombshell move - why maverick TV host believes NZ has lost its way.

Murky start as fog blankets Auckand motorways, 17 flights delayed, cancelled
Fog restrictions were first put in place around 4.30am at Auckland Airport.

Poll of Polls: Opportunity on cusp of 5% as coalition decline continues
The likelihood of re-electing the coalition had dropped to 62.2%.

Inside the All Blacks' decision to keep their jersey patch-free
New Zealand Rugby says the All Blacks will not wear the Nations Championship patch.
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Trump scraps plan to charge fees in Strait of Hormuz, attacks intensify
Another wave of US strikes on Iran and Iranian attacks on shipping and American allies left an interim peace deal in tatters.

Why it's so difficult for US to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz
The US and Iran have exchanged fire over the past week in a series of skirmishes that threaten a return to all-out war.

Blanket of fog delays, cancels flights at Auckland Airport
Fog restrictions are in place at the airport as a layer of fog rested across the city this morning.

What are the rules around power banks on planes, and why?
Many travellers still aren’t aware of the rules – or the fire risk.

Early risers nudge night owls on metabolic health – study
The study analysed data from 287 healthy European and Pacific women in New Zealand aged 18 to 45.

New tech behind some of FIFA World Cup's most contentious calls
It is not the first time at this World Cup that teams have hit out against new rules or technology.

Oil prices on the rise in wake of renewed Iran-US conflict
In Asian trading on Tuesday, Brent Crude has climbed a further another 1.5% to US$84.50 a barrel.

'A regular bloke' – Sir Sam Neill mourned in Central Otago
Near Sir Sam Neill's home and winery of more than 30 years, locals in the towns of Alexandra and Clyde say they have lost a quiet stalwart and one of their own.

'Knee-deep' potholes in newly rebuilt stretch of Canterbury highway
More than 100 potholes formed on the 1km section of SH1, just south of Ashburton, following heavy rain last week.

Foodstuffs' Club+ sends fuel voucher emails to wrong customers
Foodstuffs says the issue was limited to the email and its audience, and affected customers have since been issued correct vouchers.
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Truck fire blocks part of SH1 on Kāpiti Coast
A truck fire on State Highway 1 has blocked traffic heading south on the Kāpiti Coast.
Spain take lead over France from penalty spot in first World Cup semifinal
Follow live coverage of the FIFA World Cup semifinal between France and Spain from Arlington, Texas.
‘If we die we die together’: Wife clings to man sucked through broken jet window
The wife of a man who was partially sucked out of a plane window on a flight from Greece has spoken of grabbing her husband’s legs to save him.
US striker at centre of Trump FIFA intervention speaks out
Folarin Balogun says the decision by Trump to intervene on his match ban stirred up “a bit of nerves” among his team
Flights cancelled, delayed as fog hits Auckland airport
Fog has caused restrictions to be put in place at Auckland airport on Wednesday morning.
Trump backflips on tolling ships in Hormuz Strait as US returns to war with Iran
Trump tells US Congress the war has resumed as Iran targets shipping and US allies in the Middle East.
E Jean Carroll paid US$5.8M in Trump sex abuse and defamation case
The payment — representing the US$5 million jury award, plus interest — was made Monday (local time) from an account where it had been held in escrow since the 2023 verdict, according to court records.
European troops and warplanes join Paris Bastille Day parade in a show of unity for Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was given an ovation from the assembled European leaders and his country's troops got the biggest cheers of the day.
He has wit. He’s outlandish. He's outrageous. And he could devastate Luxon and National
If a celebrity candidate can claw some right voters back to ACT - National could be headed for devastation station
Facebook Marketplace buyer sexually assaulted seller in her home
A woman was showing items for sale when a prospective buyer indecently assaulted her before fleeing the property.
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Warning shots: Why China’s rhetoric against NZ is getting more aggressive
ANALYSIS: We used to “agree to disagree” with a weaker China. Now Beijing says NZ is “violating China’s interests”.
Editorial: Vale, Sir Sam Neill, New Zealand's greatest actor
EDITORIAL: From Jurassic Park to The Piano, Sir Sam Neill became one of the world's finest actors without ever ceasing to be unmistakably New Zealand.
Treasury flags major risks in Melling and RMA overhaul
The two projects were given the second highest risk rating possible in Treasury’s independent gateway reviews.
Councillors behaving badly? Wellington deputy calls for legislative ‘teeth’
Wellington deputy mayor calls for powers to address “almost existential threats to democracy”.
All Blacks set to make big positional switch for Ireland test
Coach Dave Rennie will return Chiefs lock Tupou Vaa’i to the side of the scrum against Ireland and select a new locking combination, when he unveils his team on Thursday.
Local wine firm set to double in size after buying prestigious brands back off Americans
Auckland and Hawke’s Bay wine group Poulter Family Wines has completed its acquisition of eight wine brands and assets from global wine giant Constellation Brands.
Nicola Willis denies Social Investment Agency has lost focus
It was focusing funding on “results, not bureaucracy’’, she said.
The Global Read: 12 states mount legal challenge to Paramount's takeover of Warner
The antitrust case arrives at a pivotal time for the transaction — which, after months of what became a very public bidding war with Netflix, received both shareholder and Trump administration approval.
‘Well-run councils are one of our biggest levers to make NZ a better place‘
Michelle Henderson runs Tiwai Point. She says too often Kiwis are overly focused on the Government with a capital “G” rather than local government, which is vastly more influential day-to-day.
Family trusts are being abused - it’s time to confront the problem
OPINION: The deeper issue is whether the law should allow someone to retain effective control and enjoyment of wealth while simultaneously insisting the wealth no longer belongs to them.
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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.
100 more outstanding New Zealand songs that didn’t make RNZ’s Waiata 100 list
There is simply too much good New Zealand music out there.

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.
‘You thought he would always be there, like the Southern Alps’: Memories of Sam Neill
A giant of the pictures, paddocks (two) and protest, Sir Sam Neill has died at 78. Friends and colleagues share their memories of an extraordinary New Zealander.
Trans Corrections officer settles landmark human rights case against employer
Exclusive: A transgender man is bringing an unprecedented human rights case against the Department of Corrections. He tells Alex Casey about his experience at work and what he’s fighting for.

Sam Neill’s wholesome Instagram is a gift – and a reminder to us all
We’re all trying to touch grass as the world burns, but Sam Neill actually walked the walk.

From ‘shock jock’ to MP? Paul Henry announced as Act Party candidate
The latest celebrity to hit the campaign trail once ran for National, and has a long history of making controversial comments.

Hamilton vs London (yes, we’re really doing this)
Travelling overseas is expensive, especially if you’re planning to go all the way to London. What if you just went to Hamilton instead?

Real-life stories of homelessness shared at move-on orders select committee hearings
‘This is the daily fear, suffering and uncertainty that many people experiencing homelessness face every day: will I still be alive tomorrow?’

My music was stolen by AI – how NZ responds will define our creative future
An impassioned plea from a concerned creative.