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Spain take lead over France from penalty in World Cup semi-final
Follow the action as France and Spain play the first semi-final in Dallas.

Taika Waititi farewells 'dear friend' Sir Sam Neill after actor's unexpected death
The Kiwi director even injected a bit of humour into the heartfelt post.

'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, 19 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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'No John Key': Paul Henry says Luxon not being genuine, NZ in 'malaise'
The former broadcaster claimed he wasn't interested in becoming party leader, but didn't entirely rule it out.

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.

Pak'nSave apologises after searching customer's bag without permission
An employee started searching a shopper's bag from another store.

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

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.

US rockers Queens of the Stone Age announce one-off Auckland show
The show will cap the final leg of the band's 2026 world tour.

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.

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.
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Spain double lead over France in second half of World Cup semifinal
Follow live coverage of the FIFA World Cup semifinal between France and Spain from Arlington, Texas.
Trump touts ‘tremendous chemistry’ with new Iraqi Prime Minister
US President Donald Trump has given Iraq's new prime minister an effusive welcome at the White House.
Flights cancelled, delayed as fog hits Auckland airport
Fog has caused restrictions to be put in place at Auckland airport on Wednesday morning.
Strikes hit Iran, after Trump backflips on tolling ships in Hormuz Strait
Trump tells US Congress the war has resumed as Iran targets shipping and US allies in the Middle East.
Far North mill closure confirmed, with 60 jobs to be lost
The Japanese-owned company announced on Wednesday it had completed consultation and made the decision to proceed with the closure.
Tell us if you would move overseas for better healthcare
As hospitals grapple with workforce shortages and demand for healthcare grows, would you go overseas for to access healthcare?
Former child star leaves behind $690k estate after death
Former child actor Daveigh Chase, who died last month at the age of 35 after years of struggling with drug addiction, left an estate reportedly worth about US$400,000.
Video shows truck on fire blocking SH1 on Kāpiti Coast
A truck fire on State Highway 1 has blocked traffic heading south on the Kāpiti Coast.
‘Knee-deep’ potholes damage newly rebuilt stretch of State Highway 1
A stretch of State Highway 1 south of Ashburton is riddled with potholes just months after being rebuilt.
‘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.
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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.
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.
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”.
Oil prices moderate as Trump pulls back on tolling Hormuz threat
US President Donald Trump abandoned his demand that ships pay a fee in exchange for protection in the Strait of Hormuz, while on Wall Street inflation data helped boost stocks.
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.
Councillors behaving badly? Wellington deputy calls for legislative ‘teeth’
Wellington deputy mayor calls for powers to address “almost existential threats to democracy”.
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.
No plans to replace ‘unsafe and not fit for purpose’ Martinborough bridge
There are no plans to replace a “dangerous” Martinborough bridge which has closed about five times so far this year, twice in the last two weeks.
Tiwai Point boss on the one thing that could make life better for the most Kiwis
Michelle Henderson, head of NZ Aluminium Smelters, says too often Kiwis are focused on central Government rather than local government, which is vastly more influential day-to-day.
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Christchurch Stirling Sports franchisee owes $2.2m, faces probe
The company’s initial shortfall estimated by liquidators has more than doubled.
Long-standing Avonhead businesses face final days before mall gutted in $25m revamp
Christchurch’s Avonhead Mall will close later this year and be gutted when it undergoes a $25 million rebuild, forcing long-standing businesses to leave.
Police are dealing with a new type of shoplifter - ‘everyday people’ who just need to eat
When she started the job, Christchurch’s head retail crime sergeant was in for a surprise.
All Whites to play first-ever football match at Christchurch’s One NZ Stadium
The All Whites will play the first-ever football match at the new stadium in November, with a home series against India.
Wilson Parking’s Christchurch legal fight could be worth up to $25m, but outcome months away
The month-long trial into the alleged wrongdoing of Wilson Parking’s ex-employee-turned-rival came to a close on Tuesday, but the result will be several months away.
Christchurch steakhouse Bessie makes Michelin Guide after ‘getting the formula right’
Leasing a Dunedin tavern with three friends at 20 was the first step on James Arnott’s journey to the Michelin Guide.
Cutting funding for qualified childcare teachers ‘harmful for kids’ and could drive up fees, educators say
Proposals by a minister-appointed advisory group to reverse funding incentives for qualified childcare teachers has drawn widespread condemnation.
Life is short, the world’s too serious - it must be time to don a red dress
OPINION: There is a peculiar freedom in choosing to look slightly ridiculous.
Seven-year-old girl dies hours after Queenstown hospital discharge
The parents of a girl who died hours after visiting hospital are asking for help to return the body of their “beloved daughter” to their home country.
How a chance encounter led to a Michelin Star for Christchurch’s Tussock Hill Vineyard
Graham Targett had a chance encounter with a vineyard next to a building job. Nine years later, it's a Michelin Star restaurant.
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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.
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.

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.
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.
‘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?’