Top storiesNew ZealandPoliticsBusinessEntertainmentSportsWorld

Top stories

NZH

1N

Paul Henry was critical of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

'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.

A strike is carried out by US forces in Iran.

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.

The supermarket admitted its staff were in the wrong.

Pak'nSave apologises after searching customer's bag without permission

An employee started searching a shopper's bag from another store.

A power bank. File photo.

What are the rules around power banks on planes, and why?

Many travellers still aren’t aware of the rules – or the fire risk.

Three boys play in the shallow waters of the Strait of Hormuz, as a plume of smoke rises from an explosion in the background, off Bandar Abbas. (Source: Razieh Poudat/ISNA via AP)

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.

Queens of the Stone Age. (Source: Live Nation)

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.

A woman ponders what to eat.

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.

Referee Joao Pinheiro, of Portugal, gives a red card to Switzerland's Breel Embolo (7), left, during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Argentina and Switzerland in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, July 11, 2026.

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.

Global oil prices jumped around 10% on trading at around US$85 a barrel – the highest level since early June.

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 control tower at Auckland Airport.

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.

St

Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal celebrates scoring a penalty to give his side the lead over France in their FIFA World Cup semifinal.

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 Iraq

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.

2F09DF556C41425FA472EC67512C616D

Flights cancelled, delayed as fog hits Auckland airport

Fog has caused restrictions to be put in place at Auckland airport on Wednesday morning.

ops1.jpg

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.

2205jn l02.jpg

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.

55E3732D7FC54B609ECE18A011BE5884

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?

Daveigh Chase

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.

1.png

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.

ROADWORKS_1.jpg

‘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.

ryanair1.jpg

‘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.

TP

88CB910BDF494F15997A52BF06FBA50F

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.

0000000001C0031183B

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.

43875ADE7F564ECCB5904E6CCE770467

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”.

F4061D5A477940EB9E356077897D4C33

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.

250712AllBlacksFranceWgtn_072.JPG

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.

8B30B7CFF26847C290DA8510A1967261

Councillors behaving badly? Wellington deputy calls for legislative ‘teeth’

Wellington deputy mayor calls for powers to address “almost existential threats to democracy”.

46F13BA3113D4FCBB16977D7CC08A014

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.

CEC03BAC0E274BEF9FA75A878A9BC71F

Nicola Willis denies Social Investment Agency has lost focus

It was focusing funding on “results, not bureaucracy’’, she said.

CC6F702F404D470F925699C4F2BB15E7

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.

DAB4229B125B48F9A3450BF00D14478D

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.

TPr

0000000001C00355584

Christchurch Stirling Sports franchisee owes $2.2m, faces probe

The company’s initial shortfall estimated by liquidators has more than doubled.

5019D95F297C4276AF36F00F5C05E31B

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.

A4C68E5DC09E4502A4D54A6F49F98B1A

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.

Remove Background, Keep Players - 1

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.

305999A020164103A962ECC55B785EA3

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.

CE8747175F134BA4BE7FBE15B445D876

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.

D358F28EECCF4305B2DD2B83A086F475

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.

2279668430

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.

8046B9B3034B4809B27E1403277D54F6

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.

51012192C08F41F09EAB4620FCE7D31F

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.

Sp

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.

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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?’