Air New Zealand today revealed Peter Jackson’s theatrical interpretation of the mythical Dragon Smaug exclusively to the world, ten days ahead of the release of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, a production of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures. A Boeing 777-300 aircraft with the 54 metre (177 feet) long Dragon emblazoned on both sides was unveiled in Auckland this morning, making Kiwis the first in the world to see the iconic Dragon in all his glory.
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Serious accident between Hamilton and te Awamutu
Ohaupo Rd between Hamilton and te Awamutu is closed following a serious accident. Video / Maryana Garcia
Hairdressing industry faces ‘concerning’ skills gap as salons turn apprentices away
There's just over 1000 current hairdresser apprentices - 100 less than last year. Video / Corey Fleming
Focus: Person missing in Wellington Harbour
A person is reportedly missing after falling overboard on an East by West ferry in Wellington Harbour this morning. Video / RNZ / Angus Dreaver
University of Waikato students and staff join national pro-Palestine protest
Over 100 students protested in front of the University of Waikato Library against Israel's actions in Gaza. Video / Maryana Garcia
Focus: Chris Bishop and Tama Potaka announce social housing funding
Housing ministers Chris Bishop and Tama Potaka have announced new social housing funding in Kilbirnie this morning. Video / Mark Mitchell
I Am: Celine Dion - Official Trailer
I Am: Celine Dion gives us a raw and honest look at the iconic superstar’s struggle with a life-altering illness. Video / Prime Vide
Rugby chaos, New Caledonia unrest and half-marathon blunder | Focus Morning Bulletin May 24, 2024
Richie McCaw speaks out on rugby’s civil war, more Kiwis get the green light to evacuate New Caledonia and how a husband's ‘toxic’ actions almost cost this wife a race victory.
Carlos Ulberg confirms UFC 303 co-main event
Carlos Ulberg will fight former UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill at UFC 303 in late June. Video / NZ Herald
Finance Minister Nicola Willis on the surprises to come in the 2024 budget
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Finance Minister Nicola Willis say there will be some good surprises in the Budget 2024. Video / Mark Mitchell
Michael Hill store ram raided in Whangārei
TikTok video shows a Michael Hill Jeweller store being ram raided in Whangārei. Video / Supplied
Sprint cyclist Shaane Fulton reflects on Olympic selection without friend Olivia Podmore
Shaane Fulton has been selected for the NZ Olympic cycling team. Video / RNZ
Park Rd - Call Me Up
Park Rd performs Call Me Up. Made with funding from NZ On Air. Video / Locals Only
Park Rd - Secrets
Park Rd performs Secrets. Made with funding from NZ On Air. Video / Locals Only
Behind the scenes of Cocoa Wilds’ latest social media trend
Chocolatier Byron McLean reveals the secret behind Cocoa Wilds' viral social media trend. Video / Alyse Wright
Focus: Auckland business owners call for more police
Business owners in Auckland’s CBD are pleading for more cops as safety fears keep customers away. Video / NZHerald
Focus: UK Prime Minister calls general election
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has annoucned a general election for July 4. Video / AP
CBD safety, New Caledonia and UK election | Focus Morning Bulletin May 23, 2024
Auckland businesses plead for greater police presence, more Kiwis rescued from New Caledonia and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak calls a general election.
Empowering rangatahi Māori: New research project scores ‘golden’ grant
A new research project is under way that uses the voices of rangatahi from the East Coast to help co-design initiatives to make positive changes during a climate change crisis.
Frank Film 2024 episode 3: Rod Carr and the Teen Climate Activists
Climate Change Commission head Rodd Carr discusses climate change reduction targets with student activists in Christchurch. Video / Frank Film
Calls for humanitarian visas for Palestinian refugees
Mahar Azzam wants Palestinians to receive the same treatment from the NZ government as those from Ukraine. Video / Alex Cairns.
Kea Kids News: Kid relay-running legends outshine the Blues
Reporter Ian is at the nib Little Legends 10K Relay, where kid rugby fanatics are racing to win some big bucks for their clubs! Who will take home the prize?
Christopher Luxon on the first home grant scheme
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon defending the Governments 's decision to scrap the first home grant scheme. Video / Mark Mitchell
$24 million boost for Gumboot Friday
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey and Mike King announce a $24 million boost for Gumboot Friday. Video / Mark Mitchell
Inside the Rovers: A Rapid Rise
Napier City Rovers defender George Andrew’s week sees him cultivate an orchard and sow uncertainty into opposition attackers. Video / Neil Reid
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga trailer
This is her Odyssey. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga will be released in cinemas on May 24. Video / Universal Pictures
Focus: Man dies in deadly turbulence
A British man died and several passengers were left injured after a Singapore Airlines flight from London dropped suddenly.
New Caledonia rescue, deadly turbulence and severe weather | Focus Morning Bulletin May 22, 2024
Kiwis rescued from New Caledonia touch down, terrifying turbulence leaves one dead and more severe weather on the way in the latest NZ Herald headlines.
Focus: Kiwis rescued from New Caledonia touch down
The first New Zealanders rescued from New Caledonia say they're relieved to be home. Video / NZHerald
Whānau of 12-year-old girl fighting for her life asks Government to intervene
The whānau of a 12-year-old girl with osteosarcoma, ask Associate Health Minister David Seymour to step in and allow her to receive an experimental drug. Video / Te Ao
Kea Kids News: Lake Hawea Station has created a sheep ewe-topia
Reporter Max gets a firsthand look at what it’s like to be a sheep at Lake Hawea Station, where their extreme kindness is turning into some extreme dollars. Video / Kea Kids News
Flooding in Rotorua as Ngongotaha Stream breaches
Video shows the extent of flooding as Ngongotaha Stream breached in Rotorua on Tuesday. Video / Supplied
Person critically injured is airlifted to hospital after Kirwee crash
A serious two-vehicle crash near Kirwee in rural Canterbury has emergency services at the scene. Video / George Heard
Focus: Foreign Minister Winston Peters speaks on rescue flights to New Caledonia
Foreign Minister Winston Peters answered questions as an NZDF plane sent to pick up stranded New Zealanders left for New Caledonia. Video / Mark Mitchell
Turn The Corner: The Short Film
Turn the Corner is a short film about depression and suicide in New Zealand's construction industry, and a builder's campaign to rally his local community. Video / Introspekt Films
Average windspeed in Tauranga was 50km/h at 2am last night
Ollie Carratu took a video of near-horizontal rain and winds whipping across Tauranga Harbour from onboard his vessel near Bridge Marina.
Rising stream levels in Ngongotahā
Precautionary evacuations are under way in Ngongotahā due to fears of rising stream levels. Video / Aleyna Martinez, Olivia Sanson, Supplied
National MP David MacLeod addresses failure to declare donations
National’s New Plymouth MP David MacLeod has been stood down immediately from his select committee roles after failing to declare 19 candidate donations. Video / Mark Mitchell
Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins on New Plymouth MP David MacLeod
National’s New Plymouth MP David MacLeod has been stood down immediately from his select committee roles after failing to declare 19 candidate donations. Video / Mark Mitchell