Our last long weekend in almost half a year is approaching – and typically Queens Birthday Weekend in New Zealand looks a little unsettled – but by no means is it a write off. There are rain and shower risks – mostly in Northland and our western coastline. Here’s a look at the best forecasts out at the moment – and we’ll fine tune this again on Friday with the very latest for the long weekend.
Latest Video
Off-colour Warriors steam rolled by St George
The Warriors were out-layed by a much sharper Dragons side. Video / Sky Sport
Whangārei tumblers ready for Australian shores
Three Northland tumblers are heading to the Australian Gymnastics Championships next month as part of a 10-strong group representing New Zealand. Video / Brodie Stone
Sam Neill returns home
Sam Neill has returned home from a promotional tour for his latest TV series Apples Never Fall, in time for harvest at his cherished Central Otago vineyards. Video / George Heard
Taylor Swift's The Tortured Poets Department launch party
Fans speak about Taylor Swift's album The Tortured Poets Department at the Auckland release party. Video / Alyse Wright
Team NZ launch their 2024 America's Cup boat
Team NZ members speak about the launch of their 2024 America's Cup boat the Taihoro. Video / Alyse Wright
Focus: What to do if a ram attacks you
Rams are powerful beasts that can cause significant injury. Here's what you need to be aware of in their presence and what to do if charged.
Taylor Swift - The Tortured Poets Department teaser
The pop icon’s 11th studio album, set to be released in New Zealand today at 4pm, has been causing a stir online for quite some time.
Car crashes into tree on roundabout
A car has crashed into a roundabout Hawke’s Bay Expressway leaving one person with moderate injuries on Friday. Video / Paul Taylor
Auckland Zoo’s senior primate keeper retires after 44 years
Auckland Zoo’s senior primate keeper, Christine Tintinger, will soon retire from the career that started at Auckland Zoo in 1979. Video / Michael Craig
NZ Breakers confirm Mojave King signing
The NZ Breakers have confirmed Mojave King will join them on a one-year deal. Video / BNZ Breakers
ITM Taupō Super400’s rumbling start
The ITM Taupō Super400 got off to a rumbling start through the Taupō CBD on Thursday ahead of this weekend's racing. Video / Dan Hutchinson and Milly Fullick
Air NZ passenger hospitalised after plane hits turbulence
A passenger on an Air NZ flight NZ65 from Bali to Auckland suffered a severe leg break after taking a tumble during the bumpy flight. Video / Supplied
Real NZ Mountains: The new ski season beckons
Top tips as the slopes at Cardrona & Treble Cone await.
Tauranga’s crown jewel opens its doors
The future of Tauranga is taking shape now, but one development is ahead of the pack.
Eruption of Ruang volcano, Indonesia
Witnesses shared a video of Ruang volcano in Indonesia erupting, ash reaching 19,000 metres high. Video / @Bnglrweatherman
Focus Sport: Inside the Rovers: Back-to-Back
Napier City Rovers kept their Central League winning ways rolling with an impressive 3-0 over Stop Out at Bluewater Stadium. Video / Neil Reid
Focus: AJ Hackett Bungy NZ takes iPhone leap
AJ Hackett Bungy NZ has used Apple technology and iPhones to create a new social media-friendly system. Video / Ben Dickens
Education Ministry cuts, police pay and home loans | Focus Morning Bulletin April 18, 2024
Unions slam mass job-cutting at the Ministry of Education and cops say no to their latest pay offer. Video / NZ Herald / Getty
Kea Kids News: School lunches cut? We ask the kids what they think!
Everyone's talking about school lunch programs right now, but what do kids think about it? Kea Kids News reporters AJ and Skylah are bringing the answers from across the country!
Paris Olympic Games: 100 days to go
The countdown is on for the Games as around 180 Kiwi athletes get set to represent the fern. Video / Ben Dickens
Kiwi firm does multimillion-dollar deal with Royal Thai Air Force
Waikato firm NZAero will supply parts and maintenance contracts. Video / NZAero
'I thought we were friends': Dave Letele reveals falling out with PM Christopher Luxon
Dave Letele reveals falling out with PM Christopher Luxon in an interview for RNZ's new show 30 with Guyon Espiner. Video / RNZ
Oranjehof Dutch Connection Museum's latest acquisition
Oranjehof Dutch Connection Museum in Foxton has acquired a large model of Abel Tasman's flagship De Heemskerck. Video / Horowhenua Chronicle
Car and pedestrian collide near Taupō Pak'nSave
Emergency services attend an accident involving a car and a pedestrian outside Pak'nSave on Ruapehu St in Taupō. Video / Daniel Hutchinson
Erica Stanford's campaign to save North Harbour Stadium
National MP Erica Stanford is campaigning to save North Harbour Stadium. Video / Erica Stanford
Focus Live: PM Christopher Luxon talks to media in Thailand
The Prime Minister is on a trade trip of Asia. Video / RNZ
Dubai International Airport underwater
Video shows Dubai International Airport underwater. Heavy rainfall in the region has also led to the deaths of 18 people in Oman. Video / @gunsnrosesgirl3
Abuse against MPs, church stabbing and Donald Trump’s trial | Focus Morning Bulletin April 17, 2024
Harassment directed at our politicians is rising and more details emerge of the aftermath of a Sydney church stabbing. Video / NZ Herald / Getty / AP
Discover the secrets to popping off on TikTok!
Homegrown viral TikTok star Charlie Gallagher has almost 100K followers. How does he do it? Kea Kids News reporter Ese gets the tricks to becoming TikTok famous! Video / Kea Kids
WATCH: Rotorua tech store ram-raided
The ram raid of PC Hutt in Tutanekai St, Rotorua was captured on an in-store security camera.
Stuff to provide new-look news bulletin under deal with Warner Bros. Discovery
Stuff will provide an hour-long weekday bulletin and a 30-minute bulletin on Saturdays and Sundays.Video / Corey Fleming
Trying the viral 'crookie' at Copain
'Crookies' have gone viral - but why are they so popular? Here's where to find them in Auckland. Video / Cameron Pitney
Focus: Iran-Israel relations go from bad to worse
Israel and Iran have been on a collision course throughout Israel’s six-month war against Hamas. Video / NZ Herald / AP
Focus: Atmospheric rivers explained
They’ve powered some of our biggest deluges so what are “atmospheric rivers”. Video / Ben Dickens and Chereè Kinnear
Red tape cuts for early childhood education sector
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has pared back the requirements around qualifications for supervisors in early childhood centres. Video / Mark Mitchell
Excavation amid investigation into missing father Joseph Ahuriri
Excavation at Esk River mouth amid investigation into missing father Joseph Ahuriri. Video/ NZ Herald
Focus: Donald Trump’s trial gets underway
The former US President is accused of trying to cover up a hush-money payment.
Focus: ACC taxi spend blows out to $35 million
Complaints about the service has hit a five year high.