Lincoln Tan, a Multimedia Journalist for New Zealand’s Herald, specialises in covering stories around diversity and immigration.
I’m Lincoln Tan and I’ve been a journalist at the Herald since 2006, covering stories around diversity and immigration. Originally from Singapore, I used to be a reporter with the Singapore Press Holdings and was the editor of a migrant-focused newspaper iBall here before I joined the Herald. Exclusives that I have reported on include the scoop that the pilots were the prime suspect in the missing Malaysian airline flight MH370 while I was based in Kuala Lumpur, and the inside workings of a global fake monk scam that operates out of China. I have had to face my fair share of death threats, including from a New Zealand politician and extremists for exposing alleged bribery and the preaching of jihad, or holy war, by an imam of a local mosque. Once, members of a Korean cult here locked a photographer and myself up in their second-floor chapel and we had to use the fire escape to get away. Journalism has allowed me to travel around New Zealand and the world, covering extraordinary stories both here and abroad. I am a foodie and most happy when I get to discover great food or an exciting eatery. Fortunately, a lot of the restaurants in Auckland are run by migrants and by default, come under my rounds.
Scammers target Chinese seeking rental accommodation in Auckland
Contact the police if you believe you are a scam victim.
Blink-182 star, wife Kourtney Kardashian spotted at trendy Auckland eatery
Wise Boys boss Luke Burrows says staff are still buzzing over the A-listers' visit.
500 monks gather in Auckland for global Buddhist summit
The ancient practice of captive live animals' 'mercy release' is on the agenda.
26 migrants who 'sold everything they owned' jobless after Buildhub liquidation
Buildhub accuses staff of abusing immigration system and working for cash under the table.
Vietnamese migrants ‘sold everything’ for $203k of visas to NZ - to find no jobs
The group allegedly paid an agent $203,000.
Iconic Auckland Eats 2024 awards: Top 100 dishes revealed
More than 1800 submissions were made for the 2024 competition.
Glowing up at Auckland Lantern Festival, massive dragon lantern and festivities
Four four days, the festival will bring 500 lanterns to the Manukau Sports Bowl.
Restaurants warned against buying premium seafood at too-good-to-be-true prices
One Auckland restaurant is under investigation for non-compliance following inspection.
Immigration NZ warning of ‘too good to be true’ job offers
Social media apps like WhatsApp are making it easy for people to get pulled into scams.
'Gutted, beyond disgusted': Dog euthanised despite adoption request
The council said the dog showed signs of concerning behaviour, which led to its decision.
Immigration NZ investigation finds no criminal wrongdoing by accredited company
Those issued with Migrant Exploitation Protection visas will not have them revoked.
Warning over third-party sites ripping off tourists buying electronic visas
Would-be visitors are being asked to pay 15 times more than the normal charge.
Weather: Scorcher 35C forecast and sun-kissed Waitangi Day on the cards for most of Aotearoa, New Zealand
The hottest weather is expected to be in Blenheim with a high of 34C.
Feasts, firecrackers and reunions: Roaring into the Year of the Dragon
Auckland Lantern Festival also set to return after four years
Outrage after school rejects boy over long-term rental agreement
'Every child has the right to education.'
Auckland backyard shanty town ruled 'compliant' by council
Immigration NZ urging overstayer tenants to make contact to look for best way forward.
Auckland backyard shanty town ruled 'compliant' by council
The council was told the tenants will be moved from the property over the next fortnight.
'Obviously fake': PM in porn parody website shock
The page has links to porn, hookup and cam sites.
'Like the wild west': Witness warned wife not to cross sand before Muriwai Beach death
Auckland Council has today closed Muriwai Beach to vehicles following yesterday's crash.
Job check delays by Immigration NZ ‘causing stress, impacting businesses’ says Hospitality NZ
Applicant lost her job after having to wait four months for INZ to do a job check.
Watch: ‘Scary' twister makes landfall on West Coast, damages luxury lodge
MetService says more waterspouts can be expected this evening.
Immigration NZ defends its visa processing times for international aviation students
Aviation NZ claims INZ's slow processing times put flight training industry in jeopardy.
Visa delays 'jeopardising lucrative flight training industry'
Aviation NZ has written to the immigration minister and INZ seeking urgent action.
‘Make it a four-day work week': How to beat the back-to-work blues
Helpful advice as holidays come to an end and work looms.
'Free Palestine': Tensions high at Gaza protest in Auckland
Strong police presence to prevent group from clashing with counter protesters.
Tastes from the motherland: The cuisines of immigrants
Migrant communities are carving new paths for their cuisines in New Zealand.
Japan earthquake: No New Zealanders affected, MFAT says
The massive earthquake shook central Japan on New Year's Day.
'Shattered hearts beyond repair’: 4yo, 6yo cousins die in farm tragedy
Devastated family member posted on social media about the death of the two little boys.
Crash victims named by police; holiday road toll at 15
But the 340 road-related deaths in 2023 were down 34 from last year.
Aucklanders count down to soggy New Year's
Countdown and then fireworks on the stroke of midnight at the Sky Tower.
On the naughty list? Large swathes of the country set for a wet Christmas, rain warnings issued
Many usually sunny spots are in for a wet Christmas.
Two liquor store staffers injured in robbery
Three men have been arrested and will appear in court on December 26.
Auckland Council denies advising complainant to film kids in noise dispute
The council confirms it received four complaints against Richmond Rovers in the past year.
Neighbours at war: Grey Lynn kids' team filmed by upset resident in noise dispute
'We feel harassed by his constant passive-aggressive nonsense and we are over it.'
'A Christmas to celebrate': 5yo migrant granted visa to attend school after Herald investigation
Ongoing visa issues have made NZ experience "painful and stressful" for migrant workers.
'Killing me’: 750 workers in limbo during two-year visa wait
The 2021 resident visa was a one-off residency scheme for migrant workers.
Te Whatu Ora data breach: Man arrested for allegedly accessing Covid vaccination info
A 56yr old man is charged with accessing a computer system for dishonest purposes.
'Truly distressing': Woman who lost parents during pandemic furious over Te Whatu Ora vaccination data breach
Te Whatu Ora says it is doing 'everything [it] can' to respond to the incident.
Ready, sleigh-dy, go as thousands pack Auckland's Queen St for glimpse of Father Christmas
Thousands have packed the city ready for Auckland's largest Santa Parade.
BurgerFuel pulls promo cars after Christmas Parade crash
An adult and two children were pulled from the car and attacked.
Auckland restaurant owner arrested and charged with migrant exploitation
The arrest follows a four-month long investigation by Immigration NZ.
Teen arrested for alleged carjacking, driving off with mother and daughters still inside
The 19-year-old is scheduled to appear in the Auckland District Court on December 13
‘Screaming and crying’: Man carjacks mum and daughters at petrol station
Anyone with information on stolen Nissan Teana is urged to contact police.
Migrants without visas paid in cash, living in sheds: Why no one is being prosecuted
INZ says it doesn't believe case meets threshold for migrant exploitation.
Auckland Diwali Festival 2023 promises to be ‘an explosion of flavours and colour’
Big-name Indian restaurants are signing up as stallholders.
'Shanty town' owner given three months to remove unconsented buildings
Indonesian overstayers have rented the makeshift sheds and a dilapidated caravan.
International Japanese ramen chain Ajisen Ramen eyeing big expansion in New Zealand
Chain plans to open 12 new stores in Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown and Wellington.
'I used to live in the caravan': New tenant in Auckland shantytown amid investigation
Migrant exploitation protection is not available for overstayers.
Iconic Auckland Eats: Could ‘Phozilla’ be the region’s next iconic dish?
Nominations open today to find Auckland's top 100 dishes for 2023.
'A great day': Luxon on win for National and All Blacks
After a win for National and a win for the All Blacks, Luxon is having a good morning.
Live: Dozens of MPs are facing the axe tonight. What's life after politics like?
Nearly half of the Labour caucus could lose their seats in Parliament
The new MPs in the class of 2023, and who will be gone with the turning of the red tide
Labour is set to lose several current MPs and ministers.
Auckland business owners say crime is on the rise, and want greater police presence and stronger punishments
Restaurant Association says rise in crime will affect customers’ willingness to head out.
Bashed for a burger: Robbers target takeaway customer, bakery delivery van
Heart of the City calling for stronger police presence in the city.
'It could have been my partner': Man suffers broken jaw in unprovoked Auckland CBD attack
Two men were arrested and charged with aggravated robbery.
Watch: Groundswell protest arrives in Auckland, traffic disruption for motorists
Auckland Transport is urging travellers to plan journeys ahead.
'Like living in the Antarctic' - Shantytown exploitation exposed in Auckland backyard
Auckland Council said the structures migrants had been living for years were unlikely safe
Immigration says chef declined visitor visa was at risk of overstaying
Department decides man is not considered a bona fide visitor
More support for exploited migrant workers as INZ ordered to strengthen checks
Checks made on just 4300 of 94,913 applicants and 800 of 28,000 accredited employers
NZ an attractive base for Viet drug syndicates, insider says
The ease for businesses to get accreditation and few checks on applicants cited.
Auckland restaurant group says three ex-chefs deported to Vietnam after INZ cannabis investigation
Vietnamese migrants being forced into growing the illegal plant to pay debt, INZ says.
How Kiwi ingenuity is reviving a $400/kg seafood delicacy
Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Japan being targeted as new markets.
Ransomware attack suspected on Auckland Transport's Hop card system
People can still catch buses, trains and ferries while the issue is being resolved.
Couple sentenced for immigration fraud, exploiting Indian migrant workers
Vikram and Susheel Maadan also ordered to pay three migrants $91,000.
Winston Peters claims ‘Māori are not indigenous’ at meeting with supporters
The idea of Māori being indigenous to NZ was a "misconstruct", Peters said.
Work visa scam victims offered job lifeline at Sudima hotels
Six Auckland properties involved have been slapped with insanitary building notices.
More immigration visa scam victims found, fears for migrant workers' accommodation
A further 29 victims have been identified now, bringing the total to 144.
Nearly 200 firms probed in migrant visa scandal
Nearly 200 offshore migrants, linked to companies under investigation, told not to come.
‘Worst human suffering we have seen’: 711 complaints alleging migrant exploitation
National's immigration spokeswoman says reported cases just the tip of the iceberg.
'We will die in the cold': Migrants in overcrowded house face eviction in the midst of 'exploitation' investigation
INZ has approved 265 Migrant Exploitation Protection Visas this year.
'Living like animals': Stings carried out at six properties housing dozens of migrants
A major investigation underway into exploitation of Indian and Bangladeshi migrants.
'So personal and so negative': Luxon responds to Hipkins ruling out NZ First
National leader refuses to rule out working with New Zealand First.
Traffic disruption warning by police ahead of Restore Passenger Rail protest
Police urge protesters to consider safety of themselves and others.
Watch: ‘Didn’t get them right’ - Breakfast host's apology for misquoting David Seymour
Breakfast host Anna Burns-Francis made the apology on screen.
'Begging for food': Migrant workers claim they have been duped over jobs, Kiwi life
About 200 people are believed to have paid thousands for visas and job offers.
164 accredited employers under investigation over migrant exploitation, breaches
Five employers have accreditation suspended, six revoked.
Man arrested after pointing firearm at a member of the public and fleeing police
Driver to appear in Tauranga District Court tomorrow.
'Hell': Police called to Kainga Ora complex after complaints of axe threat, urine dousing
Neighbour said her plea for help has fallen on deaf ears.