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More than 4000 protesters making their way down Queen St towards the United States Consulate on Monday. Photo / Dean Purcell

NEW ZEALAND

Thousands join Black Lives Matter protests across NZ

2 Jun, 2020 5:00am
5 minutes to read

"It is a testament to the trauma everyone is feeling and how important the issue is."

NZ can look forward to a 'normal holiday weekend', Finance Minister Grant Robertson says.

NEW ZEALAND

Magic milestone - NZ's last active Covid case, what the data shows

29 May, 2020 2:16pm
6 minutes to read

Only one person in NZ has Covid and no new infections for a week.

The Armed Response Teams trial was in part instigated in response to the March 15, 2019, attacks at two Christchurch mosques. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

'Severe' consequence of not consulting Māori on armed response trials, police warned

29 May, 2020 12:53pm
7 minutes to read

Documents also highlight poor data collection and lack of evidence to evaluate the trial.

Māori Party co-leader John Tamihere after being chosen as the party candidate for Tāmaki Makaurau. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

John Tamihere: National 'pushing Māori' away

28 May, 2020 3:32pm
3 minutes to read

But Māori Party co-leader says they won't rule out working with the party.

NEW ZEALAND

Hauraki Gulf crayfish take slashed in half - scientists say not enough

28 May, 2020 2:10pm
4 minutes to read

'A bag limit is pretty meaningless when you can't even catch one.'

National Party MP Paul Goldsmith is not Māori, but his great-great-grandather is well-known in Māoridom, having had two Ngāti Porou wives. Photo / Nick Winter

NEW ZEALAND

'Ngāti Epsom': Paul Goldsmith's true heritage revealed

27 May, 2020 1:56pm
5 minutes to read

His ancestor was regarded as 'the father of more children than any other early trader'.

Steve Palmer is reopening the The Dog's Bollix on Newton Rd this week, despite being a highly vulnerable to Covid-19. Photo / Michael Craig

NEW ZEALAND

Auckland pub owner ready for 'cautious' reopening due to lung operation

26 May, 2020 5:59pm
4 minutes to read

He has 'basically no immune system', but is determined to reopen the renowned Irish pub.

Auckland's water storage dams are at alarmingly-low levels, including the Lower Nihotupu Reservoir in Huia, pictured. Photo / Brett Phibbs

NEW ZEALAND

Auckland water use drops as restrictions enter week 2

26 May, 2020 12:19pm
5 minutes to read

Authorities warn further cuts are needed to avoid a major crisis.

NEW ZEALAND

Earthquake felt by thousands: Here's why it caused so little damage

25 May, 2020 5:21pm
3 minutes to read

More than 37,000 people across the length of New Zealand reported feeling the quake.

The doctor involved has apologised to the man's family, saying he felt he had

NEW ZEALAND

'Missed opportunity': Man dies days after doctor fails to do proper checks

25 May, 2020 4:38pm
4 minutes to read

Despite experiencing abdominal cramps, the GP did not examine the man's abdomen.

The pharmacist then altered the records after the incident to blame another staff member. Photo / 123rf

NEW ZEALAND

Pharmacist dispenses wrong medication, woman suffers internal bleeding

25 May, 2020 3:17pm
3 minutes to read

He then altered records to pin the blame on another staff member.

The puppies were found in this black bag on a bank of the Waikato River, just south of Waiuku. Photo / SPCA

NEW ZEALAND

Reward offered for information over 'disgusting' puppy deaths

23 May, 2020 1:17pm
3 minutes to read

Puppies drowned with mouths and legs taped: 'They would have suffered'.

Rain on Monday will provide some relief to Auckland's dwindling dam supplies, but likely not enough to turn the crisis around. Photo / Brett Phibbs

NEW ZEALAND

Chilly start to stunning weekend but rain on the way

23 May, 2020 8:41am
3 minutes to read

It is another dry few days for Auckland before some welcome rain arrives.

NEW ZEALAND

'Cruel act': Three puppies found drowned, legs and mouths taped shut

23 May, 2020 7:59am
2 minutes to read

Someone must know who deliberately and cruelly drowned these puppies.

The Lower Huia Reservoir, Huia, in the Waitākere Ranges. Photo / Brett Phibbs

NEW ZEALAND

Watercare boss defends drought response as dam levels continue to plunge

22 May, 2020 12:25pm
8 minutes to read

The organisation says it is operating based on drought standards set by elected officials.

Todd Property wanted to build 1000-house development near Vaughans Rd (marked with the red pin) at Okura, outside Auckland's northern urban boundary. Map / Google

BUSINESS

Todd Property slapped with $300k costs after failed appeal

20 May, 2020 6:33pm
4 minutes to read

"It was a poor case to present or plead in the first place," Judge Brian Dwyer said.

Aucklanders won't be seeing many of these for another week due to a

NEW ZEALAND

Auckland parking wardens' lenient approach before crackdown next week

20 May, 2020 12:56pm
2 minutes to read

You might want to thank your parking warden, this time.

The Upper Nihotupu Dam is at 25 per cent capacity. Photo / Watercare

NEW ZEALAND

Level 2 sees bump in Auckland water consumption as crisis deepens

20 May, 2020 10:11am
3 minutes to read

There have been 229 tip-offs about breaches since restrictions came in on Saturday.

The message was blunt from Brian Edwards, owner of Elite Property Wash. Photo / Supplied

BUSINESS

Workers laid off as water restrictions follow Covid-19 shutdown

19 May, 2020 7:03pm
6 minutes to read

'Covid-19 hurt my business. Water restrictions killed my business.'

Auckland's storage dams are at alarmingly low levels. Photo / Brett Phibbs

NEW ZEALAND

Auckland water storage continues to fall - and it's only going to get worse

19 May, 2020 1:49pm
5 minutes to read

Forecasters say the region is in for a drier-than-usual May and June.

Researchers say the impacts on the lungs of smoking cannabis need to be more closely considered by legislators. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Smoking cannabis linked to bronchitis and 'bong lung' - researchers

18 May, 2020 12:57pm
4 minutes to read

Researchers say the health impacts of smoking weed need to be given greater thought.

Auckland's storage dams are at alarmingly low levels. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Auckland water use down but dam levels still falling

18 May, 2020 11:58am
4 minutes to read

There have been 120 complaints since restrictions came into force Saturday.

Local community and environmental groups say the Pakiri coast is a closed-loop system, meaning sand taken from it is not replenished. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Company wants to mine two million cubic metres of sand off Pakiri coast

15 May, 2020 11:38am
4 minutes to read

Company wants to mine two million cubic metres of sand for Auckland's construction sector.

The Upper Nihotupu Reservoir is running at critically low levels. Photo / Brett Phibbs

NEW ZEALAND

'We're frustrated': Hundreds of jobs on the line from water restrictions

15 May, 2020 9:34am
6 minutes to read

Watercare had 'months to prepare' for drought, angry businesses say.

Auckland's storage dams are down to less than 45 per cent of capacity. Photo / Brett Phibbs

NEW ZEALAND

Auckland pools remain closed due to water restrictions

15 May, 2020 6:06am
4 minutes to read

Council libraries, fitness centres and community venues will start to open from next week.

A rush hour of sorts - downtown Auckland with more life than it has seen in the last eight weeks. Photo / Sylvie Whinray

NEW ZEALAND

Kiwis creep out of lockdown - gyms brace for reopening

15 May, 2020 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Barbers were chopping unruly mops from the stroke of midnight.

The Shawani family Hans, wife Wahaj and kids, May (8), Adam (4) and Sarah (4) have just returned home from Australia. hoto / Dean Purcell

NEW ZEALAND

Lockdown landlord told he must wait until tenants decide when they move out

13 May, 2020 6:53pm
5 minutes to read

In the meantime they are paying nearly $1400 a week for temporary accommodation.

NEW ZEALAND

Some may still not want to go outside at level 2 and that's OK, say experts

13 May, 2020 12:24pm
5 minutes to read

Leaving the "bubble" will see a return of anxiety for some.

Supercity Property Services director Murray Robertson is concerned about the upcoming water restrictions for Auckland. Photo / Brett Phibbs

BUSINESS

'It's a death sentence': Business faces $700k loss over water restrictions

12 May, 2020 11:42am
7 minutes to read

They survived Covid-19, but water restrictions could deal the fatal blow.

The health sector is preparing to tackle a backlog of elective surgeries after the Covid-19 lockdown. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

'We're ready to get on with it': Medical experts on level 2, clearing surgery backlog

11 May, 2020 5:39pm
5 minutes to read

Thousands of procedures had been put off in anticipation of a surge in Covid-19 cases.

A pod of six adult orca and a baby were seen near Ōtata Island in the Hauraki Gulf during the lockdown. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

'Watching nature catch her breath' - lockdown boon for Hauraki Gulf

10 May, 2020 5:00am
5 minutes to read

"I don't ever remember a calm day here without that multi-pitched whine of boats."

NEW ZEALAND

Government advised migrant worker issues 'low', now a 'humanitarian crisis'

9 May, 2020 6:44am
5 minutes to read

There were nearly 400,000 foreign nationals here temporarily soon after lockdown.

The Lower Nihotupu Dam in the Waitākere Ranges at less than 50 per cent of storage capacity at May 3. Photo / Watercare

NEW ZEALAND

Auckland water shortage: Is treated sewage a future option?

9 May, 2020 5:00am
7 minutes to read

Auckland is amid its worst drought on record - and experts say there is worse to come.

Watercare's storage dams have dropped below 50 per cent, prompting mandatory water restrictions. Photo / Watercare

NEW ZEALAND

Mandatory Auckland water use restrictions from May 16

7 May, 2020 4:04pm
5 minutes to read

It comes as the city experiences its worst drought on record.

Concerns have been raised over the placement of cones and signs for the temporary lanes, as seen here along Tāmaki Drive in Kohimarama. Photo / Alex Burton

NEW ZEALAND

Transport stoush brewing over cycleway removal

5 May, 2020 3:38pm
4 minutes to read

New cycleway gone after just one week.

People have been spotted breaking alert level 3 and 4 rules by travelling to Motukorea/Browns Island in the Hauraki Gulf. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Cameras catch island lockdown-breakers in the act

5 May, 2020 2:29pm
3 minutes to read

The cameras were initially set up on the pest-free island to catch a rogue stoat.

Auckland cyclists have been reclaiming the roads during lockdown. Photo / Bike Auckland

NEW ZEALAND

Calls to 'lock in' Auckland's 'pandemic surge' in cycling, walking during lockdown

4 May, 2020 10:03am
8 minutes to read

Experts say it will also help the city reach its goal of halving carbon emissions by 2030.

The lengthy queue of parked cars. Photo / Twitter

NEW ZEALAND

Weekend worriers: Police turn away hordes from Auckland beach

3 May, 2020 11:00am
4 minutes to read

They set up the checkpoint after concerns of overcrowding at the beach.

A black petrel, which breeds once a year on either Little Barrier Island or Great Barrier Island, before spending the rest of its time off the coast of Ecuador. Photo / Ed Marshall

NEW ZEALAND

Endangered native seabirds at mercy of predators during lockdown

3 May, 2020 5:00am
5 minutes to read

Conservationists fear feral cats could be wreaking havoc.

Flight Centre has waived its cancellation fees following public pressure, but warns other agenices might not be a financial position to do so. Photo / File

BUSINESS

Flight Centre backs down on Covid-19 cancellation fee

2 May, 2020 6:24pm
4 minutes to read

The company estimates it will cost $7m, but is an "investment" in its customers.

Finance Minister Grant Robertson urges the public not to undo

NEW ZEALAND

'Don't be an idiot': Finance Minister warns ahead of party crackdown

1 May, 2020 1:24pm
3 minutes to read

Grant Robertson's words come amid a steep rise in level 3 breaches.

People enjoying the view at Muriwai today. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Sightseers and surfers flock to Muriwai at level 3

30 Apr, 2020 4:13pm
3 minutes to read

'As soon as the rules were relaxed it got busy.'

The impacts of Covid-19 and the lockdown have not been equally shared. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Government 'fallen short' on human rights in Covid-19 response

30 Apr, 2020 11:59am
5 minutes to read

The Human Rights Commission is concerned about "significant shortcomings".

Conservation Minister and Green Party environment spokesperson Eugenie Sage said many of those who lost jobs in tourism could easily transfer into conservation work. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Reviving the economy: Greens want $1b for 'nature-based' recovery

26 Apr, 2020 5:00am
5 minutes to read

Greens say it can quickly create thousands of jobs, bring back birds, and cut emissions.

The Covid-19 lockdown has been a time of loneliness, but also of collectiveness, says Poet Laureate David Eggleton. Photo / Michael Craig

NEW ZEALAND

Anzac Day: Listening to the Silence - by Poet Laureate David Eggleton

25 Apr, 2020 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Read Poet Laureate David Eggleton's exclusive Anzac poem for Herald readers.

Māori-led checkpoints are being credited with keeping Covid-19 out of some of the country's most vulnerable communities. Photo / John Stone

NEW ZEALAND

Calls for 'inhumane' approach to tangi, funerals to end

24 Apr, 2020 3:29pm
5 minutes to read

Health experts say science does not support "arbitrary" guidelines.

NEW ZEALAND

Vietnam War vet will still salute fallen mates

24 Apr, 2020 5:00am
4 minutes to read

It is the first time in history Anzac Day dawn services have had to be cancelled.

East Coast iwi are calling for funding to support their restoration project in the dying Raukūmara Conservation Park, which they say will boost the amount of carbon it stores. Photo / Alan Gibson

NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand reviewing its global emissions pledge

23 Apr, 2020 12:55pm
5 minutes to read

The review is to ensure New Zealand is doing its bit to keep global warming under 1.5C.

A member of the Tai Tokerau border crew at the Waiomio checkpoint. Photo / John Stone

NEW ZEALAND

Death rate for Māori could be more than twice that of Pākehā

17 Apr, 2020 3:00pm
5 minutes to read

The latest modelling shows the risk is even higher in older age groups.

The Raukūmara Conservation Park north of Gisborne on the East Coast of the North Island. Photo / Alan Gibson

NEW ZEALAND

How the Covid-19 economic recovery could save a dying forest

17 Apr, 2020 2:27pm
5 minutes to read

"We need to localise our workforce and look at projects through a climate change lens."

The protest camp at Ōwairaka/Mt Albert was removed this week over Covid-19 concerns. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

'Abhorrent act': Anti-Semitic graffiti targets Tūpuna Maunga Authority chair

17 Apr, 2020 11:55am
5 minutes to read

"The anti-Semitic and supremacist use of the Star of David is abhorrent."

The lower Nihotupu dam in the Waitākere ranges running low. Photo / Sylvie Whinray

NEW ZEALAND

'Voluntary' water restrictions as Auckland dams drop under 50 per cent

16 Apr, 2020 6:05pm
4 minutes to read

The last time dam levels dropped this low was in the drought of 1993/1994.

The latest report on the country's freshwater spells dire warnings. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Dire warning for country's lakes, rivers and streams

16 Apr, 2020 10:45am
8 minutes to read

"The path we are on threatens our native species and our own wellbeing."

Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 - which causes the Covid-19 disease - as seen through an electron microscope. Image / AP

NEW ZEALAND

Concerns over case testing unknowns ahead of lifting lockdown

15 Apr, 2020 6:00pm
5 minutes to read

Public health experts say community transmission could be higher than reported.

NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand emissions barely budge, transport cuts urged

15 Apr, 2020 3:43pm
6 minutes to read

New Zealand's gross emissions have increased 24 per cent since 1990.

The Climate Change Commission is calling for the Covid-19 economic recovery not to deepen the climate crisis with high emissions investments. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

High emissions economic recovery could create new crisis

14 Apr, 2020 1:46pm
3 minutes to read

The Climate Change Commission is urging for a climate-friendly recovery package.

Rapa Nui is world famous for its dramatic landscapes. Photo / Marc Shields

NEW ZEALAND

Self-isolating on one of the most remote places on the planet

11 Apr, 2020 3:45pm
6 minutes to read

There is self-isolating, and then there is self-isolating on Easter Island.

There were 47 claims for mountain-biking injuries in the first week of lockdown. Photo / 123rf

NEW ZEALAND

Revealed: How Kiwis are still injuring themselves despite lockdown

10 Apr, 2020 5:00am
4 minutes to read

There were 116 claims related to ladder use, and 243 for DIY work.

A member of the Tai Tokerau border crew talks to a motorist at the Waiomio checkpoint. Photo / John Stone

NEW ZEALAND

Concerns over Māori data collection, impacts on isolated communities

9 Apr, 2020 9:10pm
5 minutes to read

'It is no surprise checkpoints are being set up ... we cannot wait for Wellington."

St Matthew in the City, Auckland, is heading online for Easter services. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Churches move online for 'unprecedented' Easter services

9 Apr, 2020 6:30pm
3 minutes to read

Not since the 1918 flu pandemic had churches been impacted in such a way.

Police officers stopping and checking motorists on State Highway 1 in Ōtaki, north of Wellington. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Kiwis swarm to holiday hotspots for Easter, ignore lockdown rules

9 Apr, 2020 5:47pm
5 minutes to read

Reports of "summer level" activity in the country's holiday hotspots despite lockdown.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern during a post-Cabinet and Covid-19 media update. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Coronavirus: All you need to know about alert level 4 lockdown

8 Apr, 2020 7:00pm
8 minutes to read

Kiwis are being encouraged to stay the course as signs emerge the lockdown is working.