Raphael Franks is a Multimedia Journalist for the New Zealand Herald, focusing on breaking news, crime, transport and human interest stories.
Raphael hails from Christchurch but made Auckland his home in 2022. While attending Christchurch Boys’ High School from 2014 to 2018, he worked in Coca-Cola Amatil’s bottling plant; and while studying geography at the University of Canterbury, he worked in retail. Marking a total reversal in career ambitions, Raphael was offered the opportunity to join the Te Rito Journalism Cadetship programme in 2022, funded through the Public Interest Journalism Fund. Through this, he got experience working in some of the country’s largest newsrooms and some of the country’s smallest. He began working for the Herald in the same year. During this time, Raphael has covered the Auckland Anniversary Floods, Cyclone Gabrielle, two different shootings on Queen St and another on Ponsonby Rd, the closure of Newshub, the slimming down of TVNZ, and other major news events of the day. You can contact Mr Franks on 027 436 5668 or at raphael.franks@nzme.co.nz.
Assault charge after migrant worker allegedly beaten for hours over unpaid wages
The Migrant Workers' Association says it is supporting the victim.
'Dangerous and stupid': 12 more arrested over Levin boy racer 'invasion'
Two police officers were hurt, woman knocked unconscious as crowd filmed her.
Data show more Kiwis struggling to pay bills, behind on mortgage payments
Those most affected by financial hardship are aged between 35 and 49.
Woman dies in hospital after head-on crash on rural South Auckland road
Police say a man remains in hospital in a critical condition.
AT removing nuisance speed bump after residents complain of vibrations in homes
AT said the vibrations was uncomfortable and a nuisance for nearby residents.
Moana Pasifika's funder under scrutiny in independent review of Whānau Ora funds
'We must safeguard taxpayers’ money,' Te Puni Kōkiri's chief executive says.
Auckland school named after Captain Cook scrubs mention of explorer for Māori name
A former pupil, ex-Act politician Stephen Berry, says school 'should focus on education'.
Men caught with 180 times legal limit of pāua in Wellington - one of the biggest illegal hauls
The amount of pāua was about $25,000-worth, Fisheries says.
Pro-cycling Auckland councillor suffers broken leg in bike-car crash
Julie Fairey says she will likely need an operation and weeks of recovery.
Crash closes major South Auckland highway, one critically injured
Two others are still trapped in a vehicle at the scene on SH22.
Major supermarket apologises for humiliating woman with false shoplifting claim
The supermarket said its staff caused her public embarrassment and distress.
New Zealander arrested in France charged with attempted murder of political activist
Laotian political activist Joseph Akaravong was stabbed – allegedly by a Kiwi.
'Deeply concerning': Man pulls knife on woman on Wellington street, police appeal for help
The victim was uninjured and ran for help to a nearby house to phone police.
Video shows man being slammed against stall during night market assault, goods flying
Two people were critically injured at the Pakūranga Night Market yesterday.
'I don't believe it': Sleeping store owner woken by late-night call on $15m Lotto win
Find out where the winning tickets were sold and last night's numbers.
Four loud cracks pierce air as three-hour standoff ends in arrest
Children have been stopped from walking their usual route home from school.
Rural vs urban economy: Who's doing 'the hard work' and which regions are booming?
ASB has released its Q1 Regional Economic Scoreboard: Food exports make an impact.
Driver gets Jeep stuck in river trying to avoid group who allegedly assaulted him
Firefighters had to haul the half-submerged vehicle from a flooded ford.
Final big bank drops home loan rates after OCR cut
Westpac announced changes to its six-month and one-year rates today.
Lender accused of preying on 'vulnerable' members of NZ Tongan community
The woman is accused of charging weekly 15% interest, $10 a day late fees.
Supermarket disputes woman's claim worker crushed toddler's fingers with trolley
The mother wrote she wanted to 'jump over and rip your hair out'.
'Just going to get more expensive': Power prices up 6.2%, ahead of inflation
Statistics NZ has released its selected price index for the year to April.
Watch: Police probe after 'distressing' footage emerges of youths hurling baby goat to death
A group of snapback cap-wearing youths holler and squeal with delight in the video.
Suspected arson in Auckland City Hospital ED sees man arrested
Another fire allegedly deliberately lit inside carpark building at the hospital complex.
Boy racers targeted in small town NZ: Cops 'surprised' 33% of cars stopped were not roadworthy
Only 8 of the 161 vehicles police pulled over had zero faults.
Man hands himself into police station after hit-and-run of women and dogs
Mitchell Prouse found his mother lying in a roadside ditch.
Frosts for Auckland? MetService predicts sub-zero temps for next couple of days
Temperatures are set to fall as low as -7C in some parts of the country.
Desert Rd reopens six hours after fatal crash
Police thanked motorists for their patience during the afternoon closure.
Watch: 'It's hectic' - classic Land Rover engulfed in flames on Auckland motorway
The blaze has created huge disruptions around Auckland International Airport this evening.
Swells reach 10m at Wellington Harbour entrance as polar blast hits
There's also been nearly a metre of snow at Mt Hutt, and fire crews rescuing motorists.
Road cone hotline receives 236 reports in four days, Auckland gets the most
WorkSafe dealt with a flurry of reports on the first day before numbers plateaued.
Watchdog assessing complaints after Woolies' false Milkrun ad pricing
Commerce Commission receives multiple inquiries over Facebook ads for delivery service.
It's tax refund season, so how do you know if you're in for a windfall?
The IRD has issued its income tax assessments for the last financial year.
Woolworths apologises for false pricing, blames 'human error' for cheap butter
Butter was being advertised at $5.50 but actually cost $9.55 on the company's app.
Police spend nearly $120k painting Auckland buses like cop cars
The campaign is part of a drive to recruit 500 new officers.
'There's a body in the water': Humble hero recounts saving drowning pensioner
John Schofield, 74, was face down in a 'zombie state' when Ramon Glauser found him.
Is this the solution to Auckland's potentially looming waste crisis?
Neighbours of country's biggest tip fear for their property values and health under plans.
'Seconds to live': Woman flags down kite surfer to save pensioner from drowning
John Schofield, 74, had a coffee date with his sister later. Instead, he was in the ICU.
Watch: Act remains Labour's 'worst nightmare' – new Deputy PM's message
David Seymour held a celebration brunch after being sworn in yesterday.
Watch: Hooded man storms field, punches player in schoolboy rugby game
Police say the behaviour is not acceptable and they are making inquiries.
'Dangerous and stupid': Levin boy racers run over woman’s legs, set diesel alight on street
Police condemn behaviour as 'incredibly reckless' and vow to arrest all those involved.
'Block the pigs': Police brace for boy racer 'invasion' a year on from Levin violence
The Police Minister, despite an event organiser's abuse, says his cops are ready to act.
1.5ha Newmarket site valued at $64m sells to mystery buyer
The huge Auckland site was marketed with potential for a 'landmark project'.
The first image of NZ's new 10c coin featuring King Charles III
Reserve Bank shows off new coin but public faces wait for it to go into circulation.
Banks drop interest rates after Reserve Bank cuts OCR
The Official Cash Rate was dropped from 3.5 to 3.25%. ANZ and BNZ have begun moving.
Who was the Kiwi trader spotted at Trump's controversial crypto dinner?
The dinner held at a US golf club has been labelled an 'orgy of corruption'.
Used car dealer ordered to pay hundreds of thousands after key loan info missing
Wellington firm El Cheapo Cars was sentenced in the Porirua District Court.
Major bank ends Airpoints credit card rewards
State-owned Kiwibank said costs and regulations had increased, making it unviable.
Customs seizes 130kg of cocaine from shipping container at Port of Tauranga
The Class A drug was worth up to $50.44 million.
'Harder on the younger generation': Will Budget changes push Kiwis overseas?
The public share their thoughts on changes to Best Start, KiwiSaver and student loans.
Govt boosts spending on private schools to support ‘diversity, choice’
It is the first increase in private school funding in 15 years, David Seymour said.
Oyster farms to close after sewage overflows, Watercare fix years away
Mahurangi Oysters owner Jim Aitken says 10 operators in the area are affected.
Bus driver charged with manslaughter after bus stop attack
The 34-year-old bus driver has been stood down.
Hundreds of grieving students perform haka for victim of house fire
Navaeh Ngamoki-Porter, 14, was rescued from the burning building, but later died.
Watch: PM tightlipped on borrowing blueprint to fund expenditure days out from Budget
Christopher Luxon unveiled $164m for new 24/7 urgent care clinics.
Man charged with seven counts of arson after Masterton church fires
It comes after a manhunt for 44-year-old Michael Kane McRae.
‘Possible cartel conduct’: Sparky association changes policy after investigation
The NZ Trade Group's conduct 'had the potential to harm competition'.
'See something, report it': New SFO campaign targets foreign bribery
If unchecked, foreign bribery will lower trust in NZ as place to do business, says SFO.
New mobile phone plan for kids: Spark's move a 'great step' but will it protect children?
It comes after PM Luxon said Cabinet would consider banning social media for under-16s.
Patched Mongrel Mobster charged with arson over South Auckland funeral home fire
Four people were reportedly seen running from the area after Just Funerals caught fire.
Wayne's manifesto: Mayor wants bed tax, new China visa, population growth in plan for Auckland
'Auckland knows best what we can and can’t do.'
Watch: Major highway blocked by slip, Auckland flights delayed as intense storm strikes
Motorists are being warned to expect hazardous driving conditions.
'Scene of utter devastation': Shopkeeper had only just moved in when Winz fire destroyed shop
Wendy Li 'was so happy to be starting the store again ... then this happens'.
Major power cables linking North, South Islands near end of life, $1.4b replacement mooted
Transpower is proposing several upgrades to be done at the same time.
Duck hunter allegedly shoots down drone flown by animal rights activist in Canterbury
The pilot has described the incident and defended his flying of the drone.
'Surrounded with love': Family mourn man who died after alleged bus driver assault
Peter Te Kira's grieving daughter describes the moment he took his last breath.
Watch: 'Tree just tried to take me out' - Woman barely escapes being crushed by branch
The branch also brought down a powerline, increasing the danger.
Cook Strait ferry services cancelled as wintry weather brings large swells, snow and storms
Ferry services are cancelled for Cook Strait due to 7m swells.
Severe thunder, rain for top of North Island as winter blast hits south
Temps in parts down to single digits. Auckland is in line for rain tonight.
Tense video shows armed police standoff at Akl supermarket
Police came to arrest a man who allegedly took a fake gun onto a bus.
Funeral home fire linked to family fight over Mongrel Mobster's body
Four people were seen running from the area around the home last night.
Heavy rain, 100km/h winds: Severe storm approaching NZ upgraded to Tropical Cyclone Tam
'It will bring significant weather to the upper North Island late Wednesday to Thursday.'
Warnings upgraded: 140km/h gales, torrential downpours to lash upper North Island for 41hrs
Thunderstorms, 180mm of rain from tonight in upper NI, tree and powerline damage likely.
'Hard to say we're not worried': Kiwi toy billionaire Nick Mowbray faces $3b tariff bill
Zuru co-founder Nick Mowbray is in the US trying to sort out the impact on his business.
'Stabbed so ruthlesslessly in back': Judge blasts ex-funeral director, sentenced to jail
The former employee and star of The Casketeers was found out by chance.
Victim of Manurewa stabbing mourned by family
It's understood the incident occurred during a party at a social housing complex.
‘Unsatisfactory’: Why police did not oppose bail for trio accused of gang raping tourist
The mother of one accused defended her son, saying it was a 'misunderstanding'.
‘Disconcerting, unnerving’: Anger at German backpacker’s alleged gang rapists getting bail
The victim was allegedly bundled into a van on Auckland's K Rd on New Year's Day.
Backpacker allegedly gang-raped by three men in ‘horrific’ Auckland CBD attack
Three men are before the court jointly charged with rape.
‘Flames as big as a house’: Yachtie plucked to safety as inferno engulfs boat
Rescuers came across the stricken man on a liferaft off the Hawke's Bay coast.