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.
![Watch: Woman's violent and racist rant at Asian Kiwi bus passengers caught on video](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Watch: Woman's violent and racist rant at Asian Kiwi bus passengers caught on video
Footage captured the woman yelling, pushing and spitting at other passengers.
![Amateur sparky's work nearly sets Auckland home alight: Six unlicensed workers fined in last six months](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Amateur sparky's work nearly sets Auckland home alight: Six unlicensed workers fined in last six months
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment warning people to ensure tradesmen legit.
!['Frustrated as everyone in Northland': Mayor fumes as slip closes SH1 less than one month after reopening](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Frustrated as everyone in Northland': Mayor fumes as slip closes SH1 less than one month after reopening
Motorists north of Auckland are advised to travel later or potentially face lengthy delays
![Weather: Heavy showers for Auckland but worst rain heads for East Coast](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Weather: Heavy showers for Auckland but worst rain heads for East Coast
Waves up to 10 metres high were expected at the centre of the storm.
![Major global IT network outage hits banking services, flights, television, supermarkets](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Major global IT network outage hits banking services, flights, television, supermarkets
'Officials are working to ensure that impacts on lifelines services are minimised.'
!['He wouldn't wake up': Coroner investigates baby's hospital death](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'He wouldn't wake up': Coroner investigates baby's hospital death
Mother Sharnz Welsh is marking the first anniversary of her son's death.
!['The love of my life': Husband of Trish McKay makes emotional funeral statement](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'The love of my life': Husband of Trish McKay makes emotional funeral statement
McKay was described as a beloved wife, devoted mother and cherished grandmother.
![A quarter of a million dollars' worth of cannabis found during traffic stop](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
A quarter of a million dollars' worth of cannabis found during traffic stop
Police pulled man over for driving without headlights and then officers smelled drugs.
![Darleen Tana: Husband's bike shop in liquidation, insolvency firm combing through store](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Darleen Tana: Husband's bike shop in liquidation, insolvency firm combing through store
A notice was placed in the Newmarket Bikes and Beyond window this afternoon.
![More fog expected in Auckland today, before giving way to heavy rain](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
More fog expected in Auckland today, before giving way to heavy rain
The rain is expected to drench the city for most of today.
![School holidays to end on stormy note; Relatively warm temperatures on way](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
School holidays to end on stormy note; Relatively warm temperatures on way
Wed to see barrel over country before skies clear on Thur, more heavy falls on Fri.
![Phone repair shop nude photo saga: Police launch investigation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Phone repair shop nude photo saga: Police launch investigation
Worker at Mobile Planet's been suspended for allegedly taking photos off customer's phone.
![Watch: Off-duty cop foils would-be meat thief](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Watch: Off-duty cop foils would-be meat thief
Police have identified the man and say they will be speaking to him 'shortly'.
![Mobile shop worker allegedly tries downloading nudes from customer's phone](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Mobile shop worker allegedly tries downloading nudes from customer's phone
Mobile Planet, a shop at Sylvia Park, suspended the worker at the centre of the claims.
![Interislander ferry crew mistakenly pressed autopilot before running aground, leaked doc reveals](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Interislander ferry crew mistakenly pressed autopilot before running aground, leaked doc reveals
Maritime NZ says grounding not caused by crew member leaving the bridge to make coffee.
![Weather: Enjoy the sun while it lasts, but what's coming next week?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Weather: Enjoy the sun while it lasts, but what's coming next week?
Clear skies, a lack of wind, and chilly mornings forecasted this week.
![Chill set to continue into school holidays after Auckland’s coldest morning of 2024](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Chill set to continue into school holidays after Auckland’s coldest morning of 2024
Friday morning was the coldest of the year in Auckland - and the lows remain next week.
![Residents call Vector planned outage ‘reprehensible’ as Auckland temps plunge](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Residents call Vector planned outage ‘reprehensible’ as Auckland temps plunge
Avondale residents will brave the chill without power as Auckland drops to 5C tonight.
![Watch: Mayor Brown has ‘Biden moment’, revealing confidential info in public meeting](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Watch: Mayor Brown has ‘Biden moment’, revealing confidential info in public meeting
The mayor apologised and retracted his misstatement.
!['Like in the movies': Engine fault forces Hong Kong-bound Air NZ flight to turn back](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Like in the movies': Engine fault forces Hong Kong-bound Air NZ flight to turn back
A spokeswoman for Air New Zealand confirmed the pilots jettisoned fuel.
![Watch: 'Quite proud of that car' - tradie crashes through man's garage, damages $80k Tesla](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Watch: 'Quite proud of that car' - tradie crashes through man's garage, damages $80k Tesla
Rob Johnson caught the crash on camera. It shows the work van careening into his home.
!['They're not police officers': Union defends Auckland bus driver after racist attack on teen](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'They're not police officers': Union defends Auckland bus driver after racist attack on teen
16yo schoolboy had five teeth damaged when a woman beat him with metal pole yelling slurs.
![Auckland scientist’s death on Mt Ruapehu a ‘freak accident’ climbing with friends](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Auckland scientist’s death on Mt Ruapehu a ‘freak accident’ climbing with friends
Wednesday Davis died on Saturday after falling while climbing Mt Ruapehu.
![Founder of family violence charity who stole $44,000 denied appeal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Founder of family violence charity who stole $44,000 denied appeal
Betty Sio was fined $3000 after stealing from her own charity.
![‘Outrageous’ frequency of drive-by shootings leave Aucklanders numb to threat, says councillors](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘Outrageous’ frequency of drive-by shootings leave Aucklanders numb to threat, says councillors
The most recent incident happened last night when an Ōtara home was sprayed with bullets.
![Snow for Desert Rd, Interislander ferries cancelled as polar blast hits country](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Snow for Desert Rd, Interislander ferries cancelled as polar blast hits country
Rain forecast for most main centres. Auckland to hit 15C high, fall to 9C low overnight.
![Kāinga Ora CEO resigns, will get $365k payout - Govt changes 'not what he signed up for'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Kāinga Ora CEO resigns, will get $365k payout - Govt changes 'not what he signed up for'
The Government announced sweeping changes at the agency in May.
![Is this the end of ex-MP Golriz Ghahraman's law career?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Is this the end of ex-MP Golriz Ghahraman's law career?
Ghahraman was denied discharge without conviction for shoplifting and fined $1860.
!['Community in mourning': Three bodies found in search for missing fishermen](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Community in mourning': Three bodies found in search for missing fishermen
A police spokesperson said formal identification is ongoing.
!['Need to see some heads roll': Mayor calls for accountability after pylon collapse](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Need to see some heads roll': Mayor calls for accountability after pylon collapse
'The buck stops with the leadership team.'
![Embattled Green MP Darleen Tana referred to police over alleged campaign ad issue](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Embattled Green MP Darleen Tana referred to police over alleged campaign ad issue
Tana is subject to independent investigation over links to alleged migrant exploitation.
![Why did tower fall? Probe launched into region's mass power failure](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Why did tower fall? Probe launched into region's mass power failure
Power restored to most of the region last night after second grid emergency of the year.
![$80,000 reward for info on fugitive Tom Phillips set to expire](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
$80,000 reward for info on fugitive Tom Phillips set to expire
Search for the dad and his three kids, missing for 30 months, has ramped up recently.
!['Beyond a joke': Deputy mayor slams Auckland train disruptions as third world](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Beyond a joke': Deputy mayor slams Auckland train disruptions as third world
“You’ve got to admit our train services have been undeniably unreliable this year."
!['Reckless and disturbing': New public service cuts risk allowing more violent extremism, scams, sex abuse online- union](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Reckless and disturbing': New public service cuts risk allowing more violent extremism, scams, sex abuse online- union
Over 6000 jobs have been cut across civil service as part of Govt-requested cost savings.
!['It is child abuse': Mum of Marokopa kids makes plea - 'bring my babies home'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'It is child abuse': Mum of Marokopa kids makes plea - 'bring my babies home'
Phillips has been on the run for 30 months. He's accused of robbing a bank while at large.
![PM's plane woes risk denting NZ's international reputation, says law expert](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
PM's plane woes risk denting NZ's international reputation, says law expert
Christopher Luxon was forced to use a commercial flight for his official trip.
![Missing Marokopa man's eldest child to mark birthday 30 months after disappearing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Missing Marokopa man's eldest child to mark birthday 30 months after disappearing
Eldest daughter Jayda reaches the milestone as attention on her father ramps up.
![Hypocrisy claim: Witness claims Akl Council truck mixed rubbish with recycling](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Hypocrisy claim: Witness claims Akl Council truck mixed rubbish with recycling
The council is threatening to take people's bins off them if they can't follow rules.
!['No one is demanding action': Petition calls on Govt, banks to refund scam victims](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'No one is demanding action': Petition calls on Govt, banks to refund scam victims
About $200m was stolen from Kiwi victims in 2023 alone, with half of households targeted.
![Footage shows Auckland train passengers walking tracks after evacuation, as more strikes loom](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Footage shows Auckland train passengers walking tracks after evacuation, as more strikes loom
Two groups of workers on Auckland's network are striking. Timetables cut, more possible.
![Organiser of Levin boy racer gathering tells Police Minister to 'get f****d'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Organiser of Levin boy racer gathering tells Police Minister to 'get f****d'
Two policemen were injured when boy racers threw bottles, bricks and rocks.
![An end to bloated bureaucracy? Auckland Council appoints new executive team](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
An end to bloated bureaucracy? Auckland Council appoints new executive team
Chief executive Phil Wilson, who took the job last November, makes top-level changes.
![$7m cocaine bust: Auckland police smash Australian organised crime cell](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
$7m cocaine bust: Auckland police smash Australian organised crime cell
Two men arrested after $7 million worth of cocaine found in shipping container.
![Waikeria Prison riot inquiry: Staff failed to deal with armed, drug-smoking inmates](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Waikeria Prison riot inquiry: Staff failed to deal with armed, drug-smoking inmates
Mongols MC members were together in a prison unit, and had a strong influence on the riot.
![Ticket sales close for monster $43m Lotto Powerball jackpot, will you be a winner?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Ticket sales close for monster $43m Lotto Powerball jackpot, will you be a winner?
Sales close at 7.30pm and the winning numbers will be drawn about 8.30pm.
![Mental health report shows rate of psychological distress up, system not working for Māori](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Mental health report shows rate of psychological distress up, system not working for Māori
The five-year report shows there is more to be done to fill gaps in treatment and support.
!['Dumbass': Maureen Pugh’s name edited to insult on National Party website](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Dumbass': Maureen Pugh’s name edited to insult on National Party website
Maureen Pugh is deputy speaker of the House.
![Te Pāti Māori wants Māori Parliament, issues declaration of independence](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Te Pāti Māori wants Māori Parliament, issues declaration of independence
Police say the thousands of protesters were 'well behaved'.
![Thousands join protest at Parliament as Govt unveils Budget](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Thousands join protest at Parliament as Govt unveils Budget
The nationwide protests come ahead of the coalition Government's first Budget at 2pm.
![Smith & Caughey’s closing: Iconic department store’s fate devastating news for Auckland City](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Smith & Caughey’s closing: Iconic department store’s fate devastating news for Auckland City
Smith & Caughey's released a proposal to close shop yesterday.
![Smith & Caughey’s closing: Retail NZ devastated by news, no business immune to economic challenges](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Smith & Caughey’s closing: Retail NZ devastated by news, no business immune to economic challenges
After 144 years, closure of Queen St 'icon' will see 250 staff lose their jobs.
![Te Pāti Māori protests: Party leaders steadfast in encouraging people out, PM Luxon says it is illegal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Te Pāti Māori protests: Party leaders steadfast in encouraging people out, PM Luxon says it is illegal
Strike action is planned across the country tomorrow with major disruption to traffic.
!['Fears for the worst': Police search properties in investigation into missing man](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Fears for the worst': Police search properties in investigation into missing man
Ronny Okeke has been missing for 31 days now. 'His family deserve answers,' police say.
![AT backtracks on K Rd bus lanes, operating hours cut back amid $100k fines per week](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
AT backtracks on K Rd bus lanes, operating hours cut back amid $100k fines per week
AT says it will cut hours because 'the weekend is an important time for ... businesses'.
![Gisborne police arrest four gangsters for intimidating witnesses, threatening to kill](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Gisborne police arrest four gangsters for intimidating witnesses, threatening to kill
"Police have put a significant effort into executing these arrests."
![Stolen Whittaker’s chocolate blocks: Beat policemen chase, arrest alleged thief through CBD](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Stolen Whittaker’s chocolate blocks: Beat policemen chase, arrest alleged thief through CBD
Cops raided a dairy last Friday, found 50 blocks stolen from supermarket earlier that day.
![US tip-off leads to Christchurch man's arrest for allegedly owning child sex material](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
US tip-off leads to Christchurch man's arrest for allegedly owning child sex material
Customs raided the man's home this morning - he was allegedly uncooperative.
!['Pretty hellish': Kiwis on first evacuation flight from Noumea describe ‘frightening’ experience](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Pretty hellish': Kiwis on first evacuation flight from Noumea describe ‘frightening’ experience
First evacuees say they are very grateful to be back in New Zealand.
![NZDF flight rescuing 50 stranded Kiwis from New Caledonia lands in Auckland](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
NZDF flight rescuing 50 stranded Kiwis from New Caledonia lands in Auckland
A Hercules plane has brought home the first 50 Kiwis from Noumea tonight.
![Te Whatu Ora Waikato breached patient's rights, led to late cancer diagnoses - report](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Te Whatu Ora Waikato breached patient's rights, led to late cancer diagnoses - report
An X-ray found nodules in lungs, but the woman, GP were not told. She died months later.
!['Parliament starts with family, empathy and humanity': Bereft Act MP thanks well-wishers for support](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Parliament starts with family, empathy and humanity': Bereft Act MP thanks well-wishers for support
The second-term MP's loss was honoured by PM Luxon, other politicians and public figures.
!['Lower than low': Coastguard building, digger fire: Man arrested, charged with arson](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Lower than low': Coastguard building, digger fire: Man arrested, charged with arson
Police arrested a 37-year-old after report of a break-in last night.
!['Silliest thing I've ever done': Mum of abducted baby reveals regrets](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Silliest thing I've ever done': Mum of abducted baby reveals regrets
Mum at centre of Waitara incident relieved alleged thief caught, describes her trauma.
!['You are all of my successes': Act MP mourns son and rugby player](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'You are all of my successes': Act MP mourns son and rugby player
The second-term MP's loss been honoured by PM Luxon, other politicians and public figures.
![Alleged long-time mail thief used letters to get fraudulent loans, credit cards - police](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Alleged long-time mail thief used letters to get fraudulent loans, credit cards - police
Cops executed search warrant at alleged thief's house - found hundreds of stolen letters.
![Salvage yard cover $200 police bill sent to mum whose baby taken in stolen car](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Salvage yard cover $200 police bill sent to mum whose baby taken in stolen car
The incident happened last Friday in Waitara, Taranaki.
![Mother of baby taken when her car was stolen handed $200 bill](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Mother of baby taken when her car was stolen handed $200 bill
Her car was stolen from Waitara, Taranaki, on Friday. Her baby was dumped on roadside.
![AT boss apologises to Mayor Brown over controversial CBD parking charges, delays rollout](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
AT boss apologises to Mayor Brown over controversial CBD parking charges, delays rollout
AT plans to charge for weekends, including overnight on Sundays, and public holidays.
!['Take some accountability': Woman chased boys after they attacked West Auckland pupil](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Take some accountability': Woman chased boys after they attacked West Auckland pupil
The schoolboy was attacked on Godley Rd, Green Bay, about 4pm last Friday.
![Workplace horrors: Big payouts over amputated fingers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Workplace horrors: Big payouts over amputated fingers
Horror workplace injuries are outlined by a WorkSafe official.
![Father of woman whose car was stolen with baby inside details traumatic incident](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Father of woman whose car was stolen with baby inside details traumatic incident
The mother chased after the offender and found her abandoned baby on the roadside.
![Victims of South Auckland house fire identified, grieving family pay tribute to kapa haka star](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Victims of South Auckland house fire identified, grieving family pay tribute to kapa haka star
A third man remains in hospital.
![Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown proposes transport funding for Long Term Plan](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown proposes transport funding for Long Term Plan
Brown says his proposed funding will make public transport 'better, faster [and] cheaper'.
![Space storm upgraded to 'extreme' as Transpower extends 'grid emergency' notice again](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Space storm upgraded to 'extreme' as Transpower extends 'grid emergency' notice again
'Our control rooms are monitoring the event' – grid operator.
![Eight teens arrested, one still on the run after jewellery heists](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Eight teens arrested, one still on the run after jewellery heists
Police appeal for leads on a teenager wanted after incident in Newmarket.
![High school students find walkie-talkie loophole in cellphone ban](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
High school students find walkie-talkie loophole in cellphone ban
Aucklander teen tells the Herald about cunning communication idea.
![Gulf Harbour body in bag homicide update: Woman had organ removed, and other details](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Gulf Harbour body in bag homicide update: Woman had organ removed, and other details
Police share details of woman's medical history, ethnicity and approximate age.