Tom Rose is an Auckland-based journalist who covers breaking news, specialising in lifestyle, entertainment and travel. He joined the Herald in 2023.
You can contact Tom at tom.rose@nzme.co.nz.

No more crying in the kitchen: 'Tearless' onions launch in NZ - at a cost
Tearless onions are now being grown in Auckland and sold nationwide.

'I'll put a gun to your head': Man threatens passengers before police swarm Auckland train
Armed police boarded the train but the man had got off at an earlier stop.

Lorde's new see-through CDs 'won't play' music, fans claim
'Whoever decided to design this is an idiot,' one woman said after purchasing it.

Foodstuff supermarkets face salad shortages as storm delivers 'logistical hit'
Spinach, mesclun and other salad greens are currently in limited supply.

'Lorde's not here to look good': Beauty mag slammed for unpacking star's 'tired-girl aesthetic'
The mag said she has appeared sunburned, frizzy-haired and 'even a little sweaty'.

From the UK to Ngātīmoti: How Noel Edmonds spends his time in NZ
The TV host left stardom behind to run an 800-acre estate by the Motueka River.

Is your ski field open? What to know about the snow ahead of school holidays
The forecast brings hope for skiers amid a warm, wet June.

Kiwi man charged after cocaine blocks found in suitcase at Sydney Airport
Officers found 10kg of cocaine and over $10,000 in the man's luggage.

Auckland cafe to close after 70 years following rates dispute settlement
Rupa's Cafe has fought off Covid-19 restrictions and an unpaid rates bill nearing $1m.

New flight route to turn Auckland into China-South America gateway
The 'Southern Link' will directly connect Aotearoa to Argentina by year's end.

Watch: Monteith’s Wild Food Challenge final returns to Auckland after 11 year hiatus
A live cook-off featured ox heart, wapiti, wild boar and plenty of edible wildlife.

New Lord of the Rings film will be shot in NZ, release date confirmed
Andy Serkis is the man behind Gollum and will step into the role of director for the film.

Cairns' underrated food scene is worth the trip for Kiwis
The city's dining scene features seafood bars on trawler boats and high-rise mezze spots.

Queenstown man runs length of Japan to support Palestinians
'I love this stuff and I’m lucky to enjoy the pain a little bit.'

NRL reporter speaks out on AI deepfake video using her images
Tiffany Salmond called the act a blatant attempt to undermine her safety and confidence.

Forget the Gold Coast: How to spend five days in Queensland's coolest little city
Flights from Auckland and Christchurch make Cairns easily accessible for Kiwis.

'Accidents happen': Trampers warned as winter weather sets in
Four of the Great Walks should only be attempted by experienced trampers, MSC advises.

Hit Amazon series with Kiwi lead axed after three seasons
New Zealand's Zoë Robins has starred alongside Gone Girl star Rosamund Pike since 2021.

Watch: Kiwi paraglider's 200km flight over India goes viral
Benjamin Kellett soared over the Indian Himalayas for 6.5 hours, gaining viral attention.

Aerospace entrepreneur to make history as first New Zealander in space
Mark Rocket's passion for space led him to change his surname 25 years ago.

Singapore Airlines adds seats, boosts freight capacity to Christchurch
Weekly flights between Christchurch and Singapore will increase to 11.

'Charlie bit my finger' star shares glimpse into life as viral video turns 18
Charlie Davies-Carr is now 19, studies law and hasn't bitten any fingers 'in a long time'.

'Generational, life-defining' prize: Porirua supermarket decks out store for Lotto's $17m winner
The winning ticket was sold at New World Whitby in Porirua.

'Deeply concerning': NZ's cruise industry sounds alarm as ship visits drop 40%
Despite an initial rebound post-Covid, cruise bookings have dropped sharply this season.

'Valuable opportunity': Students praise compassion-building workshops at school
Students have found the workshops 'really uplifting and positive' so far.

'Like a cartoon': Author's $65k book prize win nearly derailed by travel chaos
Damien Wilkins nearly missed the awards after his flight out of Wellington was cancelled.

'Strong future': Accor reveals vision for iconic Taupō resort
The company is taking over management of Wairakei Resort from its Malaysia-based owners.

High-flyers: Air NZ to introduce 'Elite Plus' tier, new exclusive Akl lounge
Construction on the premium room is tipped to begin in the next six months.

Why 'Tina from Turners' is leaving NZ for life in Samoa
Sieni Leo’o Olo is moving to Samoa for a simpler, more connected life.

Air NZ to suspend Christchurch-Gold Coast flights over summer
Demand, market conditions and fleet constraints influenced the decision, Air NZ said.

Greg Foran defends exit from Air NZ top job amid aircraft problems
'There's other things that I'm keen to do.'

On The Up: Is an HIV-free future in sight for NZ? Burnett Foundation's new boss thinks so
New diagnoses are on a downward trend, and zero transmission targets have been set.

Hollywood stars descend on Nepal to film Everest biopic
Tom Hiddleston will star as Kiwi mountaineering pioneer Sir Edmund Hillary.

Second airline to fly between Auckland and Perth, Qantas revives non-stop route
Kiwis can book seats on the newly announced flights from today.

Broken ribs, punctured lung: NZ Olympic medallist in hospital after crash
Hayden Wilde must stay in Japan for several weeks as he recovers from his injuries.

Kiwis need less money for overseas travel than they think - find out how much
Three quarters of all Kiwis plan to travel overseas in 2025, according to new research.

Family with disabled daughter booted from $700 front-row Hot Wheels show seats
About 500 tickets have been reallocated because of a safety issue.

'Starwberry' surprise: Pams typo slips through checks
The error could make the cheesecake a 'future collectors' item', Pams said.

US travel caution: Eight Kiwis detained at border since November
Travellers are told to check they meet entry requirements.

'Isn't a good look': Virgin Australia delays leave passengers stranded overnight at airport
The airline acknowledged it fell short of expectations and has apologised to passengers.

Viral fish-drying video hits Auckland restaurant's food grade
The restaurant has denied the fish was theirs, calling the situation 'truly terrifying'.

Female passenger allegedly abuses airline crew, scratches police during transtasman flight
The 44-year-old faces six charges after appearing in court yesterday.

'A remarkable human being': High-profile tributes pour in for Pope Francis
Lionel Messi, King Charles, the two Chrises and more share poignant messages for the Pope.

Watch: 'Messed with the wrong reporter' – broadcaster takes to social media after car sideswiped
The culprit left a note with a phone number but didn't provide any insurance details.

On The Up - ‘Do not give up’: Mum of two undeterred by aggressive cancer, miscarriages
'It's the mind that plays the game. If the mind is strong, your body can cope with it'.

'Incredibly determined': Auckland boy hula hoops his way into world record books
Leonardo Pala, 10, now has his eyes set on breaking a new record.

Which stores will open this long weekend? A guide to Easter trading restrictions
Most stores must close on Good Friday and Easter Sunday in New Zealand.

Taco Bell's future: NZ stores safe as Aussie operator exits
Collins Foods plans to sell or close all 27 of its Taco Bell stores in Australia.

Lorde announces first new single in four years, sparking album buzz
A TikTok clip teasing the song has already garnered over 32 million views.

Lorde's cryptic return: Duct tape and music teaser ignite fan theories
Lorde hinted at new music last week, posting a TikTok featuring an unreleased song.

'I'm very proud': Son's quick thinking saves lives in Ōrākei house fire
One person was taken to hospital in a serious condition.

Bennett ends speculation on Auckland mayoralty run, blasts Parliament's 'cesspit' culture
Paula Bennett described Parliament as a 'cesspit of bullying and nastiness'.

Firefighters battle Ōrākei house fire, one person seriously injured
Emergency services were called to the blaze at 9.45am.

Acclaimed Kiwi author's US book tour halted amid fears of political backlash
Teachers fear Kim's books could spark a backlash in the present political environment.

On The Up: The act of kindness that stunned a solo traveller visiting NZ
The UK-based mother travelled across Aotearoa for two months on her own.

Flying Jetstar’s world-first route between NZ and Australia
The airline's latest year-round flight gives Kiwis a new 'shortcut to the tropics'.

‘Dum-de-doo’: Griffin’s retires iconic Cookie Bear mascot after 57 years
The company is making a 'refreshing' change to its iconic biscuit packets.

‘Next-level theft’: NZ designer’s images, clothing designs copied by world’s largest fashion retailer
Sera Lilly discovered her designs and photos being used by Shein without her consent.

Domino’s pizza trays found in nearby bathroom, chain says they hadn’t been used for years
Domino's confirmed the trays have since been disposed of.

Top Auckland restaurant struck by bold oyster thief
Security footage captured the woman's brazen daylight act.

TV star Graham Norton spotted at popular eatery ahead of nationwide tour
Graham Norton’s nationwide tour begins today at the Isaac Theatre Royal in Christchurch.

Travellers ‘can’t understand English’, accuse airport security of discrimination at screening
The woman filed a complaint after an officer's alleged comment to another passenger.

Auckland Facebook group stirs controversy with pay-to-post plan
Admins banned at least 88 members for reacting to the fee proposal.

The ‘wonder drugs’ that helped Nigel Latta fight ‘incurable’ cancer
Nigel Latta's cancer is no longer terminal after responding 'very well' to treatment.

Oscars: Anora stuns with Best Picture win; Demi Moore snubbed for Best Actress
It was a night of shocks and surprises at the 97th Academy Awards.

The ultimate guide to NZ’s top gigs and festivals this autumn
Summer may be leaving us behind, but New Zealand's music scene is still heating up.

Chicken of the sea? Kiwi favourite meets KFC
Available for two days only, we went to Mairangi Bay Surf Lifesaving Club to try 'KF&C'.

Samoa’s most famous hotel has officially reopened - here’s what to expect
Flash floods and a global pandemic forced its doors shut nearly half a decade ago.

‘Every major city is just a glorified town’: NZ roasted by AI chatbots
From housing to burnouts, Kiwi creator gets 'unhinged' results from ChatGPT and DeepSeek.

Commendations and controversy: The big winners at the 2025 Grammy Awards
The 67th Grammy Awards ceremony took place on Monday.

‘Artists always pull this s***’: Drake in hot water after making huge change to NZ shows
The move highlights a trend that is becoming a regular occurrence in NZ's events industry.

‘Clubbing necessity’: How Gen Z music lovers are making earplugs cool
Hearing loss affects one in six Kiwis - and it's expected one in four will suffer by 2050.

Luke Combs performs a shoey with rugby stars at Eden Park concert
NZ rugby stars joined the US country music legend on stage for an unconventional drink.

Flying Fiji Airways to ... Samoa? Why you should consider this route to the heart of the Pacific
Review: Fiji Airways is one of the few airlines with a route from New Zealand to Samoa.

Staying in the city? What to do in Auckland for New Year's Eve
Your go-to guide for spending New Year’s Eve in the big smoke.

RIP sweet treats: Kiwi summer favourites that no longer exist
Tom Rose reflects on the iconic sweet treats that have gone missing from the corner dairy.

Island time: Relax and unwind at Samoa's revamped beachfront resort
The Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort has reopened after a $17 million renovation.

Review: 'Sexiest crowd I've had' - Troye Sivan gushes over Kiwi fans
Lap dances, keg stands and club records ignite Auckland’s Spark Arena.