Rachel Maher is a Multimedia Journalist for the New Zealand Herald, focusing on crime and breaking news.
Rachel specialises in reporting on crime issues in Auckland, extensively covering the issues of retail ram raids and youth crime. She has also reported on many other topics including social justice issues, politics and entertainment. Rachel grew up in Whangārei before moving to Tāmaki Makaurau in 2018. After a lifelong passion for writing and story-telling, Rachel studied at AUT and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication, majoring in journalism, in 2022. She achieved her dream of becoming a journalist when she joined the Herald in June of the same year as a breaking news reporter. Rachel has quickly established herself as a passionate and well-rounded reporter, covering everything from the 2023 Cyclone Gabrielle destruction to the death of Queen Elizabeth II. You can contact Rachel at rachel.maher@nzme.co.nz.
'Risk of frost': Temperatures to plummet, threat of more heavy rain this weekend
Northland, Auckland, Coromandel and Bay of Plenty are in the firing line.
Coromandel towns isolated by flooding, more heavy rain forecast as storm rages on
Roads have been submerged, roofs ripped from buildings and ferries and flights cancelled.
Heavy rain, severe gusts to hit Auckland during rush hour
Strong winds hit Auckland, with gusts reaching 93km/h on the harbour bridge.
Electricity warning after frigid snap; more thunderstorms to come today
An unstable westerly flow is expected to bring heavy showers and possible small hail.
Warmer temperatures on the way, sunny spells give taste of spring
Warmer temperatures are ahead — but forecasters are warning people not to get complacent.
Lotto winner claims $44m prize with same lucky numbers on 10 lines
The lucky punter chose at the same numbers for all ten lines.
Poorest Kiwi kids going without healthy food, study finds
Health experts and children’s advocates call the findings 'shameful'.
‘Drive to the conditions’: Police warn motorists after quick succession of crashes in Auckland storms
Heavy rain watches and warnings have been placed on regions across the North Island.
Police warn motorists of strong winds on harbour bridge amid heavy rain across north
Heavy rain watches and warnings have been placed on regions across the North Island.
PM calls Te Pāti Māori planned Budget day protest ‘illegal’
Te Pāti Māori shared on social media that this is a 'rangatira revolution'.
Police confirm number of fatalities in fiery Taranaki crash
Firefighters say one of the vehicles was engulfed in flames.
'Tragedy': Unclear how many victims in Taranaki crash
Firefighters say one of the vehicles was engulfed in flames after the crash.
Tauranga students worried about university chances after NCEA results error
He has already been told he might have to add extra time to his degree due to the error.
Watch: Frantic mum-to-be protects swimmers as shark stalks holiday hotspot
'You know when someone pregnant runs the distance of a beach it’s time to get out.'
30 rescue staff hunt for missing Whangamatā man with dog
Jordan, 29, has not been seen for a week already.
‘Not out of the woods yet’: Conserve water notice as ex-cyclone Lola sweeps North Island
Today is expected to bring another round of thunderstorms and strong winds.
Wild weather: Roads closed with over 100mm of rain, 130km/h wind gusts
Several places across the top of the North Island have recorded over 100mm of rain.
Coromandel community meeting on gang violence gets heated
Locals were left fearful after the Rebels gang spent the weekend terrorising the town.
Kiwis ‘chip in’ to help autistic boy who claimed golf title after only playing three rounds - ever
He accomplished the staggering feat using borrowed clubs and wearing basketball shoes
'I just love it' - David Seymour given Barbie billboard makeover
David Seymour describes it as the 'greatest piece of vandalism' he has ever seen.
Heavy downpours to hit North Island, tree falls in Herne Bay
As temperatures rise during the first week of spring, the rain will continue to fall.
Kaimai quiz night attendees disgusted over group’s KKK costumes
An attendee claims the group was commended on their dedication to their costumes.
Tāmati Coffey Labour’s candidate for East Coast electorate after Allan resignation
Coffey had earlier announced he was leaving politics in March this year.
75 hours of rain: Local state of emergency for Tairāwhiti, 130 evacuated, all major roads closed, rivers rising
Prolonged heavy rain threatens to cause fresh slips and flooding across the North Island.
'We were not out-manned': District Commander defends police in Ōpōtiki
Hundreds of motorbikes, cars, utes and vans descended on Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki.
PM says ‘gangs contribute nothing to society', gunshots reported in Whakatāne
Mongrel Mob Barbarians president Steven Taiatini was killed on Friday in Ōpōtiki.
Live: Slip blocks SH25, more rain expected as storm tracks south
Slips have closed highways and roofs have been ripped off as the downpours begin.
'S***hole stadium': Monster Truck company hits back in foul online rant
The promoter dodges blame for the show that left crowds feeling "underwhelmed".
Live: Bad weather ends PM's planned Wairoa flight; forestry slash inquiry announced; access closed to Auckland’s West Coast beaches
MetService warns of slips and road closures in hard-hit areas as the rain continues.
Live: In firing line - heavy rain watches for regions devastated by Gabrielle
MetService warns of slips and road closures in hard-hit areas as the rain continues.
‘Be vigilant' warning: Slips close BOP Highway, Tamaki Dr feeder road in Auckland
New heavy rain watch issued for eastern Auckland and Hunua Ranges.
Live: Stranded in high-rises as 200 lifts broken; 'people really in trouble' - mayor; all beaches unsafe
Several major roads, meanwhile, remained closed as severe slips cut vital links.
2000 homes without power in Coromandel town; yacht washes ashore
Stormy weather causing problems as it moves south.
'Little regard to health and safety': Inflatable slide operator fined after collapse injures children
The company has had 11 prior interactions with WorkSafe NZ.
Live: Winter blast brings big chill, heavy rain, Auckland fog
Fog restrictions are in place at Auckland Airport early this morning.
State Highway crumbles into river as wild weather continues
State Highway 35 between Ōpōtiki and Gisborne is now officially closed.