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.
'Strongest since 2017': New Tropical Cyclone Tam warning for strong winds, giant swells
Tam is moving at 35km/h south towards New Zealand.
The big chill: Kiwis wake to freezing temperatures as cold snap grips the country
Auckland had the highest early morning temperature at just 12C.
'Calming' water feature starts smoking as firefighters issue warning over cheap electronics
A Hastings man said he woke up to a burning smell and the outlet close to igniting.
Winter's final act: Thunderstorms, gales, wind, rain to lash NZ across next 72 hours
An air mass from Australia will also bring warmer days and milder nights for parts.
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.
Thunderstorms, hail, rain to hit Auckland, snow warnings for SI alpine passes
The rain will move down the country in bands, soaking most of the North Island.
Poorest Kiwi kids going without healthy food, study finds
Health experts and children’s advocates call the findings 'shameful'.
Watch: 'Unbelievable' - Boys captured wielding hatchets in Wairoa rugby gang brawl
A local caught up in the brawl said she estimated the boys were aged 12 and 14.
Showers forecast to continue along storm-hit East Coast, flooding forces hundreds of evacuations
Hundreds were evacuated from their homes after states of emergency were declared.
Thousands join protest at Parliament as Govt unveils Budget
The nationwide protests come ahead of the coalition Government's first Budget at 2pm.
Boats blown over at Auckland marina as fierce storm lashed region
Power was out to households across the city.
Te Pāti Māori protest: What you need to know about tomorrow's carkoi protests
Police are urging people in metropolitan areas to allow extra time for their morning trips
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.
Fruit shortage: Supply issues in lead-up to Christmas
Cyclone Gabrielle decimated crops in Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne.
'Aunty came back to help out': Jacinda Ardern lends helping hand at Hastings marae
'It was like an Aunty coming home,' a volunteer at the Waipatu Marae said.
'Bright shining light': Mum who lost 2yo in flood - this tragedy has 'cost us everything'
"Our children are our life. We take pride in our complete devotion to our babies."
Police scouring CCTV footage for clues in burnt-out car mystery body
Police say too early to speculate on victim's identity. Post-mortem results days away.