Today's latest news

Who wins? US shop manager sued, accused of cashing winning lotto ticket left behind by customer

The US$21m jackpot-winning ticket was the biggest draw in seven years.

Most teens believe their peers are using AI to cheat in school, survey says

Pew research finds more than half of teens in US use AI tools for help with schoolwork.

UK govt says it will release files on 'rude' ex-prince Andrew

Police are probing claims Andrew shared sensitive documents with Epstein.

'Our focus is not politicising this incident': Director of Medimap speaks on data breach

Director of Medimap Geoffrey Sayer joins Ryan Bridge today to discuss the latest health data breach.

Property ‘queen’ owes over $130K, but liquidator yet to hear from her

Social media posts indicate she's in Dubai and seeking the "right people" for new venture.

Christchurch cancer-fraud-accused Nicola Flint arrested in Wales after police search family home

A Christchurch woman accused of cancer fraud has been arrested after going on the run, Claire Sherwood reports. Video / Ryan Bridge Today

Torrential rains leave 23 dead in Brazil, dozens missing

At least 23 people are dead and 47 missing after record rains hit Minas Gerais.

Tony Alexander: 16 reasons why it's all over for mum and dad property investors

The era of buy-to-let is coming to an end.

Young people slipping through the cracks when it comes to mental health, new data shows

Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission data shows more young people are experiencing mental health distress, but fewer are seeing professionals for help. Video / Ryan Bridge Today

UK sanctions NZ insurer over alleged links to 'dark fleet' shipping Iranian, Russian oil

It comes after revelations that the firm had insured 'shadow fleet' vessels.

Ranked: Ferrari flop, newbies shine – Every 2026 Formula 1 car's livery

OPINION: Who got it right and who didn't in designing this year's cars?

Rod Emmerson’s cartoons: Week of February 23 - March 1

Rod Emmerson's take on the week.

International fraudster's $10m seized from NZ bank accounts

The money came from US Medicare scams using fake tests and equipment.

G7 leaders, including Trump, reiterate ‘unwavering support for Ukraine’

They highlighted new US-led mediation efforts this year in Geneva and Abu Dhabi.

'Dear Gordon' email was in Epstein's inbox 38 minutes after reaching PM

Police are probing whether Lord Mandelson shared market-sensitive UK files with Epstein.

MediMap director says hacker corrupted patient details after stealing user login credentials

It's the second major cyber attack on a health platform in the past few months.

Racism in the House, cybersecurity hack and Resource Management Act | Herald NOW

David Seymour and Marama Davidson join Ryan Bridge to discuss the latest political stories. Video / Ryan Bridge Today

'It'll help hundreds, not thousands': Doctor response to new Pharmac proposal

Pharmac is proposing to widen access to drugs for people with stage 3B to stage 4 melanoma.

Post-it maker 3M on trial in Belgium over 'forever' chemicals

About 1400 locals are each seeking €20,000 in compensation from 3M.

Highway shut for hours after fatal SH2 crash

The driver of the car died at the scene, police said this morning.

Cyber attack on health platform Mediamap

Cybersecurity hack sees patients marked as dead, others renamed as Charlie Kirk. Video / Ryan Bridge Today

‘Hero’ sister to undergo operation to try and save little sister's life

A global search was unable to find a complete bone marrow match.

Kiwi arrested at Australian border with violent extremist material on phone

The 24-year-old flew into Perth from overseas before he was stopped in a random search.

New Zealand man arrested at Perth Airport after violent extremist material found on phone

The 24-year-old was stopped by Australian Border Force after arriving on an overseas flight. Video / Australian Federal Police (AFP)

MetService morning weather update: February 25

MetService morning weather update: February 25. Video / MetService

‘Nobody wants to do these things’: Kiwi student on life with Tourette Syndrome

Oliver Dawson lives with Tourette's and says the community 'shouldn't have to hide away'.

Workplace equality exists nowhere: World Bank

Only about half of workplace equality laws worldwide are actually enforced.

Gazans salvage ancient books in mosque library damaged by war

Once holding about 20,000 books, the library now has fewer than 4000 left.

Sport Headlines | Wednesday February 25, 2026

Sport Headlines |England has won against Pakistan and New Zealand Rugby's chain-of-command is changing | Wednesday February 25, 2026

Immigration officers to get increased powers to ask suspected overstayers for identification

Legislation is due in Parliament next month and could pass this term.

How Black Caps plan to adapt for must-win clash as England make semis

The Black Caps face a near knock-out scenario in their Super Eights campaign.

TV anchor offers US$1m in mother's abduction

Savannah Guthrie says the family fears 84-year-old Nancy may now be dead.

'Silly as chooks': 'Lovely' neighbourhood ruined by people 'doing nangs'

They are driving 'smashed on that stuff' and 'dancing and yahooing' in the street.

NZ Herald Morning Headlines | Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Morning Headlines | Cyber teams probe possible Medimap hack, Melanoma NZ pushes for better screening and Nia Glassie's killer denied parole | Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Herald Hat-trick sports quiz: February 25

Can you get a hat-trick?

'We all know the risks': Injured French sailor addresses Auckland SailGP crash

France's Manon Audinet was one of two hospitalised after the crash with the Black Foils.

From fulltime builder to artist: Transforming an old highway petrol stop into a gallery

'It has been a bit of a leap of faith, but art is my passion.'

El Mencho’s death alone is unlikely to spell the end for his cartel

New York Times analysis: After 60 years of the war on drugs, what strategies have worked?

Josephine Bartley: Without law change, more fatal dog attacks will occur

OPINION: Roaming dog complaints and reports of attacks have surged in Auckland since 2021.

'We want to get it back to what it was': Mauao faces long, costly road to reopening

Mayor: 'Our primary concern is safety; we’re not going to do it if it’s not safe.'

‘Mental torture’: The form of OCD that compels you to end your relationships

Telegraph: Relationship OCD sufferers can become consumed with doubts about their partner.

Russell Brand pleads not guilty to rape and sexual assault charges

Brand, 50, has now denied a total of seven sex charges involving four women.

$20m beach estate linked to Miss NZ contest under offer but still on market

Largest private block of absolute waterfront land in the Mount has $20m-plus RV.

Scott Robertson gets first job since leaving All Blacks

His first role comes barely a month after his shock All Blacks exit.

NZ could end homelessness but are we ready to do what it takes?

OPINION: Just how do we tackle homelessness?

Kelly Slater brings surf stardom to Millbrook as NZ Open buzz builds

Surf legend Kelly Slater, 54, is making his first visit to Queenstown.

Boycotts and big questions: What you need to know about the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Calls to boycott centre on US immigration crackdowns and border abuses.

Russia-Ukraine War: Kremlin struggling to recruit enough replacement soldiers

After four years of conflict, 87% of Moscow’s losses have come from drone strikes.

Govt celebrates as an electricity price falls - is it because of the new LNG terminal?

The Government is celebrating key electricity prices coming down.

Israelis brace for another war as Trump mulls strikes on Iran

Officials say Israel now is not expected to strike first and will defer to the US.

Greg Smith: What 16- and 17-year-old workers need to know about KiwiSaver changes

OPINION: How starting KiwiSaver at 16 can supercharge future savings.

Inside Economics: Could KiwiSaver replace rate hikes as NZ's main inflation-fighting tool?

ANALYSIS: Liam Dann takes a deeper dive into the week's economic news.

‘Blood vendetta’: Inside the Sydney underworld feud that felled ex-Kiwis star Matt Utai

Competition is hot for the city's $6b annual illicit drug trade

Editorial: Move-on orders are a temporary fix, not a long-term answer

OPINION: The Government's move has the potential to cause more problems than it solves.

‘Appalling’: MAFS sexpert hit with allegation

A MAFS husband lobs a shock allegation at the show’s sexpert – leaving the room stunned.

Norway’s centuries-long watch on the northern lights

New York Times: An array of 10,000 antennas will seek a detailed understanding of auroras.

Student hospitalised and board infighting over unsanctioned Fiji trip, statutory manager brought in

The ministry has appointed a limited statutory manager to stabilise the board.

Antarctic IceCube telescope expands in new push to study ghost particles

The upgrade lets IceCube track lower-energy neutrinos in far finer detail.

'Sounding the alarm': Urgent calls for action on youth mental health following report

'It's vitally important that we close this gap and it is becoming more urgent.'

Space to grow: New classrooms ease pressure on crowded schools

Standardised designs have cut average classroom build costs by 28%.

Morning quiz: Who played boxer Muhammad Ali in the 2001 biopic Ali?

Test your brain with the Herald's morning quiz.

Woman facing organ removal claims GP clinic lost her medical records

The woman claimed her infertility was ignored by a Palmerston North clinic for years.

Notorious Nia Glassie murderer fronts Parole Board

Wiremu Curtis was 17 at the time 3-year-old Nia died after months of abuse and torture.

Kim Yo Jong: The powerful sister behind North Korea's supreme leader

Sibling of Kim Jong Un elevated to a key position in North Korea’s ruling party.

Dee hoping to make Champions Day his own again in flying visit

Mick Dee is one of Victoria's best jockeys but is returning home for Champions Day.

Primary school principals accept Government pay offer

The deal includes a $15,000 allowance for managing new curriculum changes.

Christian Horner: Demoting Liam Lawson from Red Bull 'wasn't my choice'

Horner says Oliver Mintzlaff and Helmut Marko pushed him out of Red Bull.

‘World famous’ urinals sell for nearly $3m after global interest

“I had London and Japan on the phone. It was phenomenal.”