Today's latest news

Prison homicide: Man accused of killing elderly cellmate is named

The family of Johnathan Trubuhovich, 69, had hoped he'd be home by Christmas.

Video shows faulty ceiling at Swiss bar weeks before deadly fire

Staff had warned of sagging foam panels in the bar in mid-December.

US population growth slowed last year as net immigration fell by about half

US population grew by 1.8 million, or 0.5%, between July 2024 and June 2025, census shows.

Beach town's fanciest 'shed' sells for $571,000 for the second time in three months

New buyer swoops after the first deal unexpectedly collapsed.

How to turn a Melbourne city hop into a restorative wellness getaway

From Aireys Inlet to Sorrento, these escapes pair luxury with adventure.

French national named as e-scooter rider killed by train in Christchurch

Emergency services were called to Addington about 3.30am on Friday.

China hacked Downing Street phones for years

US intelligence says the campaign may still be active, risking Sir Keir Starmer’s team.

Police say they did not attend Mount Maunganui campground over disorder call

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon now backs an independent government inquiry.

London police's facial recognition tech challenged in court

A landmark legal action has been launched over live facial recognition cameras.

Nicola Willis sets Budget 2026 date

Finance Minister Nicola Willis' statement to the Finance and Expenditure Committee on the Budget 2026 date. Video / Mark Mitchell

'Lawless killings in cold blood': US sued over deadly missile strike on alleged drug boat

US faces wrongful death lawsuit over strike which killed two Trinidadian men.

NZ Herald comments: The stories open for discussion today

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'Serious injuries': Motorcyclist rushed to hospital, earlier crash causes Tauranga congestion

A multiple vehicle crash was just before 6am, second crash left a motorcyclist badly hurt.

'Not a fan': Why Warriors coach Webster opposes proposed NRL rule changes

The kickoff rule has raised eyebrows but Andrew Webster likes things how they are.

Why we’re getting breakfast wrong and the best time to eat it

Telegraph: A nutritional misstep in your morning routine can impact your health.

Emergency fund opens after deadly BOP storms

The fund backs marae, charities and community groups helping affected whānau.

Chris Roberts on private hospitals and publicly funded patients

Chris Roberts speaks up for private hospitals in NZ's two-tier healthcare debate.

US monster storm kills 30

More than 540,000 homes and businesses remain without electricity.

‘Devastated’: Bookshop owner expects 35% revenue hit from NZ Post closure

NZ Post is shutting 142 urban retail partner stores.

TikTok settles hours before landmark social media addiction trial

The case alleges a Californian woman's social media use from age six caused harm.

Nicola Willis sets Budget Day date, promises tight rein on spending

The Finance Minister insists there will be no 'splashing of cash' beyond core services.

'One Battle After Another' and 'Sinners' top Bafta nods

Vampire horror 'Sinners' scores 13 Bafta nods after 16 historic Oscar bids.

The one hotel benefit that most travellers totally ignore

It's free and invaluable, yet most travellers totally ignore it.

Ex-Opec president accused of enjoying 'life of luxury' from bribes at UK trial

Former Nigerian oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke faces corruption trial in London.

Trump will send Ice agents to Winter Olympics in Italy

Protests grew after agents shot dead two civilians in Minneapolis.

Govt announces more money for storm-hit farmers and growers

The extra funding is for those in Northland, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, and Tairāwhiti.

Wellington's Cake Tin gets new name as sponsor signs on

The capital's stadium will change its sponsored name for the third time in 26 years.

Voters split on who Labour should rule out as governing options

Hipkins won't say which parties Labour would or would not work with in a future govt.

OCR increase ‘could happen as soon as May’

Inflation on essentials is running at about 3.8%, above its long-term average.

Sport Headlines | Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Sport Headlines | Elina Svitolina overpowers Coco Gauff in semi-final and Mark Robinson's new role | Wednesday, January 28, 2026

NZ Herald Headlines | Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Morning Headlines | Council wants answers about Mt Maunganui landslide and Air NZ international cabin crew vote to strike | Wednesday, January 28, 2026

‘Narcissists don’t change’: Sophie Elliott’s dad worried as notorious killer makes freedom bid

The killing happened in Sophie Elliott's Dunedin bedroom in January 2008.

'Only location we were interested in': How Raglan landed spot on surfing's top tour

The deal is a one-year agreement, though there is interest in securing a longer-term deal.

'Where do we put them?': Rotorua school rolls rise but classroom space slimming

Otonga School is forecast to add 69 pupils, the biggest rise in Rotorua.

MetService Daily Weather: January 28 2026

MetService Daily Weather: January 28 2026. Video / MetService

Tony Alexander: Nervous landlords, rising prices and early rate hikes - 2026’s nasty surprises

More investors want to sell, as higher mortgage costs loom.

A renovated Auckland house for only $155K - what’s the catch?

Five Auckland homes for under $500,000 - and not all of them are leasehold.

From saunas to sea plunges: The remote islands where water resets your brain

Studies show time spent in 'blue spaces' can lower stress hormones and lift mood.

'They don't need to broadcast': Gauff anger over post-match meltdown footage

Gauff's 6-1, 6-2 loss to Elina Svitolina lasted just 59 minutes.

Mount Maunganui 'misinformation': Did cutting down trees really cause the landslide?

Two experts weigh in on claims exotic tree removal caused deadly Mount Maunganui slip.

'Doomsday Clock' moves closer to midnight, a year into Trump term

The Bulletin set the clock to 85 seconds to midnight, the closest ever.

Gregor Paul: Joseph, Rennie and Foster could recreate All Blacks coaching dream team

OPINION: NZR to only invite Kiwis to apply who have led test sides like Japan or Ireland.

Iraqi spy chief warns of growing threat from Isis

Hamid al-Shatri said he sees dramatic growth in the number of Isis militants in Syria.

A winter lull in Ukraine fighting? Not in the age of drone warfare

New York Times: Tanks used to dominate, now heavy armour struggles to move in any season.

Minneapolis shootings underscore how Homeland Security has changed

Kristi Noem characterises the mass deportation campaign as a matter of public safety.

After UK’s pubs U-turn, hotels and cafes warn of tax ‘nightmare’

When his food chain Salad Project proved a hit, Florian de Chezelles had ambitious plans.

'I miss meat': Red meat becomes a luxury for Hawke's Bay people

Farmgate sheep and beef prices are about 30% higher than this time last year.

‘Dirty details creep us out the most’: How inflation threatens the recovery - Inside Economics

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

Blues' All Blacks duo to miss start of Super Rugby Pacific season

The injuries will be offset by the return of a key player who missed most of last season.

Herald Hat-trick sports quiz: January 28

Can you get a hat-trick?

Sepp Blatter says fans should stay away from US matches at World Cup

The 2026 World Cup is set for the US, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

On The Up: 'Just send it': Hawke's Bay teen runs 100 miles to back local mental health support

Bryn Morgan ran 100 miles in just over 24 hours at Hawke's Bay Regional Sports Park.

Broadcasting watchdog calls for legislative change to deal with 'rapidly evolving' media, expects levy revenue to decline

The BSA says any new regulations must protect freedom of expression while preventing harm.

China's mysterious manoeuvres: Thousands of fishing boats form vast sea barriers

New York Times: Experts say it suggests the country is strengthening its maritime militia.

Store closures could leave older people 'invisible', Age Concern warns

NZ Post will shut 142 stores after reviewing how customers use branches.

How a 39-year-old came to run Christchurch’s newest $30m Mitre 10 Mega store

Miles Andrews' father ran Ferrymead. The 39-year-old now runs that and a new store.

Greg Smith: Green shoots return – manufacturing surges as services finally turn positive

OPINION: Manufacturing is expanding at its fastest pace in four years, led by new orders.

Patterson being bold as One Bold Cat faces huge weight in Wellington Cup

One Bold Cat may be the best horse in the Wellington Cup, but that comes with a handicap.

US shootings create dilemmas for conservatives

New York Times: Gun rights, states' rights and limited use of federal power in spotlight.

Auckland hospo crunch: Onehunga Italian restaurant to close its doors

It took aim at took aim at Auckland Council and Auckland Transport.

Editorial: Communities can fight for voice in local government reforms

OPINION: Councils face the biggest shake-up since the 1989 local government reforms.

Amid botched procedures, China is cracking down on cosmetic surgery

China’s cosmetic market is about $72b, second only to the US.

Letters: New Zealand needs to honour hero who died saving lives of others

OPINION: Campground hero’s true act of bravery should be recognised.

Morning quiz: What tabletop role-playing game is most famously associated with 20-sided dice?

Test your brain with the Herald's morning quiz.

From nurse to knockout: Hamilton boxer’s surprising path to the world ranks

Sheilla Yama struck Pacific Games gold in the Solomon Islands in 2023.

Former NZ Rugby CEO Mark Robinson lands new job at World Rugby

His remit includes match officials, laws, player welfare, tech and fan experience.

Mount landslide: 'Very difficult time': Husband escaped slip that trapped 'hero' teacher

Holidaymakers say Lisa Maclennan woke them at 5am, likely saving multiple lives.

EU, India agree 'mother of all' trade deals

The EU has eyed India as an important market for the future.