Today's latest news

'Not gold-plated': Hipkins rules out $9 Auckland Harbour Bridge toll but yet to work out fiscal plan

A second Waitematā crossing, likely a bridge, is estimated to cost $20 billion.

Teen farmers get a shedful of sheep to learn the ropes

Government-owned Pāmu has 19 apprentices training on its farms nationwide.

Tractor convoy helps cyclone-hit rural schoolkids learn to calm anxiety

'If we have real bad weather or real bad rain, I can see the trauma on their faces.'

France to revoke US envoy's govt access after summons no-show

Charles Kushner failed to show up to explain comments about a killed far-right activist.

NZ Herald comments: The stories open for discussion today

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Sydney's major event line-up a drawcard for Kiwi travellers

Phantom of the Opera, Disney's The Lion King, and Vivid Sydney; House of Travel's Patrick McCarthy joins Herald NOW.

Mercury steady on guidance, red meat boosts PPGF Wrightson, NZME posts 15% earnings lift

Interim results for four companies and a full year for NZME show broad uplift apart from construction sector in first half. Video / Ryan Bridge Today

Vulcan Steel revenue up, profit down, says economy likely picked up in late 2025

Steel company says it faces complex mix of challenges on both sides of the Tasman.

Wellington wrap: Leaky hotels, plus infertility ignored | Herald NOW

Wellington reporter Sammy Carter gives the latest Wellington news. Video / Ryan Bridge Today

Daily panel with Maryanne Sprudle and Rob Campbell

Should recreational drugs be legalised for personal use? The panel discuss.

NSW prosecutor agrees to review dropped case into 3yo’s disappearance

NSW DPP Sally Dowling SC will review why the 2019 case was halted.

Should recreational drugs be legalised for personal use? | Herald NOW

Public health lecturer Dr Rose Crossin is calling for an overhaul of NZ's drug laws. Video / Ryan Bridge Today

Watch: Police probing mystery late-night 'boom' heard across Rotorua

Police were called to Western Heights about 10pm but found nothing unusual.

Lindsey Vonn says doctor saved her leg after horror Olympic crash

Doctors expect her leg fractures to take about one year to fully heal.

Paul Spain: Bunnings' new partnership with Uber Eats signal a quiet evolution

Uber Eats will offer over 30,000 hardware, gardening and trade supplies on their app.

FBI director defends partying with US Olympic ice hockey team

Critics say Patel partied as FBI managed several incidents.

What will Labour commit to in a first term?

Leader Chris Hipkins says Labour wants more than one term to deliver.

Peter Mandelson arrested over alleged leaks to Jeffrey Epstein | Herald NOW

International affairs expert Anthony Glees with the latest on Andrew's and Mandelson's arrest. Video / Ryan Bridge Today

Philippines' Duterte authorised murders, ICC told as hearings open

Judges will decide within 60 days if Rodrigo Duterte faces a full trial.

Tariff ripples hit US markets, FPH lifts guidance, which regions led retail spending revival?

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare lifts FY guidance, will report on impact of US tariff regime in May; retail spending rose 0.9% in December quarter. Video / Ryan Bridge Today

I've been diagnosed with ADHD - and so have my two sons. This is what it's like

Auckland mum Natasya Jones on the diagnosis that changed life for her and both her boys.

Parenting and ADHD

Natasya Jones, leadership coach and co-founder of Divergent Thinking, is ADHD and mum to two ADHD boys. Video / Sylvie Whinray

Fears west coast beaches will be pillaged amid Whangaparāoa shellfish ban

Community groups say a law change is needed to protect marine life.

Public welcome at funeral service for 'colourful character' Dax Holland

The man accused of killing the Tauranga rough sleeper has appeared in court.

Boxer Emile Richardson inks three-year deal with BX-9

Richardson made his pro debut in November last year.

McSkimming claims Andrew Coster 'advised' him to file harassment complaint against woman

A December 2024 letter shows police knew of allegations for several years.

ANZ Business of The Year Awards for the Ashburton District

Local mayor says the biennial event was an inspirational affair.

BBC apologises for broadcasting N-word at Baftas

The slur was shouted by Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson.

New Zealand ranked best in the world for sleep, expert explains

Sleep researcher Karyn O'Keeffe explains what it takes to get a good night's sleep.

New cardiac arrest report paints stark picture of NZ's survival rates

New cardiac arrest report reveals New Zealand's survival rates are worryingly low.

PwC CEO: Will New Zealand businesses keep up with AI? | Herald NOW

PwC's annual CEO survey found a majority of bosses are most concerned about AI. Video / Ryan Bridge Today

Son of director Rob Reiner pleads not guilty to parents' murder

He remains in a Los Angeles jail with no bail and a public defender.

US East Coast hit by snow storm

Monster blizzard hits the East Coast of the United States. Video / Ryan Bridge Today

Trophy home with 'world famous' urinals sells for nearly $3m after global interest

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

'Not for the wrecking ball': First time on market in over 50 years - ignore the RV

Agent says owner of double grammar zone A-frame home is open to offers.

Kiwi woman, 27, injured after bus plunges 200m into Himalayan river, killing 19

Police say nearly half of those onboard have died, with 25 still in hospital.

Genesis Energy announces record profits

Genesis Energy CEO Malcolm Johns joins Ryan Bridge Today.

Govt considers indemnity against financial loss for new thermal electricity investments

Crown indemnity could drive new investment in thermal electricity, mitigate political risk

Person dies in three-car Canterbury crash

The Serious Crash Unit closed the road for a scene examination overnight.

Sport Headlines | Tuesday February 24, 2026

Sport Headlines | Snow Sports New Zealand expected to earn more high performance funding after Winter Olympics, Mexican Tennis Open to go ahead | Tuesday February 24, 2026

NZ Herald Morning Headlines | Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Morning Headlines | Govt pledges $200 million to electricity generator capital raise, air traffic controllers lured overseas | Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Mexico deploys 10,000 troops to end violence over drug lord’s death

The raid left at least 25 National Guard members and 32 others dead nationwide.

Former UK ambassador Peter Mandelson arrested over alleged leaks to Epstein

Police allege he leaked sensitive cabinet papers to Jeffrey Epstein.

MetService morning weather update: February 24

MetService morning weather update: February 24. Video / MetService

Australia backs removing Andrew from line of succession

Anthony Albanese says Australia would back UK moves to bar Andrew from becoming king.

Arman Grigoryan: Four winters of war - what Ukraine’s children are living through

OPINION: Half of Ukrainian children aged 13 to 15 now struggle with ongoing sleep issues.

'Not in a rush': Mount Maunganui surf club stays shut after fatal Mauao landslide

Lifeguards are now working from a Portacom and containers along the Main Beach.

Mooring upgrades at Napier Port’s $175 million wharf

The wharf has recently stored shipping containers and will be back in normal use by March.

'Torn up:' Witness to e-bike crash says rider suddenly faceplanted onto road

A nurse and two doctors stopped to help the bleeding man.

Homeless crackdown welcomed by some in Rotorua, but MP calls it 'disgusting'

Police will be able to order rough sleepers and beggars to move on for up to 24 hours.

5 signs your partner is addicted to porn, according to a sex therapist

Telegraph: Porn addiction is hitting midlife relationships hardest, Dr Paula Hall says.

Dog owner demands PM do more in wake of attacks

Northland has an estimated 50,000 dogs for a population of about 200,000.

Why Fiji are taking their Nations Championship 'home' games to Europe

The new Nations Championship replaces one-off July and November tests.

The big winners and losers from Warriors pre-season trials

Assessing the highs and lows from the Warriors' pre-season.

Herald Hat-trick sports quiz: February 24

Can you get a hat-trick?

How the ‘Snow Princess’ became a political punchbag in the US

Eileen Gu’s Livigno halfpipe gold makes her the most decorated free skier ever.

The best smoothie-makers to buy in NZ, as tested by a TV food guru

Best-selling author and nutritionist Claire Turnbull puts the blenders to the test.

'Madness': Auckland residents angry at parking shortage in high-density suburbs

A lack of car spaces has meant people are parking on yellow lines, footpaths and berms.

Cheap but steep: How housing bargains on a slope could cost you more

Wellington has lots of affordable properties on steep hills - but there's often a catch.

He wrote a murder mystery. His death in an assisted living home has become one

'It’s the mystery of the mystery writer,' said one law enforcement officer.

Sir Trevor Mallard on his three years as a diplomat

Former Speaker Sir Trevor Mallard says MFAT was right to be worried about his posting to Ireland. Video / Mark Mitchell

Iran could direct proxies to attack US targets abroad, officials warn

New York Times: Heightened 'chatter' indicates some level of attack planning.

'Cloak and dagger': Auckland residents blindsided by rooftop satellite station

Residents want assurances about potential health risks from the 30 dome-shaped antennae.

An Atlantic divide in responses to Epstein files

Senior Democrats are comparing sweeping legal action in Europe to the muted US response.

Sky-high party: Air NZ revives Synthony in the Sky

The $489 fare includes a GA ticket to the sold-out Once In A Lifetime show.

Final week of summer brings sun, heat and scattered showers

Temperatures are forecast to linger in the mid-20s for much of the country.

MAFS wife’s Love Actually sex stunt backfires

On Sex Week, brides are told to stage an 'Ultimate Fantasy Night' for their husbands.

Morning quiz: Joaquin Phoenix played which famous country musician in the 2005 film Walk the Line?

Test your brain with the Herald's morning quiz.