Today's latest news

'Very serious mistake': Alcohol Healthwatch ‘horrified’ after beer mislabelled alcohol-free

More than 60,000 Steinlager bottles are being urgently recalled nationwide.

'People want answers': Moa Point repair gear still not even ordered

Wellington Water says ordering key replacement gear may take months.

Long queues for petrol amid Middle East conflict

Waitomo Tinakori petrol station in Wellington today showed a massive queue of cars waiting for fuel, with vehicles spilling out onto the road.

How Finn Allen's attitude change has paid off for Black Caps

New Zealand chased down 170 in only 12.5 overs, beating South Africa by nine.

‘Map-gate is dead’: Bishop seeks to clear up Auckland housing density talk, mayor says Seymour ‘trying to screw me’

'The Government has not asked for maps,' the Housing Minister stressed.

'You'll have to pay more': What NZ travellers can expect as Middle East crisis deepens

'We're not immune to what's going on elsewhere,' says aviation expert Irene King.

What NZ global supply chains are being disrupted by US-Iran conflict?

Explainer: Up to 80 oil and gas tankers a day normally pass through the Hormuz Strait.

Rum and raisin is out – but what's the best ice cream flavour?

Goody goody gum drops or vanilla. Salted Caramel or fairy bread. What is NZ's best scoop?

NZ lags other OECD nations in access to new medicines, report reveals; Seymour 'mostly' agrees

Funding for outpatient pharmaceuticals in NZ is among the lowest in the developed world.

'Medium smacks': Teacher hit 7-year-old students around the head with stick, guitar

Students said Patrick Tokoroa Heke used physical force against them daily.

"He's trying to screw me" Mayor Wayne Brown on David Seymour and map-gate

In an interview with Newstalk ZB last night, Brown claimed the Act leader was “trying to screw me”. Video / Newstalk ZB

'People-first coach': Why Dave Rennie won the All Blacks job

The Front Page looks at the reasons for his success, and the pressures he will face.

How Rennie’s people-first style could reshape the All Blacks

NZ Herald senior sports journalist and rugby correspondent, Liam Napier is with The Front Page to unpack the past, present and future of the ‘man with mana’, Dave Rennie.

New fee mix: Trade Me ditches success charges as buyers face service fees

Bank transfers are being scrapped as Trade Me pushes buyers towards Ping.

Orchardist’s daughter wins Golden Shears women’s title

Hastings-based Mollie Moffett, 24, grew up on an apple orchard near Fernhill.

UK maritime agency reports explosion, oil spill off Kuwait

A small craft left the vicinity a maritime security agency said.

All Blacks legend's tyre business goes into liquidation

The Thames store was sold to a new owner about a month before liquidation.

Person charged over Mātangi assault, more arrests likely

The alleged assault followed noisy burnouts on Marychurch Rd about 8pm.

Otago uni's Queenstown plan: Where will students live in NZ’s most expensive rental market?

The university plans to house about 500 students in Queenstown by 2030.

Sweden tells citizens to hold some cash at home in case of war or crisis

Central bank says it's to buy food, medicine and other essentials.

IRD's top boss used in AI-generated scam, prompts warning

Inland Revenue urges Kiwis to be vigilant, especially around important tax periods.

'Holy heck!': Gisborne woman discovers major Lotto win days after draw

The woman 'didn’t think too much about it' when she first heard someone local had won.

Big bill for rail link: Mayor backs 7.9% rates hike despite cost pressures

Public consultation on the annual plan and rates rise closes on March 29.

Uncertainty over Kaimanawa horse muster amid fears for future of herd

KHH says 149 animals must be rehomed in 2026 or the herd could exceed 1000 in three years.

Ex-charity boss and SkyCity Casino VIP accused of misappropriating more than $2m

Matekino Marshall is accused of using forged document to maintain his high-roller status.

Winners & Losers: Key All Black who gains most from Rennie's appointment

OPINION: Jamie Joseph will remain in charge of the Highlanders this season.

TAB facing over $500,000 loss from its own horse in NZB Kiwi

Boosted odds were given that Well Written would win Saturday's NZB Kiwi.

Democrats hope James Talarico can turn Texas blue

NY Times: The 36-year-old aims to be his party's first Texas Senate victor in his lifetime

Afternoon quiz: What is the surname of British singer Adele?

Test your brain with the Herald's afternoon quiz.

Rotorua retailer accused of selling nangs appears in court

Police allege he illegally sold nitrous oxide 'for recreational use' despite warnings.

Ministry considers uses of AI in war, ex-Air Force MP says front line wants more people and bullets

Officials were quizzed by an former airman about the use of AI in combat.

Watch: Act's David Seymour responds to criticism from Auckland Mayor

Wayne Brown was critical of Seymour's approach to housing planning. Video / Mark Mitchell

Iran’s secret outreach highlights Trump’s challenge

New York Times: Iran made offer to discuss terms for ceasefire through spy channels.

'It's not life and death': Hendry's outlook on golf career after leukaemia

'I'm trying to prove to myself and maybe other people as well that you can come back.'

'You never know': Jamie Joseph gutted but not ruling out All Blacks' top job in future

Rival Rennie was first to message him after the announcement.

‘Okay, time to go’: Cabs, cash and twisted routes to escape war zone

These odysseys involve make-shift arrangements, cash and long drives through the desert.

Footpath fight: Residents lose case over closure at retirement village

A disputes panel ruled Arvida could close the path and keep the fence.

Act 'embarrassed' as parliamentary committee backs social media ban for under-16s

Parmjeet Parmar, who initiated the inquiry, says outcome was predetermined.

Weight-loss medication linked to lower risk of drug addiction, study says

Experts stress the research is observational and urge clinical trials.

Jamie Joseph reacts after missing out on All Blacks head coach role

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph speaks after missing out on the All Blacks head coaching role, saying the race was “tight” and backing Dave Rennie to succeed. Video \ Ben Tomsett

'Wily navigator': Shane Jones talks Winston Peters on The Country

On today's show: Shane Jones, Phil Holden, Alex Tait and Chris Russell.

Deadliest Catch crewman says cameras were rolling when Todd Meadows died

His mother Angela Meadows says 'we don’t want to see any footage'.

Neighbours say woman stayed in sleepout destroyed by fire

A body was found inside the sleepout in Ōtāhuhu after it caught alight last night.

Air NZ chair Therese Walsh to lead 2028 T20 World Cup

She currently chairs Air New Zealand and ASB Bank, adding major corporate clout.

Fire in Bethlehem, Tauranga

Emergency services at the scene of a fire in Bethlehem, Tauranga.

Fine Hawke’s Bay weekend ahead as scooter riders hit the highway to Wellington

MetService expects sun and mid-20s highs across Hawke's Bay all weekend.

Rotorua to host Super Rugby clash after Tonga funding shortfall

Rotorua will host the city's first Super Rugby game since 2018 in April.

Iran war: The US plan to topple the regime – and how Tehran is fighting back

US wants Kurdish militias to put boots on ground as the regime girds itself in response.

Rare whale dies after being rescued from inner Auckland harbour stranding, found 18km away

Two women spent the night in sleeping bags on rocks to be next to the dead whale.

Police probe cause of fatal Ōtāhuhu sleepout fire

Police are working to establish the cause of a fatal sleepout fire at a South Auckland property.

Man runs from Ponsonby house as fire breaks out in spate of destructive blazes

The first fire broke out in an Ōtāhuhu home at 9pm.

Multisport athlete who survived Mt Cook fall dies after Christchurch bike crash

The keen cyclist was hit by a car while riding on Evans Pass Rd, Sumner.

What Northlanders need to know about this week’s mystery shakes

ESNZ manually logged six small quakes in Northland between March 1 and March 4.

Audrey Young: Winston Peters can't resist crack at PM over Iran fumble

OPINION: 'Why didn't you call [me], then no one will have misspoken?'

'It became a bit difficult': Troublesome Grey Lynn home hits the market with $1 reserve

Owner says the foundations are sinking there is rot in the walls.

'Very high risk of imminent offending': Court keeps sex offender detained

Douglas-Finch has lived under detention at Matawhāiti Residence for nine years.

'It's difficult to lose any friend': How Liam Payne's death changed Harry Styles

The star says he still struggles to talk about his One Direction bandmate.

Fire and police at house fire in Auckland's Ponsonby

Senior station officer Michael Manning talks to the Herald about a house fire in Tawariki St, Ponsonby. Video \ Jason Dorday

Senate rejects resolution to force Trump to end Iran strikes

Congress has voted on seven other war powers resolutions since June, all of which failed.

'Appalling scenes': Charges laid after passengers hang out of car windows in Auckland gang funeral

Four women aged 27 to 37 now face dangerous driving charges in court.

New animal rules: Tougher dog limits and new chook licence but cats untouched

Dog owners face new leash requirements for pets and no-go areas in Tauranga.

Six red flags for sepsis you should never ignore

Telegraph: The life-threatening condition can arise from minor cuts or infections.

Newcomers, youngsters and veterans: The Warriors' best starting line-up in 2026

The Big League Podcast host Nathan Limm argues Leka Halasima deserves a promotion.

Did Nicola Willis promise to reduce food prices? Labour says so

The debate continued on Wednesday with both parties far from common ground.

Kiwi's narrow escape from Dubai before Iran missile hit his hotel

Airspace across much of the Middle East has since been closed or restricted.

NZ Herald comments: The stories open for discussion today

Want to have your say on our stories? Here's how.

Epstein files: House committee subpoenas Attorney-General Pam Bondi

Bondi to face closed-door grilling about her department's handling of the Epstein inquiry.

The four men who could save – or destroy – Iran

Tehran’s new leaders will have to decide whether they want a deal or a fight to the death.