Today's latest news

New Zealand backs allies over Iran attacks' threat to ships in Gulf

NZ is one of 20 nations condemning Iran's Gulf attacks, but Australia is not among them.

Heroin addict asks judge for longer sentence after selling to woman who died from overdose

The 25-year-old had previously suffered an overdose himself.

Elon Musk found liable for misleading Twitter shareholders in US trial

Musk's lawyers say their client will appeal the decision reached by the Federal jury.

'Loss far beyond its dollar value': Beloved race car lost in mechanic's garage fire

The fire tore through a Ponsonby Automotive, sending thick black smoke into the sky.

'We are heartbroken': Buffy star Nicholas Brendon dies at 54

The actor, who played Xander Harris, died in his sleep of natural causes.

US supercarrier pushed to the brink by fire, sewage problems and 11-month tour

Investigators are probing possible sabotage as morale sinks aboard the USS Gerald R Ford.

Inside Christopher Luxon’s Pacific trip: Michael Jones, visas, dancing, and what really happened with his matai title

Christopher Luxon travelled to the Pacific as a prime minister and returned a Samoan chief

Bluebridge cancels five sailings this weekend after technical issues found onboard

The operator said all affected customers will be notified by email and text.

Kiwi beauty brand Essano plots big US comeback with digital-first push

All Essano products will continue to be manufactured in South Auckland.

Woman, 66, dies after being pulled out of the water in Cook Islands

The New Zealand woman was on holiday when tragedy struck while she was snorkelling.

Trump says he is considering ‘winding down’ Iran war but rules out ceasefire

New leader Mojtaba Khamenei claims Iran has struck a ‘dizzying blow’ to its enemies.

Harry’s UK security hangs in balance amid fears of public backlash over cost

The review follows the Duke's failed 2023 court bid over loss of protection in the UK.

Emergency services respond after boat explosion at Tauranga Marina

Police say the blast was reported about 1.35pm; one person has suffered moderate injuries.

Person hospitalised after assault at Taranaki park, police launch investigation

Police believe a woman walking her schnauzer-type dog at the time may be able to help.

Short mosque shooting video was a teen's entry ticket to a world of sickening extremism online

Being an 'edge lord' online gave Ronndog Keefe a status he could not find in real life.

From TV vows to real love: Why this Mafs couple is ditching the big wedding

The transtasman Mafs couple has been scouting wedding venues in Aotearoa.

Middle children are heading for extinction. We’ll feel their loss keenly

Experts say birth order shapes confidence, independence and adult behaviour.

‘It’s the truth’: Bee Gees performer embraces life as Maurice Gibb’s hidden son

He was adopted as a baby and spent 18 months in a Church of England home.

Bachelorette star loses custody of child after alleged domestic assault video

'Your daughter just got hit in the head by a metal chair,' said her ex Dakota Mortensen.

Stupid Rules: The new book tackling New Zealand’s problem with red-tape

Auckland Business School professor makes the case for a return to a structured heirachy.

Damp rental caused mushroom growth on carpet, family illness including bleeding noses, ears

A couple and their child kept getting sick while living in a damp Auckland rental.

University of University of Auckland professor Natasha Hamilton-Hart on reducing red tape

Liam Dann sits down with author Natasha Hamilton-Hart to discuss her new book, Stupid Rules, which explores red tape and regulation.

Brace yourself: Fuel prices hit $4 a litre in parts of Auckland, some stations 'run out'

Z Energy has also suspended its Sharetank service.

Can schools keep up with AI while teaching kids to think for themselves?

Principals nationwide fear AI will erode students' critical thinking skills.

Much-loved waterfront businesses lose wharf home

The sportfishing club will be relocated behind the new $2m floodwall.

How are New Zealand schools coping with the rise of AI?

The explosion of generative artificial intelligence is reshaping the way students are taught, assessed, and even how they cheat.

Have the bakers gone bonkers? Because chocolate hot cross buns are for 5-year-olds

Stop treating Easter like it's a children's birthday party.

'Severe tropical cyclone': Narelle forecast to intensify before Top End landfall

Winds near the centre are already reaching 95km/h, with 130km/h gusts.

Brendon McCullum to stay as England coach after mending relationship with Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes has backed the changes but must prove his fitness and form.

Probation officer stabbed in head and chest in NZ's worst attack of its kind

Taylor Broughton had a flick knife in his pocket when he met with his probation officer.

China’s dazzling convenience comes with a high surveillance price – Charlotte Glennie

OPINION: Visitors enjoy visa-free entry but face tracking and censorship.

Cecilia Robinson: The human cost of stepping into public life

OPINION: Social media now makes criticism instant, personal and almost inescapable.

‘Outdated’: Govt launches review of dog control powers after fatal attacks

Councils say outdated dog laws leave them unable to prevent serious attacks.

False trail: Bone at new search site for missing Australian 'not human'

The 1969 kidnap case was the UK's first murder conviction without a body.

‘I don’t age, I level up...’ Chuck Norris made bold statement in final social media post

His family said Chuck Norris was surrounded by loved ones and at peace.

On the Up: Para darts providing opportunities for Kiwis with disabilities

Playing para darts is helping disabled athletes in New Zealand in more ways than one.

How a 22-year-old taking in five siblings led to a powerful new NZ film

Dawn's inspired by a 3am police raid on director Jasmine Day's South Auckland home.

Fiji flight returns to Auckland after engineering trouble mid-air

Passengers have been rebooked on flights departing this morning.

The position that's killing club rugby: Grassroots footy under threat as big men disappear

Some clubs are having to bring front-rowers in from overseas.

Fran O'Sullivan: Willis faces fuel crisis budget reckoning as diesel pain spreads

OPINION: Diesel prices have jumped about 45%, hitting food, freight and farm costs.

Market family: Two decades of community, organics and fresh local food

The weekly Hamilton market now hosts up to 50 stalls at Claudelands.

'High household debt': Credit ratings agency downgrades NZ's outlook to negative

Fitch still rates New Zealand AA+ but is concerned about stubborn debt.

'Player power is big': Will Black Caps and White Ferns strike over T20 future?

New Zealand's players want a Kiwi franchise league, but no decision has been made.

‘Deeply unfair’: IRA bomb victims forced to abandon Gerry Adams damages case

The three men sought a symbolic £1 in damages and a ruling on Adams' IRA role.

NZ Herald Morning Headlines | Saturday, March 21, 2026

NZ Herald Morning Headlines | Saturday, March 21, 2026. Rural contractors struggle with rising gas prices. Chuck Norris has passed away in Hawaii, aged 86. Video / NZ Herald

Hurricanes player ratings: The key partnership that gives glimpse of ABs future

OPINION: Rating the performances of Highlanders and Hurricanes players on Friday night.

Why focusing on what kids do well could benefit us all

What are the broader impacts of strengths-based education?

'Genocide supporters': PM chased from mosque amid Eid confrontation

Albanese says only 'a couple of hecklers' disrupted an otherwise warm visit.

Lydia Ko signals likely retirement from pro golf after 2027 LPGA season

Ko says she is unlikely to keep playing on the LPGA Tour beyond 2027.

Why NZ20 v Big Bash decision is more crucial for White Ferns than Black Caps

‘We’ve got to make sure we’re supporting the women’s game.'

Informed, not overwhelmed: Here's how to cope with the news (and help your children too)

Feeling anxious is a normal human reaction to current news events.

'He was at peace': Chuck Norris dies, aged 86, surrounded by family

Norris died on Thursday morning on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.

'Lesser of two evils': Support for law change to allow kids to bike on footpaths

Napier mum Christina Johnson didn't know it was illegal for kids to ride on the footpath.

Oil crisis puts businesses accused of virtue signalling in the box seat to survive – Nick Stewart

OPINION: Resilience is built in calm weather, not in a storm.

Hawke's Bay tramper saw a zebra in the bush and knew he was in trouble

John Sharpe could feel he was close to collapsing, but he had a way out.

'Fun-loving' boy faces 'uncertain' future after seizures, brain bleed

He has been in hospital two weeks so far, and has had two brain surgeries.

115-year-old Hawke's Bay cottage sold for just $57,000

It was the third-cheapest freestanding home sale nationwide in 2025.

'Worst I’ve seen in 15 years': Cemetery 'mess' disappoints bereaved mum

Rotorua Lakes Council says there has been no change to budgets for cemetery maintenance.

She took up painting late in life - now she's got her first solo exhibition at age 73

'It’s good for older people to know that you can still be good as you get older.'

Herald Hat-trick sports quiz: Week of March 16-20

Can you get a hat-trick?

Letters: I am increasingly frustrated by the performance of Auckland Council

OPINION: We need to address the pending Super crisis, argues one reader.

Editorial: People may hate speed cameras but we need more of them

OPINION: They play a key role in helping motorists stick to the posted limits.

New Blues coach: Former All Blacks assistant to replace Vern Cotter

The Blues have acted swiftly to land their next long-term mentor.

Easy chicken satay curry for busy weeknights

If you love chicken satay, you’ll love this curry.

Three tolls, one trip: What new Northland charges could mean for motorists

The 26km Warkworth–Te Hana link is due to open by 2034 under a PPP deal.

Morning quiz: In what decade was Queen Elizabeth II born?

Test your brain with the Herald's morning quiz.

Kiwi champion set to add historic record to stunning career tally

Today Kiwi jockey James McDonald could set a record that he has craved his entire career.

500 schools ranked: New NCEA hotspots list – where top marks meet affordable housing

Analysis reveals schools with highest academic results and cheaper houses.