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NZ Herald Headlines | Saturday, February 14, 2026

NZ Herald Headlines | Saturday, February 14, 2026. Sail GP arrives in Auckland as the terrorist mosque shooter is sentenced to life in prison. Video / NZ Herald

Man with dementia forgot he’s been married 39 years. He proposed again

Washington Post: “This is one story of how love can endure.”

Why this season could define Perofeta’s Blues and All Blacks future

Strong start could force the Blues into a tough choice between Perofeta and Barrett.

This country pub just had its best week ever. Why owners are selling up after 20 years

Well-known publicans Mary and Chris Danielson have decided to call time after 20 years.

Coroner continues to probe cyclone's night of deadly chaos

Joseph Ahuriri, who disappeared during the cyclone, was added to the coroner's list.

Lawson improves on day three of F1 pre-season testing, posts fastest top speed

The 24-year-old completed Racing Bulls’ final day of the first test.

Editorial: Super Rugby sets the highest standards in the sport

OPINION: Super Rugby produces more Rugby World Cup winners than any other competition.

How Earl Bamber plans to tame Bathurst in Corvette’s first run Down Under

The Bathurst 12 Hour grid features nine-time MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi.

Three long marriages, one big question: What really makes love last?

Their stories span sneaky pub visits, cruise ship courtships and shared grief.

Thomas Coughlan: Act prepares for state of the nation, but what’s the state of Act?

OPINION: David Seymour will deliver his first major speech of the year this weekend.

Opinion: Four lessons NZ should take from another summer of weather disasters

OPINION: New Zealand faces extreme weather, quakes, slips and tsunamis on a rising scale.

'High and very-high risk': The Auckland suburbs most vulnerable to landslides

Risk is 'locked-in' where homes were built before landslide risk was recognised - expert.

Eye surgeon who tried to kill landlord allowed back in Canterbury under strict watch

The Parole Board now allows Ian Dallison to live at his new Canterbury home.

Mary Holm: How to make $10k work harder than an interest-free student loan

OPINION: Parking the $10k in a low-fee fund while loans stay interest-free can work well.

Best things to do in Auckland this weekend: Pride, opera, AfroFest and more

There’s a lot more happening in Tāmaki Makaurau than just roses and chocolates.

'I’m no longer fighting': How a Kiwi athlete won ultra trail-running's biggest prize

Ruth Croft on running around Mt Blanc in 23 hours, overcoming bulimia and her zen bubble.

How to make longevity noodles for luck, health and prosperity

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with an easy family noodle dish that can be made in minutes.

Revealed: Andrew and Epstein planned secret business in China

Emails show Andrew planned a Beijing firm with Epstein after his 2008 conviction.

‘I’ve lost everything’: Meth link freezes $96m property development dream

Large development on Auckland's fringe folds after being linked to 'Honey Bear' meth ring.

'Deeply shocking': Minister orders KC probe into child safety failings at Teaching Council

Erica Stanford says damning probe into troubled agency hit her 'like a tonne of bricks'.

Morning quiz: How many sides does a hectogon have?

Test your brain with the Herald's morning quiz.

Highlanders stun All Blacks-laden Crusaders in Joseph's fairy-tale opener

A 40m Cam Millar penalty in the dying minutes sealed the 25-23 upset.

Vehicles driving through floodwaters in Oruanui, Taupō District

Severe surface flooding has struck the area. Video / Imi Bloom

'Blank check for chaos': Democrats dig in over ICE powers and DHS funding

Democrats are blocking new DHS funding until ICE tightens its tactics.

State highways flooded as heavy rain drenches North Island

Flooding and slips are closing state highways.

Elton John and KFC: The secret ingredients of jaw-dropping Waikato 'castle'

“Everyone who sees it goes ‘wow’.”

‘Bittersweet’: Property hoarder sells derelict cottage for around $400,000

New owner has exciting plans for the run-down house.

The best outdoor sunshades and garden umbrellas, chosen by the experts

How to ensure your protection lasts.

Costco evacuated after kitchen fire

Fire crews were called about 5pm after alarms and a 111 call.

Birthday nightmare as Cobb & Co experience turns sour after booking dispute

Staff allegedly told the group of diners to 'get out of here in 30 minutes'.

MetService weekend severe weather: Friday, February 13, 2026

MetService weekend severe weather: Friday, February 13, 2026. Video / MetService

Mosque gunman's case seeking leave to appeal his convictions wraps up

The Court of Appeal in Wellington has heard evidence this week on why the gunman should be allowed leave to appeal his convictions for the mass shootings in 2019.

Market close: NZX tumbles, down 2.9% this year

The NZX 50 Index slumped 333.3 points or 2.46% to 13,198.18.

'Sure I'll not be the last': Burling's unfortunate place in SailGP history

'I think it’s really cool to see SailGP kind of taking that step of evolution.'

Love or hate Valentine’s Day? Choose your streaming list

New York Times: Films to stream for every kind of Valentine’s Day.

'Should have known the risks': Winning horse and trainer test positive for meth

Ival Brownlee claimed he hadn't used since 2012 - but hair tests proved otherwise.

‘Golden visa’ update announced by Immigration Minister

New settings cut the minimum investment from $15m to $5m for growth visas.

'They have never done it': Top doctor fears no action on child abuse after Malachi Subecz's death

Paediatrician Patrick Kelly says past governments have never delivered on training.

Police swarm central Akl suburb after social tip-off of planned student melee

The response follows mass teenage brawls in Manukau last year.

Auckland Nabokov scholar says it's 'appalling' to find his name in Epstein files

Brian Boyd met Jeffrey Epstein in 2012 after a Harvard lecture he gave.

New Australian Liberal leader speaks following party spill

Angus Taylor warned the Liberals must 'change or die' to survive the next poll.

Thunderstorm threat forces time change for SailGP Auckland Sunday session

Racing will begin earlier in the day on Sunday, while Saturday's action remains unchanged.

Safety fears and $100-a-week bills: Why Health NZ parked its hospital fees plan

Leaked documents show staff warned 'market rate' fees would punish workers.

'Passing the buck': Bus drivers union says complaints of abuse not properly addressed

In once incident an aggressive motorist tried to force her way onto the bus.

High wind, high stakes: Black Foils back on home water after Perth crash

Black Foils start in Auckland under pressure after a costly collision and penalty.

'Seems unconscionable’: Coroner scathing of NZDF delays after elite soldier's training death

The inquest heard NZDF has still not finished a key safety training manual.

High wind, high stakes: Black Foils back on home water after Perth crash

NZ Herald sports reporter Christopher Reive joins The Front Page to break down all you need to know about SailGP.

The return of the Black Foils: All you need to know ahead of SailGP Auckland

All you need to know ahead of SailGP’s second event in Auckland.

Australia's Liberals elect net zero opponent as new leader

The switch comes as polling shows the party slipping behind One Nation.

Documents revealed: Inside Te Pāti Māori’s vote to expel two MPs

Concerns were raised about the "perception of a conflict of interest".

Whakatāne urupa dispute: Trustees have their say in court

The court must now decide whether to overturn or rethink the dig approval.

300GB of data stolen: Napier law firm fights back after files offered online - Tech Insider

PLUS: Eroad boss quits, David Kirk scores, Judith Collins' parting gift to Rocket Lab.

'Good luck': Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown slams Kaipara-Rodney breakaway pitch

The plan would merge North Rodney’s 50,000 people with Kaipara’s 30,000.

'Drinking excessively': Sitting judge remarks on KC's alcohol consumption at Northern Club dinner

Judge McNaughton said a support letter he wrote was edited by another judge's lawyer.

Watch: Giant transformer arrives for $135m Huntly grid battery project

The 100MW battery will store enough power for about 60,000 homes for two hours.

'Under his thumb': Woman sent sex offender explicit images of child in her care

He was a registered child sex offender under strict supervision.

‘Decent economic growth’ as manufacturing expands, survey finds

Production and new orders led the gains, with both posting readings above 56.

Off-duty cop spots wanted teen, sparking arrests over jewellery and bar raids

Three males aged 15 and 17 now face aggravated robbery and vehicle charges.

Kim Jong Un chooses Gucci-wearing teen daughter as likely heir

Analysts say Ju Ae could be elevated to First Secretary at the party congress.

Leaving 'happy place': Residents tearful as council evacuates camp over landslide risk

'It's absolutely devastating. Financially, just a massive, massive blow, I tell you.'

'Devastating consequences': Police warning after trampers stranded in snow overnight

Police say the trampers lacked the gear needed to safely retrace their route.

Hawke’s Bay rain alert extends through the weekend

The original alert was for 11 hours – now it's for more than two days.

Warning for lovebirds this weekend: Auckland's hospitality scene tipped to be packed

Valentine's Day and SailGP are expected to generate strong bookings and spending.

Bryce Win tackles Young Farmer final and wedding prep

Sixth-generation sheep and beef farmer goes for gold two weeks out from wedding day.

Scott Robertson's pathway to coaching a rival side at the Rugby World Cup

Robertson asked about the Reds job days after his All Blacks exit.

Tarawera Ultra 102km: Croft and Jones defend titles as rivals close in

Ruth Croft returns as the only woman to win all three UTMB World Series races.

Afternoon quiz: What European country do the Faroe Islands belong to?

Test your brain with the Herald's afternoon quiz.

The Country at Southern Field Days

Luxon, D. Fagan, Bryce McKenzie, Bruce Weir, Vanessa Winning, Simon Beamish, Hamish McKay.