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Ben Leahy
Reporter

Ben Leahy is a reporter for the New Zealand Herald.

We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.

Check out Ben’s latest content
Layby slaying: Motorcyclist shot and body abandoned in creek; police seek footage
Northern Advocate

Layby slaying: Motorcyclist shot and body abandoned in creek; police seek footage

31 Jan 10:47 PM
Woman found dead after entering water near Waipu River mouth overnight
Northern Advocate

Woman found dead after entering water near Waipu River mouth overnight

30 Nov 01:53 AM

Friends said they saw the woman enter the water late at night but she never returned.

Grandma traumatised after shots fired at her house
Northern Advocate

Grandma traumatised after shots fired at her house

13 Jul 04:12 AM

Police say it is lucky the woman, aged in her 70s, was not hit by the bullets.

'Pack a lot of punch': Why rams attack and why pet animals can be worse
Northern Advocate

'Pack a lot of punch': Why rams attack and why pet animals can be worse

18 Apr 11:26 PM

Experts: It's not uncommon for farms to have one or two rams that like to charge.

Helicopters tackle large fire at Whangape Harbour in Far North
Northern Advocate

Helicopters tackle large fire at Whangape Harbour in Far North

22 Mar 07:15 PM

Battling the remote fire is complicated by the fact there is no road access.

Sailor dies during Bay of Islands yacht race after being struck by boom
Northern Advocate

Sailor dies during Bay of Islands yacht race after being struck by boom

21 Oct 12:27 AM

The sailor was knocked unconscious and could not be revived by a Coastguard crew.

Woman dies in Whangārei after car goes through fence into creek
Northern Advocate

Woman dies in Whangārei after car goes through fence into creek

13 Jul 07:15 PM

Emergency teams found the woman already deceased at the crash scene.

Detours to Northland : Storm road closures - all you need to know
Northern Advocate

Detours to Northland : Storm road closures - all you need to know

24 Feb 06:42 PM

Motorists are asked to delay journeys between Auckland and Northland.

Potentially thousands of HB residents yet to be contacted - PM; reports of more victims
Northern Advocate

Potentially thousands of HB residents yet to be contacted - PM; reports of more victims

17 Feb 03:10 AM

Cyclone Gabrielle has claimed an eighth victim.

Live: 'We have no water' in Gisborne, morgue at Napier port; seventh body found
Northern Advocate

Live: 'We have no water' in Gisborne, morgue at Napier port; seventh body found

16 Feb 10:29 PM

Cyclone Gabrielle has claimed a seventh victim.

Live: Morgue set up at Napier port; seventh body found; 37,000 HB homes powerless
Northern Advocate

Live: Morgue set up at Napier port; seventh body found; 37,000 HB homes powerless

16 Feb 09:31 PM

State of emergency still acute in Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay, PM says.

Amazing photo: Boatie in mammoth seas saved by rescuers during heart of cyclone
Northern Advocate

Amazing photo: Boatie in mammoth seas saved by rescuers during heart of cyclone

14 Feb 06:20 PM

Rescuers tried for day and a half to save boatie. Eventually it took a navy frigate.

'It's getting worse': Heavy rain, wind as Gabrielle hits NZ; cyclone's latest track
Northern Advocate

'It's getting worse': Heavy rain, wind as Gabrielle hits NZ; cyclone's latest track

11 Feb 04:47 PM

Evacuation centres are today being opened as category three Cyclone Gabrielle bears down.

17 rain, wind warnings/watches as Gabrielle looms, Harbour Bridge may close tomorrow; Air NZ cancels multiple flights
Northern Advocate

17 rain, wind warnings/watches as Gabrielle looms, Harbour Bridge may close tomorrow; Air NZ cancels multiple flights

11 Feb 04:11 AM

Evacuation centres are today being opened as Category 3 Cyclone Gabrielle bears down.

Live: 17 rain, wind warnings/watches for entire North Island as Gabrielle looms; cyclone's latest track
Northern Advocate

Live: 17 rain, wind warnings/watches for entire North Island as Gabrielle looms; cyclone's latest track

11 Feb 01:42 AM

Evacuation centres are today being opened as category 3 Cyclone Gabrielle bears down.

Live: Heavy rain, strong winds wreak havoc in Auckland, North Island regions
Northern Advocate

Live: Heavy rain, strong winds wreak havoc in Auckland, North Island regions

26 Jan 10:54 PM

Rain is battering Auckland and the top of the North Island.

Covid: 4540 new cases; 473 in hospital, 16 deaths
Northern Advocate

Covid: 4540 new cases; 473 in hospital, 16 deaths

18 Aug 01:00 AM

Case numbers are trending down. Has NZ turned a corner with the virus?

Covid in NZ has 'turned a corner': 496 in hospital today, 16 virus-linked deaths
Northern Advocate

Covid in NZ has 'turned a corner': 496 in hospital today, 16 virus-linked deaths

17 Aug 12:11 AM

"We are continuing to track at the lower of what modelling suggested this winter."

Eight Covid deaths and 5202 new community cases
Northern Advocate

Eight Covid deaths and 5202 new community cases

11 Jun 12:50 AM

Today there are also 332 people are in hospital, four of them in intensive care.

Kiwis wake to storms and snowfall as dreary winter weather hits most of NZ
Northern Advocate

Kiwis wake to storms and snowfall as dreary winter weather hits most of NZ

10 Jun 09:30 PM

With severe wind and thunderstorm watches in place, DoC warns it's safer to stay put.

'That's ridiculous & I'll sort this': Vodafone CEO steps in after house-fire disconnection fee complaint
Northern Advocate

'That's ridiculous & I'll sort this': Vodafone CEO steps in after house-fire disconnection fee complaint

09 Jun 04:26 AM

Then her daughter-in-law tweeted this message.

Covid update: 6635 cases, six deaths today as some schools reintroduce mask wearing
Northern Advocate

Covid update: 6635 cases, six deaths today as some schools reintroduce mask wearing

21 May 01:16 AM

There are 400 people in hospital with the virus, including 12 in intensive care.

Almost 1 million cases since Covid arrived in NZ - rolling average rises again
Northern Advocate

Almost 1 million cases since Covid arrived in NZ - rolling average rises again

07 May 12:45 AM

The seven-day rolling average of new cases shows numbers are up on a week ago.

13 new Covid deaths, including person aged between 10-19
Northern Advocate

13 new Covid deaths, including person aged between 10-19

22 Apr 01:16 AM

Person aged between 10 and 19 is one of 13 people reported to have died with Covid.

Homeless house buyer: Man lived 10 months in car to save - but still can't buy
Northern Advocate

Homeless house buyer: Man lived 10 months in car to save - but still can't buy

30 Jan 04:00 PM

Whangarei man had deposit saved and lived rent free on streets in bid to afford a house.

Coming down - only 63 new cases as Aucklanders prepare to leave city
Northern Advocate

Coming down - only 63 new cases as Aucklanders prepare to leave city

10 Dec 11:30 PM

Aucklanders will be rushing out of the city this week for the first time in four months.

Watch: 92 new community Covid cases as Aucklanders grab a beer, hit the gym
Northern Advocate

Watch: 92 new community Covid cases as Aucklanders grab a beer, hit the gym

02 Dec 11:00 PM

There are now 79 people in hospital, including nine in intensive care.

Live: 172 Covid cases ahead of traffic light move; 10 new cases near Nelson
Northern Advocate

Live: 172 Covid cases ahead of traffic light move; 10 new cases near Nelson

01 Dec 11:00 PM

Eighty-six people are in hospital and nine are in intensive care.

Covid in the North Island: Two new Northland cases, wastewater traces in Gisborne, Napier
Northern Advocate

Covid in the North Island: Two new Northland cases, wastewater traces in Gisborne, Napier

05 Nov 07:30 AM

There have now been 17 community cases in the region with eight still active.

Record 129 Covid cases today, 51 people in hospital
Northern Advocate

Record 129 Covid cases today, 51 people in hospital

22 Oct 02:30 AM

Today's cases hit a new record.

Covid: 41 new cases, Auckland woman connected to Northland pair tests positive
Northern Advocate

Covid: 41 new cases, Auckland woman connected to Northland pair tests positive

16 Oct 12:00 AM

More than 70,000 Kiwis have already received a vaccine as part of Super Saturday.

Live: Peters' TV claims - woman at centre of Northland scare 'linked to Mongrel Mob'
Northern Advocate

Live: Peters' TV claims - woman at centre of Northland scare 'linked to Mongrel Mob'

08 Oct 09:20 PM

Mayor: 'We've worked hard and now some bloody idiot has come and buggered it up.'

Premium
Former Northland MP Matt King defends controversial Covid post
Northern Advocate

Former Northland MP Matt King defends controversial Covid post

22 Aug 06:00 PM

Ex-MP says he wanted to spark a debate about ongoing lockdowns and the way ahead for NZ.

The 10 Covid Delta cases: Here's what we know
Northern Advocate

The 10 Covid Delta cases: Here's what we know

18 Aug 05:39 PM

The 10 cases include an AUT student, an Avondale College teacher and a tradesman.

No new cases in MIQ or community today
Northern Advocate

No new cases in MIQ or community today

01 Jun 01:02 AM

Ministry of Health still trying to reach five Melbourne returnees.

No new Covid-19 community cases, three in MIQ
Northern Advocate

No new Covid-19 community cases, three in MIQ

08 May 12:45 AM

The three new cases in MIQ come from France, the Maldives and Guatemala.

'Every family deserves a house': Landlord sells rental to tenant below market price
Northern Advocate

'Every family deserves a house': Landlord sells rental to tenant below market price

30 Apr 05:00 PM

Arpit Patel was only looking for a rental. He found a landlord keen to help him buy.

NZ suspends travel from India to combat surge in Covid cases
Northern Advocate

NZ suspends travel from India to combat surge in Covid cases

08 Apr 04:31 AM

Ban on travellers from India begins on Sunday and will remain in place until April 28.

First-home buyers big winners, prices 'could tumble 10pc'
Property

First-home buyers big winners, prices 'could tumble 10pc'

23 Mar 08:35 PM

Investors have been targeted with tax changes to help stem soaring house prices.

Premium
Buyer beware: Warning over common contract clause that can cost home buyers
Property

Buyer beware: Warning over common contract clause that can cost home buyers

16 Mar 04:00 PM

Single mum Madhu bought a new Auckland home but wonders if she'll ever get to move in.

Live: Freedom beckons? No new Covid community cases - Cabinet meets
Northern Advocate

Live: Freedom beckons? No new Covid community cases - Cabinet meets

05 Mar 12:00 AM

Today's Covid community results could play a big part in bringing lockdown to an end.

Premium
Family sell house for $980,000, but cannot afford to buy new Auckland home
Property

Family sell house for $980,000, but cannot afford to buy new Auckland home

28 Feb 04:00 PM

George and Lee just made a big sale, yet still can't afford suitable home in Auckland.

Covid-19: One new case in managed isolation
Northern Advocate

Covid-19: One new case in managed isolation

26 Feb 11:37 PM

There is one new case of Covid-19 in managed isolation - but none in the community.

Watch: Neighbours at war - digger tears up driveway beneath woman's feet as property dispute escalates
Northern Advocate

Watch: Neighbours at war - digger tears up driveway beneath woman's feet as property dispute escalates

25 Feb 05:30 AM

Just luck that no-one was seriously hurt or worse as dispute reaches climax, says owner.

Family with Covid-19 had private home viewing; No new community cases
Northern Advocate

Family with Covid-19 had private home viewing; No new community cases

25 Feb 12:52 AM

Three people attended the viewing in Papatoetoe.

Less than $300k to buy in Epsom: Check out 2020's cheapest house sales
Property

Less than $300k to buy in Epsom: Check out 2020's cheapest house sales

19 Feb 04:00 PM

Find out where you could've bought a classic timber villa for just $15,000.

Investors buy record share of homes as first-home buyers squeezed
Property

Investors buy record share of homes as first-home buyers squeezed

17 Feb 02:39 AM

The biggest housing boom in two decades is taking its toll on first-home buyers: analysts.

Premium
Vacant land sales soar as developers rush to cash in on housing demand
Property

Vacant land sales soar as developers rush to cash in on housing demand

13 Jan 04:00 PM

Pundits hope a jump in vacant land sales helps ease Auckland's pressing housing shortage.

Premium
Where to go to escape Auckland's skyrocketing house prices
Property

Where to go to escape Auckland's skyrocketing house prices

31 Dec 04:00 PM

Can you achieve work-life balance and pay less for your home?

Premium
New Zealand's flashest homes: Take a moment to dream
Property

New Zealand's flashest homes: Take a moment to dream

28 Dec 04:00 PM

Lockdown might even be a joy if you owned one of these stunning properties.

Premium
Revealed: 2020's most expensive home and its All Black billionaire owners
Property

Revealed: 2020's most expensive home and its All Black billionaire owners

27 Dec 04:00 PM

Luxury house sales boomed again in 2020 even without foreign buyers.

Baby dead, two others injured in Far North crash
Northern Advocate

Baby dead, two others injured in Far North crash

02 Dec 01:30 AM

The tragedy occurred just after 1pm on Kaitaia-Awaroa Rd near Ahipara.

Another Pakistani cricketer tests positive for Covid-19
Northern Advocate

Another Pakistani cricketer tests positive for Covid-19

01 Dec 11:13 PM

The squad member was one of the three cases reported as under investigation yesterday.

Three new Covid cases in managed isolation; Xmas party warning
Northern Advocate

Three new Covid cases in managed isolation; Xmas party warning

30 Nov 11:37 PM

Further swabs were taken from Pakistan cricket team members who earlier tested negative.

NZ already has a capital gains tax - you probably just didn't know it
Property

NZ already has a capital gains tax - you probably just didn't know it

28 Nov 04:05 AM

There is a capital gains tax already on the books, it's just not enforced: Researchers

Ghost town: Photos show CBD deserted apart from queues at testing station
Northern Advocate

Ghost town: Photos show CBD deserted apart from queues at testing station

12 Nov 08:31 PM

Aucklanders face nervous wait as authorities consider imposing tougher Covid restrictions.

New house buying frenzy tipped as funding fuel poured on property market
Property

New house buying frenzy tipped as funding fuel poured on property market

11 Nov 04:00 PM

If you thought house prices were high, they could be about to rise even further.

Why you're not seeing any political news right now
Northern Advocate

Why you're not seeing any political news right now

16 Oct 10:05 PM

You may be wondering why you aren't reading myriad election articles today.

Modest Auckland home sells for $2.4m - and it wasn't bought by a developer
Property

Modest Auckland home sells for $2.4m - and it wasn't bought by a developer

16 Oct 04:00 PM

Developers have been paying big bucks. Now homes are becoming too expensive for even them.

Two new Covid cases in managed isolation
Northern Advocate

Two new Covid cases in managed isolation

14 Oct 11:40 PM

Health officials with today's case numbers update.

Premium
Exclusive poll: How Kiwis are really feeling about house prices
Property

Exclusive poll: How Kiwis are really feeling about house prices

13 Oct 04:00 PM

Should house prices rise or fall? Kiwis have their say and it may surprise you.

Premium
Election 2020: What's the plan to tackle the housing crisis?  Policies compared
Property

Election 2020: What's the plan to tackle the housing crisis? Policies compared

27 Sep 04:00 PM

How the main political parties plan to deal with house prices and a shortage of homes.

Barfoot & Thompson, others call on National to back Healthy Homes standards
Property

Barfoot & Thompson, others call on National to back Healthy Homes standards

25 Sep 05:00 PM

National wants to scrap new rental standards. Leading agent urges party to reconsider.

'Deeply disappointing': Landlords advised to hold off on heating until election result
Property

'Deeply disappointing': Landlords advised to hold off on heating until election result

06 Sep 07:03 PM

Labour calls landlord advice 'deeply disappointing' and letting down their fellow Kiwis.

'Like a demon': Tornado hits home during owner's morning prayers
Northern Advocate

'Like a demon': Tornado hits home during owner's morning prayers

20 Aug 06:39 AM

Helen Pirini was saying her morning prayers when a tornado headed towards her front door.

One new Covid case - man in his 40s who flew from Africa
Northern Advocate

One new Covid case - man in his 40s who flew from Africa

24 Jul 01:01 AM

The man was in managed isolation

Roads closed, travel delays - Far North 'cut off' by floods
Northern Advocate

Roads closed, travel delays - Far North 'cut off' by floods

17 Jul 10:59 PM

School holiday travellers warned to stay off roads and delay travel back to Auckland.

Once-in-500-year storm floods Northland, traps residents
Northern Advocate

Once-in-500-year storm floods Northland, traps residents

17 Jul 08:55 PM

A mammoth storm, flooding and tornado have damaged homes and trapped residents.

Even firefighters need a hand sometmies: Fire truck stranded in floodwaters
Northern Advocate

Even firefighters need a hand sometmies: Fire truck stranded in floodwaters

17 Jul 08:24 PM

Even Firies need a hand once in a while. Luckily, Whangārei 4WD Club members were nearby.

Premium
House prices: Find out what your suburb's Auckland Council CV could have been
Property

House prices: Find out what your suburb's Auckland Council CV could have been

11 Jul 05:00 PM

Auckland Council delayed its three-yearly CV estimates. Here's what they could have been.

Protesters allege NZ police used dangerous tactics similar to George Floyd arrest
Northern Advocate

Protesters allege NZ police used dangerous tactics similar to George Floyd arrest

11 Jul 05:41 AM

'I'm 65kg. I had four grown men on top of me": Police arrest dangerous, protesters say.

Premium
The housing market change first-home buyers are begging for
Property

The housing market change first-home buyers are begging for

10 Jul 05:00 PM

First-home buyers are battling to save deposits. This change could make a huge difference.

Tenant pulls motorbike engine apart on bedroom carpet
Property

Tenant pulls motorbike engine apart on bedroom carpet

19 Jun 02:21 AM

Tenancy Tribunal told he made the damage worse by trying to repair it.

House sales plunge, prices stay high: NZ's volatile property market revealed
Property

House sales plunge, prices stay high: NZ's volatile property market revealed

15 Jun 12:46 AM

Housing market is exceeding expectations but volatility is creeping in, reports Reinz.

Busy roads, rain and possible floods: Hurdles for the long weekend
Northern Advocate

Busy roads, rain and possible floods: Hurdles for the long weekend

29 May 03:42 AM

Motorists urged to take care during exodus to holiday hotspots.

Premium
Why house prices must fall - and why the news isn't all bad
Property

Why house prices must fall - and why the news isn't all bad

27 May 05:00 PM

Experts and investors take a deep dive into what to expect from post-Covid house prices.

House prices tipped for 7% fall, despite lockdown success
Property

House prices tipped for 7% fall, despite lockdown success

14 May 11:38 PM

Westpac tips house prices to fall 7 per cent by the end of this year.

$1.6m portfolio: Investor buys four properties by age 25
Property

$1.6m portfolio: Investor buys four properties by age 25

11 Apr 07:07 AM

A young Kiwi isn't letting the coronavirus slow him down as he buys his fourth property.

Almost 10 per cent tenants stopped paying rent or left rentals: landlords
Property

Almost 10 per cent tenants stopped paying rent or left rentals: landlords

03 Apr 01:36 AM

Hardship for renters and landlords expected to get worse, property investors say.

Workers on Avatar film accuse landlord of coronavirus profiteering
Property

Workers on Avatar film accuse landlord of coronavirus profiteering

26 Mar 11:33 PM

Three film crew from Avatar's cancelled film set say landlord unfairly pocketed $20,000.

Free or cheaper Airbnb rentals offered to coronavirus medical workers
Property

Free or cheaper Airbnb rentals offered to coronavirus medical workers

26 Mar 08:32 PM

Airbnb wants to match medical workers tackling coronavirus with safe places to stay.

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