Rachel Maher is a Multimedia Journalist for the New Zealand Herald, focusing on crime and breaking news.
Rachel specialises in reporting on crime issues in Auckland, extensively covering the issues of retail ram raids and youth crime. She has also reported on many other topics including social justice issues, politics and entertainment. Rachel grew up in Whangārei before moving to Tāmaki Makaurau in 2018. After a lifelong passion for writing and story-telling, Rachel studied at AUT and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication, majoring in journalism, in 2022. She achieved her dream of becoming a journalist when she joined the Herald in June of the same year as a breaking news reporter. Rachel has quickly established herself as a passionate and well-rounded reporter, covering everything from the 2023 Cyclone Gabrielle destruction to the death of Queen Elizabeth II. You can contact Rachel at rachel.maher@nzme.co.nz.
Coromandel towns isolated by flooding, more heavy rain forecast as storm rages on
Roads have been submerged, roofs ripped from buildings and ferries and flights cancelled.
'Strongest since 2017': New Tropical Cyclone Tam warning for strong winds, giant swells
Tam is moving at 35km/h south towards New Zealand.
Grieving parents demand tougher penalties for drugged drivers after daughters’ deaths
Ella-Rose Donker and Madi Chamberlain were killed by drivers high on MDMA.
Dire warning as ‘drought buster’ rain in April unlikely, North Island faces more dry months
New data shows rainfall is down by about 75% in many areas.
Storm hits: Power cuts, road closures as rivers rise in Northland
Severe weather watches and warnings are in force.
Whangārei fire: Home still under threat, firefighting efforts to stretch across three days
The cause of the fire is not yet know but an investigation will take place on Friday.
Winter's final act: Thunderstorms, gales, wind, rain to lash NZ across next 72 hours
An air mass from Australia will also bring warmer days and milder nights for parts.
Warmer temperatures on the way, sunny spells give taste of spring
Warmer temperatures are ahead — but forecasters are warning people not to get complacent.
Lotto winner claims $44m prize with same lucky numbers on 10 lines
The lucky punter chose at the same numbers for all ten lines.
Thunderstorms, hail, rain to hit Auckland, snow warnings for SI alpine passes
The rain will move down the country in bands, soaking most of the North Island.
Poorest Kiwi kids going without healthy food, study finds
Health experts and children’s advocates call the findings 'shameful'.
Thousands join protest at Parliament as Govt unveils Budget
The nationwide protests come ahead of the coalition Government's first Budget at 2pm.
Boats blown over at Auckland marina as fierce storm lashed region
Power was out to households across the city.
Te Pāti Māori protest: What you need to know about tomorrow's carkoi protests
Police are urging people in metropolitan areas to allow extra time for their morning trips
PM calls Te Pāti Māori planned Budget day protest ‘illegal’
Te Pāti Māori shared on social media that this is a 'rangatira revolution'.
'Ecstatic' newlyweds in dazzling wedding photos with aurora night sky
'It’s a dream come true.'
Police confirm number of fatalities in fiery Taranaki crash
Firefighters say one of the vehicles was engulfed in flames.
'Tragedy': Unclear how many victims in Taranaki crash
Firefighters say one of the vehicles was engulfed in flames after the crash.
Thunderstorms, heavy rain lash top of North Island
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for to the top of the country.
‘Not out of the woods yet’: Conserve water notice as ex-cyclone Lola sweeps North Island
Today is expected to bring another round of thunderstorms and strong winds.
Wild weather: Roads closed with over 100mm of rain, 130km/h wind gusts
Several places across the top of the North Island have recorded over 100mm of rain.
Lanes closed on Harbour Bridge as ex-cyclone bears down; thousands without power
Wind gusts reaching 142km/h have already been recorded in Cape Rēinga.
Four Waiwera water slides find new home in Northland
Arguably the most iconic slide was too damaged by vandals to salvage.
Kaitāia nightlife! Locals react to visitor’s bizarre claim when denied entry to NZ
Locals laughed out load watching the visitor claim his reasons for visiting the Far North.
Matariki: The what, why and where to know for this Friday
Your full guide to all things Matariki.
Live: Winter blast brings big chill, heavy rain, Auckland fog
Fog restrictions are in place at Auckland Airport early this morning.
Stealing cars on TikTok: Social media account shows alleged crimes
Videos reflect trends of crime for 'likes'.