A year through the lens: Best Herald images of 2015

Few people get closer to the action than news photograhers. Today, we celebrate their work with some of the best images by Herald photographers in 2015

It was the year of Joseph Parker as he went from top Kiwi boxer to genuine world heavyweight contender. Brett Phibbs took this moody shot at Muriwai Beach.

Barely a week seemed to go by without a seal popping out of the water and finding its way to an unusual spot. This one in Papakura was curious about Nick Reed's lens.

The role New Zealand plays in the fight against Isis was rarely out of the limelight. Michael Craig was on hand as Air Warfare Officer John Brereton was welcomed home from service by his two children Nicholas, 5, and Charlotte, 3.

The Black Caps became the darlings of world cricket but it wasn't enough to see off the Aussies. Brett Phibbs saw NZ hopes extinguished as captain Brendon McCullum was bowled by Mitchell Starc in the final.

Brett Phibbs captured the emotion as Jonah Lomu's widow Nadene and sons Dhyreille and Brayley were supported by her parents at Eden Park before the public memorial.

The nation was on tenterhooks when runner Susan O'Brien vanished, but there was good news when she was found after a night lost. Mark Mitchell caught the moment she was reunited with her family.

Richie McCaw holds aloft the Webb Ellis Cup after the All Blacks trounced the Aussies in the Rugby World Cup final. Brett Phibbs captured the joy.

Alan Gibson captured the emotion on one face as thousands travelled to Gallipoli for the Anzac Day centenary commemorations.