Child-like sex dolls and Trump threatens 'severe' tariffs | NZ Herald News Update: July 15, 2025

Christopher Luxon attends reveal of Ikea's opening date

Christopher Luxon speaks about the significance of Ikea opening in New Zealand. Video / Alyse Wright

World surfing champ's tips for Kiwi women

Aussie surfer Molly Picklum won the WSL title with victory in Fiji. She shares her tips for Kiwi surfers. Video / Grant Bradley

MetService Severe Weather Warning: Thursday September 4th

MetService Severe Weather Warning: Thursday September 4th. Video / MetService

NZ man vs sloth: the sleep showdown

Andy from Nelson is off to Costa Rica to test his snoozing skills against a real, living sloth. Videov / Herald NOW

All Blacks team announcement for Saturday's Springboks test

All Blacks team announcement for Saturday's Springboks test. Video / NZ Herald

Trailer: Dadolescence

Dadolescence is a new documentary airing on TVNZ following the lives and experiences of five teenage fathers in Aotearoa.

Ikea announces its will open its first store in New Zealand on December 4

Swedish retailer unveiled a sign at its Sylvia Park store today announcing its opening. Video / Alyse Wright

At least 15 dead after funicular derails in Lisbon

The Gloria funicular derailed during rush hour in downtown Libson, killing at least 15 people and injuring 18. Video / AFP

All Blacks' Eden Park record on the line vs Springboks

Cam McMilland and Chris Reive join Garth Bray on Herald NOW to discuss the upcoming All Blacks vs Springboks team naming and test at Eden Park.

Surgeons call for New Zealand to accelerate AI use as patient waitlists blow out

Surgeons claim AI use couldn't come sooner, as patient waitlists continue to grow. Video / Herald NOW

Mount Maunganui police operation

A man with a sword allegedly made threats, leading to a 13-hour standoff. Video / Supplied

High-profile sportsman trial: Radiologist says infant rib fractures not definitive of abuse

A radiologist says swelling seen on scans of an infant’s chest reflected rib fractures, but did not indicate abuse.

Kim Jong Un's daughter makes appearance at Beijing parade

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrives at Beijing parade with daughter his Kim Ju Ae. Video / Getty

Loafers Lodge murder trial: Accused fled mental health care in Auckland weeks before fatal fire

The man accused of murdering five people by lighting a deadly fire in a Wellington hostel had absconded from a hospital in Auckland just weeks before the incident.

'Need to avoid a total disaster' - David Seymour on plans to intensify Auckland housing

MP for Epsom and Act Party Leader David Seymour talks to Mike Hosking about plans to intensity housing in Auckland.

Butter are prices coming down, new rules cut red tape for food exporters

Business with 2degrees: Business Desk's Riley Kennedy talks butter prices, new rules cut red tape for food exporters & vital takeover coming down to the wire.

UK government to ban energy drinks for under-16s - should NZ do the same?

NZ Dental Association sugary drinks spokesperson Rob Beaglehole joins Garth Bray on Herald NOW to discuss plans to stop sales of energy drinks to under-16s. Video / Herald NOW

Justice system under 'considerable strain'

Former High Court Judge, Simon Moore KC, joins Garth Bray on Herald NOW to discuss the Chief Justice's annual report and the failings in the system it outlines.

'Geopolitical tensions ratcheting up' - Xi, Putin and Kim Jong Un at military parade

Geopolitical analyst Geoffrey Miller joins Garth Bray on Herald NOW to discuss China's military parade and its wider global meaning.

NZ Herald Sport News Update | Coach responds to toilet water stunt and Imane Khelif appeals ban

NZ Herald Sport News Update | Broncos coach responds to video of Reece Walsh drinking toilet water and Imane Khelif appeals World Boxing's decision to bar her from competing.

NZ Herald Morning News Update | Chief Justice's warning and Government's rift over density plan

NZ Herald Morning News Update | Chief Justice's warning about New Zealand's legal system and National and Act argue over Auckland density plan.

Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin at military parade in Beijing

North Korea’s Kim Jong Un welcomes Russian President Vladimir Putin with official ceremony in Beijing.

Herald NOW Weather: September 4, 2025

Herald NOW Weather: September 4, 2025.

Pic Picot, New Zealand's peanut butter king

The founder of Pic's Peanut Butter talks to Liam Dann about his former hippie days.

Why do people confess to crimes they didn't commit?

Forensic Psychologist Ghazi Metoui joins us to discuss the psychology behind police interviews.

Broke Boy Taco accuses Taco Amaiz of brand confusion, owner disputes

Alfredo Romero, owner of Taco Amaiz in Elliott Stables. A Mexican restaurant called Broke Boy Taco sent a cease and desist letter to his restaurant called Taco Amaiz.

Kea Kids News: It’s a kea vs. kea smackdown!

It’s Conservation Week! From hardboiled eggs to locusts, reporter Sibabalwe is at Wellington Zoo learning how we can all help our native animals live their best lives.

Behind the scenes at Syos Aerospace as its founder reveals big expansion plans

Following its £30m drone deal with the UK Government, the Mount Maunganui startup is adding new uncrewed vehicles and tripling its local staff. Video \ Jason Dorday

Loafers Lodge murder accused said voices commanded him to burn down building

Psychiatrist Dr Justin Barry-Walsh describes the moment the defendant told him he heard voices telling him to light the fatal fire. Video / Supplied

Allegedly stolen vehicles near-miss with Christchurch school kids

The video shows the car narrowly missing kids on bikes on Travis Road in Christchurch. Video / Christchurch Dash Cams

All Blacks' Eden Park record faces its biggest test

The All Blacks' Eden Park record faces its biggest test as the Springboks threaten their 50-match unbeaten record at the stadium this weekend. Video / Alyse Wright

Kiwi woman removed from flight for alleged drunken antics

She was removed from a flight for alleged intoxicated behaviour, including ignoring cabin crew instructions and dancing in the aisle. Video / AFP

Chief Justice speaks on the stress judges face in a overloaded justice system

Chief Justice Dame Helen Winkelmann speaks on the "heavy load" that judges carry on a day to day basis in a justice system she says is under considerable stress. Video / NZ Herald

Peeni Henare and Chris Hipkins visit Te Māhurehure Marae

Labour MP Peeni Henare and Labour leader Chris Hipkins visit Te Māhurehure Marae ahead of the Tāmaki Makaurau byelection. Video / Alyse Wright

Loafers Lodge murder accused's clinical history shared with jury

Crown prosecutor Stephanie Bishop and Psychiatrist Dr Justin Barry-Walsh speak about the defendant's mental health history. Video / NZ Herald

NZ Herald Afternoon News Update | Interislander deal and conviction quashed

NZ Herald Afternoon News Update | Shipbuilder agrees to price of new ferries and conviction quashed in manslaughter case.

CCTV footage captures street attack in Mt Wellington

CCTV footage captures street attack in Mt Wellington overnight that left one critically injured.

Split Enz regrouping for Electric Avenue and the line-up for Homegrown

Entertainment reporter Mitchell Hageman on Split Enz to play at Electric Avenue and the line-up for Homegrown is announced. Video / Herald NOW

Phil Goff and Stuart Nash on the Herald NOW panel

Former Auckland Mayor Phil Goff and former Police Minister Stuart Nash on Herald NOW talking through the big stories of the day. Video / Herald NOW

Gregor Paul on the upcoming All Blacks test against the Springboks

Rugby Analyst Gregor Paul on the Eden Park test between the All Blacks and the Springboks.