MetService national weather update: December 31 - January 1

NZ Herald Afternoon Headlines | Thursday, January 1, 2026

Afternoon Headlines | 5 deaths recorded in NZ holiday road toll and patients warned after health portal data breach | Thursday, January 1, 2026

Police Commissioner on the beat in Nelson for NYE

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers joined police on the front lines in Nelson on the one year anniversary of officer Lyn Fleming's death. Video / NZ Herald

NZ Herald Morning Headlines | Thursday, January 1, 2026

Morning Headlines | NZ welcomes 2026 with Sky Tower firework display and road closure on SH16 | Thursday, January 1, 2026

World begins to welcome 2026

Pacific countries, including New Zealand, were the first to see in 2026, with Seoul and Tokyo following Sydney in celebrations that will stretch around the globe. Video / AFP

He’s Back! How Max rode a pig to 70 million views!

Reporter Tessa catches up with Max and his siblings, who raise piglets to fund their dirt bike adventures. He shows off his expert pig-riding skills… but can he go viral again?

Two Waterskiing French Bulldogs dazzle holiday crowds

The man behind Bosco and Treasure, Dylan Bacher, told the Herald the skill came naturally to his canines. Video / boscospiratelife via TikTok

MetService national weather update: December 31 - January 1

MetService national weather update: December 31 - January 1. Video / MetService

NZ Herald Afternoon News Update | One dead in SH1 crash, Leighton Smith named New Year 2026 Honouree

NZ Herald Afternoon News Update | One dead in SH1 crash, Leighton Smith named New Year 2026 Honouree, boosted police presence in Sydney. Video / NZ Herald

Kiwi band Borderline at Rhythm and Vines

Young NZ band Borderline played a great set during Rhythm and Vines.

Electrical fire cuts power to dozens of Russell businesses

An electrical fire in Russell yesterday cut power to dozens of businesses during the busy holiday period.

Tatiana Schlossberg, JFK’s granddaughter, dies at 35

Tatiana Schlossberg’s family announced her death in a social media post shared by the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.

NZ Herald Morning Headlines | Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Morning Headlines | New Year 2026 Honours released and ambulance crews brace for busy night | Wednesday, December 31, 2025

China's military releases footage of live-fire drills near Taiwan

China says it is carrying out live-fire drills on maritime targets north and southwest of Taiwan, involving destroyers, frigates, fighters, bombers and drones.

Heart-surgery hero tackles first TRYathlon!

Reporter Lily meets Jake, who shares his inspirational journey from a major heart operation, to race day victory at the Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon

New Year Honours 2026

Sporting, science and community icons have been recognised in this year's prestigious list.

Man saved from rocks at Fishermans Cove, Whangaparāoa

A witness said the man was trapped on the rocks for at least an hour. Video / Riki Waugh

MetService national weather update: Tuesday 30 December

MetService national weather update: Tuesday 30 December. Video / MetService

NZ Herald Afternoon Headlines | Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Afternoon Headlines | Call for more police on Karangahape Rd and severe winds continue to batter parts of New Zealand | Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Hawke's Bay surfer shares the waves with pod of dolphins

Byron Crawford filmed surfing the waves off Waimārama Beach in Hawke's Bay on his foil prone assist board with a pod of dolphins.

NZ Herald Morning Headlines | Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Morning Headlines | Bad weather may last till end of the year and record number of first-home buyers | Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Rhythm and Vines mud chaos

Festival-goers across the North Island experienced a muddy night as torrential rain drenched campsites. Video / Tyler Tantin

Boxer Anthony Joshua injured in deadly car crash in Nigeria

British boxer Anthony Joshua was injured in a car crash in Nigeria that killed two people, police say.

Northcote school gets colourful for a cause

Reporter Cato finds out why teachers are throwing dye at kids, and how Northcote’s Colour Run is raising big money, with students choosing how to spend it!

Fire crews attend sites of property damage as strong winds buffet Auckland

Fire crews removed debris from roads as strong winds buffeted Auckland. Video / Jason Dorday

Watch: Waterspout touches down off Waimārama Beach, Hawke's Bay

Video shows the rare moment near Bare Island during stormy weather at the popular Hawke's Bay beach. Video / Supplied

MetService severe weather update: Monday 29 December

MetService severe weather update: Monday 29 December. Video / MetService

NZ Herald Afternoon Headlines | Monday, December 29, 2025

Afternoon Headlines | Much of country under weather watch and student job market improving overall | Monday, December 29, 2025

NZ Herald Morning Headlines | Monday, December 29, 2025

Morning Headlines | Police seek witnesses after K Rd brawl and parts of North Island brace for wild weather | Monday, December 29, 2025

Kea Kids News: Hamilton lights up for the holiday season

Reporter Ella hits Harrowfield Drive in Hamilton to discover what’s spreading festive cheer all over the neighbourhood.

Man filmed ‘car surfing’ vehicle in empty Franklin carpark

A man was captured standing on the roof of a moving car as it circles an empty Franklin carpark. It prompts fresh warnings about dangerous “car surfing” trends. Video / Facebook

Holly Ramsay arrives to her wedding with famous father by her side

Model Holly Ramsay and Olympic gold-medal-winning swimmer Adam Peaty have got married at Bath Abbey. Video / Video Elephant

SWISH Basketball

A special 'Bandits' crew of players over 80 gets extra space and free shots. Video / Supplied

Car collides with fire truck on Victoria Street, Auckland City.

A vehicle and a responding fire truck have collided on Victoria Street, Auckland City. Video / Dean Purcell

Brawl breaks out in early morning on Karangahape Road

Police are conducting a scene examination on Karangahape Road after a large fight took place in the early hours of the morning. Video / Dean Purcell

NZ Herald Headlines | Sunday December 28, 2025

NZ Herald Headlines | Sunday December 28, 2025: Russia attacks Ukraine as Zelenskyy meets with Canada PM, road safety reminder amid low death toll. Video / NZ Herald

From shy to fearless: Napier performer’s body–positive journey

Zarlia Wyatt says stepping on stage changed her life. Now, she is inspiring others to love their bodies exactly as they are. Video / Rafaella Melo

Hailstorm in summer: Severe thunderstorm warnings hit South Island

Hailstorm in the summer and wet weather hitting the South Island

Wet weather in Westmorland, Christchurch

Dark clouds and heavy rainfall hit Westmorland in Christchurch. Video / NZ Herald

Longtime Cure Guitarist Perry Bamonte Dead at 65

Perry Bamonte, who played guitar and other instruments in The Cure, has died after a short illness. He was 65. Video / NZ Herald

NZ Herald Headlines | Saturday, December 27, 2025

NZ Herald Headlines | Saturday, December 27, 2025. The US bombs Islamic State terrorists in Nigeria, the NZ summer drowning toll now stands at one. Retail waits for a surge.