NZ failed to meet its 2025 Smokefree targets - where do we go from here?

Bus unions call for change following spate of violent incidents

A spate of violent incidents on our buses has left drivers shaken and unions calling for urgent change.

Weekend weather outlook with Heather Keats: Noticeably cooler weather for the South

MetService's Heather Keats gives you the latest weather outlook for the country this weekend.

Rhythm & Vines or wellness retreat? Why you don't have to skip leg day this New Year's

Co-founder / director of Rhythm and Vines Hamish Pinkham on what to expect this year.

Media Insider: Air NZ safety video on hold and a major shake-up for RNZ's board in 2026

Herald Editor at Large Shayne Currie talks to Nadine Higgins about why the national carrier has grounded a safety video and exits at the highest level at RNZ.

Trump stops bill to make big tech pay for Kiwi media: Herald NOW politics panel

National Minister Paul Goldmsith and Labour MP Willie Jackson face off the on the Herald NOW politics panel.

Truck in engulfed in flames on Tāmaki Drive

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said they were called to Tāmaki Drive at around 10.30pm. Videos / richardthekayaker, supplied

NZ failed to meet its 2025 Smokefree targets - where do we go from here?

Otago University's Dr Jude Ball joins Herald NOW to discuss how Aotearoa can get tabacco use under control after missing its 2025 smokefree goal.

Fiscal feud: Former finance minister Ruth Richardson on the Government's fiscal direction

A war of words has erupted between former Finance Minister Ruth Richardson and current Finance Minister Nicola Willis over the Government’s fiscal direction.

MetService Daily Weather: December 12 2025

MetService Daily Weather: December 12 2025 Video / NZ Herald

Sport Headlines | Black Caps hold advantage heading into third day of second test

Sport Headlines | Black Caps hold advantage heading into third day of second test, Sophie Devine's Perth Scorchers advance to Women's Big Bash, Ardie Savea crowned top rugby player

NZ Herald Headlines | Friday December 12, 2025

Morning Headlines | Former leader of Gloriavale due to be sentenced for sex offences today, Auckland skipper ordered to pay over $7000 | Friday December 12, 2025

Skydiver dangles from plane after parachute gets caught

This Queensland skydiver was left hanging from the plane's tail after their parachute accidentally deployed on exit. Video / Australian Transport Safety Board

Do you feel safe on public transport?

Do you feel safe on public transport?

Are big boozy work Christmas parties over for good?

AUT Professor of Management Candice Harris is with us to take a look back at work parties past, present, and yet to come.

The four-year manhunt for Tom Phillips

Phillips’ final campsite was hidden in a 129m-wide clump of trees off Te Anga Rd. Video / Michael Morrah / Mike Scott

Watch: Willis issues challenge to Richardson

Finance Minister Nicola Willis continues to challenge Taxpayer's Union chair Ruth Richardson to a debate. Video / Mark Mitchell

MetService Daily Afternoon Weather: December 11 2025

MetService Daily Afternoon Weather: December 11 2025.

Dan Hooker books UFC 325 bout against Benoit Saint Denis

Kiwi UFC lightweight Dan Hooker will be back in action in Sydney in February in the UFC 325 co-main event. Video / Christopher Reive / UFC

NZ Herald Headlines | Thursday December 11, 2025

Afternoon Headlines | US ramps up Venezuela tensions, hemp regulations go up in smoke and US tariffs force major NZ apple exporter's exit | Thursday December 11, 2025

Images show US military seizing oil tanker near Venezuela

Images show the US military seizing an oil tanker near Venezuela. Video / AFP

First Look at Air New Zealand's Lookout Lounge

The new lounge opens ahead of the redevelopment of the Koru Lounge starting next year. Video / Michael Craig

US Fed cuts rates 25 basis points to 3.5-3.75%, launches US$40b bond-buying programme

Business with 2degrees: US Fed’s bond-buy with job market soft, inflation sticky, lifts US 2026 GDP pick to 2.3% and opts to wait and see on future cuts as 2 dissent on this cut.

Where to snag a Kiwi classic beachfront property this summer

Ray White's Reuben van Dorsten tells Herald NOW where to find the hot property on New Zealand's best beaches.

Inside Australia’s social media ban for under 16s

As Australia’s youth social comes into force, Matilda Green discusses the impact on families — and whether New Zealand could follow.

Herald NOW daily panel: Bad ads, migration and Trumps new tourist policy

Dave Letele and Deborah Pead go head to head on the big issues of the day.

Sports wrap: Cricket, F1 and SailGP

NZ Herald sports journalists, Chris Reive and Nathan Limm talk all things sport.

US Fed rate cut, great year for hydro power, 570% council rates increase shock

Business with 2degrees: Eyes on central bankers here and in US; Benmore spill shows hydro health; forest owner’s rates jump from $30k to $200k in one year.

26,000 Kiwis Warned Over Major Malware Breach

The National Cyber Security Centre has issued a rare warning amid malware surge.

Asbestos in play sand: Parents warned to monitor exposed children

Professor Ian Shaw discusses new research on Herald NOW, urging parents with kids exposed to asbestos sand to get them checked annually.

Shocking new study reveals 1 in 8 Kiwi teens have experienced sexual violence

The University of Auckland study found sexual violence rates were highest for girls, Māori and Pacific youth, and gender-diverse teens.

Why is Westpac lifting interest rates?

Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhol explains the bank's decision to increase interest rates despite OCR cuts.

New Zealand's fastest growing district has high hopes for RMA changes

Selwyn Mayor, Lydia Giddon hopes ditching RMA will help speed things up for the region.

Sport Headlines | Blair Tickner to miss rest of series after injury

Sport Headlines | Blair Tickner to miss rest of cricket series after serious shoulder injury, All Blacks wing Sevu Reece poised to leave New Zealand Rugby for French club Perpignan

NZ Herald Headlines | Thursday December 11, 2025

Morning Headlines | Push for stronger online safety standards, warning issued over sand dune risks and cancer cases rise but survival improves | Thursday December 11, 2025

MetService Daily Weather: December 11 2025

MetService Daily Weather: December 11 2025 Video / NZ Herald

Kea Kids News: Young leaders take the stage at Te Mana Kuratahi 2025

Reporter Hawaiki goes behind the scenes as emerging Māori performers from Te Kura ā Iwi o Whakatupuranga Rua Mano and Ngā Huiarau o Kawakawa show how they keep their culture alive.

The Elephant | DEI vs MEI - Is equity killing excellence?

Is hiring for diversity at odds with merit, or a pathway to broader excellence?

Black Caps bowler Blair Tickner suffers horror injury against West Indies

The fast bowler was stretchered from the field on day one in Wellington. Video / TVNZ

NZ Herald Headlines | Wednesday December 10, 2025

Afternoon Headlines | Reserve Bank Governor asked to cut spending; 36-year-old man charged with murder and assault | Wednesday December 10, 2025

Leaving for Oz: Why so many Kiwis are giving up on the local job market

NZ Herald Business Editor-at-Large Liam Dann talks about the ongoing migration of kiwis to Australia and what it means for those left behind.