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Ben Leahy
Reporter

Ben Leahy is a reporter for the New Zealand Herald.

We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.

Check out Ben’s latest content
NZ house prices could rise 5% in 2025 as analysts signal market turning point
Rotorua Daily Post

NZ house prices could rise 5% in 2025 as analysts signal market turning point

11 Dec 04:00 PM
Premium
Kāinga Ora spent $300m on housing projects at risk of being cancelled: Can the money be saved?
Rotorua Daily Post

Kāinga Ora spent $300m on housing projects at risk of being cancelled: Can the money be saved?

28 Oct 10:41 PM

Two projects have alone cost $73m. If they are cancelled will the taxpayer funds be lost?

One dead and two injured in Whakatāne crash
Rotorua Daily Post

One dead and two injured in Whakatāne crash

04 Oct 07:45 PM

A person was airlifted to hospital but sadly died later, police said.

Whakaari ash plume silhouetted at sunrise
Rotorua Daily Post

Whakaari ash plume silhouetted at sunrise

25 Jul 08:49 PM

Gas and steam spewed out of White Island this morning.

Rawiri Waititi’s dad dies in Bay of Plenty
Rotorua Daily Post

Rawiri Waititi’s dad dies in Bay of Plenty

31 May 06:12 AM

The Māori Party co-leader says his dad died peacefully this morning.

McDonald’s apologises after NZ, global stores couldn't serve food
Rotorua Daily Post

McDonald’s apologises after NZ, global stores couldn't serve food

15 Mar 06:26 PM

A global software outage left customers unable to buy Big Macs at stores nationwide.

'No place for novices': Briton died on Mt Ruapehū after tackling steep slope without safety rope
Rotorua Daily Post

'No place for novices': Briton died on Mt Ruapehū after tackling steep slope without safety rope

19 Oct 10:14 PM

It took more than eight hours to get Emma Langley off the mountain.

'High danger': Risk avalanches could hit Ruapehu mountain huts, skiers warned
Rotorua Daily Post

'High danger': Risk avalanches could hit Ruapehu mountain huts, skiers warned

16 Aug 11:23 PM

'There is a very real risk of avalanches around club huts', mountain operator says.

One dead and another airlifted to hospital after crash near Rotorua
Rotorua Daily Post

One dead and another airlifted to hospital after crash near Rotorua

23 Jun 11:03 PM

Police are examining what happened in the serious crash.

One dead after car veers off road and into Taupō building
Rotorua Daily Post

One dead after car veers off road and into Taupō building

05 May 07:42 PM

Police are investigating the cause of the single-vehicle crash.

Potentially thousands of HB residents yet to be contacted - PM; reports of more victims
Rotorua Daily Post

Potentially thousands of HB residents yet to be contacted - PM; reports of more victims

17 Feb 03:10 AM

Cyclone Gabrielle has claimed an eighth victim.

Live: 'We have no water' in Gisborne, morgue at Napier port; seventh body found
Rotorua Daily Post

Live: 'We have no water' in Gisborne, morgue at Napier port; seventh body found

16 Feb 10:29 PM

Cyclone Gabrielle has claimed a seventh victim.

Live: Morgue set up at Napier port; seventh body found; 37,000 HB homes powerless
Rotorua Daily Post

Live: Morgue set up at Napier port; seventh body found; 37,000 HB homes powerless

16 Feb 09:31 PM

State of emergency still acute in Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay, PM says.

'It's getting worse': Heavy rain, wind as Gabrielle hits NZ; cyclone's latest track
Rotorua Daily Post

'It's getting worse': Heavy rain, wind as Gabrielle hits NZ; cyclone's latest track

11 Feb 04:47 PM

Evacuation centres are today being opened as category three Cyclone Gabrielle bears down.

17 rain, wind warnings/watches as Gabrielle looms, Harbour Bridge may close tomorrow; Air NZ cancels multiple flights
Rotorua Daily Post

17 rain, wind warnings/watches as Gabrielle looms, Harbour Bridge may close tomorrow; Air NZ cancels multiple flights

11 Feb 04:11 AM

Evacuation centres are today being opened as Category 3 Cyclone Gabrielle bears down.

Live: 17 rain, wind warnings/watches for entire North Island as Gabrielle looms; cyclone's latest track
Rotorua Daily Post

Live: 17 rain, wind warnings/watches for entire North Island as Gabrielle looms; cyclone's latest track

11 Feb 01:42 AM

Evacuation centres are today being opened as category 3 Cyclone Gabrielle bears down.

2000 homes without power in Coromandel town; yacht washes ashore
Rotorua Daily Post

2000 homes without power in Coromandel town; yacht washes ashore

10 Nov 11:05 PM

Stormy weather causing problems as it moves south.

'Rocked out of bed': Morning earthquake shakes Taupō
Rotorua Daily Post

'Rocked out of bed': Morning earthquake shakes Taupō

09 Sep 08:10 PM

Taupō Facebook users have reported a 'strong' quake rattling their homes this morning.

Covid: 4540 new cases; 473 in hospital, 16 deaths
Rotorua Daily Post

Covid: 4540 new cases; 473 in hospital, 16 deaths

18 Aug 01:00 AM

Case numbers are trending down. Has NZ turned a corner with the virus?

Covid in NZ has 'turned a corner': 496 in hospital today, 16 virus-linked deaths
Rotorua Daily Post

Covid in NZ has 'turned a corner': 496 in hospital today, 16 virus-linked deaths

17 Aug 12:11 AM

"We are continuing to track at the lower of what modelling suggested this winter."

Eight Covid deaths and 5202 new community cases
Rotorua Daily Post

Eight Covid deaths and 5202 new community cases

11 Jun 12:50 AM

Today there are also 332 people are in hospital, four of them in intensive care.

Covid update: 6635 cases, six deaths today as some schools reintroduce mask wearing
Rotorua Daily Post

Covid update: 6635 cases, six deaths today as some schools reintroduce mask wearing

21 May 01:16 AM

There are 400 people in hospital with the virus, including 12 in intensive care.

Almost 1 million cases since Covid arrived in NZ - rolling average rises again
Rotorua Daily Post

Almost 1 million cases since Covid arrived in NZ - rolling average rises again

07 May 12:45 AM

The seven-day rolling average of new cases shows numbers are up on a week ago.

13 new Covid deaths, including person aged between 10-19
Rotorua Daily Post

13 new Covid deaths, including person aged between 10-19

22 Apr 01:16 AM

Person aged between 10 and 19 is one of 13 people reported to have died with Covid.

Volcanic unrest elevated at Mt Ruapehu as scientists monitor tremors
Rotorua Daily Post

Volcanic unrest elevated at Mt Ruapehu as scientists monitor tremors

12 Apr 03:21 AM

Mt Ruapehu has been subject to elevated tremors for weeks, but eruption not expected.

One dead in car crash east of Rotorua
Rotorua Daily Post

One dead in car crash east of Rotorua

25 Mar 05:48 PM

Police are investigating the cause of the crash on SH30.

Storm warning: Severe cyclone winds, heavy rain set to strike North Island, Auckland Harbour Bridge faces closure
Rotorua Daily Post

Storm warning: Severe cyclone winds, heavy rain set to strike North Island, Auckland Harbour Bridge faces closure

12 Feb 08:49 AM

Cyclone Dovi is to close roads and bring damage as emergency teams on standby.

Live: MIQ worker tests positive for Covid, 29 community cases
Rotorua Daily Post

Live: MIQ worker tests positive for Covid, 29 community cases

14 Jan 11:36 PM

Officials are keeping a close on eye on Omicron cases at the border.

Coming down - only 63 new cases as Aucklanders prepare to leave city
Rotorua Daily Post

Coming down - only 63 new cases as Aucklanders prepare to leave city

10 Dec 11:30 PM

Aucklanders will be rushing out of the city this week for the first time in four months.

Covid-19: 98 new cases as Aucklanders flock to cafes and cricket pitches
Rotorua Daily Post

Covid-19: 98 new cases as Aucklanders flock to cafes and cricket pitches

03 Dec 10:34 PM

Aucklanders are celebrating their freedoms with community cricket and cafe breakfasts.

Watch: 92 new community Covid cases as Aucklanders grab a beer, hit the gym
Rotorua Daily Post

Watch: 92 new community Covid cases as Aucklanders grab a beer, hit the gym

02 Dec 11:00 PM

There are now 79 people in hospital, including nine in intensive care.

Live: 172 Covid cases ahead of traffic light move; 10 new cases near Nelson
Rotorua Daily Post

Live: 172 Covid cases ahead of traffic light move; 10 new cases near Nelson

01 Dec 11:00 PM

Eighty-six people are in hospital and nine are in intensive care.

Record 129 Covid cases today, 51 people in hospital
Rotorua Daily Post

Record 129 Covid cases today, 51 people in hospital

22 Oct 02:30 AM

Today's cases hit a new record.

Covid: 41 new cases, Auckland woman connected to Northland pair tests positive
Rotorua Daily Post

Covid: 41 new cases, Auckland woman connected to Northland pair tests positive

16 Oct 12:00 AM

More than 70,000 Kiwis have already received a vaccine as part of Super Saturday.

14 days here? Returning Kiwi can barely move in 'prison cell'-sized MIQ room
Rotorua Daily Post

14 days here? Returning Kiwi can barely move in 'prison cell'-sized MIQ room

14 Oct 04:41 PM

The man also fears Covid spreading in the Rotorua hotel as guests asked to queue indoors.

Live: NZ may not return to zero cases, level 1 still possible - Bloomfield
Rotorua Daily Post

Live: NZ may not return to zero cases, level 1 still possible - Bloomfield

21 Sep 08:39 PM

Aucklanders queued for McDonald's last night. Now they are getting their morning coffee.

Shock and awww: Mum had no idea she was pregnant until baby arrived
Rotorua Daily Post

Shock and awww: Mum had no idea she was pregnant until baby arrived

11 Sep 05:00 PM

Karla Akuhata thought she was having period pain. Then her baby's head popped out.

The 10 Covid Delta cases: Here's what we know
Rotorua Daily Post

The 10 Covid Delta cases: Here's what we know

18 Aug 05:39 PM

The 10 cases include an AUT student, an Avondale College teacher and a tradesman.

Sport cancelled, road warnings issued as wretched weather strikes
Rotorua Daily Post

Sport cancelled, road warnings issued as wretched weather strikes

18 Jun 06:20 PM

Heavy rain watches are also coming into force for the North Island's upper east.

Discount debacle: Customers overcharged at 70 supermarkets
Rotorua Daily Post

Discount debacle: Customers overcharged at 70 supermarkets

17 May 07:04 AM

Shoppers overcharged on discount specials at Pak'nSave, New World and Four Square today.

No new Covid-19 community cases, three in MIQ
Rotorua Daily Post

No new Covid-19 community cases, three in MIQ

08 May 12:45 AM

The three new cases in MIQ come from France, the Maldives and Guatemala.

NZ suspends travel from India to combat surge in Covid cases
Rotorua Daily Post

NZ suspends travel from India to combat surge in Covid cases

08 Apr 04:31 AM

Ban on travellers from India begins on Sunday and will remain in place until April 28.

'Not super fun - but doable': Morrison urges women to get smears after Allan reveals cancer
Rotorua Daily Post

'Not super fun - but doable': Morrison urges women to get smears after Allan reveals cancer

07 Apr 06:40 AM

Early tests for cervical cancer can save women's lives, The Hits host says.

First-home buyers big winners, prices 'could tumble 10pc'
Property

First-home buyers big winners, prices 'could tumble 10pc'

23 Mar 08:35 PM

Investors have been targeted with tax changes to help stem soaring house prices.

Premium
Buyer beware: Warning over common contract clause that can cost home buyers
Property

Buyer beware: Warning over common contract clause that can cost home buyers

16 Mar 04:00 PM

Single mum Madhu bought a new Auckland home but wonders if she'll ever get to move in.

Live: Freedom beckons? No new Covid community cases - Cabinet meets
Rotorua Daily Post

Live: Freedom beckons? No new Covid community cases - Cabinet meets

05 Mar 12:00 AM

Today's Covid community results could play a big part in bringing lockdown to an end.

Premium
Family sell house for $980,000, but cannot afford to buy new Auckland home
Property

Family sell house for $980,000, but cannot afford to buy new Auckland home

28 Feb 04:00 PM

George and Lee just made a big sale, yet still can't afford suitable home in Auckland.

Covid-19: One new case in managed isolation
Rotorua Daily Post

Covid-19: One new case in managed isolation

26 Feb 11:37 PM

There is one new case of Covid-19 in managed isolation - but none in the community.

Family with Covid-19 had private home viewing; No new community cases
Rotorua Daily Post

Family with Covid-19 had private home viewing; No new community cases

25 Feb 12:52 AM

Three people attended the viewing in Papatoetoe.

Less than $300k to buy in Epsom: Check out 2020's cheapest house sales
Property

Less than $300k to buy in Epsom: Check out 2020's cheapest house sales

19 Feb 04:00 PM

Find out where you could've bought a classic timber villa for just $15,000.

Investors buy record share of homes as first-home buyers squeezed
Property

Investors buy record share of homes as first-home buyers squeezed

17 Feb 02:39 AM

The biggest housing boom in two decades is taking its toll on first-home buyers: analysts.

Premium
Vacant land sales soar as developers rush to cash in on housing demand
Property

Vacant land sales soar as developers rush to cash in on housing demand

13 Jan 04:00 PM

Pundits hope a jump in vacant land sales helps ease Auckland's pressing housing shortage.

Premium
Where to go to escape Auckland's skyrocketing house prices
Property

Where to go to escape Auckland's skyrocketing house prices

31 Dec 04:00 PM

Can you achieve work-life balance and pay less for your home?

Premium
New Zealand's flashest homes: Take a moment to dream
Property

New Zealand's flashest homes: Take a moment to dream

28 Dec 04:00 PM

Lockdown might even be a joy if you owned one of these stunning properties.

Premium
Revealed: 2020's most expensive home and its All Black billionaire owners
Property

Revealed: 2020's most expensive home and its All Black billionaire owners

27 Dec 04:00 PM

Luxury house sales boomed again in 2020 even without foreign buyers.

Another Pakistani cricketer tests positive for Covid-19
Rotorua Daily Post

Another Pakistani cricketer tests positive for Covid-19

01 Dec 11:13 PM

The squad member was one of the three cases reported as under investigation yesterday.

Science agency charged over White Island eruption stands by its people
Rotorua Daily Post

Science agency charged over White Island eruption stands by its people

30 Nov 06:25 AM

GNS Science says it will carry on monitoring and alerting Kiwis to volcanic activity.

NZ already has a capital gains tax - you probably just didn't know it
Property

NZ already has a capital gains tax - you probably just didn't know it

28 Nov 04:05 AM

There is a capital gains tax already on the books, it's just not enforced: Researchers

Ghost town: Photos show CBD deserted apart from queues at testing station
Rotorua Daily Post

Ghost town: Photos show CBD deserted apart from queues at testing station

12 Nov 08:31 PM

Aucklanders face nervous wait as authorities consider imposing tougher Covid restrictions.

New house buying frenzy tipped as funding fuel poured on property market
Property

New house buying frenzy tipped as funding fuel poured on property market

11 Nov 04:00 PM

If you thought house prices were high, they could be about to rise even further.

Hot property: The Rotorua home selling for $110,000 with a catch
Rotorua Daily Post

Hot property: The Rotorua home selling for $110,000 with a catch

04 Nov 08:17 PM

Talk about an overheated market: this Rotorua property deal is boiling hot.

Seven new Covid-19 cases in managed isolation
Rotorua Daily Post

Seven new Covid-19 cases in managed isolation

31 Oct 12:00 AM

New Zealand is in its second week without community infection. Can it continue?

Why you're not seeing any political news right now
Rotorua Daily Post

Why you're not seeing any political news right now

16 Oct 10:05 PM

You may be wondering why you aren't reading myriad election articles today.

Modest Auckland home sells for $2.4m - and it wasn't bought by a developer
Property

Modest Auckland home sells for $2.4m - and it wasn't bought by a developer

16 Oct 04:00 PM

Developers have been paying big bucks. Now homes are becoming too expensive for even them.

Two new Covid cases in managed isolation
Rotorua Daily Post

Two new Covid cases in managed isolation

14 Oct 11:40 PM

Health officials with today's case numbers update.

Premium
Exclusive poll: How Kiwis are really feeling about house prices
Property

Exclusive poll: How Kiwis are really feeling about house prices

13 Oct 04:00 PM

Should house prices rise or fall? Kiwis have their say and it may surprise you.

Premium
Election 2020: What's the plan to tackle the housing crisis?  Policies compared
Property

Election 2020: What's the plan to tackle the housing crisis? Policies compared

27 Sep 04:00 PM

How the main political parties plan to deal with house prices and a shortage of homes.

Barfoot & Thompson, others call on National to back Healthy Homes standards
Property

Barfoot & Thompson, others call on National to back Healthy Homes standards

25 Sep 05:00 PM

National wants to scrap new rental standards. Leading agent urges party to reconsider.

'Deeply disappointing': Landlords advised to hold off on heating until election result
Property

'Deeply disappointing': Landlords advised to hold off on heating until election result

06 Sep 07:03 PM

Labour calls landlord advice 'deeply disappointing' and letting down their fellow Kiwis.

Calls for compassion for 'embarrassed' family at centre of outbreak
Rotorua Daily Post

Calls for compassion for 'embarrassed' family at centre of outbreak

13 Aug 06:04 AM

The family are reading nasty messages on Facebook, and it isn't helping the situation.

Set for second wave: Govt and businesses prep for new hit
Rotorua Daily Post

Set for second wave: Govt and businesses prep for new hit

06 Aug 05:00 PM

Kiwi companies prepare for possible second wave as households urged to stock face masks.

One new Covid case - man in his 40s who flew from Africa
Rotorua Daily Post

One new Covid case - man in his 40s who flew from Africa

24 Jul 01:01 AM

The man was in managed isolation

Worker who lost fingers packing pet food wins court payout
Rotorua Daily Post

Worker who lost fingers packing pet food wins court payout

17 Jul 01:49 AM

Bay of Plenty woman packing dried pet food had her fingers burnt and crushed.

Premium
House prices: Find out what your suburb's Auckland Council CV could have been
Property

House prices: Find out what your suburb's Auckland Council CV could have been

11 Jul 05:00 PM

Auckland Council delayed its three-yearly CV estimates. Here's what they could have been.

Premium
The housing market change first-home buyers are begging for
Property

The housing market change first-home buyers are begging for

10 Jul 05:00 PM

First-home buyers are battling to save deposits. This change could make a huge difference.

No entry: Duo stuck in NZ, with belongings 2500km away
Rotorua Daily Post

No entry: Duo stuck in NZ, with belongings 2500km away

04 Jul 05:00 PM

Covid shut-out: "Everything is in Australia, except us."

Premium
The jobs Kiwis don't want: 1000 jobs on offer but employers can't fill them
Rotorua Daily Post

The jobs Kiwis don't want: 1000 jobs on offer but employers can't fill them

30 Jun 07:24 AM

Essential workers are screaming for help. But the borders are closed to foreign workers.

15 days of zero Covid cases, one stubborn case left - latest mask advice
Rotorua Daily Post

15 days of zero Covid cases, one stubborn case left - latest mask advice

06 Jun 01:03 AM

New Zealand continues its march towards level 1 with no new cases today.

Busy roads, rain and possible floods: Hurdles for the long weekend
Rotorua Daily Post

Busy roads, rain and possible floods: Hurdles for the long weekend

29 May 03:42 AM

Motorists urged to take care during exodus to holiday hotspots.

Premium
Why house prices must fall - and why the news isn't all bad
Property

Why house prices must fall - and why the news isn't all bad

27 May 05:00 PM

Experts and investors take a deep dive into what to expect from post-Covid house prices.

House prices tipped for 7% fall, despite lockdown success
Property

House prices tipped for 7% fall, despite lockdown success

14 May 11:38 PM

Westpac tips house prices to fall 7 per cent by the end of this year.

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