Latest from Auckland Central

Inside the incredible rise and sad fall of Smith & Caughey’s – why it is closing for good
Despite a rescue attempt, Auckland's flagship store has faced a 'perfect storm'.

Former police officer and wife arrested after attack at Boyz II Men concert at Spark Arena
An ex-police officer threatened to dig up the victim's deceased mum.

Highlanders rugby gear worth $38k stolen in Auckland from parked car, man arrested
Stolen items included laptops, tablets and 'specialised rugby equipment'.

Sadistic chivalry with a power tool: Gang member admits drilling holes in stranger's thigh
A man slapped a woman's bottom in a nightclub... her boyfriend got cruel revenge.

Airfares too high? Take the bus, InterCity says ahead of new electric bus launch
A new electric city bus is coming. Long-haul EV buses may be viable in a year or so too.

Reduced speeds on the Auckland Harbour Bridge due to strong winds.
Auckland commuters are being warned of potential speed restrictions and closures on the Auckland Harbour Bridge when severe weather strikes during rush hour. Video / NZ Herald

Tense video shows armed police standoff at Akl supermarket
Police came to arrest a man who allegedly took a fake gun onto a bus.

Firefighters are tackling a large fire in Wairau Valley.
Firefighters are responding to a significant fire at a commercial warehouse in Wairau Valley. Video / Dean Purcell / Inflite / Caleb Timms / Supplied

Business owner's double life as city's most prolific tagger, 'Blume'
He owned a company worth seven figures by day. By night, he caused over $1m in damage.

Firefighters extinguish blaze at Epsom house fire
Fire crews have extinguished a blaze at a home on Ellerton Road in Mt Eden. Video / NZ Herald

'A suffocating hell': Family of execution-style murder victim speak out
CCTV clearly shows anger and reckless bravado, the judge said at the shooter's sentencing.

'Significant seizure': Auckland police bust illegal 3D-printed firearm syndicate
A significant amount of 3D-printed parts and two assembled firearms were seized.

Son of UN rep jailed for stabbing elderly man to death in Auckland
A stranger had taken Sergio Williams into his home. He overstayed his welcome.

Watch: ‘Out of control’ – Teen Jaguar driver’s dangerous rampage
Neurodiversity paired with lack of boundaries was partly blamed for ramming a police car.

‘Unsatisfactory’: Why police did not oppose bail for trio accused of gang raping tourist
The mother of one accused defended her son, saying it was a 'misunderstanding'.

‘Disconcerting, unnerving’: Anger at German backpacker’s alleged gang rapists getting bail
The victim was allegedly bundled into a van on Auckland's K Rd on New Year's Day.

Backpacker allegedly gang-raped by three men in ‘horrific’ Auckland CBD attack
Three men are before the court jointly charged with rape.

Eden Park upgrade endorsed and Auckland Hospital roles disestablished | NZ Herald News Update
An upgraded Eden Park is endorsed to be Auckland's main stadium and Auckland Hospital disestablishes hospital supporter roles. Video / NZ Herald, Getty

‘Excessive self-defence’: NZ musician sentenced for biting ex-girlfriend
The man was convicted of two family violence charges last month.

Top Auckland restaurant struck by bold oyster thief
Security footage captured the woman's brazen daylight act.

Students reportedly injured after car incident outside University of Auckland
Up to five pedestrians are understood to be injured following an incident on Auckland's Symonds St. Video / Supplied