Latest from Auckland

Storm-hit region faces 57-hour drenching; heavy rain to hit north of both islands
Friday is expected to bring the worst of the heavy rain, which lingers into the weekend.

Stunning views, outdoor action - why South Island's resort capital is still global favourite
One reader said Queenstown was the 'most beautiful location I've ever laid eyes on'.

'Concerning': Three young people escape remand home, police search under way
Oranga Tamariki says the trio absconded yesterday lunchtime.

Denied entry to NZ: The numbers, what happens afterwards and the airlines that broke rules
How much Air New Zealand and Jetstar had to pay for breaking the rules is revealed.

Pilot sacked over Covid-19 vaccine: Union explains support
'All he wanted was leave without pay': Union says Jetconnect unreasonable in vaccine case.

Road funding shifts: NZ explores tolls for new infrastructure
A new $830 million toll road will open in 2026, connecting to Whangaparāoa.

More work needed to protect horticultural land, says industry
“We need to create a legal framework that protects production."

Kiwi radio host and TV personality Mel Homer diagnosed with cancer
The mother of three will start chemotherapy this week to treat acute myeloid leukaemia.

'The payoff is huge': How luxury travel is being transformed for Kiwi second-home owners
95 properties are already listed in NZ - and the number is growing.

'Incorrectly coded': Ambulance arrives four hours after 111 call to find woman dead
She was struggling to breathe on the morning of Christmas Eve when she called for help.

Man charged after 4WD rams police car during traffic stop
A 44-year-old will appear in Manukau District Court on multiple charges.

Auckland nurse finished shift with fractured ankle because of short-staffing
District nurses have written to the Health NZ CEO about severe understaffing issues.

Mt Eden prison murder-accused, victim both known to mental health services
The victim's father wants to know why the two men shared a cell.

'Frustrating': Junior Tall Blacks' $5000 barrier to compete at World Cup
Each player had to pay $5000 to feature at the U19 World Cup in Switzerland.

How an engineer's introduction to underworld poker games led to $1m Watercare fraud
The 17-month swindle is believed to be one of the largest public sector thefts on record.

Letters: St John needs more funding for the great service they provide
OPINION: 'If Ardern fronted for the Covid inquiry, she could and may change my mind'.

'Skyrocketing levels of Jew hatred:' Why NZ is not immune to rising antisemitism concerns
A Melbourne synagogue was set alight in an alleged antisemitic attack.

Family appalled after 99yo's landline left disconnected for days
Spark took five days to reconnect the landline, despite daily calls.

'Disgraceful act': Historical graves damaged in Auckland
The graves, up to 150 years old, were pushed over and broken.

63,000 lockdown breaches reported as Covid inquiry reveals impact
Experts say public reporting of breaches during pandemic was ineffective and burdensome.

On The Up: Freeze-dried food maker aims for major growth with Rebel Sport, Foodstuffs deals
Founder Mike Rudling envisions Radix as a global leader in personalised nutrition.