Latest from Auckland

Backers abandoned $200m Auckland Arena project over council hurdles: sources
Extended timelines and complexities on public land were major hurdles.

Return of our Lorde: Singer announces two Kiwi tour dates for 2026
Cryptic posters across Melbourne and Sydney have teased the Australasian tour.

Robert Beaglehole: NZ is on the cusp of smokefree history – we should celebrate
OPINION: Smoking rates in New Zealand have dropped to under 7% in six years.

Foote stable favoured by global racing giant in coup for NZ
One of the world's biggest racehorse owners has upped its New Zealand presence.

Matthew Hooton: The case for abolishing regional councils in NZ
OPINION: Japan has 13 zones, while NZ has more than 1000, adding complexity and cost.

Te Pāti Māori selects former broadcaster for Tāmaki Makaurau byelection
Move comes after MP Takutai Tarsh Kemp died last month.

France overhaul squad for second All Blacks test
Gaetan Barlot will captain the side, with Gael Fickou rested for the clash in Wellington.

State of emergency declared for Tasman region, severe weather warnings across NZ
Heavy rain and strong winds are expected in Auckland and Northland.

‘Hero’ lawyer who rescued torture victim suspended from practice
Jason Yang has been commended for his actions but also suspended from law.

Watch: Man trapped in car overnight after crashing 15m down bank on Great Barrier Island rescued
The Auckland Rescue Helicopter was scrambled to Great Barrier Island this morning.

Smith & Caughey's auctioning Santa sleigh in $44k lot, other fixtures, surplus stock also for sale
Thousands of lots are included in the auction, a majority with starting bids at $1.

'Major leap forward': Mātai says new MRI method improves multiple sclerosis detection
The new MRI method detects subtle brain lesions unseen in current scans.

NZ's LNG import plan could cost up to $1b, report reveals
Smaller LNG options would cost more per gigajoule but need less infrastructure.

Fletcher Construction fatality reported in Vanuatu
Man allegedly struck by heavy construction tool, said to be accelerator ball on a crane.

Australian regulator clears Lactalis' proposed acquisition of Fonterra businesses
The ACCC found the acquisition unlikely to lessen competition in Victoria and Tasmania.

Ruby Tui earns Black Ferns recall for final test before World Cup
Five players were unavailable for selection in the final test before the World Cup.

'Morally bankrupt': Expert slams proposal to end climate buy-outs
'You are on your own': Phasing out support for climate adaptation slammed.

'Scope for it': Foster backs AUSNZ XV to feature in 2029 Lions tour
Ian Foster wants to see the AUSNZ XV side feature in New Zealand.

Waipareira Trust battles deregistration in High Court over charity status
The High Court heard Waipareira's judicial review in May; a ruling is pending.

Quattro plans office upgrades to create $650m of assets in Auckland CBD
Quattro plans to significantly gentrify the mid-town buildings.

Truck driver dies in BoP crash
Otara Rd is closed, and motorists are advised to avoid the area.