Latest fromEaster

'An astonishing figure': A year's baptisms to be conducted in one day
St Patrick’s Cathedral to baptise 350 people this Easter as churches see a revival.

‘Current law is confusing’: How Easter alcohol rules could change
It's a hotly debated topic in Parliament.

Zelenskyy responds to Putin's 'Easter truce', accuses Russia of breaches
Ukraine reported Russian drone attacks in Kherson despite the ceasefire.

Five global festivals that celebrate renewal and new beginnings
Let fire, water, earth, and flowers celebrate your new beginnings.

Putin announces surprise 'Easter truce' in Ukraine
Russia and Ukraine conducted a prisoner-of-war exchange, each returning 246 soldiers.

Three Lotto players share $1 million Easter windfall
Three Lotto players won $333,333 each in Saturday's draw.

'Dangerous conditions': MetService warns Easter weekend beachgoers
Dozens of beaches across Auckland and Northland are marked 'unsuitable for swimming'.

An Easter message from Auckland's church leaders
Easter highlights themes of sacrifice, forgiveness and hope through Jesus' resilience.

MetService National Weather Update: April 18th - April 23rd
MetService National Weather Update: April 18th - April 23rd. Video / MetService

Which stores will open this long weekend? A guide to Easter trading restrictions
Most stores must close on Good Friday and Easter Sunday in New Zealand.

4600 homes still without power as Cyclone Tam clean-up begins
Bay of Islands residents are urged to save water as repairs are under way in Paihia.

King Charles praises humanitarian workers in Easter message
The number of humanitarian workers killed reached a record high in 2024.

11 men hang on cross for Easter exhibition at church
Nearly 400 volunteers prepared for the Easter exhibition's various displays.

Easter holiday travel disrupted by ex-cyclone Tam
New Zealanders are beginning to take to the road as the long Easter weekend kicks off.

Flavour, quality, consistency: The secret behind bakery's award-winning hot cross buns
'If we can punch you in the face with a burst of flavour, I’m quite happy.'

Auckland Easter Show pushes ahead despite rain and wind
Organisers say there are multiple indoor activities in case of rain.

Cyclone Tam: Auckland Easter Show pushes ahead despite rain and wind
Auckland’s Easter Show organisers are pushing on with this year’s event, despite wet and windy conditions being forecast. Video / Corey Fleming

Windsurfer rescued in harbour as conditions worsen
One person was plucked from Tauranga harbour as strong winds and swells increase.

Pope leaves faithful guessing over Easter appearances
Pope's Easter role uncertain as health concerns linger despite surprise appearances.

Whittaker’s chocolate kiwis nowhere to be found this Easter
Trying to track down the chocolate chicks in 2025 feels like hunting for an actual Kiwi.