Latest from New Zealand

Could cutting social media boost student focus even more?

Half of secondary students still sneak phone use, often to text parents.

Ministry confirms recalled asbestos sand used in school programmes

About 260 schools contacted the Ministry of Education after the recall notice.

NZ Herald Morning News Update | Health expert against puberty blocker ban

NZ Herald Morning News Update | Youth health expert criticises the Government's new ban on puberty blockers for young people, and cell phone bans improving classroom behaviour.

'Every shot is a story of survival': Kiwi winners in conservation contest

Tasman’s Nic Wooding was an Oceania winner with her glowing study of a velvet mushroom.

Economic recovery gathers pace, from the south up - economist

All regions of the South Island were growing faster than the national average.

'Treated unfairly': Former top cop resigned after criticism over McSkimming welfare check

Commissioner Richard Chambers criticised Tania Kura over McSkimming welfare visit.

Society Insider: Billionaire Jillian Friedlander dines with British royalty; Inside Deepak Chopra's celebrity spiritual retreat... in Antarctica

Plus, Rich Lister Mark Francis and Kiwi actor Karl Urban spotted at Sydney's polo opener.

Road cone hotline: Less than 10% of sites visited by authorities have too many

Labour says the Government's programme is an absolute farce and a complete waste of money.

NZ Herald Afternoon News Update | U.S politicians vote to release Epstein files

NZ Herald Afternoon News Update | U.S politicians vote to release Epstein Files and Trump defends Saudi Arabia over the murder of a journalist.

Whitianga Summer Concert cancelled as Iggy Pop tour adds Auckland date

The new Auckland show at Spark Arena is set for January 29.

Butter prices plunge 26% but shoppers still paying more

A 500g pack of butter peaked at $8.60 in June and now sits near $8.50.

Head Hunters trio guilty of executing teen, hiding body in pre-dug grave

Prosecutors said the victim was killed over 1kg of meth.

KMD Brands 'paid too much' for footwear brand Oboz, chairman says

Company chair David Kirk made the admission, but has no plans to sell the brand.

Now hiring: Do you have what it takes to replace Jenny-May Clarkson on Breakfast?

In an unusual move, TVNZ is advertising the role on Seek.

Man accused of killing Auckland resident is named five months after arrest

Ivan Jordan Fifita was found critically injured on June 29 and later died in hospital.

Manawatū Prison out of lockdown after bomb threat triggers searches

Police received a phone threat about 8.40am, which suggested there was a bomb on site.