Latest fromNew Zealand

US tourist stunned after Kiwi skydive instructor's brutal question mid free-fall
It was her first time skydiving but she was left shocked by conversation during descent.

'Nobody knows who we are': The dying profession that can earn roughly $45 an hour
'You get to be an extraordinary part of someone’s life, even though you never meet them.'

Kiwi journo Tova O'Brien gives birth to daughter 10 weeks premature
Mum says baby 'loves cuddles, her family, eating, pulling faces and cuddles'.

In his darkest hour, Shihad's Jon Toogood doubted he’d get through. Here's what saved him
Since 2021, he's been through almost unbearable suffering. Now, he's telling the story.

Prisoner who made dramatic escape from hospital recaptured – police
Video footage showed shirtless man sliding several storeys down pipe before running away.

Missing Omaha boy found - police
Police had 'significant concerns' for the boy before he was found.

Editorial: A new year - is your glass half empty or half full?
Ask not what your country can do for you ...

‘Biggest day ever’ for drug testing at NZ music festival
The NZ Drug Foundation reports on "successful" stint at Rhythm and Vines in Gisborne.

Job cuts, rat infestations, meth lollies: A look back at the biggest NZ news of 2024
A look back at the biggest headlines in NZ in 2024.

Police given special powers amid gang retaliation fears after woman’s death in Waikato
Homicide investigation continues into Turipapa Tukere's death in Ngāruawāhia.

'Worse than slop': Canadian chef triggers Kiwis after hating on classic NZ meal
Kiwis have defended the cuisine: 'If you were poor, you’d understand our struggle'.

Armed person on the loose in Beach Haven
One person is seriously injured in an alleged armed assault in Auckland's Beach Haven. Video / Dean Purcell

Hot cross what? Easter buns on sale six days after Christmas
Buns representing Jesus Christ's death on sale days after celebrations marking his birth.

'Is this for real?': Honour surprises Ngāi Te Rangi kaumātua
Ihaka has been honoured with an ONZM for services to Māori and governance.

Solar Power: Inside Lorde’s Kiwi summer holiday
The Grammy winner appears to be soaking up a Kiwi summer.

Karl Puschmann: The best albums of 2024
Review: From Dartz to Crowded House, who moved his dial this year?

Kea Kids News: Kiwi kid paints the town with her award-winning Christmas art
12-year-old Yi-Ling Cao is one of the winners of the Spark Christmas Art Competition! Reporter Alexis and Yi-Ling see her vibrant Auckland billboard for the very first time.

Honoured: My Food Bag’s Nadia Lim and Carlos Bagrie
“It’s not an award for us, it’s an award for the industry.”

Inmates in NZ's toughest prison start three fires over the weekend
Corrections say there is 'no information' to suggest the fires were co-ordinated.

New Year’s Eve festivals under threat from rain, thunderstorms as ferries cancelled
A MetService-issued heavy rain watch is in place in Gisborne.

Police name woman who died after Ngāruawāhia brawl, urge witnesses to speak up
Police are 'committed to identifying who is responsible'.

Soft skills key: Expert predicts job market trends for 2025
Soft skills are increasingly in demand as artificial intelligence takes over hard skills.

'Coffers lighter than usual': Newmarket Business Association boss Mark Knoff-Thomas
Newmarket Business Association CEO Mark Knoff-Thomas takes part in our Summer Questions.

Veteran journalist Bob McNeil has died - tributes flow for ‘damn fine journo’
Veteran Kiwi journalist Bob McNeil has died. Tributes from loved ones and colleagues flow.

How Noa Blankets Co warm you up with cultural storytelling
Josh Te Kani talks to Tom Raynel about Noa Blankets and how its Māori designs are made.

‘Our best year on the roads in a century’: Road toll falls below 300 for the first time in a decade
"Have we seen people starting to make safer choices when they’re driving?"

Lotto Powerball struck: One lucky punter ends 2024 $4.3 million richer
Numbers are in; one punter wins big in the final draw of 2024.

What will berry season look like this summer?
It's looking like a bumper crop of everyone's favourite fruits this summer.

Soggy lead-up to the New Year as fresh weather system moves up NZ
Festivalgoers are in for a soaking as rain and wind move in from the east.