OPINION: He has survived the year pretty well.

Rokas Karpavicius was extradited, convicted, then deported back to Lithuania in 2016.

NZ First leader Winston Peters has so far failed to produce any evidence a close relative of Labour health spokeswoman Dr Ayesha Verrall leaked documents. Video / Mark Mitchell

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaks about New Zealand's response to the Vanuatu earthquake. Video / Mark Mitchell

Minister Erica Stanford, following the Royal Commission of Inquiry into abuse in state care, revealed a redress package for those who were tortured at the Lake Alice facility.

10 people treated for minor injuries after a hot air balloon's rough landing near Queensbury. Video / Wendy Davie

Row erupts at exclusive private member's club, top judge rules on rude behaviour.

Reporter Jua is at Fruitvale School on Yalda Night, where tamariki from the Peyvand Academy are recognizing the Northern Hemisphere's winter solstice with food, family, and fun.

Reporter Mitchell Hageman experiences a previously unseen glimpse of the famous Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata, with a new behind-the-scenes tour now open. Video / Mitchell Hageman

Auckland Airport shares touching video of loved ones reuniting at the aviation hub.

Māori leaders challenge PM to 'front up' at Waitangi, dismiss safety fears.

Opposition critical of Finance Minister after grim fiscal update, and the death toll from Vanuatu's 7.4 magnitude quake rises to 14. Video / NZ Herald, Getty, Michael Thompson

350 Aotearoa decry bill as 'anti-democratic, anti-climate'.

Academics' opposition to Treaty Principles Bill explained.

'Me and my wife don’t really know what to say or do.'

A coroner says there is public interest in examining the circumstances of her death.

Auckland Zoo's white rhinos Zambezi and Jamila welcome a male calf to their family as part of the Australasian zoos’ breeding programme. Video / Alyse Wright, Auckland Zoo

The owners of Zest Cafe estimate they lost $8000 worth of goods in the burglary shortly before Christmas. Video / Zest Cafe

Orana Wildlife Trust Board spokesman and co-chair Professor Ken Hughey spoke to the media about the review. Video / George Heard

'I cried because I struggled in New Zealand, and I was doing all right.'

Advertised salaries are growing at a faster rate than inflation, and police have reopened a 2004 sex crime cold case. Video / NZ Herald, Getty Images

Calls for true equality grow as systemic privilege persists in NZ's institutions and culture.

Book these deals to make your 2025 even more exciting.

A High Court judge has ruled DoC acted unlawfully by failing to follow its own laws.

A Shortland Street docu-special, Rose Matafeo's stand-up and some seriously cute animals.

Māori-led fintech launches NZ's first crypto fund, aiming for $100m in year one.

A Grey Lynn resident's tools were stolen during a brazen early morning burglary in the central Auckland suburb. Video / Supplied

The New Plymouth man was oblivious of his win when he visited the shop day after draw.

Teacher aide Faith Traill makes a costume every year for Cassius Naera. Video / Courtney Naera