NZ Herald Morning Headlines | Thursday, March 5, 2026

:Construction on Auckland's Seascape Tower in limbo after developer goes under

Property editor Anne Gibson joins Herald NOW to explore what will happen to Seascape Tower after developer Shundi Customs goes into receivership. Video / Ryan Bridge TODAY

Rural Update: Profitability at all-time high, but farmers remain cautious | Herald NOW

Federated Farmers' latest confidence survey shows 70% of farms are turning a profit. Wayne Langford speaks with Herald NOW. Video / Ryan Bridge TODAY

Fire breaks out at Auckland CBD retail building

Five crews from Fire and Emergency have responded the fire during the city's morning commute.

Should portable pools be banned?

Water Safety NZ's Gavin Walker discusses a proposed ban on portable above-ground pools. Video / Ryan Bridge TODAY

Whangārei mayor warns halving rates increase will mean $6m shortfall | Herald NOW

Whangārei's whopping 10.1% rates increase could be slashed in half, but it comes with a price. Local Democracy Reporter Susan Botting joins Herald NOW. Video / Ryan Bridge TODAY

Will a Trump underwrite shore up shipping risk? Willis on RBNZ cash chat, PPP needs Crown loan

Business with Forsyth Barr: Maritime brokers scramble to price Trump Gulf guarantee, FinMin on banks and cash access, Warkworth-Te Hana will need 10-year Crown loan.

NZR Chairman David Kirk reveals how he broke the news to Dave Rennie | Herald NOW

New Zealand Rugby chairman David Kirk joins Herald NOW to discuss Dave Rennie's new position as All Blacks coach. Video / Ryan Bridge TODAY

Kiwi business owner on life in Dubai as war rages on| Herald NOW

Teri O'Donnell tells Herald NOW it is business as usual in Dubai despite constant planes and missiles overhead. Video / Ryan Bridge TODAY

Mount Eden prison double-bunking under review after inmate beaten to death by cellmate| Herald NOW

Department of Corrections' Leigh Marsh joins Herald NOW. Video / Ryan Bridge TODAY

David Kirk talks new All Blacks coach with Mike Hosking

NZ Rugby chairman David Kirk talks new All Blacks coach with Mike Hosking. Video / Newstalk ZB

Black Caps crush South Africa to reach Twenty20 World Cup final

The Black Caps have booked a spot in just their second Twenty20 World Cup final, crushing South Africa by nine wickets.

Sport Headlines | Thursday, March 5, 2026

Sport Headlines | Black Caps reach the T20 World Cup cricket final and what makes Dave Rennie the best choice | Thursday, March 5, 2026

NZ Herald Morning Headlines | Thursday, March 5, 2026

Morning Headlines | Defence Minister undecided on deployments for Middle East and farmers face mental health crisis | Thursday, March 5, 2026

US submarine torpedoes Iranian warship

Periscope footage shows the US Navy submarine firing on and sinking the warship in the Indian Ocean. Video / AFP

Family calls for resignations after brother's prison death

His death is one of three suspected murders in Mt Eden shared cells in just over a year. Video / Annaleise Shortland / Michael Morrah

Government & Labour clash over grocery prices

Finance Minister Nicola Willis says she never promised to bring down food prices – Labour disagrees. Video / Parliament TV

Fire destroys East Auckland home.

One person has been detained by police and another treated by ambulance after a home caught fire in Panmure around 12:35am. Video / NZ Herald

Middle East conflict wrap: 4 March 2026

Over the past 24 hours, the conflict between Iran, Israel and the United States has entered an even more volatile phase.

Olympian skateboarder suffers horror injury after fall at competition

Aussie Olympian Chloe Covell broke her finger after tumbling off her skateboard at the Belco Jam competition in Canberra. Video / Chloe Covell

Iran strikes: Is it time for New Zealand to take a stronger stance?

The US and Israel ramp up strikes on Iran as Europe is pulled in — how close is wider global involvement? Robert Patman breaks down what could happen next, on The Front Page.

Luke Metcalf hints at early NRL return

Luke Metcalf joins Nathan Limm on The Big League Podcast at the Warriors season launch.

PM, Immigration Minister questioned over visas amid Middle East conflict

The Prime Minister has had to clarify his comments in Parliament. Video / Mark Mitchell

Elliott Smith on Dave Rennie announcement

Newstalk ZB rugby editor Elliott Smith discusses the appointment of Dave Rennie as All Blacks coach. Video / Alyse Wright

Airport's giant heat pumps aim to be cool for the environment

Auckland Airport has invested $15m on new heat pumps aimed at cutting gas dependence. Video / Auckland Airport

Rare whale stranded in inner Auckland city bay breaks free thanks to local volunteers

Wildlife volunteer Shaun Lee stayed in the water for an hour solo trying to guide the three-tonne mammal back to sea. Video / Richard Harri

How long should a grocery shop take? Hastings shopper fined $85 at Pak’nSave

Renee Sciascia spent over two hours doing a $400 shop for five and got an $85 ticket. Video / Rafaella Melo, Hawke's Bay Today

NZ Herald Live: New All Blacks' coach press conference

New All Blacks' coach Press conference

Advanced EV tech, now within reach

Accessible 5-Star safety and smart EV tech for Kiwi drivers.

Christopher Luxon has to return to Parliament to correct an answer

The PM made a personal explanation of an answer he gave on visa extensions during the Middle East conflict.

Fire after Iranian drone strike near US consulate

Drone attack causes fire near US consulate in Dubai. Video / Social Media

Rare copper-red lunar show dazzles New Zealand sky

The spectacular sight of a rare lunar eclipse graced southern skies overnight with the moon turning copper-red. Video / Ryan Bridge TODAY

Jim Carrey faces bizarre cloning allegations, Kiwi comedian lands dream gig in London

Jenni Mortimer with the latest entertainment news, including Kiwi comedian Joseph Moore landing Saturday Night Live gig. Video / Ryan Bridge TODAY

Trump talks Middle East conflict in meeting with German Chancellor

US President hosts Germany's Friedrich Merz for his first visit with a foreign leader since joining Israel in strikes on Iran that have dragged the Middle East into war. Video/AFP

Panel: Iran conflict, young offender boot camp & alcohol regulations| Herald NOW

Jo Robertson, parenting specialist, and Kiwi filmmaker Oscar Kightley talk about the latest issues. Video / Ryan Bridge TODAY

Earthquakes in Auckland? Hidden faultlines discovered beneath our biggest city| Herald NOW

Work is now underway to find out if Auckland's faultlines pose a serious risk. Researcher James Muirhead joins Herald NOW. Video / Ryan Bridge TODAY

Traditional Ceilidh Dance

Ceilidh dancing involves a group of people, a caller, and upbeat Irish music.

Have drones changed modern warfare?| Herald NOW

yos Aerospace CEO Sam Vye speaks on Herald NOW about drones being used in war. Video / Ryan Bridge TODAY

Pene Pati: Life as an opera star

Pene Pati joins Herald NOW ahead of new documentary 'TENOR: My Name is Pati' release. Video / Ryan Bridge TODAY

Dairy booms, whip Around sells $100m+ stake, global commodities surge on Middle East conflict

Business with Forsyth Barr: Fonterra holds supply as GDT prices firm, Noah Hickey kicks a goal for Dan Carter with Whip Around sale, gas market and Polymarket react to conflict.

'Political Panel: NZ's position on Middle East conflict, and Air NZ pre-tax losses. Herald NOW

David Seymour and Marama Davidson talk Air New Zealand losses and US/Israeli strikes on Iran. Video / Ryan Bridge TODAY