Benjamin Plummer is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking news.
Benjamin joined the NZ Herald in 2022 after completing a Bachelor of Communications degree, majoring in Journalism at Auckland University of Technology. You can contact Ben at benjamin.plummer@nzme.co.nz.
Chiefs put Highlanders to sword after dominant second half
The Chiefs have run rampant in Hamilton, scoring five unanswered second-half tries.
NRL or All Blacks? Manu shaky on French future, leaves both codes on alert – report
Manu has previously outlined his interest in wanting to represent the All Blacks.
Director of Mental Health probes mistaken identity after 11yo restrained, injected
The young girl was handcuffed, restrained and injected with antipsychotic medication.
'Significant failings': Health NZ apologises after 11yo injected twice in mistaken identity case
'This particular case cannot happen again,' said a health boss.
'Could be similar': How a photo mix-up led to 11yo girl's injections with antipsychotic
A carer for a 21-year-old saw the photo and mistook her for their patient.
PM slates failure to inform ministers of 11yo misidentified by police, handcuffed, and drugged
One minister described the incident as 'every parent's worst nightmare'.
11yo misidentified, handcuffed, given antipsychotics at mental health clinic
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey slammed the mistaken identity incident as unacceptable.
Body found in search for missing 79yo man
The man was reported missing after his car was found on February 21.
Police target remote settlement only accessible by boat in hunt for fugitive dad Tom Phillips
Police said they will be active in the wider Marokopa area over the coming days.
'Now worse than ever': Locals outraged as new Bombay traffic lights cause long queues
NZTA says queues will improve as the software adapts and motorists adjust.
How fresh sighting of Marokopa fugitive Tom Phillips and kids fits into timeline
Tom Phillips has been credibly sighted only a handful of times since disappearing in 2021.
Watch: Escaped inmate wandered uncuffed through hospital in underwear before sliding down pipe – witness
The video purportedly shows him sliding down from the eighth floor.
Fears Coromandel murder-accused's pigs will be 'targets for hunters'
A Givealittle page made an 'urgent appeal' for their safety.
Urgent testing under way after elevated levels of arsenic found in Akl's water supply
Arsenic is a substance found in rock that can be deadly if consumed in large amounts.
Police dismiss Marokopa locals' claims Tom Phillips wasn't involved in armed bank heist
Some Marokopa locals have refused to believe fugitive father was involved in the robbery.
'Recipe for disaster': Can SAS hunt fugitive Tom Phillips - or use 'deadly force'
A military lawyer says the Prime Minister would need to sign-off on a SAS hunt.
Former SAS tracker says soldiers could find Tom Phillips within two weeks
The fugitive Marokopa father and his three kids were spotted by pig hunters last week.
'Major safety concerns': Waikato gyms tell minors to lie about ages
A manager at one of the gyms said she was 'trying to fix' her mistake.
Waikato man sentenced after dog euthanised following 'gross neglect', blunt force trauma
Experts said the dog would've been in 'severe discomfort' for a three-to-six-month period.
Neighbour saw police leading children from Tūrangi home after pair found dead
'She was just the most beautiful person. Whoever did this to her needs to rot in hell.'
Neighbour saw police leading children from Tūrangi home after pair found dead
“She was just the most beautiful person. Whoever did this to her needs to rot in hell."
Vehicles seized, charges laid in 'enforcement phase' after Ponsonby gunman's funeral
Killer Beez member Hone Kay-Selwyn shot dead Robert Sidney Horne on Ponsonby Rd in May.
Flood warning with waves rising to 6m to strike North Island overnight
Cook Strait ferries have been cancelled from tonight due to the swells.
Young family 'terrified' after attempted carjacking in holiday traffic
The arrests relate to burglaries, car thefts and driving offences.
Mother describes moment child mauled by rescued dog
The 4-year-old is in a stable condition after undergoing two surgeries.
'I'm so sorry this happened to you': Mobility scooter rider dies in hit-and-run
'The person was transported to Waikato Hospital where, sadly, they have died.'
'I have a good heart': Mother of Marokopa kids releases letter from fugitive dad
'I don’t know what to say or do to help you forgive me,' the letter says.
Homicide investigation launched after 10-month-old baby dies
'We believe these injuries were not accidental.'
Inmates camp on prison roof for over five hours
The inmates voluntarily climbed down about 9.30pm.
Five dead in 'horrendous' crash near Hamilton, SH3 closed
Police collecting evidence from scene to understand reason behind tragic accident.
North Island to bear the brunt of more severe weather today, thunderstorms possible
Severe weather caused flash flooding, evacuations and mass power outages yesterday.
Auckland police monitor Killer Beez gang convoy for Ponsonby gunman
Killer Beez gang members travelled in convoy with the body of Hone Kay-Selwyn.
Fourth person dies following horror Pukaki crash; road toll climbs to seven
The official Easter holiday period began at 4pm on Thursday and ends at 6am on Tuesday.
'I died when he did': Mother of Kiwi lawyer killed in Australia pays tribute
A fundraiser set up in memory of the lawyer has received donations from Kiwi sport stars.
'So much potential': Fundraiser for Kiwi lawyer killed in Australia raises over $75,000
“Mitch’s time was far from up and he had so much life left and love to give.”
Waikato man arrested in Raglan homicide investigation
The 29-year-old is due to appear in Hamilton District Court tomorrow.
Shot dog’s 7km mystery survival dash after man gunned down
Who shot Napier? A dog with a gunshot wound turned up at a store 7km from the man's body.
Parts of NZ to soar into mid-30s as hot weather lashes most of the country
New Zealand recorded its hottest day in over three years yesterday, almost reaching 37C.
Major search for person who fell from rocks at notorious Waikato fishing spot
It comes after DoC urged people not to fish at the notorious spot over summer.
Thousands evacuated at Hamilton concert during Simple Minds set due to extreme weather
Police said they were made aware the show had been stopped due to lightning.
Teens faint, 'beg driver' to pull over after air-con fails on bus home from festival
The bus had to pull over mid-journey amid concerns it wasn’t safe to continue.
Temperatures rising in Auckland after heat warning issued for city
A stifling 98 per cent humidity will make the day feel hotter than the 27C forecast.
Police release names of pair killed in Broadlands Rd crash
Circumstances of two-vehicle crash remain under investigation.
Twelve arrests made overnight in Waikato after illegal street racing
Two people were also stabbed shortly after midnight in the Matamata area.