Ben Leahy is a reporter for the New Zealand Herald.
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
![Interislander ferry successfully refloated](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Interislander ferry successfully refloated
The Aratere will now move to a safe anchorage in Picton Harbour overnight.
!['Best Macca’s I have had in a while': Brothel madam stays staunch in bordello stand-off](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Best Macca’s I have had in a while': Brothel madam stays staunch in bordello stand-off
Aartisha Kumar has locked out the security guards who came to evict her.
!['Stand-off': Top lawyer hires security to evict brothel boss from bordello](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Stand-off': Top lawyer hires security to evict brothel boss from bordello
Aartisha Kumar is refusing to leave her building over a rent dispute.
![Buyers pay $175k on homes that may never be built, developer says it's a 'good deal'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Buyers pay $175k on homes that may never be built, developer says it's a 'good deal'
The Iqbal family believe they're unlikely to get anything back for their $175,000 deposit.
![Watch: Auckland high school rugby league players filmed in mass post-game brawl](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Watch: Auckland high school rugby league players filmed in mass post-game brawl
Principal says students involved had 'brought embarrassment to our school'.
![Woman charged with murder after car strikes and kills man in West Auckland](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Woman charged with murder after car strikes and kills man in West Auckland
The woman and the man were known to each other, police say.
![Your portal back in time to a NZ way of life that's mostly vanished](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Your portal back in time to a NZ way of life that's mostly vanished
Discover an unspoiled island just two hours from Auckland.
!['Acting like a private school': Mum hits back after Auckland school bars son](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Acting like a private school': Mum hits back after Auckland school bars son
An Auckland family wants their child to be able to attend his local school.
![Crayfish flying business class: Air Chathams offers friendly but unusual air service](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Crayfish flying business class: Air Chathams offers friendly but unusual air service
Expect to give up the business class seats to all manner of groceries on Air Chathams.
![Generous Kiwis donate more than $100k to orphaned girls in 24 hours](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Generous Kiwis donate more than $100k to orphaned girls in 24 hours
Donors flock to Givealittle page set up to help couple's daughters.
![One dead in crash west of Christchurch](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
One dead in crash west of Christchurch
A second person suffered moderate injuries in the incident at Darfield.
![Auckland house prices: The biggest falls and the district bucking the trend](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Auckland house prices: The biggest falls and the district bucking the trend
Analysts CoreLogic say Auckland is among the regions with the biggest price falls.
!['Five days changed everything': Kiwi-born baby left without passport or permanent visa](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Five days changed everything': Kiwi-born baby left without passport or permanent visa
If baby Alisa Yussupov was born five days later, she'd be a Kiwi resident.
![Gaming the banks: The cheapest fixed interest rate revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Gaming the banks: The cheapest fixed interest rate revealed
We've crunched the numbers to reveal the fixed interest rate you should've chosen.
![Kiwi's plan to spend one year as a Galapagos Island postman](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Kiwi's plan to spend one year as a Galapagos Island postman
Jonny Beardmore is helping mums, daughters, grandparents, grandkids and lovers connect.
![Travel delays out of Auckland improve for long weekend.](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Travel delays out of Auckland improve for long weekend.
Heavy rain and wind warnings are in place for parts of the South Island.
![Rawiri Waititi’s dad dies in Bay of Plenty](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Rawiri Waititi’s dad dies in Bay of Plenty
The Māori Party co-leader says his dad died peacefully this morning.
![Revamped Eden Park and Quay Park precinct named as preferred choices for Auckland stadium](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Revamped Eden Park and Quay Park precinct named as preferred choices for Auckland stadium
Those behind the Eden Park and Quay Park bids have six-months to do feasibility studies.
!['Let down': Budget funds charter schools at cost of much needed teacher aides, unions say](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Let down': Budget funds charter schools at cost of much needed teacher aides, unions say
Schools run on smell of oily rag, while $150m given to 'ineffective' charter scheme: union
![Why the Chatham Islands' devastating history always leaves visitors in shock](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Why the Chatham Islands' devastating history always leaves visitors in shock
“I’ve spent 40 years of my adult life trying to have the truth told.”
![Teammates of fatally stabbed Dunedin teen cancel rugby game in memory of friend](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Teammates of fatally stabbed Dunedin teen cancel rugby game in memory of friend
Otago rugby says the 'tragic circumstances' are being felt across the rugby community.
![Woman charged with arson over Parnell lodge fire](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Woman charged with arson over Parnell lodge fire
Up to 16 fire trucks rushed to fight the blaze in one of Auckland's swankiest suburbs.
![Chatham Islands' only petrol station runs out of fuel](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Chatham Islands' only petrol station runs out of fuel
The islands don't yet have a back-up plan as a ship bringing in supplies requires repairs.
![Fire burns golf shop at beleagured Gulf Harbour Country Club](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Fire burns golf shop at beleagured Gulf Harbour Country Club
Fire teams rushed to the scene before 3am today after multiple calls from the public.
![One dead two-car crash south of Whanganui](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
One dead two-car crash south of Whanganui
State Highway 3 is blocked near Turakina after a person died in a car crash.
![Man arrested after serious incident in Mount Maunganui overnight](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Man arrested after serious incident in Mount Maunganui overnight
Police rushed to the Mount Maunganui home and arrested a man at the scene.
![Police report a rise in WhatsApp scammers pretending to be loved ones to get money from families](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Police report a rise in WhatsApp scammers pretending to be loved ones to get money from families
Families urged to chat with elderly or vulnerable members about the scam.
![One in eight Auckland homes on market bought during boom, may now sell for loss](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
One in eight Auckland homes on market bought during boom, may now sell for loss
Homes bought for record high prices are going back on sale.
!['Massive change': Auckland CBD to be stung with 24/7 parking fees](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Massive change': Auckland CBD to be stung with 24/7 parking fees
Plans to charge for CBD parking 24/7 could drive tenants out, hurt businesses: resident.
![Armed police close off West Auckland street after car crashes into house](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Armed police close off West Auckland street after car crashes into house
Two people were taken to hospital and officers are considering charges.
!['Unexplained blaze': Crews battle Auckland fire as shop roof collapses](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Unexplained blaze': Crews battle Auckland fire as shop roof collapses
About 15 fire trucks rushed to the incident overnight.
![Watch: Terrifying fight as thug swings knife at Auckland high school student](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Watch: Terrifying fight as thug swings knife at Auckland high school student
Students ran in fear as the man began threatening them on the street outside their school.
![Eyeing a top college? Property prices in every Auckland school zone revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Eyeing a top college? Property prices in every Auckland school zone revealed
We've calculated how much it costs to buy a house by school zone across the city.
![Five teens rescued from waterfall walk after straying off bush track](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Five teens rescued from waterfall walk after straying off bush track
The arrival of evening darkness catches group out as day walk goes awry.
![Winston Peters borrowed heavily from one of history’s most famous speeches](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Winston Peters borrowed heavily from one of history’s most famous speeches
Deputy PM's sprinkling of phrases from famous address draws mixed reception.
![Bank's mortgage interest rate the first to drop below 6pc since mid-2023](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Bank's mortgage interest rate the first to drop below 6pc since mid-2023
With its 5.99pc three-year deal, SBS bank hopes to attract homeowners feeling the pinch.
![One dead and two more seriously hurt in overnight crashes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
One dead and two more seriously hurt in overnight crashes
One person died in a two-car crash on Great North Rd in Grey Lynn, Auckland at 3.35am.
![Three teens arrested after luxury cars stolen from Auckland home](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Three teens arrested after luxury cars stolen from Auckland home
Police spotted the stolen luxury cars travelling in convoy in eastern Auckland.
!['Pack a lot of punch': Why rams attack and why pet animals can be worse](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Pack a lot of punch': Why rams attack and why pet animals can be worse
Experts: It's not uncommon for farms to have one or two rams that like to charge.
![The South Pacific holiday that's secretly better than the rest](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
The South Pacific holiday that's secretly better than the rest
Climb a crashed cruise ship, walk an island of skulls, and discover deserted surf beaches.
![Record number of home owners fix on one-year terms as they bet on interest rates falling](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Record number of home owners fix on one-year terms as they bet on interest rates falling
Home owners don't want to miss out on the chance interest rates could fall next year.
![Watch: Thieves ram raid Auckland jewellery store as staff flee to locked room](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Watch: Thieves ram raid Auckland jewellery store as staff flee to locked room
Masked men are seen loading bags in a video of the robbery.
![Auction bargains: Buy in Double Grammar zone for $700k under CV](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Auction bargains: Buy in Double Grammar zone for $700k under CV
One Epsom Girls' Grammar zone townhouse has sold at auction for just $100,000.
![Watch: Speedway car catapults over safety fence, almost hits spectators](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Watch: Speedway car catapults over safety fence, almost hits spectators
The streetstocks racer flew into the air but walked away unhurt.
![Is it cheaper to buy in Double Grammar zone - or live elsewhere and pay for private schooling?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Is it cheaper to buy in Double Grammar zone - or live elsewhere and pay for private schooling?
We show you how to crunch the numbers to find the best option for your family's education.
![Tech guru's $240 million superyacht spotted in NZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Tech guru's $240 million superyacht spotted in NZ
Northland locals intrigued as mega yacht pays visit to 'our little bay'.
![Wild Viaduct party: Four arrested as police called in with riot shields, pepper spray](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Wild Viaduct party: Four arrested as police called in with riot shields, pepper spray
Witnesses say revellers charged straight at police.
![Sushi shop stabbing: Locals return to Browns Bay centre after body removed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Sushi shop stabbing: Locals return to Browns Bay centre after body removed
The victim is recovering in hospital.
![Sushi shop attack: Police remove stabber's body](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Sushi shop attack: Police remove stabber's body
Police say their scene examination is almost over.
!['Didn't deserve that': Sushi shop owner hospitalised after stabbing; assailant dead](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Didn't deserve that': Sushi shop owner hospitalised after stabbing; assailant dead
Assailant dead at the scene, say police who remain at the scene.
![Watch: Full video emerges of 'hate crime' vandalism of Auckland's rainbow crossing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Watch: Full video emerges of 'hate crime' vandalism of Auckland's rainbow crossing
Hooded and masked vandals can be seen filming themselves painting over rainbow crossing.
![Police seize 13 cars during Christchurch's Chrome motor show, arrest three](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Police seize 13 cars during Christchurch's Chrome motor show, arrest three
One person caught at 104km/h in a 50km/h zone, with police vowing crackdown on burnouts.
!['Immensely sad': Three judges die in one week](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Immensely sad': Three judges die in one week
It has been a tough week for the judiciary and law and order, judges say.
![Person dies in house fire south of Christchurch](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Person dies in house fire south of Christchurch
The person's body was found at the scene by emergency teams.
![Alleged knife attack involving two Auckland schoolboys](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Alleged knife attack involving two Auckland schoolboys
A Year 13 student has attacked another, a parent says.
![Helicopters tackle large fire at Whangape Harbour in Far North](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Helicopters tackle large fire at Whangape Harbour in Far North
Battling the remote fire is complicated by the fact there is no road access.
![Can private businesses build better schools?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Can private businesses build better schools?
Investors could be used to build more public schools. It's been controversial overseas.
![Could this racecourse be replaced by thousands of new homes?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Could this racecourse be replaced by thousands of new homes?
A public meeting has been called by the local business association.
![Body in bag case: One week on, where is the investigation at?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Body in bag case: One week on, where is the investigation at?
Investigators are hunting for fresh leads in mystery case.
![Six young people arrested after Herne Bay Liquorland ram raid and allegedly fleeing police](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Six young people arrested after Herne Bay Liquorland ram raid and allegedly fleeing police
Police spike vehicle on motorway carrying burglary suspects.
![Pasadena School bus catches fire on way home from camp](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Pasadena School bus catches fire on way home from camp
Students were not onboard but have been offered access to counselling.
![Prince William pays tribute to Christchurch terror victims](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Prince William pays tribute to Christchurch terror victims
Royal praises Kiwis for supporting mosque shooting victims on fifth anniversary.
![Latam Airlines horror plunge: Cockpit mishap may be to blame – report](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Latam Airlines horror plunge: Cockpit mishap may be to blame – report
Report says incident happened when a flight attendant was serving a meal in the cockpit.
![McDonald’s apologises after NZ, global stores couldn't serve food](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
McDonald’s apologises after NZ, global stores couldn't serve food
A global software outage left customers unable to buy Big Macs at stores nationwide.
![Journalist's $3m home fails to sell, but he still wants TVNZ court battle](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Journalist's $3m home fails to sell, but he still wants TVNZ court battle
Santamaria had hoped the sale of his house could have helped fund legal costs.
![Witnesses say they may have seen body in Gulf Harbour water a day earlier](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Witnesses say they may have seen body in Gulf Harbour water a day earlier
Fisherman didn't drag object he hooked further out of the water as it was too heavy.
!['Absolute carnage': Pink fans furious after train delays mar Auckland concert](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Absolute carnage': Pink fans furious after train delays mar Auckland concert
Frustrated concertgoers faced delays leaving Eden Park.
![Man dies at West Auckland house party](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Man dies at West Auckland house party
A 40-year-old man has been arrested and charged common assault.
![Auckland pedestrian killed in hit and run](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Auckland pedestrian killed in hit and run
The person died late yesterday on Great South Rd.
!['No sacred cows' - TVNZ CEO as axe falls on top shows, possible cuts to Shortland St](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'No sacred cows' - TVNZ CEO as axe falls on top shows, possible cuts to Shortland St
TVNZ has confirmed four of its flagship shows face the axe in a major restructuring.
![End of an era: Fair Go axed after 47 years on Kiwi screens](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
End of an era: Fair Go axed after 47 years on Kiwi screens
The iconic consumer affairs show has exposed countless rip-off merchants over the years.
![Pedestrian hurt by driver fleeing police](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Pedestrian hurt by driver fleeing police
'This person suffered a moderate injury and was transported to hospital for checks.'
![Women more likely to own the family home but not a rental, NZ report finds](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Women more likely to own the family home but not a rental, NZ report finds
Gisborne leads the country in having more women own housing.
![Cancelled classrooms: Does your school have one of the 20 axed NZ projects?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Cancelled classrooms: Does your school have one of the 20 axed NZ projects?
Everything you need to know about the 20 schools at risk of losing promised classrooms.
!['Like a photograph': Horror night still vivid in memories of West Auckland families](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Like a photograph': Horror night still vivid in memories of West Auckland families
Seth Smith can still see that tragic night in Muriwai like it was 'a photograph.'
![How much you need to earn to buy an average home under new rules](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
How much you need to earn to buy an average home under new rules
Aucklanders likely to need staggering income to buy average-priced house.
![Will my bags make it: What it’s like flying from Solomon Islands to Auckland](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Will my bags make it: What it’s like flying from Solomon Islands to Auckland
Flying with Solomon Airlines on one of the newest routes to NZ.
![Builder threatens to liquidate rather than pay $16k fine, claims buyer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Builder threatens to liquidate rather than pay $16k fine, claims buyer
Builder denies the accusation, but the home buyers claim directors have done it before.