Ben Tomsett is a Multimedia Journalist for the New Zealand Herald, based in Dunedin.
Prior to joining the Herald, Ben Tomsett wrote for the Otago Daily Times and Southland Express out of Invercargill. He grew up on a dairy farm on the outskirts of Tapanui, West Otago. Following his high schooling at Blue Mountain College, he went on to complete a diploma in Film and Television Production and a Diploma in Journalism at Aoraki Polytechnic. Post-studies, he put writing on the back burner and set out abroad to make a few stories of his own. Snowboard instructing was a cost-efficient and highly enjoyable avenue to see the mountains of the world while working odd jobs such as fruit picking in British Columbia, Canada, and making soap on an organic donkey farm in Midi-Pyrénées, France, gave him decent journal fodder. On the coattails of the global pandemic, Ben returned to New Zealand in 2020 and later took his first job as a journalist close enough to his old stomping grounds. He quickly found telling the stories of New Zealanders was more rewarding and exciting than writing his own. He has a broad range of interests, though he tends to lean towards local politics, farming, the environment, and tales of the bizarre. In 2022, Ben was named runner-up for best junior news journalist at the New Zealand Community Newspaper Awards. You can contact Ben at ben.tomsett@nzme.co.nz.
![Bus carrying 15 passengers rolls in Central Otago, one injured](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Bus carrying 15 passengers rolls in Central Otago, one injured
One person was taken to hospital with moderate injuries.
!['I'm really delighted to be here': Grant Robertson settles into new role at University of Otago](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'I'm really delighted to be here': Grant Robertson settles into new role at University of Otago
Grant Robertson is the University of Otago's new vice-chancellor.
![Lulu Sun: Sun sets on Wimbledon run, but Te Anau still glows](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Lulu Sun: Sun sets on Wimbledon run, but Te Anau still glows
Te Anau has rallied behind Lulu Sun's historic Wimbledon performance.
![Teen assaulted while defending friend from catcaller](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Teen assaulted while defending friend from catcaller
The teenager suffered significant cuts to the inside of his mouth.
![Brews and exodus: A brief history of Dunedin’s student pubs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Brews and exodus: A brief history of Dunedin’s student pubs
Former Otago rugby stars Marc Ellis and Josh Kronfeld recall legendary Scarfie haunts.
![Rugby fever: Dunedin's hotels, bars, and fans prep for All Blacks clash](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rugby fever: Dunedin's hotels, bars, and fans prep for All Blacks clash
Tens of thousands of people are expected to attend tomorrow's game in Dunedin.
![Dunedin bus hub fatal stabbing case: Youth accused makes application for bail](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Dunedin bus hub fatal stabbing case: Youth accused makes application for bail
A trial date for the accused teenager is set for February 24, 2025.
![Grant Robertson officially welcomed into new role as vice-chancellor at University of Otago](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Grant Robertson officially welcomed into new role as vice-chancellor at University of Otago
Grant Robertson has officially begun his new role as the university's vice-chancellor.
![Dunedin tiny home development aims to provide affordable housing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Dunedin tiny home development aims to provide affordable housing
A key aspect of the project is a 16-lot tiny home development in Karitane.
![Dunedin police wrap: Sister 'bites' cop, boozy Maccas run, burnouts](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Dunedin police wrap: Sister 'bites' cop, boozy Maccas run, burnouts
It was a busy weekend for Dunedin's boys in blue.
![Turning a Dunedin home into a museum: Skulls, propaganda, and the paranormal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Turning a Dunedin home into a museum: Skulls, propaganda, and the paranormal
Museum owner says it's a lifelong project that will never be finished.
!['I will not be resigning': Invercargill Mayor Nobby Clark denies councillors' request](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'I will not be resigning': Invercargill Mayor Nobby Clark denies councillors' request
The meeting was called after a code of conduct complaint.
![Two people injured after Air NZ flight hits severe turbulence](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Two people injured after Air NZ flight hits severe turbulence
A passenger was treated while a flight attendant hit the aircraft's roof.
![How an unlatched rear door led to triple-fatal Wānaka chopper crash](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
How an unlatched rear door led to triple-fatal Wānaka chopper crash
One witness saw the helicopter descend nearly vertically with items trailing behind.
![From Hebron to Dunedin: Palestinian Kiwi's call for peace](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
From Hebron to Dunedin: Palestinian Kiwi's call for peace
Rinad Tamimi speaks about survivor’s guilt and why she continues to march.
![Dunedin bus-hub murder: Youth pleads not guilty in High Court](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Dunedin bus-hub murder: Youth pleads not guilty in High Court
The 13-year-old accused has been granted automatic name suppression.
![Dunedin Pine Hill murder: Trial date set for next year](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Dunedin Pine Hill murder: Trial date set for next year
Gurjit Singh was allegedly murdered in his Pine Hill home on or before Sunday, January 28.
![‘I was planning my funeral’: Woman’s six-day ordeal after bungled cancer diagnosis](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘I was planning my funeral’: Woman’s six-day ordeal after bungled cancer diagnosis
She broke the heartbreaking news to her two sons and was considering an assisted death.
![Dunedin musician shines light on living with Tourette syndrome](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Dunedin musician shines light on living with Tourette syndrome
Mads Harrop says she finds solace from her condition while on stage.
![Arrest in Dunedin after garage fire and street altercation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Arrest in Dunedin after garage fire and street altercation
Police arrived to see a garage on fire in Dunedin following reports of an altercation.
![Dunedin fishing boat runs aground: Two rescued in dramatic operation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Dunedin fishing boat runs aground: Two rescued in dramatic operation
The boat became stuck off Taiaroa Head about 7.30am and has broken up.
![Sophia Crestani inquest: Her parents' heartbreaking tribute](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Sophia Crestani inquest: Her parents' heartbreaking tribute
The five-day inquest into Dunedin student's stairway death has concluded.
![Sophia Crestani death: Bedroom door closed on people in crush, partygoer tells inquest](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Sophia Crestani death: Bedroom door closed on people in crush, partygoer tells inquest
The inquest into the 19-year-old's death has entered its third day.
!['I was terrified': Witnesses recall crush that killed Sophia Crestani](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'I was terrified': Witnesses recall crush that killed Sophia Crestani
The inquest into the death of the 19-year-old student continues in Dunedin.
![Teammates of fatally stabbed Dunedin teen cancel rugby game in memory of friend](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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.
!['It’s a cold, lonely world': Inside Dunedin's tent city](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'It’s a cold, lonely world': Inside Dunedin's tent city
As winter nears, a growing camp in Dunedin underscores a surge in homelessness.
![Dunedin bus hub fatal stabbing: 'A tragic event involving two very young people'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Dunedin bus hub fatal stabbing: 'A tragic event involving two very young people'
A 13-year-old boy appeared in court today charged with murder.
![Teen dies after fight near Dunedin police station](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Teen dies after fight near Dunedin police station
Onlookers said they believed someone had been stabbed.
![Person injured near Dunedin police station, reports of a stabbing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Person injured near Dunedin police station, reports of a stabbing
Onlookers said they believed someone had been stabbed.
![High-profile Dunedin man faces charges including having terror attack, bestiality videos](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
High-profile Dunedin man faces charges including having terror attack, bestiality videos
The man, aged 67, has interim name suppression.
![Lachie Jones inquest: Police dog handler says no sign boy climbed over fence](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Lachie Jones inquest: Police dog handler says no sign boy climbed over fence
The police hat Lachie had been wearing was floating in the water nearby.
![Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge 2024: Nearly $2 million raised as event gets underway](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge 2024: Nearly $2 million raised as event gets underway
The event has raised nearly $16 million for blood cancer patients and their families.
![Heavy snow warnings for lower South, clear skies for Wellington Phoenix fans](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Heavy snow warnings for lower South, clear skies for Wellington Phoenix fans
Multiple snowfall road warnings are in place around the lower South Island.
![21yo diagnosed with terminal cancer eager to help others spot symptoms](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
21yo diagnosed with terminal cancer eager to help others spot symptoms
Dominique McShain began experiencing overwhelming fatigue at the start of the year.
![International flights for Dunedin? Airport bosses touting for business in Oz](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
International flights for Dunedin? Airport bosses touting for business in Oz
International flights have not been available from Dunedin Airport since 2020.
![Man appears in court for possessing Christchurch terror attack video](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Man appears in court for possessing Christchurch terror attack video
Fifty-one people were killed by a terrorist gunman in Christchurch in 2019.
![Did Lachie Jones really walk to his death? Heartbreak and accusations mark inquest](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Did Lachie Jones really walk to his death? Heartbreak and accusations mark inquest
Ben Tomsett reports after a three-week inquest hearing into the Gore toddler's 2019 death.
![Lachie Jones inquest: Pathologist who conducted autopsy gives evidence](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Lachie Jones inquest: Pathologist who conducted autopsy gives evidence
The inquest is in its third and final week.
![Green light for bigger red light districts in luxurious NZ getaway towns?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Green light for bigger red light districts in luxurious NZ getaway towns?
Brothel zones in Queenstown and Wānaka could be extended.
!['Just incredible': Stunning aurora lights up NZ skies – plus the best place to catch it tonight](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Just incredible': Stunning aurora lights up NZ skies – plus the best place to catch it tonight
An aurora australis graced New Zealand's skies as far as Northland this morning.
!['Botched-up police job': Lachie Jones' dad disputes timeline around son's death](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Botched-up police job': Lachie Jones' dad disputes timeline around son's death
Paul Jones believes his son was murdered.
![Lachie Jones inquest: Detective would have done things differently](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Lachie Jones inquest: Detective would have done things differently
David Kennelly said 'In hindsight, we should have locked the scene down'.
!['These animals need to die': Controversial cat hunting contest returns](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'These animals need to die': Controversial cat hunting contest returns
Nationwide, it is estimated feral cats kill up to 100 million birds each year.
![Man hit by car in Dunedin's Octagon may have been lying on road](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Man hit by car in Dunedin's Octagon may have been lying on road
Police are investigating the incident.
![Arrests made after up to $30,000 of items stolen from tourist bus](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Arrests made after up to $30,000 of items stolen from tourist bus
Three people were arrested just 40 minutes after theft reported; items have been returned.
![Lachie Jones inquest: Brother calls accusation he helped dispose of body 'disgusting'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Lachie Jones inquest: Brother calls accusation he helped dispose of body 'disgusting'
His mother and younger brother also gave evidence earlier in the inquest.
![Neighbour of Lachie Jones says she heard toddler in her laundry on night of disappearance](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Neighbour of Lachie Jones says she heard toddler in her laundry on night of disappearance
Neighbour reveals she looked at the gate to the oxidation ponds but did not go over it.
![Half-brother of Gore toddler Lachlan Jones denies involvement in his death](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Half-brother of Gore toddler Lachlan Jones denies involvement in his death
The half-brother of Lachlan Jones gave evidence on day three of the inquest.
!['I wish I was with my wee boy': Mother of Gore toddler Lachie Jones breaks silence](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'I wish I was with my wee boy': Mother of Gore toddler Lachie Jones breaks silence
The court heard of the toddler's last moments before he disappeared from his family home.
!['Unimaginable': Inquest into death of Gore toddler Lachlan Jones begins](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Unimaginable': Inquest into death of Gore toddler Lachlan Jones begins
Today is the first of 15 days in the inquest.
![What happened to Gore toddler Lachlan Jones?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
What happened to Gore toddler Lachlan Jones?
Inquest into the death of Lachlan Jones begins today.
!['I'm a Muslim, ask me anything' campaign sparks conversations across South Island](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'I'm a Muslim, ask me anything' campaign sparks conversations across South Island
The group’s primary objective was to promote the message of peace.
![Reclusive photographer's body went undiscovered for months](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Reclusive photographer's body went undiscovered for months
Police say case remains unexplained one week on.
![The glitz and the glamour of Dunedin’s Hyde St party](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The glitz and the glamour of Dunedin’s Hyde St party
Unofficial festivities kicked off slightly earlier than 10am for some.
![Truck leaves trail of destruction in Dunedin's Octagon](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Truck leaves trail of destruction in Dunedin's Octagon
The driver of the truck sustained moderate injuries, no one else was injured.
![Queenstown construction blunder costs $100,000 to repair newly paved street](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Queenstown construction blunder costs $100,000 to repair newly paved street
Buses scraping against a newly-paved section of Duke St alerted authorities to the issue
![Dunedin house raided in 2009 hostage drama now scene of mystery death](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Dunedin house raided in 2009 hostage drama now scene of mystery death
Neighbours say they haven't seen anyone at the property for six months.
![Police investigating unexplained death in Dunedin](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Police investigating unexplained death in Dunedin
Initial indications suggest the deceased may have been at the scene for some time.
![Topp Twins cafe closes its doors for the last time](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Topp Twins cafe closes its doors for the last time
The popular entertainers are moving on to 'new adventures'.
![Dunedin woman's alleged police scanner hijinks leads to arrest](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Dunedin woman's alleged police scanner hijinks leads to arrest
The 48-year-old woman was partying with friends.
![NZ stabbing survivor sends condolences to Sydney mall victims](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
NZ stabbing survivor sends condolences to Sydney mall victims
Dallas Wilson was stabbed four times while working at a Dunedin Countdown in 2021.
![Cosmetic giant Mecca coming to Dunedin as city upgrade continues apace](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Cosmetic giant Mecca coming to Dunedin as city upgrade continues apace
The store is planned to open on Dunedin's George St in the second half of this year.
![Communities on standby with heavier rain to come; North Island in for a pummelling](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Communities on standby with heavier rain to come; North Island in for a pummelling
The North Island will get the worst of the weather tomorrow and into Friday.
![West Coast residents without power as rivers rise, fresh warnings for North Island](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
West Coast residents without power as rivers rise, fresh warnings for North Island
There are rain and wind alerts for Tasman, Taranaki and Wellington.
![Deluge hits - parts of NZ to be doused with 62 hours of rain](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Deluge hits - parts of NZ to be doused with 62 hours of rain
Orange weather warnings have the potential to be upgraded to Red.
![Total solar eclipse: Dunedin, Queenstown best spots to observe rare event in 2028](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Total solar eclipse: Dunedin, Queenstown best spots to observe rare event in 2028
The eclipse’s path of totality is a narrow area but southern New Zealand is included.
![Invercargill mayor calls public meeting over 'inappropriate' youth crime](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Invercargill mayor calls public meeting over 'inappropriate' youth crime
Some youngsters feel "bulletproof", mayor says.
![Supermarket rats: Two caught at store in five weeks since reopening](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Supermarket rats: Two caught at store in five weeks since reopening
The store reopened on February 28 after weeks of closures due to an infestation.
![Queenstown woes: Four eateries close in quick succession amid CBD rebuild](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Queenstown woes: Four eateries close in quick succession amid CBD rebuild
The adventure capital continues to bounce back from the Covid-19 global pandemic.
![Two cars of drink-driving teens botch their attempts to flee Police](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Two cars of drink-driving teens botch their attempts to flee Police
One of the two vehicles wound up crashed on its side, trapping an occupant.
![Naked man, 79, arrested for indecent act at Dunedin beach](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Naked man, 79, arrested for indecent act at Dunedin beach
Police found the man "still naked" in a bushy area above the beach.
![Authorities won't say what penalties supermarkets will face for breaching Easter trading laws](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Authorities won't say what penalties supermarkets will face for breaching Easter trading laws
The supermarkets involved will not disclose their earnings over the weekend.
![Sounds to Town: Dunedin ultra-marathon runner to tackle 617km non-stop over five days](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Sounds to Town: Dunedin ultra-marathon runner to tackle 617km non-stop over five days
Glen Sutton will undertake the colossal challenge for charity
![World’s most detailed study of human health and development enters next stage](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
World’s most detailed study of human health and development enters next stage
The Dunedin Study is the most detailed study of human health and development in the world.
![Central Otago bunny hunt called off for another year due to fire risks](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Central Otago bunny hunt called off for another year due to fire risks
Following the last three cancellations of the annual event, its future is up in the air.