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.
![Immigration NZ staffers placed on leave amid probe into 'inappropriate' workplace chats](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Immigration NZ staffers placed on leave amid probe into 'inappropriate' workplace chats
A company-wide email last week advised staff an investigation was under way.
!['Death waiting to happen': Toddler nearly electrocuted by faulty plug - Furious dad](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Death waiting to happen': Toddler nearly electrocuted by faulty plug - Furious dad
“We could have been attending my daughter’s funeral."
![Vehicles seized, charges laid in 'enforcement phase' after Ponsonby gunman's funeral](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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.
![Recalled phone power bank explodes at Auckland business, singes woman's hair](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Recalled phone power bank explodes at Auckland business, singes woman's hair
'I ran upstairs and the thing was sparking and in flames on the desk.'
!['Tsunami of threats': Auckland uni ordered to pay Wiles $20k](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Tsunami of threats': Auckland uni ordered to pay Wiles $20k
The Employment Court has issued its judgment in Siouxsie Wiles' case against her employer.
!['I thought she was going to die': Heroic neighbour saves elderly woman from inferno](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'I thought she was going to die': Heroic neighbour saves elderly woman from inferno
The 125-year-old Grey Lynn villa was destroyed after catching fire twice in 24 hours.
!['Please forgive me': Kiwi businessman had gun held to head before wife run down in US - witness](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Please forgive me': Kiwi businessman had gun held to head before wife run down in US - witness
A traumatised witness deeply regrets not intervening after robbers pulled a gun.
![Shoplifter caught stealing almost 250 chocolate blocks from supermarket](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Shoplifter caught stealing almost 250 chocolate blocks from supermarket
The alleged offender was involved in a number of South Auckland shoplifting offences.
![Greens co-leader Marama Davidson to undergo surgery 'first thing' today](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Greens co-leader Marama Davidson to undergo surgery 'first thing' today
“I’m trying my darndest to turn my focus completely to my whānau and whakapapa now."
![Flood warning with waves rising to 6m to strike North Island overnight](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Young family 'terrified' after attempted carjacking in holiday traffic
The arrests relate to burglaries, car thefts and driving offences.
![Have Auckland petrol prices dropped after removal of regional fuel tax?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Have Auckland petrol prices dropped after removal of regional fuel tax?
The 11.5 cent per litre fuel tax ended this morning.
![US praises NZ Air Force for ‘extraordinary’ Antarctica medical evacuation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
US praises NZ Air Force for ‘extraordinary’ Antarctica medical evacuation
The RNZAF C-130H Hercules crew wore night-vision goggles as they landed on an ice runway.
![Kiwi dog daycare fined $11k after pet dies in hot car](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kiwi dog daycare fined $11k after pet dies in hot car
Maisie was left in a vehicle parked in the sun for hours with all its windows up.
![Mother describes moment child mauled by rescued dog](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Mother describes moment child mauled by rescued dog
The 4-year-old is in a stable condition after undergoing two surgeries.
![Showers forecast to continue along storm-hit East Coast, flooding forces hundreds of evacuations](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Showers forecast to continue along storm-hit East Coast, flooding forces hundreds of evacuations
Hundreds were evacuated from their homes after states of emergency were declared.
!['I'm so sorry this happened to you': Mobility scooter rider dies in hit-and-run](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'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.'
![Man arrested after forcing victim into car and kidnapping him from Auckland home](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Man arrested after forcing victim into car and kidnapping him from Auckland home
“The victim was home alone at the time and confronted a male found inside the property."
![Christchurch businessman arrested after illegal cigarette factory uncovered](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Christchurch businessman arrested after illegal cigarette factory uncovered
The businessman allegedly stole 80kg of illicit tobacco from a Christchurch warehouse.
![Police pull Taser after aggressive gang members surround officers, threaten to get gun](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Police pull Taser after aggressive gang members surround officers, threaten to get gun
“The behaviour grew threatening, leading to an officer presenting a Taser".
!['I have a good heart': Mother of Marokopa kids releases letter from fugitive dad](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'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.
!['Embarassing': Faulty NZDF plane fixed, en route to Japan to bring PM home](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Embarassing': Faulty NZDF plane fixed, en route to Japan to bring PM home
The plane is on its way to Japan to bring the full delegation home.
![Five arrested following armed smash-and-grab at West Auckland jewellers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Five arrested following armed smash-and-grab at West Auckland jewellers
Five men have now been charged with aggravated robbery.
!['A mum's worst nightmare': Tributes for Kiwi surfer missing off Australian beach](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'A mum's worst nightmare': Tributes for Kiwi surfer missing off Australian beach
The father of three hasn't been seen since Friday.
![Drug drivers face manslaughter charges after separate fatal Bay of Plenty crashes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Drug drivers face manslaughter charges after separate fatal Bay of Plenty crashes
Both men face manslaughter and alleged drug driving charges when they reappear.
![Man suffering heart attack told he had chest infection, 2hr wait for ambulance](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Man suffering heart attack told he had chest infection, 2hr wait for ambulance
A St John call operator told the man he had a chest infection.
![Deadly Singapore Airlines flight passengers offered compensation up to $40,000](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Deadly Singapore Airlines flight passengers offered compensation up to $40,000
The airline will provide a full refund of passenger air fares, regardless of injuries.
![7kg of cocaine found in box stuck to side of ship with magnet](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
7kg of cocaine found in box stuck to side of ship with magnet
Customs were alerted that a vessel with a box stuck to its hull was tracking for NZ.
![Homicide investigation launched after 10-month-old baby dies](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Homicide investigation launched after 10-month-old baby dies
'We believe these injuries were not accidental.'
![Ministry of Justice proposes over 150 job cuts](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ministry of Justice proposes over 150 job cuts
The Ministry of Justice is the latest to announce workforce cuts.
!['Never happened': Cardinal to resume 'public activities', sexual abuse claims dismissed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Never happened': Cardinal to resume 'public activities', sexual abuse claims dismissed
The allegations dated back to the 1970s.
![Union files legal action against Ministry of Education over job cuts](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Union files legal action against Ministry of Education over job cuts
A total of 755 roles are proposed to be slashed.
![Inmates camp on prison roof for over five hours](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Inmates camp on prison roof for over five hours
The inmates voluntarily climbed down about 9.30pm.
!['Doesn't want to wear his shoes in public': Boy threatened with weapon at bus station](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Doesn't want to wear his shoes in public': Boy threatened with weapon at bus station
An AT boss says the aggressive incidents are 'really horrible for everyone involved'.
![Cancer agencies call Govt to honour drug pledge, PM reassures funding a 'priority'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Cancer agencies call Govt to honour drug pledge, PM reassures funding a 'priority'
'Unlike other promises, lives will be lost if these medicines are not funded.'
![King's Birthday road toll rises to 3 after person struck on Auckland motorway](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
King's Birthday road toll rises to 3 after person struck on Auckland motorway
Roads in both main islands have also been closed today after crashes, police say.
![Watch: 'Totally senseless' - Mayor says police outgunned during violent boy racer event](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Watch: 'Totally senseless' - Mayor says police outgunned during violent boy racer event
Six cars were impounded and two people were arrested.
![Police injured, arrests made after ‘antisocial’ 200-car Levin burnout](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Police injured, arrests made after ‘antisocial’ 200-car Levin burnout
Six cars were impounded and two people were arrested.
![D-Day for Auckland stadium race as decision announced this morning](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
D-Day for Auckland stadium race as decision announced this morning
Four proposals are in the running ahead of today's announcement.
![Thousands in upper North Island still without power after fierce storm](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Thousands in upper North Island still without power after fierce storm
At the storm's peak, about 24,000, or 4 per cent, of Vector's customer base had no power.
!['Nearly killed': Couple furious after large tree falls on home after pleas to remove it](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Nearly killed': Couple furious after large tree falls on home after pleas to remove it
The couple had urged Auckland Council to remove the tree for years.
!['Dangerous people': Rival gangs team up in unprovoked attack at Auckland prison](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Dangerous people': Rival gangs team up in unprovoked attack at Auckland prison
One of the inmates needed medical treatment outside the prison following the attack.
![Five dead in 'horrendous' crash near Hamilton, SH3 closed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Five dead in 'horrendous' crash near Hamilton, SH3 closed
Police collecting evidence from scene to understand reason behind tragic accident.
![One Kiwi remains in hospital nearly a week after fatal Singapore Airlines flight](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
One Kiwi remains in hospital nearly a week after fatal Singapore Airlines flight
Flight SQ321 plunged approximately 1800m after encountering clear air turbulence.
![Air NZ flight pulls out of two take offs after potential bird strike, engine issue](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Air NZ flight pulls out of two take offs after potential bird strike, engine issue
Passengers were caught off-guard when the pilot braked suddenly while taking off.
![Boy found motionless in Auckland pool wanted to touch the bottom, family say](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Boy found motionless in Auckland pool wanted to touch the bottom, family say
"This is a tragic accident that occurred while swimming."
![Duo arrested on yacht after Auckland homes burgled](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Duo arrested on yacht after Auckland homes burgled
A 48-year-old man is due to appear in Auckland District Court tomorrow.
![Christchurch couple anxiously await rescue from Noumea as vital meds deplete](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Christchurch couple anxiously await rescue from Noumea as vital meds deplete
Disappointment, distress and frustration were beginning to take their toll.
![Kiwis warned to be vigilant after positive bird flu case in Australia](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kiwis warned to be vigilant after positive bird flu case in Australia
“Bird flu requires a co-ordinated, multi-agency approach to surveillance and response."
!['He wasn't a guest': Nearby hotel owner claims offender 'hiding' before shooting](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'He wasn't a guest': Nearby hotel owner claims offender 'hiding' before shooting
Police are aware that the offender was carrying a long-barrelled firearm.
![Armed offender on the run after shooting at South Auckland hotel](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Armed offender on the run after shooting at South Auckland hotel
Police say no injuries were reported.
![North Island to bear the brunt of more severe weather today, thunderstorms possible](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
North Island to bear the brunt of more severe weather today, thunderstorms possible
Severe weather caused flash flooding, evacuations and mass power outages yesterday.
![Roadside drug testing legislation to be introduced by Govt - 50,000 tests per year](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Roadside drug testing legislation to be introduced by Govt - 50,000 tests per year
The legislation would give police the power to randomly screen drivers for drugs.
![Air NZ won't fly to New Caledonia for another five days amid unrest](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Air NZ won't fly to New Caledonia for another five days amid unrest
About 290 New Zealanders are believed to be in New Caledonia.
![Man, 29, charged with two counts of murder over Gisborne birthday deaths](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Man, 29, charged with two counts of murder over Gisborne birthday deaths
Two men were killed in the massive brawl and three others were taken to hospital.
![Watch: Car swerves into ditch, witness abused for calling police](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Watch: Car swerves into ditch, witness abused for calling police
The witness said the driver basically 'flew into the ditch'.
!['You are all of my successes': Act MP mourns son and rugby player](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'You are all of my successes': Act MP mourns son and rugby player
The second-term MP's loss been honoured by PM Luxon, other politicians and public figures.
![Boxing botch-up: Kiwi ring announcer to retire following backlash](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Boxing botch-up: Kiwi ring announcer to retire following backlash
The boxing community is up in arms over wrong winner announcement.
!['Not enough' well-trained staff to deal with severe weather events, review finds](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Not enough' well-trained staff to deal with severe weather events, review finds
'We do not have enough well-trained Nema staff or surge staff to deploy,' the report read.
![Four youths, as young as 12, arrested over spate of serious assaults in West Auckland](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Four youths, as young as 12, arrested over spate of serious assaults in West Auckland
The arrests come after a spate of aggravated assaults in the wider New Lynn area.
![Proposed rates rises for Auckland households lower than first proposed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Proposed rates rises for Auckland households lower than first proposed
'I’ve proposed the lowest rates increase of any metropolitan council in New Zealand.'
![Father of woman whose car was stolen with baby inside details traumatic incident](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Father of woman whose car was stolen with baby inside details traumatic incident
The mother chased after the offender and found her abandoned baby on the roadside.
!['Disgraceful': Principal disgusted after young student called racial slur after rugby game](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Disgraceful': Principal disgusted after young student called racial slur after rugby game
The student was in tears after being subjected to the unprovoked attack.
!['Felt like a lifetime': Man arrested over Porirua woman's 2019 cold case death](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Felt like a lifetime': Man arrested over Porirua woman's 2019 cold case death
A 47-year-old man has been charged with murder.
![More than 1.3 million cigarettes seized in Auckland, five people arrested](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
More than 1.3 million cigarettes seized in Auckland, five people arrested
The five defendants face a range of charges.
![North Korea issues warning to New Zealand over surveillance](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
North Korea issues warning to New Zealand over surveillance
'The DPRK will take necessary measures to firmly defend sovereignty and security.'
![Sunday's emotional farewell as TVNZ show signs off for final time](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Sunday's emotional farewell as TVNZ show signs off for final time
'The memories are precious. Thanks to all who have told us their stories.'
![Watch: Boxing botch-up - Kiwi ring announcer reads wrong winner in title fight](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Watch: Boxing botch-up - Kiwi ring announcer reads wrong winner in title fight
The boxing community is up in arms over the botched announcement.
!['Our angel': Mother of teenager killed in house fire pays tribute](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Our angel': Mother of teenager killed in house fire pays tribute
'She always has been, and always will be, our angel. I was proud to be her mum.'
![Auckland police monitor Killer Beez gang convoy for Ponsonby gunman](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Auckland police monitor Killer Beez gang convoy for Ponsonby gunman
Killer Beez gang members travelled in convoy with the body of Hone Kay-Selwyn.
![Grace Millane's mother receives her OBE from Prince William](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Grace Millane's mother receives her OBE from Prince William
Gillian Millane and her niece were appointed OBEs for their charity work.
![Woman jailed after smuggling $1.9 million worth of cocaine in suitcase, shampoo bottles](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Woman jailed after smuggling $1.9 million worth of cocaine in suitcase, shampoo bottles
Auckland Airport staff found more than 4kg of cocaine in her suitcase.
![Ambulance transporting patient collides with bus on main Auckland road](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ambulance transporting patient collides with bus on main Auckland road
The ambulance was transporting one patient at the time.
![King’s Counsel files complaint over tikanga Māori in NZ law courses, Peters agrees](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
King’s Counsel files complaint over tikanga Māori in NZ law courses, Peters agrees
King's Counsel describes incoming requirement as 'symptomatic of a dangerous trend'.
!['Unresolved factual issues': Inquest to be held over Auckland supermarket terror attack](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Unresolved factual issues': Inquest to be held over Auckland supermarket terror attack
The coroner said while the case was “complex and difficult”, questions still arose.
!['A bully': Details emerge of Green MP's heated exchange with florist shop owner](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'A bully': Details emerge of Green MP's heated exchange with florist shop owner
'She pulled out her phone, she put the phone camera right in my face.'
![Watch: ‘Please resume your seat’ - Complaint made after Green MP clashes with Minister](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Watch: ‘Please resume your seat’ - Complaint made after Green MP clashes with Minister
“It’s not appropriate to get out of one’s seat to go and have an argument with somebody."
![Auckland uni says tents of pro-Palestine protesters will be removed tonight](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Auckland uni says tents of pro-Palestine protesters will be removed tonight
UoA says it 'fully supports' right to peaceful protest. Protesters told to be respectful.