Rachel Maher is a Multimedia Journalist for the New Zealand Herald, focusing on crime and breaking news.
Rachel specialises in reporting on crime issues in Auckland, extensively covering the issues of retail ram raids and youth crime. She has also reported on many other topics including social justice issues, politics and entertainment. Rachel grew up in Whangārei before moving to Tāmaki Makaurau in 2018. After a lifelong passion for writing and story-telling, Rachel studied at AUT and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication, majoring in journalism, in 2022. She achieved her dream of becoming a journalist when she joined the Herald in June of the same year as a breaking news reporter. Rachel has quickly established herself as a passionate and well-rounded reporter, covering everything from the 2023 Cyclone Gabrielle destruction to the death of Queen Elizabeth II. You can contact Rachel at rachel.maher@nzme.co.nz.
'Tragically taken': Families mourn train crash victims
People wishing to pay respects have been asked to not wear patches or bring alcohol.
Sir John Key says Trump's win part of a 'bigger movement'
Key did not want to 'sugarcoat' the implications Trump's win might have on trade.
Man hospitalised after violent 'hate crime' at gay bar
The man said he moved to New Zealand seven years ago to feel safe, but no longer does.
Man appears in court after allegedly stabbing his partner to death in West Auckland
A 33-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder.
'Help me': Screams heard by neighbours; woman stabbed to death in Auckland
A 33-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder.
PM Luxon responds to Mike King’s alcohol comments, backs Gumboot Friday
King claimed alcohol was the solution for people with mental issues.
IPCA say cop was 'unjustified' in shooting at fleeing driver
However, the report found the officer was justified in shooting at him twice more.
'Betrayed': Resigned King's College staffer messaged adults, not minors, school says
The male staffer acknowledged being involved in inappropriate online activity.
'Beyond despicable': Man who attacked child at park deserves 'South Auckland justice', councillor
A principal said he first heard of the incident when media reported it yesterday.
Police offer $100,000 reward in relation to 39-year-old murder case
Police have offered a $100,000 reward in hunt for murderer.
Police identify suspect in Auckland bus killing, victim unknown to attacker
The victim was a bus passenger - she did not know her attacker.
Auckland primary school pupils of accused groomer being interviewed, letter claims
The teacher, in her 30s, is due to appear in court next month.
'I wasn't': Andrew Bayly maintains he wasn't drunk when he insulted worker
Bayly apologised last week, claiming he thought his comments were 'light-hearted'.
Youths leave Wiri justice facility roof, PM pulls no punches on earlier demands
The facility is the same site where a group were guided down with fast food last year.
'Call the police': Woman on phone to boyfriend during Auckland home invasion
The woman ended the call quickly when she heard a loud 'bang' downstairs.
'Come home': Grandma's plea to fugitive son Tom Phillips to bring back kids
And the grandma squashes rumours she's been helping the elusive family.
'They’re all alive': Mum relieved to see kids missing for nearly 3 years in video
Cat became emotional watching her children disappear back into rugged farmland.
Watch: Fugitive Tom Phillips and three children filmed in bush with large packs
The hunters stood mere metres away from the missing family and spoke to the children.
Otago flooding: Concern overnight for river levels, Dunedin highways closed, NZDF brought in
Dunedin and surrounding areas are enduring a once-in-a-century weather event.
Dunedin cut off: Floodwaters close state highways, second rain 'peak' later today, Clutha declares state of emergency
Officials hoping for breaks in the weather to help ease surface flooding.
Special protection: The diplomats who invoked immunity to evade crime - and those that didn't
It comes as the partner of an Australian diplomat was arrested, released in Wellington
Watch: Robbers steal $2000 in Lego from Auckland store in 'calculated' attack
A worker said staff were fearful about the lead-up to Christmas.
Crackdown starts now: Seymour says attending today's climate strike counts as truancy
The Associate Education Minister says skipping class to strike would be 'unjustified'.
Te Pāti Māori warns of ‘million Māori’ wrath over axed $30m te reo programme
Labour's Willow-Jean Prime: 'You can't value te reo Māori while cutting vital resources.'
$30m cut from te reo Māori programme to boost maths curriculum
Education Minister Erica Stanford said the te reo Māori initiative lacked accreditation.
Back to the office: Business leader calls for Auckland workers to return to CBD
The Prime Minister wants stricter working-from-home rules. Should Auckland follow suit?
Watch: Auckland garage targeted in shooting, police investigating
The garage at the front of the property was unoccupied at the time.
Electricity warning after frigid snap; more thunderstorms to come today
An unstable westerly flow is expected to bring heavy showers and possible small hail.
Western Springs College reopens after bomb threat
Seniors arriving for exams had gathered on the field.
‘Incredibly destructive’: Opposition 'up in arms' over Mayor Brown's new harbour bridge plan
'We agree on a lot but definitely not on this,' a North Shore councillor says.
Auckland Islamic colleges reopen today after off-shore video threats
Increased police patrols will be increased on Westney Rd.
Family of UK heiress killed by Kiwi fraudster say ruling 'huge relief', appeal for sightings
Paula Leeson's brother believes his sister's killer has fled back to New Zealand.
Hamilton child homicide: Residents urged to keep an eye out for ‘white clothing’
Police are continuing their inquiries in the area, after the boy was killed on Sunday,
Auckland homicide victim was ‘gentle giant’ helping friend with ‘unruly’ tenants - widow
The man's sister said the father-of-four would do anything for his family.
Man arrested in Glen Eden over fatal shooting in Onehunga
A 32-year-old man will appear in court tomorrow charged with murder.
Man shot dead in Auckland suburb; homicide probe launched
Emergency services descended on Selwyn St last night.
Are you a cheapskate? This is the Melbourne getaway for you
Five budget-friendly ideas for the perfect thrifty trip.
Funeral for Auckland grandfather gunned down in courier van to take place today
Police are yet to arrest anyone in connection with the fatal shooting.
'Worst nightmare': Kiwi skydiving instructor dies after botched landing
His dad, a Kiwi skydiver of 30 years, was with him the day of the fateful fall.
Winter's final act: Thunderstorms, gales, wind, rain to lash NZ across next 72 hours
An air mass from Australia will also bring warmer days and milder nights for parts.
Police going door-to-door as hunt for Blockhouse Bay killer continues
Cordons around the scene have been lifted but there is still a large police presence.
'Key information' being withheld: Police urge person to come forward over scientist killing
Cordons around the scene have been lifted but there is still a large police presence.
'Be careful': MP warns Blockhouse Bay residents while killer remains at large
Police are still hunting for Stephen Thorpe’s attacker.
Tennis club stabbing: Scientist named, police search for blood-stained killer
A manhunt is underway for the person who stabbed the scientist to death.
Firefighters give fresh warning against charging e-scooters inside after apartment fire
Fenz was concerned Kiwis had little understanding of the risks of lithium-ion batteries.
Kiwi captain grilled by Italian police, divers recover more bodies from superyacht
The body of tech boss Mike Lynch is reportedly among those recovered.
Revealed: Kiwi captain of sunk superyacht 'well respected' sailor
Cutfield broke his silence to Italian media earlier, saying they 'didn’t see it coming'.
'Looks like a war zone': 7 teens arrested after McDonald’s targeted in robbery
'Every single window is broken, from the drive-through to the entrance.'
'Keep smiling in heaven': Tongan grandfather gunned down in van remembered as kind man
Courier company Poste Haste said workers had been left devastated by the shooting.
Homicide investigation launched after grandad gunned down
'I ran over to see if he was still alive ... but he was already gone.'
'Sounded like a handgun': Shooting victim dies in van in East Auckland
At least 14 police cars, armed oficers and the Eagle helicopter are in attendance.
Polar blast to bring more snow, hail, heavy rain and strong winds across the motu
MetService is warning wind gusts exceeding 110km/h are possible in Auckland.
Watch - 'Hostile and violent': Boy racer events orchestrated to attack cops - police union
Video footage shows a ute reversing at speed to ram a police vehicle.
Watch: Four police cars damaged in 'hostile, violent' car event
Four police cars were damaged in total.
Watch: Ute rams police car during 'Hamilton invasion' as boy racers descend on city
The ute can be seen reversing at speed and ramming the police car.
Lotto's giant jackpot: Experts reveal what you could and should do if you win $44 million
A finance expert says the winners could grow their earnings to major $583m – here's how.
'I am not leaving': Dotcom has 'plan' to fight extradition, while legal experts weigh in
Top barrister says Dotcom cannot appeal the decision, but he can ask for a review.
Ronald McDonald House worker hospitalised after eating meth-laced lolly
Police have recovered 32 of the lollies and one more person has needed medical care.
'We will not tolerate this': Cops probe report of attempt to sell meth lolly online
Police have recovered nearly 30 of the lollies and one more person has needed medical care
11-year-old among eight arrested for evading police in Auckland
Six youths aged 11 to 15 were arrested.
'It wasn’t a booze up': The night of NZ pilot's deadly chopper crash revealed
His boss says he was a 'model employee' and is dumbfounded by his actions.
'He would have known his career was over': Shock after NZ pilot's fatal chopper crash
The 23-year-old Kiwi unlawfully took helicopter and crashed into Cairns hotel building.
'Deeply worrying': Three treated after eating meth-laced lollies, 16 packets recovered
The Drug Foundation said the lollies contained 'lethal levels' of meth.
Cairns helicopter crash: 23-year-old New Zealander named as pilot
Wilson had been drinking and did not have permission to take the helicopter.
Kiwi rugby player killed in Perth car crash
Joseph Simpkins had become a popular figure in Western Australia.
Warmer temperatures on the way, sunny spells give taste of spring
Warmer temperatures are ahead — but forecasters are warning people not to get complacent.
Lotto winner claims $44m prize with same lucky numbers on 10 lines
The lucky punter chose at the same numbers for all ten lines.
Thunderstorms, hail, rain to hit Auckland, snow warnings for SI alpine passes
The rain will move down the country in bands, soaking most of the North Island.
'Restraint and moderation': Willis says no urgent need for pay rises for public servants
It comes after she warned most government departments not to expect cost pressure top-ups.
Poorest Kiwi kids going without healthy food, study finds
Health experts and children’s advocates call the findings 'shameful'.
Tipene Funerals made police complaint against director accused of mishandling bodies
Several families have come forward after a Herald investigation.
Watch: Arsonists uppercut themselves, set themselves alight and flee burning barbershop
Not the sharpest scissors in the barber's: Arsonists set themselves alight.
'I will love you forever': Devastated parents of ice rink fall victim farewell daughter
Her father says wearing helmets on the school trip should have been enforced.
Mum says she was attacked by Kāinga Ora neighbour in front of kids
The mum claimed her young children screamed as she was assaulted.
'Bled through her clothing': Dad pulls pupil out of school over strict bathroom rules
The school is defending a 'no toilet during class' rule.
'Freezing': Kiwis wake to sub-zero temperatures, 57hrs of rain for Northland
Temperatures are colder than usual this morning and likely to stay that way this weekend.
'Lives at risk': Trauma surgeon fears speed limit increases will drive up deaths
Speed was a factor in a third of road deaths last year.
Watch: 'Unbelievable' - Boys captured wielding hatchets in Wairoa rugby gang brawl
A local caught up in the brawl said she estimated the boys were aged 12 and 14.
'Struck down so quickly': Mum-of-two dies, husband in ICU with 'flu-like' illness
A friend said the pair were 'fit and healthy' and the tragedy has shocked everyone.
Revealed: The Kiwi billionaire who bankrolled J.D. Vance’s rise to Trump’s running mate
Thiel poured millions into Vance's campaigns and might be the reason he met Trump.