Raphael Franks is a Multimedia Journalist for the New Zealand Herald, focusing on breaking news, crime, transport and human interest stories.
Raphael hails from Christchurch but made Auckland his home in 2022. While attending Christchurch Boys’ High School from 2014 to 2018, he worked in Coca-Cola Amatil’s bottling plant; and while studying geography at the University of Canterbury, he worked in retail. Marking a total reversal in career ambitions, Raphael was offered the opportunity to join the Te Rito Journalism Cadetship programme in 2022, funded through the Public Interest Journalism Fund. Through this, he got experience working in some of the country’s largest newsrooms and some of the country’s smallest. He began working for the Herald in the same year. During this time, Raphael has covered the Auckland Anniversary Floods, Cyclone Gabrielle, two different shootings on Queen St and another on Ponsonby Rd, the closure of Newshub, the slimming down of TVNZ, and other major news events of the day. You can contact Mr Franks on 027 436 5668 or at raphael.franks@nzme.co.nz.
![Snow for Desert Rd, Interislander ferries cancelled as polar blast hits country](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Snow for Desert Rd, Interislander ferries cancelled as polar blast hits country
Rain forecast for most main centres. Auckland to hit 15C high, fall to 9C low overnight.
![Kāinga Ora CEO resigns, will get $365k payout - Govt changes 'not what he signed up for'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Kāinga Ora CEO resigns, will get $365k payout - Govt changes 'not what he signed up for'
The Government announced sweeping changes at the agency in May.
![Is this the end of ex-MP Golriz Ghahraman's law career?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Is this the end of ex-MP Golriz Ghahraman's law career?
Ghahraman was denied discharge without conviction for shoplifting and fined $1860.
!['Community in mourning': Three bodies found in search for missing fishermen](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Community in mourning': Three bodies found in search for missing fishermen
A police spokesperson said formal identification is ongoing.
!['Need to see some heads roll': Mayor calls for accountability after pylon collapse](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Need to see some heads roll': Mayor calls for accountability after pylon collapse
'The buck stops with the leadership team.'
![Embattled Green MP Darleen Tana referred to police over alleged campaign ad issue](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Embattled Green MP Darleen Tana referred to police over alleged campaign ad issue
Tana is subject to independent investigation over links to alleged migrant exploitation.
![Why did tower fall? Probe launched into region's mass power failure](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Why did tower fall? Probe launched into region's mass power failure
Power restored to most of the region last night after second grid emergency of the year.
![$80,000 reward for info on fugitive Tom Phillips set to expire](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
$80,000 reward for info on fugitive Tom Phillips set to expire
Search for the dad and his three kids, missing for 30 months, has ramped up recently.
!['Beyond a joke': Deputy mayor slams Auckland train disruptions as third world](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Beyond a joke': Deputy mayor slams Auckland train disruptions as third world
“You’ve got to admit our train services have been undeniably unreliable this year."
!['Reckless and disturbing': New public service cuts risk allowing more violent extremism, scams, sex abuse online- union](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Reckless and disturbing': New public service cuts risk allowing more violent extremism, scams, sex abuse online- union
Over 6000 jobs have been cut across civil service as part of Govt-requested cost savings.
!['It is child abuse': Mum of Marokopa kids makes plea - 'bring my babies home'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'It is child abuse': Mum of Marokopa kids makes plea - 'bring my babies home'
Phillips has been on the run for 30 months. He's accused of robbing a bank while at large.
![PM's plane woes risk denting NZ's international reputation, says law expert](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
PM's plane woes risk denting NZ's international reputation, says law expert
Christopher Luxon was forced to use a commercial flight for his official trip.
![Missing Marokopa man's eldest child to mark birthday 30 months after disappearing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Missing Marokopa man's eldest child to mark birthday 30 months after disappearing
Eldest daughter Jayda reaches the milestone as attention on her father ramps up.
![Hypocrisy claim: Witness claims Akl Council truck mixed rubbish with recycling](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Hypocrisy claim: Witness claims Akl Council truck mixed rubbish with recycling
The council is threatening to take people's bins off them if they can't follow rules.
!['No one is demanding action': Petition calls on Govt, banks to refund scam victims](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'No one is demanding action': Petition calls on Govt, banks to refund scam victims
About $200m was stolen from Kiwi victims in 2023 alone, with half of households targeted.
![Footage shows Auckland train passengers walking tracks after evacuation, as more strikes loom](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Footage shows Auckland train passengers walking tracks after evacuation, as more strikes loom
Two groups of workers on Auckland's network are striking. Timetables cut, more possible.
![Organiser of Levin boy racer gathering tells Police Minister to 'get f****d'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Organiser of Levin boy racer gathering tells Police Minister to 'get f****d'
Two policemen were injured when boy racers threw bottles, bricks and rocks.
![An end to bloated bureaucracy? Auckland Council appoints new executive team](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
An end to bloated bureaucracy? Auckland Council appoints new executive team
Chief executive Phil Wilson, who took the job last November, makes top-level changes.
![$7m cocaine bust: Auckland police smash Australian organised crime cell](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
$7m cocaine bust: Auckland police smash Australian organised crime cell
Two men arrested after $7 million worth of cocaine found in shipping container.
![Waikeria Prison riot inquiry: Staff failed to deal with armed, drug-smoking inmates](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Waikeria Prison riot inquiry: Staff failed to deal with armed, drug-smoking inmates
Mongols MC members were together in a prison unit, and had a strong influence on the riot.
![Ticket sales close for monster $43m Lotto Powerball jackpot, will you be a winner?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Ticket sales close for monster $43m Lotto Powerball jackpot, will you be a winner?
Sales close at 7.30pm and the winning numbers will be drawn about 8.30pm.
![Mental health report shows rate of psychological distress up, system not working for Māori](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Mental health report shows rate of psychological distress up, system not working for Māori
The five-year report shows there is more to be done to fill gaps in treatment and support.
!['Dumbass': Maureen Pugh’s name edited to insult on National Party website](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Dumbass': Maureen Pugh’s name edited to insult on National Party website
Maureen Pugh is deputy speaker of the House.
![Te Pāti Māori wants Māori Parliament, issues declaration of independence](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Te Pāti Māori wants Māori Parliament, issues declaration of independence
Police say the thousands of protesters were 'well behaved'.
![Thousands join protest at Parliament as Govt unveils Budget](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Thousands join protest at Parliament as Govt unveils Budget
The nationwide protests come ahead of the coalition Government's first Budget at 2pm.
![Smith & Caughey’s closing: Iconic department store’s fate devastating news for Auckland City](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Smith & Caughey’s closing: Iconic department store’s fate devastating news for Auckland City
Smith & Caughey's released a proposal to close shop yesterday.
![Smith & Caughey’s closing: Retail NZ devastated by news, no business immune to economic challenges](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Smith & Caughey’s closing: Retail NZ devastated by news, no business immune to economic challenges
After 144 years, closure of Queen St 'icon' will see 250 staff lose their jobs.
![Te Pāti Māori protests: Party leaders steadfast in encouraging people out, PM Luxon says it is illegal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Te Pāti Māori protests: Party leaders steadfast in encouraging people out, PM Luxon says it is illegal
Strike action is planned across the country tomorrow with major disruption to traffic.
!['Fears for the worst': Police search properties in investigation into missing man](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Fears for the worst': Police search properties in investigation into missing man
Ronny Okeke has been missing for 31 days now. 'His family deserve answers,' police say.
![AT backtracks on K Rd bus lanes, operating hours cut back amid $100k fines per week](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
AT backtracks on K Rd bus lanes, operating hours cut back amid $100k fines per week
AT says it will cut hours because 'the weekend is an important time for ... businesses'.
![Gisborne police arrest four gangsters for intimidating witnesses, threatening to kill](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Gisborne police arrest four gangsters for intimidating witnesses, threatening to kill
"Police have put a significant effort into executing these arrests."
![Stolen Whittaker’s chocolate blocks: Beat policemen chase, arrest alleged thief through CBD](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Stolen Whittaker’s chocolate blocks: Beat policemen chase, arrest alleged thief through CBD
Cops raided a dairy last Friday, found 50 blocks stolen from supermarket earlier that day.
![US tip-off leads to Christchurch man's arrest for allegedly owning child sex material](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
US tip-off leads to Christchurch man's arrest for allegedly owning child sex material
Customs raided the man's home this morning - he was allegedly uncooperative.
!['Pretty hellish': Kiwis on first evacuation flight from Noumea describe ‘frightening’ experience](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Pretty hellish': Kiwis on first evacuation flight from Noumea describe ‘frightening’ experience
First evacuees say they are very grateful to be back in New Zealand.
![NZDF flight rescuing 50 stranded Kiwis from New Caledonia lands in Auckland](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
NZDF flight rescuing 50 stranded Kiwis from New Caledonia lands in Auckland
A Hercules plane has brought home the first 50 Kiwis from Noumea tonight.
![Te Whatu Ora Waikato breached patient's rights, led to late cancer diagnoses - report](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Te Whatu Ora Waikato breached patient's rights, led to late cancer diagnoses - report
An X-ray found nodules in lungs, but the woman, GP were not told. She died months later.
!['Parliament starts with family, empathy and humanity': Bereft Act MP thanks well-wishers for support](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Parliament starts with family, empathy and humanity': Bereft Act MP thanks well-wishers for support
The second-term MP's loss was honoured by PM Luxon, other politicians and public figures.
!['Lower than low': Coastguard building, digger fire: Man arrested, charged with arson](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Lower than low': Coastguard building, digger fire: Man arrested, charged with arson
Police arrested a 37-year-old after report of a break-in last night.
!['Silliest thing I've ever done': Mum of abducted baby reveals regrets](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Silliest thing I've ever done': Mum of abducted baby reveals regrets
Mum at centre of Waitara incident relieved alleged thief caught, describes her trauma.
!['You are all of my successes': Act MP mourns son and rugby player](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'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.
![Alleged long-time mail thief used letters to get fraudulent loans, credit cards - police](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Alleged long-time mail thief used letters to get fraudulent loans, credit cards - police
Cops executed search warrant at alleged thief's house - found hundreds of stolen letters.
![Salvage yard cover $200 police bill sent to mum whose baby taken in stolen car](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Salvage yard cover $200 police bill sent to mum whose baby taken in stolen car
The incident happened last Friday in Waitara, Taranaki.
![Mother of baby taken when her car was stolen handed $200 bill](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Mother of baby taken when her car was stolen handed $200 bill
Her car was stolen from Waitara, Taranaki, on Friday. Her baby was dumped on roadside.
![AT boss apologises to Mayor Brown over controversial CBD parking charges, delays rollout](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
AT boss apologises to Mayor Brown over controversial CBD parking charges, delays rollout
AT plans to charge for weekends, including overnight on Sundays, and public holidays.
!['Take some accountability': Woman chased boys after they attacked West Auckland pupil](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Take some accountability': Woman chased boys after they attacked West Auckland pupil
The schoolboy was attacked on Godley Rd, Green Bay, about 4pm last Friday.
![Workplace horrors: Big payouts over amputated fingers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Workplace horrors: Big payouts over amputated fingers
Horror workplace injuries are outlined by a WorkSafe official.
![Father of woman whose car was stolen with baby inside details traumatic incident](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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.
![Victims of South Auckland house fire identified, grieving family pay tribute to kapa haka star](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Victims of South Auckland house fire identified, grieving family pay tribute to kapa haka star
A third man remains in hospital.
![Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown proposes transport funding for Long Term Plan](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown proposes transport funding for Long Term Plan
Brown says his proposed funding will make public transport 'better, faster [and] cheaper'.
![Space storm upgraded to 'extreme' as Transpower extends 'grid emergency' notice again](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Space storm upgraded to 'extreme' as Transpower extends 'grid emergency' notice again
'Our control rooms are monitoring the event' – grid operator.
![Eight teens arrested, one still on the run after jewellery heists](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Eight teens arrested, one still on the run after jewellery heists
Police appeal for leads on a teenager wanted after incident in Newmarket.
![High school students find walkie-talkie loophole in cellphone ban](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
High school students find walkie-talkie loophole in cellphone ban
Aucklander teen tells the Herald about cunning communication idea.
![Gulf Harbour body in bag homicide update: Woman had organ removed, and other details](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Gulf Harbour body in bag homicide update: Woman had organ removed, and other details
Police share details of woman's medical history, ethnicity and approximate age.
!['Third-world stuff': Energy minister praises chilly Kiwis' restraint amid grid crisis](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Third-world stuff': Energy minister praises chilly Kiwis' restraint amid grid crisis
The country’s grid operator issued a warning notice in advance.
!['Third-world stuff': Crisis meeting held ahead of grid emergency as polar blast bears down](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Third-world stuff': Crisis meeting held ahead of grid emergency as polar blast bears down
Friday promises NZ's coldest day of 2024 - and more frosty temperatures are due tonight.
![Coldest day of 2024 so far: Kiwis wake to frosts, snow with more cold temps on way](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Coldest day of 2024 so far: Kiwis wake to frosts, snow with more cold temps on way
MetService says this May has been a stark contrast to the warmer conditions last year.
![Power warning as chilly blast arrives was a 'trial', snow coming, frosts for Auckland](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Power warning as chilly blast arrives was a 'trial', snow coming, frosts for Auckland
Auckland temps are set to drop to 6C tonight, with tomorrow night being even cooler at 4C.
![Partner of alleged gunman in Ponsonby Rd shooting expresses 'shame' and remorse](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Partner of alleged gunman in Ponsonby Rd shooting expresses 'shame' and remorse
Police put out a warrant to arrest the 31-year-old for unlawful possession of a firearm.
![Man wanted in relation to Ponsonby Rd shooting had prior assault charge](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Man wanted in relation to Ponsonby Rd shooting had prior assault charge
Earlier today, police named Hone Kay-Selwyn as the suspected Ponsonby Rd gunman.
![Police name man wanted in relation to fatal Ponsonby Rd shooting](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Police name man wanted in relation to fatal Ponsonby Rd shooting
A warrant to arrest Hone Kay-Selwyn, 31, has been issued by police.
![Wanted man captured on CCTV in moments after Ponsonby shooting; group shot at were 'innocent guys'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Wanted man captured on CCTV in moments after Ponsonby shooting; group shot at were 'innocent guys'
New footage shows the immediate aftermath of the shooting.
![Police hunt for 'extremely dangerous' man suspected of fatal Ponsonby shooting](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Police hunt for 'extremely dangerous' man suspected of fatal Ponsonby shooting
Police provided photos of suspect. He'd been loitering on Ponsonby Rd before the shooting.
!['I was horrified': Mayor frustrated with CBD safety after Ponsonby Rd shooting](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'I was horrified': Mayor frustrated with CBD safety after Ponsonby Rd shooting
A man was shot and killed on Ponsonby Rd about 10.15pm last night.
![Weather: Auckland has coldest morning of 2024 so far, cool temperatures to remain into next week](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Weather: Auckland has coldest morning of 2024 so far, cool temperatures to remain into next week
MetService said Akl's Saturday temp coolest the city had been since October last year.
![Is this the darkest day for the civil service? Latest job cuts push total over 3000](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Is this the darkest day for the civil service? Latest job cuts push total over 3000
Kāinga Ora, Ministry of Housing, Stats NZ, Ministry of Ed, NZQA had cuts today.
!['Nobody stepped in': 13yo girl traumatised after attack by 20 kids at bus station](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Nobody stepped in': 13yo girl traumatised after attack by 20 kids at bus station
It is another in a series of incidents against teenagers at Auckland bus stations.
!['Zest for life': Family's tribute to rugby player who died after head knock](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Zest for life': Family's tribute to rugby player who died after head knock
Cory Heather died after suffering a head knock during a match in Beachlands on Saturday.
![James Shaw gives final speech to Parliament, reveals post-politics job](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
James Shaw gives final speech to Parliament, reveals post-politics job
Shaw resigned as the Green Party co-leader in January.
![Auckland uni says tents of pro-Palestine protesters will be removed tonight](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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.
![City Rail Link completion a step closer: Massive pile of dirt removed for construction put back](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
City Rail Link completion a step closer: Massive pile of dirt removed for construction put back
Over 130,000 cubic metres of dirt taken from hill in Eden Terrace, enabling construction.
![Man arrested over intimate recordings of young women, more victims expected](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Man arrested over intimate recordings of young women, more victims expected
A 56-year-old has 16 charges, with more expected. Five victims identified from last year.
![Woman in hospital after being badly beaten with hammer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Woman in hospital after being badly beaten with hammer
She escaped to call for help and was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
![Waitangi Tribunal says Government's change to Oranga Tamariki Act will create 'actual harm'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Waitangi Tribunal says Government's change to Oranga Tamariki Act will create 'actual harm'
The law change was part of the Act Party’s coalition deal with National.
![Driver flees police from North Shore to Johnstones Hill Tunnel, crashing into car and shutting down lanes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Driver flees police from North Shore to Johnstones Hill Tunnel, crashing into car and shutting down lanes
The police Eagle helicopter tracked the man as he drove up the Northern Motorway.
![Man arrested: Gun found hidden on street outside Newshub office](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Man arrested: Gun found hidden on street outside Newshub office
Police arrested a 41-year-old and charged him with firearm-related offences.
![Major railway line reopens after temporary repairs to storm-damaged bridge](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Major railway line reopens after temporary repairs to storm-damaged bridge
One of the 610m-long bridge's concrete piers washed away during a storm on April 12.
![Police seize luxury SUV from gang member in New Lynn, along with 8 motorcycles](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Police seize luxury SUV from gang member in New Lynn, along with 8 motorcycles
The gang member was charged with four driving offences for two incidents on Muriwai Beach.
![200 jobs at Ministry of Social Development cut with more in pipeline](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
200 jobs at Ministry of Social Development cut with more in pipeline
Part of plans to reduce headcounts by over 3000 across the public service to fund savings.