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.
Roads busy from today as holiday exodus begins, one killed in SH25 crash
Parts of the motorway network will be clogged during the Christmas exodus.
'Chew through your brain': Boy's agonising ordeal after insect crawls into ear
Mother shares advice for others after schoolboy terrified by incident.
Nelson schools evacuated after threats: Police set up cordons, say risk not genuine
Cops say an email 'of a concerning nature' was sent to several schools.
Third victim of triple-fatal motorbike crash named as Luke Shaw, funeral planned
Shaw died alongside Lesley Brooks, 46, and Jacob Coady, 24, in crash on SH1 on Saturday.
Young dad faces raising children alone after 'devoted mother' dies in crash
'My next steps are to honour my wife and raise my children.'
'Whole lives ahead of them': Siblings killed in horror Rotorua crash
'My girl is dancing among heaven’s flowers,' victim's widower says.
Bridge reopens: Businesses hopeful Wynyard Quarter link will bring patrons back
The fix has cost at least $10.6m. The bridge cost $3.7m to build in 2011.
Teen missing after travelling to Auckland’s K Rd
The 16yo was believed to be in the K Rd area, around downtown Auckland, police say.
Man allegedly points gun at South Auckland resident, flees
The alleged offender was arrested in Māngere, found with cannabis and shotgun cartridges.
Deluges forecast for North Island, Auckland faces thunderstorms and muggy temperatures
Akl forecast to hit 24C tomorrow, 26C on Fri. Hastings could reach 30C in weekend.
Please Mr Postman: Union slates proposal for posties to stop delivering to some letterboxes
Mail delivery frequencies also slated for slash.
'Injuries are severe': Biker fighting for life in hospital after horrific triple-fatality crash
Fundraising to support Tautini Capper and his wife has so far raised just over $12,000.
Meth for Christmas: Canadian arrested for allegedly smuggling drug concealed as gift in carry-on
Customs arrested the 29-year-old at Auckland International Airport on Sunday.
Grief-stricken motorcycle community planning final ride for victim of crash that killed three people
Motorcyclist mates determined to give beloved rider the send-off she would have wanted.
'Ride free brother': Second motorcyclist killed in triple fatal 'will never be forgotten'
Three people died in Saturday's crash. Lesley Brooks, 46, was a mum of three.
'Lost something we weren't willing to give up': Rider killed in triple fatal crash a mum of three
Lesley Brooks, 46, was a member of the Road Pirates MC. Cause of crash remains in doubt.
Couple stranded in 40C heat stalked by croc after 4WD lost in flood waters
The couple wrote two large 'SOS' signs in the dirt, leading rescuers to their location.
Stranger danger alert: Schoolboy approached by couple in white van with tinted windows
Police want to find the 'suspicious' couple, ask Marlborough residents for help.
Youths missing from bootcamp found as police respond to carjacking, machete-wielding teens in Hamilton
OT confirm two teens missing from bootcamp found. Police found armed youths in stolen car.
Bird flu update: 160k chooks to be killed after authorities say only one farm affected
The high pathogenic bird flu detected on Otago farm last week. MPI says other farms clear.
Grieving family of nurse killed in crash mourns ‘bubbly’ girl whose last act saved lives
'We know that her life made a difference and it wasn’t wasted.'
'Limping in pain': Row after mall security prevents injured man using scooter
David Stewart, 54, says he was left feeling embarrassed and suffering in pain.
Watch: Businessman scuffles with protester in Auckland
Deno Stock was using a megaphone protesting the Melbourne Cup when he was attacked.
Neonatal nurse one of two women killed in rural Auckland crash
Tegan Hill, 25, was working in her "dream career" when a crash claimed her life.
Queen St shooting: Officer shot in face determined to protect public despite nearly dying
Detective Shaun Winstanley has described the feeling of being shot, lessons he's learned.
Watch: Brawl on boat on Auckland harbour, police wait on wharf to make arrest
Dramatic footage caught the moment police wrangled a man to the ground.
Arsenic in the water: Senior Govt minister keeping watch, results due this afternoon
The Prime Minister confirmed he had been briefed on the situation.
Plane risked crashing in Auckland: Report finds crew stressed and distracted
The crew forgot to properly activate a key fuel pump.
Kiwi allegedly shot on visit to parents in Cape Town died in father's arms
Slain man named by friends as Eugene Robbemond, 49, a Whanganui business owner, father.
'A beloved daughter': Nikki Kaye's family held private service before MP's death made public
Details of Kaye's passing are revealed in her death notice in this morning's paper.
Kiwi allegedly murdered after intervening in Cape Town robbery
New Zealander was visiting his parents, who were the targets of a robbery.
Four youths arrested after ride in stolen vehicle, crashing into car on Southern Motorway
Cars were seen crashed and stopped across lanes on the motorway.
Health Minister promises $42m fund for new senior docs, nurses, will reduce hospital wait times
Reti says $20m to hire 50 new senior docs, $10m for nurses, $12m for other improvements.
Luxon and Hosking: PM discusses NCEA reform, relationship with Seymour
Luxon reveals how he gets on with other party leaders, his achievements, what's next.
'Cherished part of our lives': League star mourned by family ahead of funeral
Kath Wharton died on Thursday, aged 41.
Two people killed in Takanini, South Auckland crash
Police and Hato Hone St John responded to at least two crashes in Auckland last night.
Day one of gang patch ban: Police reveal how crackdown's going so far
'I suspect there will be more to come.'
'Saturated meth market' as Mexican cartels cut prices, rise in drug sales on darknet
Consumption of cocaine has noticeably increased in every region this year.
Woman who died after getting caught in rip at Piha named
Htet died at the west coast beach last Tuesday.
'Haughtiness and bitterness': Seymour slates critics of Treaty Principles Bill
Former PM Dame Jenny Shipley claimed Seymour was 'inviting civil war'.
'Out of action': WorkSafe shuts down A&P rollercoaster after reports of 'bolts falling out'
Cantabrians are worried about the safety of fairground rides.
Former Tipene Funerals undertaker accused of misconduct denies charges
Former Casketeers' undertaker Fiona Bakulich is accused of putting bodies in plastic bags.
South Auckland women allegedly shoplift immediately after leaving court on theft charges
The women are accused of stealing $1800 of goods straight after their court date.
'Watching pornos a reason to go to jail': Barbs fly between senior Māori MPs over haka row
Rawiri Waititi defends party's MP after she copped criticism from Shane Jones.
Hīkoi continues south ahead of Treaty Principles Bill vote
Police say 5000 people crossed the Auckland Harbour Bridge on journey to Wellington.
Police escort gets NZ's only elephant Burma safely to airport for flight to OZ
Burma was spotted in her crate being trucked across Auckland this morning.
Luxon speaks to Trump, congratulates him on 'historic' election win
PM snubs Mike Hosking on Newstalk ZB to chat with Trump.
'Police will take action': Warning to protesters starting convoys today
Protest organised by advocacy group Toitū te Tiriti started at Cape Rēinga this morning.
Man who died after interaction with police was at Auckland City Mission site
The Independent Police Conduct Authority has been notified.
Seymour questions March for the Treaty of Waitangi organisers aligning with Gaza and gang bans
The protest hits Auckland on Wednesday, disrupting motorways and the Harbour Bridge.
Million-dollar Christmas tree: Auckland Council criticised for 'incredibly high price tag'
Council stumping up $800k for 18m fake tree, private orgs paying the rest.
Scale of Tipene Funerals undertaker's alleged misconduct revealed: More bodies involved
Bakulich, featured on reality TV show The Casketeers, to appear in court again on Friday.
Luxon weighs in on potential tariff hikes under Trump presidency
Luxon appeared unsure whether Trump really would introduce a 20% tariff.
Protests to choke motorways, harbour bridge: Two anti-Govt demonstrations in four days
NZTA says it is liaising with police, warns Aucklanders to be prepared for disruptions.
Photos from inside gutted Auckland mosque show scale of damage
Police have security footage of a man allegedly breaking in and setting a mosque alight.
'Hooligans' shoot fireworks at school kids, burn young girl’s top
The incident happened on Victory Rd in Laingholm about 4.45pm.
Arrest for mosque fire: 19yo in court on arson, burglary charges over Auckland blaze
Police have security footage of a man allegedly breaking in and settling mosque alight.
Police say fire at Auckland mosque was arson after CCTV shows 1am break in
'This just creates more hatred, more fear,' senior mosque member says.
Supporters with placards clap as Destiny Church's Brian Tamaki goes into court
Brian Tamaki is accused of intentionally failing to comply with Covid-19 public laws.
One person dead after car flips, snaps power pole on Auckland's North Shore
The incident also cut electricity to swathes of Auckland’s North Shore.
Niwa says summer could be hotter, dryer than average; hot temps for week ahead
Some Sth Island areas may have heavy weather today, Nth Island has warmer days coming up.
Watch: Police investigating after car flips, snaps pole on North Shore; four injured
Multiple car crashes across the country have left several people injured.
Exclusive Auckland private school warns parents of data breach
The school has warned its community to remain vigilant.
Labour calls for review of Mike King’s charity funding after 'problematic' alcohol claims
King, of I am Hope and Gumboot Friday, says 'alcohol is the solution' for mental illness.
'Our life jacket': Mike King defends claims 'alcohol is the solution' for mental health
'Alcohol not a problem for people with mental issues. It’s actually the solution.' - King.
Trick-or-treat warning: Meth lollies still a risk, police say
Each 'lolly' is 3g of meth, or 300 doses.
Undertaker facing charges of misconduct with bodies is named, was on The Casketeers
Bakulich is accused of putting dead bodies in plastic bags instead of coffins paid for.
Thunder, hailstorms for Auckland before lunch; showers in regions easing in evening
Hailstones up to 15mm in diameter are possible, and rainfall of 15mm an hour in places.
Police impound vehicles involved in South Auckland gang gathering
Inspector Rakana Cook says cops will be following up on others involved in the event.
Millie Elder-Holmes makes heartbreaking post 10 years after partner Connor Morris' murder
Michael Murray killed Morris in August 2014. Morris' partner is Sir Paul Holmes' daughter.
Queen St alleged hate crime: 43yo Auckland woman faces raft of assault charges
Police sought a woman over alleged hate crime. When cops checked CCTV, they found more.
'I tried to wake her but she wouldn't respond': Heroic girl, 9, performs CPR, saves mum's life
Sydney Salud, 9, also comforted her two younger siblings panicked by their mum's collapse.
Onehunga bus stabbing victim may have known alleged killer
CCTV shows pair together earlier in the day.
Showers forecast for much of NZ, wet week ahead for Auckland
Warnings set for parts of the country lapse this morning. Auckland should hit 21C today.
Gulf Harbour body in bag victim identified by police
The body was found wrapped in plastic floating in the ocean in March.
Auckland funeral director appears in court for alleged misconduct with human body
Today's court appearance follows investigations into a former employee of Tipene Funerals.
Onehunga bus attack: Murder accused appears in court
A man handed himself into a police station yesterday after a 24-hour hunt.
'I was begging them': Man with broken neck went home fed up after ED wait
"They just didn't take my concerns seriously," Urlich reflects on his ordeal.
Families allegedly fleeced by undertaker desperate for answers from Tipene Funerals
A 48-year-old woman is due to appear in court on Friday to face charges.
Tipene Funerals: Woman charged with misconduct in respect of human remains
The 48-year-old Auckland woman will appear in court this Friday.