Steve Braunias is a senior writer for the New Zealand Herald.
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
![Steve Braunias: The wait to clear Scott Watson](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: The wait to clear Scott Watson
Supporters of Scott Watson believe he is innocent of the Marlborough Sounds double-murder.
!['Burned off and ripped out': Steve Braunias watches surgery](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Burned off and ripped out': Steve Braunias watches surgery
Inside the blood and guts of a patient having her gall bladder removed.
![Steve Braunias: On couples in restaurants](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: On couples in restaurants
A ballad for couples at their favourite restaurant.
![Steve Braunias: What the jury did - and did not - hear in Scott Watson trial](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: What the jury did - and did not - hear in Scott Watson trial
OPINION: The defence has submitted two grounds to appeal the conviction.
![Steve Braunias: Watson's appeal, the state's power and fact v outrageous fiction](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: Watson's appeal, the state's power and fact v outrageous fiction
OPINION: Braunias was there as Scott Watson got his long-awaited chance to appeal.
![Honey, I forgot to have kids: Steve Braunias on Otherhood](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Honey, I forgot to have kids: Steve Braunias on Otherhood
OPINION: A new book spurs Steve Braunias to reflect on the childless and being a father.
![Steve Braunias: The crime and punishment of Liz Gunn](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: The crime and punishment of Liz Gunn
Steve Braunias reports on the guilty verdict against conspiracy hobbyist Liz Gunn.
![Steve Braunias: On the nature of people with extreme appearances](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: On the nature of people with extreme appearances
We all know people who make a lasting impression due to their extreme appearance.
!['Better out than in': Steve Braunias on the robots coming for your gallbladder](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Better out than in': Steve Braunias on the robots coming for your gallbladder
The controversies surrounding one of the most common surgical operations in New Zealand.
![Liz Gunn and the strange case of the curved hand](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Liz Gunn and the strange case of the curved hand
Steve Braunias reports on a long, strange day at the court trial of Liz Gunn
![Lost and possibly eventually found: Steve Braunias on people who lose things](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Lost and possibly eventually found: Steve Braunias on people who lose things
Why some people constantly lose their belongings and what it says about them.
![Steve Braunias had an operation. Bad news - he lived](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias had an operation. Bad news - he lived
What it's like to have your gallbladder removed.
![Steve Braunias: The end of the Secret Diary](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: The end of the Secret Diary
The Secret Diary packs up its bag of mockings, and leaves the premises
![Dilworth School survivor opens up about his years of abuse](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Dilworth School survivor opens up about his years of abuse
Mark Staufer, a survivor of sexual abuse at Dilworth School, opens up for the first time.
![Old age will kill us all but it doesn't have to be a bad thing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Old age will kill us all but it doesn't have to be a bad thing
Steve Braunias on the terrifying journey from early old age to actual old age.
![Steve Braunias: The secret diary of Nicola 'Pugwash' Willis](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: The secret diary of Nicola 'Pugwash' Willis
The captain goes down with the ship in the seafaring saga of Rear Admiral Pugwash Willis.
![Steve Braunias: The secret diary of hopeless cowboy Chris Hipkins](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: The secret diary of hopeless cowboy Chris Hipkins
OPINION: In the lonely streets of Dodge, there's never a right time to pull the trigger.
![Steve Braunias: A grave warning from legendary Arctic explorer, Winston Peters](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: A grave warning from legendary Arctic explorer, Winston Peters
OPINION: The great Winston Peters warns of grave threats to democracy, ie Māori.
![Cooking food in your car is actually a thing - but should you try it?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Cooking food in your car is actually a thing - but should you try it?
Steve Braunias discovers a new dining experience.
![Steve Braunias: The road rage killing and police's epic fail of a trial](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: The road rage killing and police's epic fail of a trial
OPINION: Steve Braunias on the murder trial of Brayden Towler, cleared by a jury.
![Road rage: Brayden Towler found not guilty of Glenmall carpark murder](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Road rage: Brayden Towler found not guilty of Glenmall carpark murder
One juror held out against a not guilty verdict.
![Steve Braunias: The death of democracy gives birth to three people called Chris](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: The death of democracy gives birth to three people called Chris
OPINION: Luxon makes no apologies, Hipkins makes no progress, and Bishop makes no sense.
![The moment a road rage dispute turned to tragedy in West Auckland mall carpark](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The moment a road rage dispute turned to tragedy in West Auckland mall carpark
Steve Braunias on the moment road rage turned fatal in Glen Eden.
![Steve Braunias reports on a Glen Eden road rage murder trial: hit and run or accident?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias reports on a Glen Eden road rage murder trial: hit and run or accident?
Steve Braunias reports on a murder trial for a Glen Eden road rage killing.
![Friday night on Queen St, Saturday night in the suburbs: Steve Braunias' big weekend](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Friday night on Queen St, Saturday night in the suburbs: Steve Braunias' big weekend
Steve Braunias attends an old man in concert and a teenage birthday party.
![Steve Braunias: Secret diary of Wild David Seymour](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: Secret diary of Wild David Seymour
OPINION: A cowboy western starring deputy David Seymour, a sharpshooter and total legend.
![Melissa Chan-Green opens up on abusive relationship](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Melissa Chan-Green opens up on abusive relationship
'Going to work was my happy place,' the AM host tells Steve Braunias.
![Steve Braunias: The secret bulletin of Newshub’s Mike McRoberts](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: The secret bulletin of Newshub’s Mike McRoberts
OPINION: Bringing you insights on the 'proposed new structure with significant changes'.
![Steve Braunias: The sad, strange case of Nikita Tekotia, whose baby daughter was murdered](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: The sad, strange case of Nikita Tekotia, whose baby daughter was murdered
She failed, acutely and profoundly, to look after and save Arapera Fia.
![Steve Braunias meets 'The Penkonator' for a battle of wills](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias meets 'The Penkonator' for a battle of wills
OPINION: Steve Braunias meets Chris Penk, the 'provocateur the left loves to hate'.
![Steve Braunias: The secret diary of Christopher Luxon](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: The secret diary of Christopher Luxon
OPINION: I felt I could not hold on to a single worthwhile idea.
![Steve Braunias: The secret diary of ... supermarket vermin](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: The secret diary of ... supermarket vermin
OPINION: A little bit of aeration never hurt anybody. But it might hurt vermin.
![Steve Braunias: The secret diary of ... Waitangi](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: The secret diary of ... Waitangi
OPINION: Act’s Treaty Issues Bill will ensure that we are all one people.
![Will Dale the Avondale spider be stamped out?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Will Dale the Avondale spider be stamped out?
Avondale's famous spider sculpture is in terrible shape - and may get stamped out.
![Steve Braunias: The Secret Diary of Christopher Luxon](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: The Secret Diary of Christopher Luxon
OPINION: All day long at work I was sure I could smell cigarette smoke.
![Steve Braunias: The Secret Diary of former Green MP Golriz Ghahraman](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: The Secret Diary of former Green MP Golriz Ghahraman
OPINION: Something is strange about a politician up on shoplifting charges.
![Why Auckland is at its best in summer when there's no one else around](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Why Auckland is at its best in summer when there's no one else around
OPINION: As everyone returns to the city, Steve Braunias wishes they'd stay away.
![Steve Braunias: The secret horoscopes 2024, part 2](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: The secret horoscopes 2024, part 2
OPINION: Steve Braunias reveals what's in store for you in 2024.
![Steve Braunias: The secret horoscopes 2024, part 1](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: The secret horoscopes 2024, part 1
OPINION: Steve Braunias reads the stars for what's really going on in 2024.
![Steve Braunias: The Secret Diary of ... 2023](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: The Secret Diary of ... 2023
OPINION: To satirise our politicians is a pleasant pastime.
![Steve Braunias on the 20 best things in Auckland life](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias on the 20 best things in Auckland life
There is so much to experience in this isthmus of two harbours.
![Steve Braunias: The Secret Diary of Christmas](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: The Secret Diary of Christmas
OPINION: A Christmas message looking back on a year that was.
![Steve Braunias: The Secret Diary of the summer break](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: The Secret Diary of the summer break
OPINION: Luxon, Peters and Seymour pack their suitcases for summer break.
!['Why do you have to be so useless?': How Christmas changes when kids become teens](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Why do you have to be so useless?': How Christmas changes when kids become teens
'To be a teenager is to be foreground, the star of the house.'
![Steve Braunias: The Secret Diary of Christopher Luxon](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: The Secret Diary of Christopher Luxon
OPINION: Christopher Luxon has had a bit of a frustrating week.
![Steve Braunias: The secret diary of Winston Peters](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: The secret diary of Winston Peters
OPINION: I have no time for people who say they don’t like Mondays.
![Steve Braunias: Is it too late to have kids at 60?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: Is it too late to have kids at 60?
Opinion: Truly good guys make truly good dads no matter the age.
![Steve Braunias: The Secret Diary of The Prime Minister](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: The Secret Diary of The Prime Minister
OPINION: Coalition talks with Peters and Seymour at the Cordis Hotel.
![Steve Braunias: The Secret Diary of Christopher Luxon](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: The Secret Diary of Christopher Luxon
Christopher Luxon has been busy this week forming the Government.
![Steve Braunias: Why a wedding makes a difference to a couple’s love](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: Why a wedding makes a difference to a couple’s love
OPINION: The look of love at a wedding in Waihi
![Steve Braunias: The Secret Diary of Shipwreck Chippy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: The Secret Diary of Shipwreck Chippy
OPINION: The loss of life was heavy. The loss of morale was profound.
![Steve Braunias: Double-murder trial verdict 'breathtakingly fast'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: Double-murder trial verdict 'breathtakingly fast'
Two men with connections to the Killer Beez street gang were found guilty.
![Steve Braunias: Secret Diary of The Beatles](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: Secret Diary of The Beatles
OPINION: Time for something more important than politics!
![Steve Braunias on meeting 'patron saint of English football' Sir Bobby Charlton](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias on meeting 'patron saint of English football' Sir Bobby Charlton
An audience with a footballing legend.
![Steve Braunias: The Secret Diary of Winston Peters](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: The Secret Diary of Winston Peters
OPINION: 'Who is this person, and why is he talking to me?' wonders Winston Peters
![Steve Braunias: The agony of Year 12 NCEA exams hits home](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: The agony of Year 12 NCEA exams hits home
OPINION: When did our children get smarter than us?
![Steve Braunias: The secret diary of the prime minister elect](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: The secret diary of the prime minister elect
OPINION: $60 supermarket trips, meetings with Seymour and landlord conversations.
![Steve Braunias on writing for the first readers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias on writing for the first readers
OPINION: An editor is the first person who reads what you write
![Steve Braunias: The Secret Diary of... the leaders](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: The Secret Diary of... the leaders
OPINION: Spaceman Seymour was floating in his tin can far above the world.
![Steve Braunias: The Secret Diary of ... The leaders](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: The Secret Diary of ... The leaders
OPINION: Spaceman Seymour was floating in his tin can far above the world.
![Steve Braunias: Leaders' true colours shining through](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: Leaders' true colours shining through
There was blood on the floor, hair on the walls and unmentionable odours.
![Steve Braunias: The Secret Diary of Shipwreck Chippy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: The Secret Diary of Shipwreck Chippy
Opinion: Prime Minister emerges from isolation but loses momentum.
![Rotorua: a fuming classic, a humid paradise](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rotorua: a fuming classic, a humid paradise
OPINION: Steve Braunias discovers little change in Rotorua in 17 years
![Steve Braunias: The Secret Diary of ... The Abominable Peters](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: The Secret Diary of ... The Abominable Peters
OPINION: Winston Peters reaches the South Pole
!['Nightmare on Queen St': Luxon bores himself to sleep at debate - Steve Braunias](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Nightmare on Queen St': Luxon bores himself to sleep at debate - Steve Braunias
He was political leader as somnabulist, gabbling like a man talking in his sleep.
![Friends accused of fatal shootings during 'crime spree'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Friends accused of fatal shootings during 'crime spree'
It was one hell of a month in Auckland with a spate of shootings, the court heard.
!['I truly believe him': The woman who loves Baby Chance's killer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'I truly believe him': The woman who loves Baby Chance's killer
Darien Aipolani-Williams, 24, has four daughters with Boston Wilson.
![Steve Braunias: The Secret Diary of ... Truckin’ Luxon](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: The Secret Diary of ... Truckin’ Luxon
OPINION: Truckin’ Luxon was a man of considerable appetite and little discretion.
![Steve Braunias: Searching for an ounce of charisma in the leaders’ debate](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: Searching for an ounce of charisma in the leaders’ debate
OPINION: There was a very exciting coat hanger incident that set the bar.
![Steve Braunias: The Secret Diary of Shipwreck Chippy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: The Secret Diary of Shipwreck Chippy
OPINION: "We just have to keep afloat,” said Shipwreck Chippy.
![Steve Braunias takes to the air: 'Just about the greatest feeling in the world'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias takes to the air: 'Just about the greatest feeling in the world'
Opinion: I thought: “Other than death, what’s the worst that can happen?”
![Steve Braunias: The Secret Diary of Spaceman Seymour](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: The Secret Diary of Spaceman Seymour
OPINION: Spaceman Seymour's search for intelligent life to promote to political power.
![Steve Braunias: The Secret Diary of the Abominable Peters](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: The Secret Diary of the Abominable Peters
Opinion: Veteran is back on the ice and heading for the South Pole.
![Steve Braunias: Farewell to something beautiful](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Steve Braunias: Farewell to something beautiful
OPINION: That’s it for the tree. It’s over. It’s coming down.
![The Secret Diary of ... Truckin’ Luxon](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The Secret Diary of ... Truckin’ Luxon
OPINION: Luxon in the driving seat with Seymour - or is he?
![The Secret Diary of ... Shipwreck Chippy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The Secret Diary of ... Shipwreck Chippy
OPINION: Shipwreck Chippy assembled his gang of castaways and said, “All is not lost.”
![Are vampires stealing our sleep? Auckland wanderer's theories published after death](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Are vampires stealing our sleep? Auckland wanderer's theories published after death
Steve Braunias: He lived as a wanderer in rags, roaming hostels across Auckland.