Varsha Anjali is a multimedia journalist for the Herald. Based in Auckland, she covers travel, theatre and more.
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.
The top 5 Christmas songs for 2024
From guilty pleasures and delicious classics to modern bangers.
Varsha Anjali: What's so bad about Auckland, anyway?
OPINION: As hordes leave Auckland for the holidays, is the city as bad as some say?
'Don't ever do that': Hilary Barry reveals alarming hotel toilet moment with mystery man
She went to the loo thinking she was alone. She wasn't.
Air NZ reveals busiest travel day, most popular summer holiday spots
Which destinations are luring Kiwis the most this summer?
Christmas wrapper: Air New Zealand reveals new festive lolly
'The new flavour tastes just like a Christmas candy cane.'
Cruise line bans upside-down pineapples as swingers seek meet-ups
Company announces ban on door decorations with hidden meaning.
Airline refuses refund after doctor gives up business class seat for sick passenger
'You should not even have to ask,' commented a social media user.
Watch: Fan who 'woke from coma' to Coldplay songs joins band on Auckland stage
Magic moment: A fan enjoyed a special stage appearance last night.
We go behind the scenes of the LOTR musical and meet the team behind the magic
Why did Paul Hart’s revival in Chicago succeed - and will it do so again in Auckland?
Passenger's apparent attempt to open emergency exit door during flight
Korean Air: "Zero-tolerance for safety threats"; passenger restrained, flight lands.
Does Air New Zealand stock emergency period products?
A Herald investigation reveals what airlines provide menstrual products for travellers.
'Gobsmacked': Cockroaches on planes delay passengers for hours
'How did the cockroaches get on there?'
Australian taxpayers may have to pay accused killer cop’s legal bill
Beau Lamarre-Condon is expected to enter pleas on Monday.
'Vicious': Passenger beats sleeping man on flight to Washington DC
The US man is now facing criminal charges.
5 haunted places in NZ you can actually visit
Aotearoa has several scary haunts. Whether you should check them out is another question.
'Like horror movie': Passenger killed after 9m waves hit cruise ship, more than 100 injured
'It was like a horror movie outside with the waves going up so high,' one passenger said.
New doco to air on former Napier councillor acquitted of murdering wife
A new docuseries explores the high-profile murder trial of Hawke's Bay man Peter Beckett.
'Poor Roger': Hilary Barry’s brutal rejection of classmate’s proposal
Eight-year-old Barry was savage as newly discovered letter reveals.
Watch: Canadian news anchor's hilarious attempt to say name of NZ town
Newsreader stumbles over Dunedin Airport’s name after its hug rule goes viral.
Passenger charged with assaulting Air NZ staff ‘can’t remember’ what happened
The young man appeared in court on Thursday.
Woman falls overboard on Taylor Swift-themed cruise
A search is under way for the 66-year-old passenger.
Aviation industry blames student loan restrictions for looming pilot shortage
'Only those with financial support from families can afford to train.'
Watch: Disruptive passenger forces Air NZ flight to divert
The 'disruptive passenger' was met by police at Melbourne Airport.
New lawsuit claims Diddy drugged and raped 13-year-old girl
The suit alleges other celebrities were present during the assault.
'Crimes against humanity': Man's smelly act on plane appals internet
'No-fly list, immediately.'
Air NZ slashes international travel fares – for a limited time
Air NZ has announced a mega sale on international fares – and it's only for a few hours.
'Devastating': Reality star's tearful plea to find late mum's ring
'This is literally all I have left of my mum,' says the reality star.
10 flights disrupted over 48 hours after receiving hoax bomb threats
The bomb threats were made via social media platform X.
'High action, high adventure': Inside the building of a cruise ship
Hybrid roller coaster and waterslide at sea, anyone?
Regional airline busier as Air NZ reduces capacity
Regional flight services are booming, says Barrier Air chief executive.
'Horrified': Woman warns travellers after receiving 'creepy' text at airport
The stranger saw her number on her luggage tag.
Diddy’s private jet leaves Auckland after mysterious visit
The private jet was sighted in Auckland yesterday – now it's gone.
'We work hard': Air NZ voted the best airline in top travel awards
National carrier credits staff for achievement.
Sean 'Diddy' Combs' private jet spotted at Auckland Airport, following new sex crime charges
The music mogul is currently detained in the US. What is his jet doing in Auckland?
'Unusual smell': Qantas flight bound for Wellington turns around
A cabin crew member was taken to hospital as a precaution.
Air NZ reduces capacity on three regional routes
The airline says it has to ensure its operations are financially sustainable.
'Absolutely amazing': Pilot's act of kindness shocks passengers
'It was a beautiful sight'.
Flight times should be even longer, say climate researchers
Taking longer to reach your destination may help save the planet, study says.
'Couldn't be happier': Former NZ cricket star expecting child
The sports commentator and former international cricketer is about to become a dad again.
‘Incredibly kind’: Daniel Radcliffe pays tribute to Harry Potter co-star Maggie Smith
He remembers the late actor as a 'fierce intellect' who was 'extremely funny'.
Fly direct to Tassie: Air NZ revives summer route
Air NZ will be flying Kiwis directly to Tasmania from Auckland.
Kiwis will need to pay a fee to visit the UK from next year
From January 8, New Zealanders will pay an entry fee before visiting the UK.
How to get to Mānawa Bay - Auckland Airport’s new premium shopping mall
Mānawa Bay will have nearly 100 shops, including 14 eateries.
Review: Girls & Boys is a must-see, even if it’s uncomfortable
It has the intimate grittiness of a loved one’s bloodstained, sweat-soaked clothing.
Is this the world’s ‘strangest-looking' plane?
According to one user on social media, the plane has an 'absolute unit of a forehead'.
Faster check-ins at Auckland Airport begin today in tech upgrade
The shorter, more efficient process means travellers can save up to 13 minutes.
'We just hit something': Two planes collide on runway at US airport
A plane's wing clipped the tail of another aircraft.
Harrods selling peaches from nuclear disaster zone for $57
You can find them between a $319 melon and a $127 bag of grapes.
‘Female rage’: Is there merit to manspreading on flights?
'My rage could never,' one person wrote.
‘Land with it all’: NZ named Oceania’s leading destination at top awards
New Zealand clinches title back from Australia.
Faster, easier: Auckland Airport unveils new location for international pick-up
'We’ve heard the feedback from travellers loud and clear.'
Seven injured after severe turbulence rocks United Airlines flight
One passenger ended up in hospital.
Passengers do the darndest things - like making a mid-flight loaf of bread
'That’s an airplane - not a bakery,' one comment read.
This was the most luxurious hotel I’ve been to - and it’s in Auckland
Catching an early flight? This hotel is a godsend.
Former Love Island contestant’s bold first-class cabin move
'Don’t be shy. Take the Captain with you,' one comment read.
‘Oppressive’: Guillermo del Toro gets haunted in Scotland hotel
'Something is in that room with me,' the film-maker wrote.
Flight attendant reveals the type of passenger no one likes
They give you content that no one asked for. They're also the passenger no one asked for.
Baby, baby, baby, oh! Justin and Hailey Bieber welcomes first child
The Biebers have welcomed home their first child.
Radio star hilariously teased by celebs after getting concussed in unexpected way
'I think they didn't believe me,' ZM's Clint Roberts says.
'Everyone was screaming’: Plane plunges 200m and injures two
'We thought we were going to die,' said one passenger.
Sharpen up: Misplaced scissors caused 36 cancelled flights, more than 200 delays
An airport shut down after the scissors were misplaced in a shop.
Kiwi woman crowned Rose of Tralee at Ireland's famous festival
'I'm shaking so much right now,' said the University of Canterbury student.
Dance battles, puppetry and singing hobbits? It’s Lord of the Rings, the musical
Review: What can Kiwis expect from A Musical Tale when it hits Auckland?
Strong turbulence strikes EVA Air flight, injuring 6
Passenger said she only avoided crashing into the ceiling after someone grabbed her arm.
'Disappointing': Major change for Thirty Seconds to Mars NZ show
Upset fans of a band fronted by Oscar-winning actor Jared Leto are left without answers.
'Chaotic': Korean Air flight hit by severe turbulence, 14 injured
Just over an hour into the flight, there were 15 seconds of mayhem.
Air NZ cabin crew lose dispute over free breakfasts. The union plans to fight back
'This was never about union versus union,' FAANZ said.
'Antiquated systems': Australia may finally scrap this one thing many travellers don't like
Australia may soon make a change that NZ already made a year ago.
The moving message Travis Barker wrote on 'extremely rare' flight ticket
Thirteen years ago Travis Barker almost lost his life.
Flight cancelled after staff outburst over alleged blanket request
'You will behave or we will get off!'
Lady Gaga, Céline Dion and the Olympic opening ceremony's other famous faces
Celine Dion sang as the Olympic Flame was lit, performing for the first time since 2022.
Boeing required to make safety checks after engine fire
Boeing to conduct safety checks following a “serious incident" with its aircraft in 2023.
'Suckers for punishment': Sonny Bill's surprise baby joy
The ex-All Black and wife announce arrival of baby boy on social media.
3 things you should never do on a plane, according to a flight attendant
A flight attendant reveals what is and what isn't kosher on a flight.
Tourist’s lewd behaviour with statue sparks outrage in Italy
Another tourist has broken the rules - and Italians are having none of it.
NZ hot spots voted among the world's 'best cities'
Travel + Leisure readers put two places in NZ near top of rankings.
This Aussie souvenir is ballsy. But can you bring it into NZ?
Giving this as a gift is ballsy. Literally.
Boeing jet tail drags on runway in ordeal that expert claims could have 'killed everyone'
Disaster could have struck had it not been for quick-thinking pilots.