Kristin Macfarlane
The New Zealand Herald has more than 200 journalists across the country, bringing you the stories that matter on our website and app, in print and across our social media platforms.
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.
Check out Kristin’s latest content
Tauranga CBD: From thriving centre to worst-case scenario
More businesses leave the area.
'They rise to the occasion': Rugby historian backs Steamers' chances for historic win
The Steamers will face with Tasman in the semifinals.
Kristin Macfarlane: Who are the ignorant people flushing wipes down the toilet?
Opinion: Say it with me: Wet wipes do not get flushed down the toilet.
Katchafire, Sons of Zion to perform summer roadie tour
'New Zealanders love outdoor concerts, it's part of our culture.'
Kristin Macfarlane: Why we said 'no' to legalising cannabis
OPINION: The pro-cannabis campaigners' battle relied on people seeking information.
Kristin Macfarlane: If so many are jobless, what does the future of the region look like?
OPINION: With increasing unemployment, what does the future of the BOP look like?
Music legends, food, beer and wine among line-up for Tauranga's new festival
First We Eat will showcase music, food, craft beer and New Zealand wines.
Kristin Macfarlane: I found my lack of common sense while surfing in Bali
Opinion: Having a false sense of security while on holiday can have lasting consequences.
Kobe Bryant & NZ's team of 5 million - what they have in common
And the tournament celebrates 10 years this weekend.
The Leers: From Mount Maunganui College to Mount Smart Stadium
The Leers are a group of musicians who found their passion through friendship.
Opinion: Jacinda and Clarke - Just salt of the earth Average Joes
Even if you aren't a Labour supporter you can't not be a Jacinda and Clarke supporter.
Opinion: McClay has been given a wake-up call by Labour's Claire Mahon
OPINION: Rotorua in a strong position for representation.
Musical siblings back from New York among highlights as concerts resume
Music to the ears - there are plenty of gigs and concerts to look forward to.
L.A.B: Chemistry key to band's success
Enjoying an 'organic' rise in popularity, L.A.B will perform at Mt Smart Stadium
Winston Peters: Regions, seniors and experience matters in NZ election
Winston Peters: The regions are critical to our New Zealand's survival.
Winston Peters: New Zealand First leader visits Tauranga
New Zealand First leader has addressed a public meeting in Tauranga this afternoon.
Kristin Macfarlane: New Zealand's downfalls pale in comparison to Europe or the US
OPINION: Not being able to look elsewhere forces you to appreciate what you have.
Kristin Macfarlane: Unemployed Kiwis need to plug the critical kiwifruit labour shortage
OPINION: People who think orchard work is beneath them need to get over themselves.
Kristin Macfarlane: Community needs to show no tolerance for society's unwanted
OPINION: Our bus drivers, school children, elderly, women deserve to feel safe on buses.
Kristin Macfarlane: Speeding at roadworks is like going to someone's work and putting their life in danger
OPINION: Don't risk people's lives because you think what you're doing is more important
Kristin Macfarlane: Children spending days hungry and cold is heartbreaking
OPINION: Children can't thrive if they don't have enough food or warm clothing.
Adesanya an inspiration to make Rotorua proud
The global UFC superstar will get an invitation to former school's Hall of Fame induction.
Kristin Macfarlane: 'I was alive but I wasn't living'
Comment: I couldn't even recognise myself anymore but had no idea how to fix that.
Bethlehem College takes national Stage Art title for third year on trot
Performing arts have become an entrenched tradition for the school.
L.A.B sharing the stage with fellow Mount Maunganui lads The Leers
From Mount Maunganui College to Mt Smart Stadium.
Kristin Macfarlane: There is nothing wrong with cameras in schools
COMMENT: There's nothing wrong with schools having cameras.
Kristin Macfarlane: Focus on mental health timely in 2020
COMMENT: Increasingly open conversations about wellbeing can only be a good thing.
Arohanoa Artistry - combining te reo, culture and business
The cultural influence of Arohanoa Mathews' work is obvious at first glance.
NZ festivals aim to strengthen Māori culture by promoting te reo
Maori Language Week: One Love and Bay Dreams to further support promotion of te reo Māori.
Māori Language Week: Riapo Panapa - filling a void with te reo
Te Wiki o te reo Māori/Māori Language Week gets underway today.
Kristin Macfarlane: Ignorance valued speaking another person's language over my own
Te Wiki o te reo Māori/Māori Language Week gets under way today.
Kristin Macfarlane: No kisses or hand shakes - so why is it okay to touch eftpos buttons?
COMMENT: Tap and go payment systems should be available at all businesses.
New health programme illustrates how all areas of wellbeing important
A 3D health programme will available to all primary schools from next year.
Comment: Teachers aren't qualified to counsel children beyond NZ's school curriculum
Having guidance councillors at primary schools is worth a try for the sake of society.
Stressed and anxious kids: Urgent call for counsellors in primary schools
Students need help in aftermath of lockdown, say principals.
Comment: The crippling of an industry has a scary flow-on effect
COMMENT: The effects of coronavirus are far-reaching.
Comment: We can't control Covid-19, but we can control our actions in our fight against it
COMMENT: Our mental, physical and economic health can't cope with a nationwide lockdown.
Tauranga Moana iwi helping city fight Covid-19
Tauranga iwi groups are supporting city's fight against Covid-19.
Revealed: Which Tauranga schools are the most popular?
But there are no schools people want to specifically avoid sending their children to.
Kristin Macfarlane: How I spent my Lotto winnings ... in my head
Comment: FOMO gets the better of me.
Tauranga Moana, Hauraki kaumātua to focus on tikanga first
Tauranga Moana and Hauraki kaumātua aim to strengthen relationship.
Inspired by Greta: Bay's Generation Z working to change world
Generation Z - the future leaders to save the world.
Kids dragged through the mud - and happy about it
Muddy, messy and lots of smiles.
World leaders need to follow NZ lead on Covid-19
Opinion: Despite 100 days without community Covid spread, things could still turn.
Are election hoardings becoming redundant?
Comment: I've never been tempted to vote based on anything seen on an election billboard.
Kristin Macfarlane: 'The gut-wrenching feeling of violation is the same'
Comment: I remember walking into my bedroom and it ransacked.
Kristin Macfarlane: The best version of yourself isn't drenched by mental pressure
Hundreds of people seek medical help every week for work-related stress.
Kristin Macfarlane: The youth revolution we need now is at the ballot box
COMMENT: The general election is on September 19. Will young voters be heard?
Te Teko murder accused named
Te Hiiritanga Hill, 24, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Show me the money: Festival-goers' $16m spend-up in Tauranga
Festival-goers have spent more than $16m while in Tauranga for One Love and Bay Dreams.
Comment: Outcry over Rotorua as quarantine base justified
All we can do is wait and hope that there is no risk to those in our communities.
Brutal assault: Man's hand severed in attack near service station
The victim is in hospital in a stable condition.
Kristin Macfarlane: A loss can make you appreciate what you have
OPINION: Here's hoping the community has a new appreciation for what comes to their city.
Donut park there: Lil'Orbits moved on from Turret Rd
But the owners remain positive and hopeful for a good rest of the year.
'People are more confident ... they're supporting music and we're thankful'
Artists and music industry excited to get back to work.
Kristin Macfarlane: How Covid-19 has had a positive impact
COMMENT: Welcome to level 1 - but please keep some of the habits you've picked up.
Larry Baldock refutes cutting debate claim
And councillors will discuss meeting report findings at a training day next week.
Salisbury opponent concedes she could be a good fit as deputy
Tauranga's deputy mayor position - who gets to choose?
Council tensions: Mayor hits out at 'mob' of six councillors after deputy quits
New deputy appointed but she also faces potentially being ousted.
Shock resignation: Baldock steps down with new deputy mayor announced
Tauranga has a new deputy mayor.
Jo Dawkins' love for Te Puna Quarry: 'It's a magical place for kids'
Pamela Josephine Nicol Dawkins, known as Jo, has been appointed a MNZM.
Reshuffles, controversy, unity: How Muller's first week went down
He's enjoyed his first week in the job and is confident of winning the election.
Is opening for Queen's Birthday worth it?
Extra costs of public holiday trade is putting businesses off opening this weekend.
'Most New Zealanders are unemployed but they don't know it yet'
Todd Muller joins Apata's Kaimai shed yearbook.
Make Matariki a public holiday, says advocate
Celebrating Matariki as a public holiday will better educate Kiwis of its significance.
Kristin Macfarlane: Having events to look forward to good for mental health
Comment: Normality is great, but there's still a long way to go for some sectors.
AIMS Games in doubt as crisis hits events and entertainment scene hard
But there is confidence Tauranga can cement itself as NZ's main entertainment hub.
Dates for Tauranga's One Love festival announced
The full line-up will be released in coming weeks.
Budget underwhelms family of seven
Covid-19 "devastating" to tourism couple's livelihood.
Hospitality industry: 'Why can't we be trusted to open?'
Why some bars will open this week and some won't.
Investment in waste management, permaculture helps everyone
Budget 2020 will be delivered on Thursday - but what do locals want?
Businesses eager to get trading in level 2
But are members of the public ready to be out and about in the community.
Businesses are fighting for survival and are desperate for relief
Massive business support is being sought from government.
Barber Karl ready to operate unlike he's had to before
After a long six weeks, Tauranga's businesses are eager to open under alert level 2.
Comment: Economy, freedom - and trust come with alert level 2
The rules around level 2 have been revealed.
Rugby stalwart remembered as man of principle
Trevor Albert was a leader in all he did.
Setting achievable active goals is a positive start
Setting goals before going to sleep can help keep you active.
How a boxer and a strongman stay active in isolation
Top athletes say keeping routine helps their mind and body to thrive.
Comment: We can't rush permanent decisions
We're not out of trouble yet - Businesses are struggling but health takes priority.
Comment: Kiwi musos are in the fight against Covid-19 together
Bay of Plenty musicians join fight against Covid-19.