The second in a trilogy of films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien, "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" continues the adventure of the title character Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) as he journeys with the Wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and thirteen Dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) on an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor. Courtesy: Warner Bros
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Focus Morning Bulletin August 17
The Waitangi Treaty principles bill is in the firing line, over 1000 firefighters contain a blaze in Turkey, and NZ Tourism confirms our numbers of tourists remains low.
Warriors pay for missed opportunities in loss to Manly
Warriors 10, Sea Eagles 24, Warriors fans can put their calculators away. Video / Sky Sport
Parents of triplets look back on their first year
Parents Maria Munkowits and Ollie Ward celebrate their triplets Ari, Eli, and Casey's first birthday. Video / Dean Purcell
Waffle brunch sandwich
Enjoy savoury waffles topped with beef patties, bacon and avocado. Video / Fresh Media
Large forest fire in Bolu province, Turkey
A forest fire erupted in Goynuk, Bolu province, Turkey, prompting air and ground interventions. Two villages were evacuated as smoke drifted to Eskisehir. Video / TR
Commerce Commission supermarket pricing recommendations 'not going far enough'
Consumer NZ says the Commerce Commission’s recommendations over food pricing don’t go far enough, and believes they put too much onus on consumers.
Chappell Roan - Good Luck, Babe! (Official Lyric Video)
Listen to “Good Luck, Babe!” now Director: Chappell Roan Producer: Cristobal Saez Video / Chappell Roan
Polkinghorne trial: Witness speaks about Polkinghorne's visit the day before Hanna's funeral
Witness Susan Ormonde speaks about Philip Polkinghorne visiting her house the day before Pauline Hanna's funeral.
What you need to know about Mpox
The World Health Organisation has declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years. Video | Corey Fleming
Focus Morning Bulletin August 16
In today's headlines with Wilhelmina Shrimpton, supermarkets leave Kiwis out of pocket, five people charged over Matthew Perry death, City Mission food parcels still suspended.
Raygun's controversial Olympics performance
Australian dancer Rachael 'Raygun' Gunn has pleaded with people to stop harassing her family and friends. Video / SkySport
Inside $10b data centre
No one has been allowed to film inside a New Zealand data centre before - until now.
Locals on edge after man nicknamed "Waipawa Prowler" continues spate of burglaries
Security footage captures the "Waipawa Prowler" on resident's property. Video / Supplied
Skydive Tauranga looks forward to cruise ship season
Skydive Tauranga owner Gui Calmelet says most of his cruise ship customers are crew members. Video / Harriet Laughton
78 applications received for new or converted charter schools
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says 78 groups have applied to open new charter schools or convert existing state schools. Video / Dean Purcell
Kids break into dealership and steal dirt bikes
Two boys, with estimated ages of 6 and 10, broke into Rotorua Autohaus on Lake Rd on a Sunday afternoon and stole two dirt bikes valued at $4000.
MetService Weather: 15th of August - 19th of August
MetService Weather: 15th of August - 19th of August. Video / Metservice
Whisky and wisdom: Toasting life’s lessons with Jason and Matt
The well-known TV and radio personalities are both proud fathers who have both lived through challenging times.
Polkinghorne trial: Pauline Hanna's friend says Polkinghorne tried to strangle her
Pauline Hanna's friend John Riordan put his hands around his neck as he gives evidence in the Philip Polkinghorne murder trial.
Wellington smash and grab
CCTV footage shows Island Bay dairy and vape shop Sai Food Store was broken into by three young robbers using a hammer. Video / Isha Patel
Drug researcher believes Mexican cartels responsible for meth lollies
A leading drug researcher believes it’s likely there are more meth-laced lollies in the community, but is confident the delivery to Auckland City Mission was unintentional.
Focus: Government responds to review into disability support services
Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston responds to the independent review into disability support services. Video / Mark Mitchell
Fears meth lollies could be fatal and budget blowout | Focus Morning Bulletin August 15
Fears meth lollies could be fatal, calls for accountability from the Reserve Bank and budget blowout at Ministry of Disabled People.
Focus Live: Adrian Orr and Reserve Bank face politicians after OCR cut
Focus Live: Adrian Orr and Reserve Bank face politicians after OCR cut
Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr explains official cash rate cut
Mike Hosking quizzes Adrian Orr as to why he moved to cut the official cash rate. Video / Newstalk ZB
Deloitte report says Auckland should promote Māori heritage further
A Deloitte report says Auckland should promote Māori culture further to create a unique identity on the world stage. Video / Whakaata Māori
Frank Film episode Fourteen: Harnessing the power of Harakeke
Harnessing harakeke – a Christchurch start-up launches a new future for a traditional taonga. Video / Frank Film
Michael Morrah speaks to Angela Sagala following meth laced lollies found in Auckland
Aiden Sagala died after unknowingly drinking liquid methamphetamine. His sister, Angela Sagala, speaks to Michael Morrah after the discovery of meth-laced lollies in Auckland.
Business Hub - New SkyCity Entertainment Group chief executive Jason Walbridge
Jason Walbridge stepped into the new role in July. Video / Jason Oxenham
Kiwi Aussie love story heroed in new Qantas commercial
Qantas is marking over 60 years of connecting Kiwis with Australians featuring the true story of a NZ-Aussie couple who met while travelling overseas. Video / Qantas
Inside the Rovers: The Club Man
Veteran goalkeeper Kyle Baxter opens up on his love for Napier City Rovers and goalkeeping. Video / Neil Reid
Hostage situation in Te Atatu: Auckland police arrest man after assault
A police spokesman told the Herald they received a report a man was being held against his will at an address on Matipo Rd at 2.34pm. Caption: Video / Grant Routen
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Finance Minister Nicola Willis on the lower OCR
The Reserve Bank has cut the official cash rate by 25 basis points to 5.25%. It is the first cut since March 2020.
Lollies distributed in food parcels contain "potentially lethal levels" of meth
At least three people have so far needed medical attention after lollies found to contain 3 grams of methamphetamine were donated to, then distributed by the Auckland City Mission.
Ngāti Te Paea's whare was stolen from Parekawau Road
The land, which now only has the trailer left behind by the thieves, was leased from the Horowhenua District Council. Video / Grace Odlum
Dr Lester Levy and Mental Health Minister deliver speeches at Mental Health Summit in Auckland
Dr Lester Levy and Matt Doocey delivered speeches to the nib Health Innovators’ Summit, held at the Northern Club in downtown Auckland. Video / NZ Herald
Constables pay a visit to miracle baby born in their police car
The constables caught up with Nooroa for the first time since she gave birth to Kahurangi in the back of their police car.
Olympic medallists return home
Dame Lisa Carrington, Finn Butcher, and Issac McHardie were among the athletes who arrived home today after New Zealand's most successful Olympics ever. Video / Cameron Pitney
Reserve Bank cuts Official Cash Rate to 5.25%
The Reserve Bank has cut the official cash rate by 25 basis points to 5.25%. It is the first cut since March 2020. Video / NZ Herald