Today's latest news

Crusaders playmaker confirms departure after Super Rugby Pacific final
James O'Connor will be looking to depart as a champion when the Crusaders host the Chiefs.

‘Don’t expect explosion’: Stanford on whether visa change could lead to migrant influx
There's no cap on the new visa, with up to 10,000 applications expected per year.

CCTV of rider released after blind, deaf cancer survivor struck in hit-and-run
A motorcyclist overtook a car and struck Paige Johnson on a pedestrian crossing.

Airbus touts plane orders, Boeing focused on Air India crash probe at air show
Airbus announced orders for more than 100 aircraft at the Paris Air Show.

‘I’ve been put up on the shelf’: Temuera Morrison laments Star Wars limbo
The Kiwi actor has been part of the Star Wars universe for more than 20 years.

'Unsettling': RNZ seeks to cut roles after $18m budget cut over four years
Chief executive Paul Thompson confirms voluntary redundancies are being sought.

Koru stolen from community leader's grave back with whānau
The koru was taken from a grave sometime last week, leaving the family devastated.

PM’s deep dive into Michael Forbes scandal to release findings in August
Parliament staffers are currently having their clearances checked.

Government will not agree to Treaty settlements that dispute Crown's sovereignty
Former minister Andrew Little says the Government's stance is unnecessary.

Northland's six-month weather rollercoaster: Cyclones, droughts, floods
Cyclone Tam left 24,000 Northland homes without power on April 17.

Trump warns Tehran to evacuate as Israel-Iran tensions escalate
Trump left the G7 summit early, hinting at involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict.

The Country: Gabrielle-hit couple still without full-farm access
Helen and Ian Burgess, Todd Clark, Sandra Matthews, Dr Beata Bukosa, and Damien O'Connor.

Trump’s Iran choice: Last-chance diplomacy or a bunker-busting bomb
New York Times: US President has to decide whether to help Israel destroy Fordow facility.

What you need to know about Trump Mobile's ambitious phone plans
Trump Mobile was launched by Trump's sons at Trump Tower in New York.

Burning Akl supermarket one of NZ's most profitable. This is who owns it
The store is one of the most profitable and popular in Foodstuffs' North Island co-op.

Trump leaves G7 early after warning: 'Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!'
The warning comes as Israel ramps up attacks in Iran.

Hart family business acquires Hansells Masterton out of receivership
Walter & Wild, the new owner, initially placed Hansells into receivership.

Why Te Arawa's marae relay is becoming a community staple
The event returned after halting in the 1990s due to high traffic costs.

Unusual guest checks in at Virginia motel – a two-metre alligator
The beast and its owner stopped for the night at the motel, and the gator took a stroll.

Justin Bieber reveals 'broken' state, admits to anger issues
Justin ended a friendship after a friend criticised his anger.

Vaccine experts removed by Trump health chief sound the alarm
They say RFK jnr's move has 'left the US vaccine programme critically weakened'.

US to declare seven pangolin species endangered to combat trafficking
Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals, hunted for their scales and meat.

How often you should be cleaning your toilet, according to experts
Clean frequently used toilets weekly; clean guest toilets monthly.

Australia Post unveils dedicated parcel-only offices for online shoppers
Customers can access 24/7 self-service desks and parcel lockers.

'Perfect chance': Homeowner's Matariki lightshow a new tradition for Napier
'It gets dark at 5pm. It’s a perfect chance for parents to bring their kids.'

Analysis: Amid the airstrikes, the key question is what happens now?
Analysis: An expanding war in the Middle East is in the offing.

‘I’ve given up asking’: Why so many midlifers are struggling with sexless marriages
Telegraph: "Sex became perfunctory... it seemed like a favour she was bestowing upon me."

Doctor to plead guilty in Matthew Perry drug case, faces 40 years
Salvador Plasencia will plead guilty to four counts of ketamine distribution.

Meat and dairy continue to drive food price inflation, Stats NZ data shows
Food prices continue to rise but the rent increases are now the lowest in a decade.

Australian police investigate suspected gangland shooting of three people
A third attempt on Samimjan Azari’s life this year has left three people injured.

NZ Herald comments: The stories open for discussion today
Want to have your say on our stories? Here's how.

From 5% to 70% survival rates – the conservation team taking eggs from kiwi nests
Catching adult birds to take their eggs may seem counterintuitive, but it works.

Why Kiwi businesses are cautiously optimistic about the future
This year, 52% of businesses plan to increase investment, up from 46% last year.

The case for Year 14s to play First XV rugby
The debate over Year 14s playing school sports has reignited with Marlborough Boys'.

Thousands raised for family of Samoan fashion designer shot dead at protest against Trump
Over 5600 people, including Moana actor Auli’i Cravalho, have donated.

Thousands raised for family of Samoan fashion designer shot dead at protest against Trump
Over 5600 people, including Moana actor Auli’i Cravalho, have donated.

Murder victim’s family say she would still be alive if killer’s deadly past was known
Elliot Cameron killed his brother in 1975, but the act was suppressed until now.

Pair accused of $735k illicit cigarette scheme arrested at airport, to appear in court today
Customs has accused the pair of attempting to smuggle almost 500,000 cigarettes into NZ.

Sunshine follows chilly start before wet weather returns for Matariki
One South Island spot fell into the double figures below zero this morning.

Hawke’s Bay’s beach fires set to blaze again for Matariki despite fire ban
The event features storytelling, food trucks, and a lantern ceremony.

Rotorua hit-and-run victim was deaf, blind and a cancer survivor
A motorcyclist hit Paige Johnson on a pedestrian crossing in a hit-and-run.

Paving the way to NZ's future, using robots and kiwifruit leather
Fieldays showcases NZ ingenuity with pollution-mapping robots and vegan leather.

What do the ultra-rich want on holiday? These travel concierges know
'We can make three days feel like a week,' one expert said.

Penthouse with mega-balcony for sale as owners quit city for life on a yacht
Couple turned dilapidated apartment into something special.

‘I changed my Air India flight last minute. My wife thought I was on doomed plane’
Owen Jackson changed his flight booking to two days later, avoiding the crash.

New Zealand braces for potential arrival of deadly H5N1 bird flu
In October 2024, H5N1 was found in king penguins on Crozet and Kerguelen islands.

The bureaucrat and the billionaire: Inside Elon Musk’s chaotic takeover of US social security
New York Times: False claim used to justify policy change that caused public confusion.

‘They’re swearing already’: Labour MPs bristle at Seymour in select committee
Deborah Russell used colourful language during a hearing and subsequently apologised.

'Priority location': Govt announces 189 new homes for Rotorua
'We’re backing community-led solutions to address the need here,' Minister says.

'Blatant violence': Teens face court after Auckland carjacking
The 16 and 17-year-old have been referred to the Youth Court.

'She shut down the country': Seymour critiques Ardern after reading her book
Ardern released her memoir this month.

Israeli strikes hit Tehran as govt offers vague safety guidance
Tehran saw mass exodus as residents fled the capital amid airstrikes.

White Ferns captain to retire from ODI cricket
Sophie Devine will opt for a casual contract after this year's World Cup.

G7 summit: Beneath a friendly tone, a sharp contrast of worldviews
Leaders are tackling divisive issues including tariffs, the Middle East, and Ukraine war.

NZ Media Council upholds complaint over inaccurate NZ Herald ferry bullet points
The council ruled the Herald was responsible for correcting material added to the story.

New suicide prevention action plan released amid ‘stubbornly high’ rates
About 600 Kiwis die every year from a suspected suicide.