Today's latest news

Is beef tallow good for you? RFK jnr thinks so, but experts disagree

NY Times: The 'seed oils are poison' movement ignores decades of research, experts say.

Myanmar goes on trial for genocide, with implications for Gaza case

World court hears groundbreaking genocide case over persecution of Rohingya minority.

Public servant quits after women complain of ‘unacceptable behaviour’ following Christmas party

A whistleblower claimed there was 'excessive' alcohol consumption at the event.

French museum fare hikes for non-European tourists spark outcry

Should foreign tourists pay more for state-funded galleries than locals?

'Economy': The one word shaping this year's political battle for the Beehive

Voters rank the economy as their top concern, with health second.

'This collective aroha': Support pours in after Whakatāne house fire

A Givealittle page is helping fund emergency housing, food and pet care.

Election 2026: Economy, health set to dominate the Beehive this year

We dive into where each party stands, what they’ve announced thus far, and what the election campaign could bring us with Newstalk ZB political reporter Ethan Griffiths.

San Francisco couple haunted by $67k bid on mystery strip of land

The plot had gone to auction with a reserve of US$1 after unpaid taxes.

Inside Golden Globes gift bag: Stars gifted luxury holidays at NZ's most exclusive lodges

New Zealand could soon be welcoming a number of A-list celebrities.

A story of resilience: How a paralysed teen is claiming back his life

Now a Campion College prefect, he hopes to study and support tāngata whaikaha.

US disguised military aircraft used in boat strike, report says

The aircraft was painted to look like a civilian plane, and its munitions were hidden.

Traffic chaos: Auckland SH20 Lambie Drive offramp reopens after rubbish fire

NZTA warns motorists should continue to expect traffic delays as congestion eases.

Seaweed to gold: Inside NZ’s nanocellulose breakthrough

The biorefinery can produce up to 1600kg of nanocellulose hydrogel weekly.

Keeping to himself: How Tommy Lee Jones is mourning daughter Victoria

Emergency crews declared her deceased at the scene after a 911 overdose call.

Two protesters arrested at demonstration outside Wellington's Iranian Embassy

About 40 people have been chanting, calling for the removal of the Iranian regime.

Watch: Rubbish fire on Auckland's SH20 motorway

Video from an office window shows a rubbish fire near Lambie Drive on Auckland's SH20. Video / Rini Criz

Can walking be my whole workout?

New York Times: Step count is just one part of the equation, experts say.

Afternoon quiz: Where did former US President Barack Obama teach constitutional law?

Test your brains with the Herald's afternoon quiz.

'Big region of instability': Heavy rain and thunderstorms set to pummel NZ

Thunderstorms are most likely for western North Island areas later this week.

Penk, Reti offer small businesses a $15,000 AI leg-up

The modestly funded six-month scheme will be by invitation only.

Why elite sport and boozing culture no longer mix – Brian Moore

OPINION: No sports nutritionist recommends that going on a bender is good for preparation.

The Country: Neil Bateup's New Year Honour for rural sector service

Neil Bateup, Rowland and Ingrid Smith, Kate Scott, Kate Acland, and Dr Jacqueline Rowarth.

Summer questions: The CEO whose NZX-listed company's share price rose by 44% over the year

Paul Johnston on the year that's been and the challenges ahead.

The women’s sport dates to lock in your 2026 calendar now

OPINION: The White Ferns, Football Ferns and Tall Ferns all face key qualifiers by March.

NZ Herald Afternoon Headlines | Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Afternoon Headlines | Police find bodies in Waikato River and renewed concerns grow over graduate jobs | Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Shelton targets Sinner and Alcaraz as he bids to close grand slam gap

The 23-year-old cracked the world's top five in 2025 and won his first ATP 1000 title.

'We Belong Together' - Harry Styles signals new music era

The singer is rumoured to be starting a New York residency later this year.

MetService afternoon weather update: 13 - 14 January

MetService afternoon weather update: 13 - 14 January. Video / MetService

Lizard lives on the line? Major Aussie housing developer pledges to protect animals at Queenstown site

Several hectares of lizard habitat at Homestead Bay are involved.

Police search for missing woman, 32, last seen in central Christchurch

She was reported missing from the Christchurch area about 11am today.

Minnesota sues Trump administration over immigration crackdown

Minnesota and Illinois have both filed lawsuits challenging the crackdown.

From trams to buses: Inside Sydney’s living transport museums

At its peak, Sydney’s tram fleet ran nearly 1700 wooden-framed rattlers.

Australian writers' festival director quits, Ardern and others boycott, after Palestinian author barred

Louise Adler quit after the board cancelled Randa Abdel-Fattah's event.

Watch: Former media exec injured after brutal shove off own shop verandah

Dallas Gurney called out bad behaviour of customers. He did not see the response coming.

'We will continue': Sikh community defiant after protest at Tauranga parade

True Patriots of NZ protesters carried a 'This is New Zealand, not India' banner.

Man left in intensive care after being shot near children’s playground

Police are making inquiries into a nearby car fire to see if the incidents are linked.

Firearms Safety Authority head Angela Brazier slams 'inaccurate' IPCA report

Angela Brazier says police leaders have 'targeted' her and ruined her reputation.

How to tackle Northland’s coast-to-coast cycling adventure this summer

The 87km ride links Northland’s Pacific and Tasman coasts in scenic style.

5 surprising ways to lower your colorectal cancer risk, according to a gastroenterologist

Washington Post: As cases rise in young people, new clues are emerging about the risks.

Cousins named as men who died at Northland beach

They were pulled from the surf between Mahuta Gap and Glinks Gully.

Hell's Angels central Auckland headquarters swarmed by Police

A heavy police presence was seen around the Mt Eden gang headquarters on Tuesday morning following a fleeing driver incident. Video / NZ Herald

'Homophobia kept me on the bench': Josh Cavallo on Adelaide United exit

Cavallo says new Adelaide United bosses benched him due to his sexuality.

Trump slaps 25% tariff on all countries trading with Iran

The 25% tariff applies to any nation trading with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Top NZR executive departs for role at EPL club

Mike Anthony departs after 14 years as New Zealand Rugby's high performance boss.

Two bodies found in Waikato River from separate water related incidents

Missing man Aydan Brown, 39, was last seen in Chartwell in August.

Koji rages through Queensland, Clermont receives record-breaking rain

Major flood warnings are in place as rivers run 'really, really high'.

Kevin Rudd to leave US ambassadorship in March

Rudd will leave Washington on March 31, about a year earlier than planned.

'I was going to send you to prison': How the support of one team kept a woman out of jail

Josephine was struggling to get her community work done. Then she got some help.

Developer gives away $599,000 Christchurch townhouse

'We came up with the outrageous 'win a house' idea. The winner is pretty overwhelmed.'

National day of mourning announced for victims of Bondi Beach terror attack

Flags will fly at half mast on all Commonwealth buildings across Australia.

Police swarm Hell's Angels' Auckland headquarters in unfolding operation

Witnesses saw three people removed from the house, with one taken into a car.

Viral video captures wild brawl erupting at children's ice hockey match

Children as young as 8 were seen throwing punches at the Mites on Ice match.

Dr Jacqueline Rowarth: Busting dairy's ‘tonne of nitrogen’ myth

OPINION: It's time to rethink assumptions about dairy cows and NZ's groundwater quality.

Business confidence rises to highest level since 2014

What it means for interest rates.

Samoa chiefs consider sending back $6m payout from NZ Govt for HMNZS Manawanui marine disaster

Chief Atanoa Tusi Fa’afetai says he may refuse to share the $6m payout.

Person arrested at protest outside Wellington's Iranian Embassy

About 40 people gathered outside the embassy in the Wellington suburb of Hataitai.

Expert roundtable: What 2026 must deliver for the Silver Ferns, ANZ Premiership

Netball NZ enters 2026 searching for a permanent chief executive.

Auckland school community mourns long-serving principal after 'unexpected' death

A former student noted his support and humour inspired them to become teachers.

Koepka's return to PGA Tour opens door for LIV stars to follow

A new one-off policy lets only Koepka, Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith return.

Former Panama leader on trial over political bribery scandal

The 'Car Wash' payments scandal has put two former Peruvian presidents behind bars.

Bret McKenzie hits the road solo ahead of rumoured Flight of the Conchords reunion

The comedian and singer promises a variety of on-stage antics for his NZ tour dates.

Inside the 90-minute race to give baby Luna a new heart

New York Times: Baby Luna's rare heart transplant and the surgeon who saved her.

Airbus delivers more planes in 2025

The European manufacturer lifted deliveries by 4% in 2025 but missed its 7% growth goal.

US senator sues Pentagon chief over 'unconstitutional' punishment

Mark Kelly says censure and rank threats breach his constitutional rights.

Self-mutilation and crystal meth: The ‘Chad mindset’ enticing Maga’s young men

Braden Peters promotes risky DIY procedures, from bone-smashing to injections.

Slick 800m on the cards for Potts Classic athletics in Hastings

The two Tauranga Sams are set for a Hastings duel on the track.

Southland man accused of war veteran plaque theft keeps name secret for now

Police allege nine plaques worth $5000 were taken over four weeks in 2023.

Former French police officers face jail for cocaine scheme

A total of 9kg of the drug was replaced with sugar paste.