Latest from New Zealand

Storm-hit region faces 57-hour drenching; heavy rain to hit north of both islands

Friday is expected to bring the worst of the heavy rain, which lingers into the weekend.

Watch: 'Go buddy, go'- seal catches waves with locals at popular surf spot

Michael Farr reckons the seal he filmed rode the waves 'better than some of the locals'.

Near-hypothermic tramper and dog plucked to safety from Tararua Range

A Royal New Zealand Air Force helicopter crew winched a "near-hypothermic" tramper and his dog to safety from freezing conditions in the Tararua Range.

Willis responds to OCR decision

The Reserve Bank has kept the Official Cash Rate at 3.25%, as expected. Video / Mark Mitchell

Afternoon quiz: Which continent were pumpkins originally native to?

Test your knowledge with the Herald's afternoon quiz.

Ute flips onto beach in Hawke's Bay

Bollards were smashed near the community hall and playground.

David Seymour co-hosts The Country

David Seymour, Wayne Langford, Hunter McGregor, Campbell Parker, and Shane McManaway.

'Very efficient': Fine-sweeper car snaps more than 5000 parking violations in five months

The vehicle, costing $73,000, was funded from parking income.

'Concerning': Three young people escape remand home, police search under way

Oranga Tamariki says the trio absconded yesterday lunchtime.

House building costs grow at fastest rate in nearly two years

Weatherboard prices increased by 6%, while decking timber fell by 1%.

'I wasn't prepared to wait': Youngest Govt MP on seizing his big opportunity

'I thought, I'm 26 years old, but I'm going to give this a crack – this is my home.'

Watch: Rail enthusiast captures near miss between ute and heritage train

Kieran Chisnall heard a ute 'roaring down the road' towards the level crossing, and knew the driver wasn’t going to stop.

Road funding shifts: NZ explores tolls for new infrastructure

A new $830 million toll road will open in 2026, connecting to Whangaparāoa.

More work needed to protect horticultural land, says industry

“We need to create a legal framework that protects production."

'Ecstatic' reunion: Cat found after year-long disappearance

Twelve months after going missing in Hamurana, Franco the cat turned up.

South Island Jurassic Park? Peter Jackson backs project to bring back moa

Groundbreaking de-extinction project already under way, with a short timeframe revealed.

ATMs used to ‘launder cash from drug sales’ to be banned

They are often found in supermarkets, petrol stations and convenience stores.

'Horrible': Memorial for deaf, blind man killed in alleged hit-and-run is destroyed

The family says the roadside memorial was their way to cope with the tragic loss.