National is promising that grants for first-home buyers on modest incomes will be doubled - to up to $20,000 for a couple buying a newly built home - if it is re-elected next month. The existing KiwiSaver grants of up to $10,000 a couple will remain for qualifying buyers of existing homes, but the cap on the value of the properties that can be bought has been lifted throughout the country. It will be $550,000 in Auckland.
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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
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
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
'Don't gamble with our future' students protest school closure
Wellington Girls' College students hold a silent protest at Parliament over their earthquake-prone class block. Video / NZ Herald
Philip Polkinghorne murder trial: Pauline Hanna's friend gives evidence about strangulation threat
Victoria Pheasant Riordan puts hands around her neck as she recounts Pauline Hanna's description of strangulation threat from Philip Polkinghorne.
Meth-laced lollies and NZ pilot crashes stolen helicopter | Focus Morning Bulletin August 14
In today's headlines with Wilhelmina Shrimpton, Police investigate meth-laced lollies, NZ pilot crashes stolen helicopter and all eyes on the Official Cash Rate.
CBHS Head Boy and First XV Captain, Josh Findlay, on preparations for this weekend's final
Travel was the big lesson learned by CBHS last time they played Nelson College. Video / George Heard
Dame Claudia Orange reflects on the past and the present of the Treaty of Waitangi
Dame Claudia Orange reflects on the past and the present of the Treaty of Waitangi. Video / NZ Herald
All Blacks reflect on what went wrong against the Pumas
All Blacks Sam Darry, Will Jordan and Cortez Ratima speak about their shortcomings against Argentina and their preparation for this weekend's game. Video / Dean Purcell
OCR explained: What can we expect?
It’s been called the "economists' super bowl", so will tomorrow’s OCR announcement and monetary policy statement deliver a touchdown, and what will it mean for you?
Retirement village residents upcycle bikes for Christmas
Carlo Lumapas began teaching residents at Arvida Glenbrae to upcycle rubbished bikes aiming to give them to children who can't afford them this Christmas. Video / Aleyna Martinez
Focus: Government announces end to restrictions on gene technology
Prime Minister Chris Luxon and Minister Judith Collins announced that the Government will end restrictions on gene technology. Video / Jason Oxenham
Police end standoff and Labour slams benefit sanctions| Focus Morning Bulletin August 13
Police end a fifteen-hour standoff, tragic end to search for five-year-old boy and fears for New Zealand's construction industry. Video / NZ Herald / Getty
Three-home development looks like one from the outside
The owner of the G.J. Gardner Manukau franchise, which includes the isthmus, tells how a showhome at 45 Campbell Rd is a new take on medium-density development. Video / Jason O
Why apartment developer Williams Corporation shrank its Christchurch HQ offices
Matthew Horncastle of Williams tells us why apartment developer Williams Corporation shrank its Christchurch HQ offices. Video / WC
Philip Polkinghorne murder trial: Pauline Hanna’s niece gives evidence
Pauline Hanna’s niece tells court her aunt wanted to leave Philip Polkinghorne, as murder trial continues.
Suspected hostage situation in Nelson
Schools and a hospital are in lockdown and residents have been told to stay away while police respond to a suspected hostage situation in Nelson. Video / Tim Cuff
'Gone Fishing' murder case heads to Court of Appeal
Convicted killers Gail Maney and Stephen Stone head to court 35 years after disappearance of Deane-Fuller-Sandys. Video / NZHerald
IT ENDS WITH US - Official Trailer (HD)
"IT ENDS WITH US" follows Lily Bloom (Blake Lively) as she faces love and trauma in Boston, torn between neurosurgeon Ryle and ex Atlas. Video / Sony Pictures Entertainment