It's not simply the judge's decision - the sentencing act 2002, pre-sentence reports and victim impact statements all have a role in determining the sentence imposed for murder in NZ.
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Homeless at 102, thriving at 103
After losing her home twice, Mavis finds joy in her new life.
David Nyika knocked out by Jai Opetaia
David Nyika fell to a scary knockout loss in his bid to become world cruiserweight champion. Video / Sky Sport
Hawke's Bay Coastguard help release rescued albatross
The sick Salvin's albatross was found in Mahia around the New Year Period and eventually released off Napier. Video / Hawke's Bay Coastguard
Truck overtakes in oncoming lane on Kaimai Range
Dash cam footage of a passing manoeuvre by a truck on the Kaimai Range between Bay of Plenty and Waikato was posted online.
Hāwera to Perth: Kiwi family finds financial success with FIFO life
A Kiwi family moves to Perth for better opportunities. From police work in NZ to FIFO mining in Perth, they share their journey. Video / Carson Bluck.
Gael Monfils moves on at the ASB Classic
Gael Monfils speaks with media after progressing to the quarter-finals in Auckland. Video / Michael Burgess
Fun at the Maraetotara Falls jump spot
Benny King sent in a video of him jumping - badly - from the Maraetotara Falls branch. The landing was “a real stinger”, but he had a great time. Video / Benny King
Fire breaks out at Takanini recycling facility
There has been a big fire break out at a Takanini recycling facility. Video / Supplied
Te Pāti Māori calls for deadline extension and Justin Trudeau resigns | NZ Herald News Update
Te Pāti Māori calls for deadline extension for Treaty Principles Bill submissions and Canada's Liberal Party in need of new leader following Justin Trudeau's resignation.
Dog roll is on the menu for these lucky eels
Reporter Te Manawa is at Bellview Wetlands Reserve, where feeding eels, trapping pests, and planting native trees is all in a schoolday’s work.
Brazen thief steals motorcycle from Auckland repair store
Video shows a brazen daylight motorcycle theft from a repair business on Auckland's North Shore. Video / Supplied
Three arrested after smash-and-grab at Auckland mall
A jewellery store at Westfield St Lukes was targeted in a heist that resulted in a chase outside the mall. Video / Tim Hēmi / Supplied
Cam Norrie hits spectator with thrown racquet at ASB Classic
A frustrated Cam Norrie threw his racquet and hit a fan just before he was bounced out of the ASB Classic in round one. Video / SkySport
Justin Trudeau resigns and two child deaths mark tragic start to 2025 | NZ Herald News Update
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has resigned and two children have allegedly been murdered in a tragic start to 2025. Video / NZ Herald, AFP
Drone view of Sky Tower NYE fireworks
The Civil Aviation Authority is assessing an incident where a drone was flown in a prohibited area and time on NYE, 2024/25. Video / Brian Ouro
'I was on $12.50 an hour in NZ': Kiwis on the high salary but long hours of Aussie mine work
Kiwis spellbound by the promise of better wages and lower living costs have left Aotearoa in hopes of making bank in Australia’s mining industry. Video / Carson Bluck
Kakanui kid is one of the best surfers on the South Island!
Reporter Cash is hanging ten with 12-year-old Jordy, whose serious shredding is already winning competitions all over the island, and who has his sights set on the Olympic podium.
Truck drops urea on highway
A truck spilled a load of urea on SH3 at Mt Messenger, Taranaki, causing significant delays during the clean-up.
Kiwi man steps on deadly snake
Folco Faber returned to his Adelaide home after a trip to NZ – and stepped on an eastern brown snake. Video / Folco Faber
Decisions over Kinleith Mill and Dame Tariana Turia’s tangihanga concludes | NZ Herald News Update
Tokoroa's Kinleith Mill closure is to be decided by the end of the month and politicians and family gather for the final day of Dame Tariana Turia’s tangihanga. Video / NZ Herald
Counties Manukau Police are investigating the death of a young child overnight
A man arrived at the Manukau Police Station about 1am on Monday 6 January, where he spoke to police staff, leading to the discovery of a deceased child in the vehicle.
The Front Nine with Dan Hooker
UFC star Dan Hooker discusses his career resurgence and we find out if his vicious hook transfers onto the golf course. Video / Dean Purcell
Kiri and Lou feature film behind-the-scenes secrets revealed!
Kiri and Lou Rarararara! is coming out next year, but the animators are already hard at work. Reporter Alexandria is in the studio to see how they make movie magic.
Hani Sipu’s journey: Life in Australia’s outback to create a better future for her whānau
Kiwi nurse Hani Sipu shares her journey from Kaitāia to Ngukurr as a remote area nurse in Australia’s outback. Video / Carson Bluck
Police hit by 'out of control vehicle' near Whangārei
Early indications are the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel. Video / Jayden Jameson
Fruit flies in Auckland as Wellington prepares for major disruption | NZ Herald News Update
Fruit flies have been discovered in Auckland, new water safety figures are released. Dame Tariana Turia tangi continues, trade with Africa is suggested. Video / NZ Herald
Oriental fruit fly found in trap in Papatoetoe
Biosecurity NZ are determining whether there are more fruit flies in order to protect the horticulture industry and home gardens. Video / NZ Herald
Vigil held for slain policewoman as Kiwis are told to look out for eachother | NZ Herald News Update
Hundreds gathered for Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming’s vigil, whilst Kiwis are urged to look out for each other. Dame Tariana Turia will be held by iwi for one more day.
What's a loctician? Hokianga's Haley Gielen shares her trade
Rawene-based Haley Gielen runs a business that creates, maintains, and styles dreadlocks from the comfort of her own home. Video / NZ Herald
Ocean swimmers bust alleged poachers at marine reserve
The Department of Conservation is investigating after members of an ocean swimming club say they came across people fishing from a boat at Goat Island Marine Reserve.
The rapid rise of low and slow BBQ
Professional Pitmaster Chris McLaren on his love of barbecue. Video / George Heard
Several hundred gather for Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming’s vigil
The family of slain policewoman Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming joined police at a community candlelight vigil in Nelson to honour her life. Video / Katrina Bennett
Osaka survives to reach semifinals
Seventh seed Naomi Osaka discusses her come-from-behind victory over Hailey Baptiste in the ASB Classic quarter-finals.
Dame Tariana Turia April 8, 1944-January 3, 2025
Dame Tariana Turia, former MP and government minister, has passed away at the age of 80. Video / Corey Fleming
Metservice Severe weather 3rd January
Severe thunderstorms are expected today in the northern South Island, with a Severe Thunderstorm Watch in place for Nelson, Marlborough, and inland Hurunui District until 9 pm.
Crews battle fire near Pataua South
The hillside near a home has been charred and multiple fire appliances are on site. Video / Karina Cooper
Ceremonies begin for Dame Tariana Turia
Several hundred people are gathered at Pakaitore, Whanganui to farewell Dame Tariana Turia.
Man to appear in court today over Nelson policewoman death | NZ Herald News Update
A man charged with allegedly murdering a policewoman in Nelson will appear in court today and New Orleans attacker believed to have acted alone.