Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said there were strict criteria for these for early vaccinations – and only would be granted "for people who need to travel outside of New Zealand on compassionate grounds or for reasons of national significance".
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Homeless at 102, thriving at 103
After losing her home twice, Mavis finds joy in her new life.
Shark sightings close popular Kiwi beach
Lifeguards at Ohope near the Top 10 Holiday Park have evacuated the beach after a shark was spotted. Video | Supplied
Fatal car incident in Napier, yacht race continues after deaths | NZ Herald News Update
Fatal car-related incident in Napier. Australian yacht race continues following two deaths. Search and Rescuers home after Vanuatu quake. Video | NZ Herald
People run for their lives as driver goes on rampage in Ōpōtiki
People run for their lives as a driver goes on a rampage in Ōpōtiki. Video / Via Facebook
Why Guinness Is Booming: UK’s Top Pint and New Zealand’s Guinness Revolution
Discover why Guinness is gaining popularity in New Zealand, from social media trends to its unique brewing process and premium quality in the global market. Video \ Carson Bluck
Aviation fuel of the future
Air New Zealand is interested in New York-based Air Company which makes sustainable fuel out of carbon and hydrogen. Video / Dean Purcell
Firefighters battle fire in New South Wales
Firefighters are battling bushfires in both West Victoria and New South Wales. Video / AFP
Massive waves slam Interislander ferry
The ferry was sailing in rough seas, sending sheets of water over its bow. Video / James Butcher
Metservice Severe weather 27-29 December
Metservice Severe weather 27-29 December. Video / Metservice
Boyzone star Ronan Keating delights crowds at exclusive golf club, Tara Iti
There was a surprise performance by Ronan Keating at the exclusive golf club, Tara iti. Video / Fair Use
Search for man who swam from police | NZ Herald News Update
Search for man who swam from police and strong winds could close lanes on the Harbour Bridge today. Video / NZ Herald
Fire in Piha RSA building
A fire ripped through Piha RSA building overnight. Video / Supplied
Two men winched out Fiordland River after Christmas Day capsize
Two men winched out Fiordland River after Christmas Day capsize, the rescue was one of 20 on Christmas Day.
Search continues for missing Ōhope man
The man swam away from police and has not been seen since 6pm yesterday evening.
Air New Zealand brings the magic to those flying on Christmas Day
Air New Zealand surprises hundreds of passengers missing Christmas Day with holiday magic at 30,000 feet. Video / Air New Zealand
Auckland road rage incident on Christmas Day
Dangerous driving and bottle throwing led to a road rage confrontation in Flat Bush, Auckland on Christmas Day. Video / Supplied
Culpa Tuya stars Eva Ruiz, Nicole Wallace and Víctor Varona talk to Herald's Emma Gleason
Your Fault (Culpa Tuya) is available on Prime Video from December 27. Video / Prime Video
Eye-popping displays light up kids’ Christmas
Reporter Te Whaiora and wingman Awatea are in Ponsonby, where the residents of Franklin Road are at it again with their yearly display of stunning Christmas cheer.
Boxing Day tsunami 20 years on: Horror and human resilience
Veteran aid worker Alex Snary speaks to Michael Morrah about the disaster that claimed 250,000 lives. Video / Ben Dickens
Christmas Day at Auckland City Mission
About 500 people in need are enjoying food stalls, a cooked lunch and presents today.
Donald Trump affiliate Matt Gaetz accused of statutory rape and drug offences
The former US lawmaker who was Trump's first pick for Attorney-General has been accused of statutory rape, drug-fuelled parties and taking special favours. Video / AFP
Kea Kids: Christmas secrets revealed!
Where do Christmas trees come from? Why are treats left for Santa and his reindeer? Reporter Mark explores the meaning and origins of some favorite Christmas traditions.
Car speeds through red light in Onehunga
Other cars at the intersection only just stopped in time to get out of the way. Video / Jared Gibbs
Watch: Damon Anderson escaping from Corrections at Waikato Hospital
Video footage shows the moment Damon Anderson escaped from Corrections custody by shimmying down a drain pipe at Waikato Hospital on Monday.
Gazans mourn loved ones after Israeli drone strike on humanitarian area
A drone strike the Israeli military says was targeting a 'Hamas terrorist' struck the humanitarian area of Al-Mawasi in western Khan Yunis. Video / AFP
Rotorua pounamu carvers work to preserve the traditon for generations to come
Tamaroa Walker and Akapita Scally hold space and knowledge for the next generation of pounamu carvers in Rotorua.
Luigi Mangione pleads not guilty and holiday road toll period begins | NZ Herald News Update
Luigi Mangione pleads not guilty over the death of health insurance CEO Brian Thompson and New Zealand's official holiday road toll period begins. Video / NZ Herald
Auckland couple welcome son after baby daughter’s Kabuki syndrome death
An Auckland couple who lost their 4-month-old daughter to a rare congenital disorder have welcomed a baby boy this Christmas. Video / Sylvie Whinray
Kea Kids: Exclusive interview with Santa at his Takapuna Christmas wonderland
Where does Santa go to holiday from the holidays? Reporter Quinn checks in with the big man ahead of the big day. Video / Kea Kids
Inside Huntly Power Station
The Herald takes a walk through Huntly Power Station. Video / Michael Craig
Mum of missing teen's plea for information
Amy Walsh talks to the Herald about search efforts after her 19 year old daughter Maia Johnston disappeared in Totara Park Upper Hutt. Video / NZ Herald
Search for missing teen continues and NZDF cost-cutting measures | NZ Herald News Update
The search for missing 19-year-old Maia Johnstone continues today, and cost-cutting measures for New Zealand Defence Force. Video / NZ Herald
Kea Kids News: Who let the dogs out? Meet the fearless team putting them back in
Dog attack stats are off the chain and this new animal control team is doing something about it! Reporter Samridh talks to the dog catchers making your walk to school less scary.
The Du Val story: What happened to the property developers who seemed to have it all?
BusinessDesk explains how the Du Val property group run by Kenyon and Charlotte Clarke was put under statutory management. Video / NZME
New open-air saltwater pool makes a splash in Auckland
A new open-air saltwater pool has opened on Auckland’s waterfront. Video / Alex Burton
Phantom alarm causes havoc in Auckland CBD
A piercing alarm that goes off at all hours of the day and night has been causing havoc for hundreds of residents around a CBD block for over a month. Video / NZ Herald
German Christmas market attack, Kiwis home after Vanuatu quakes | NZ Herald News Update
Death toll rises after German Christmas market attack. Kiwis return home after Vanuatu quakes. A warning for online shoppers at Christmastime. Video / NZ Herald
Potato salad with bacon and nut crumb
This stunning potato salad delivers on both flavour and texture. Video / Fresh Media
Massive offal spill on SH3 in Waikato
Witnesses have described the stench as 'horrendous'. Video / Supplied