Our last long weekend in almost half a year is approaching – and typically Queens Birthday Weekend in New Zealand looks a little unsettled – but by no means is it a write off. There are rain and shower risks – mostly in Northland and our western coastline. Here’s a look at the best forecasts out at the moment – and we’ll fine tune this again on Friday with the very latest for the long weekend.
Latest Video
Mandy Grantley’s battle with unfunded cancer drug costs
Inspirational cancer survivor Mandy Grantley, who previously overcame bowel cancer, is now facing Stage 4 lung cancer. Video / Alex Burton
Watch: Those About To Die official trailer
A sword-and-sandals epic starring Sir Anthony Hopkins, and directed by Roland Emmerich and Marco Kreuzpaintner, the series debuts on Prime Video on Friday, July 19, 2024.
Kea Kids News: 9-year-old wakeboarding prodigy is headed to the World Champs
Waikato kid Harper is only nine, but she’s already making waves on the wakeboarding scene! Reporter Anne hits Lake Karapiro ahead of Harper’s big trip to the Gold Coast.
Former Olympian falls through ice
Andrew Nicholson says he's lucky to be alive after skating at a frozen Otago dam and falling through the ice. Video / Andrew Nicholson
Youth organisation asks for safe return of kaitiaki carving
Mana Inc is asking for the safe return of their kaitiaki after it was stolen from the front of their Papakura property. Video / Whakaata Māori
Pharmac called out and speed camera signage | Focus Morning Bulletin July 17, 2024
In today’s headlines with Chereè Kinnear, David Seymour outlines expectations for Pharmac, new speed-camera signage and Tenacious D world tour gets halted.
David Seymour on his letter of expectation to Pharmac
Associate Health Minister David Seymour on his letter of expectation to Pharmac. Video / Mark Mitchell
Former All Black Norm Hewitt dies
Former All Blacks hooker and Dancing with the Stars winner Norm Hewitt has passed away at 55, after battling with motor neurone disease. Video / Carson Bluck
World Choir Games parade of nations
The parade of nations for the World Choir Games, the largest global choral festival and competition. Video / NZ Herald
New speed camera rollout in Porirua
Transport Minister Simeon Brown announcing the rollout of new speed camera signs for fixed speed cameras in Porirua. Video / Mark Mitchell
AT boss under fire and Catholic order stripped of authority | Focus Morning Bulletin July 16, 2024
In today's headlines with Chereè Kinnear, criticism for AT boss, exorcism abuse claims and another legal win for Donald Trump.
Vatican and Christchurch bishop strips authority from Catholic order The Sons
A Christchurch-based Catholic order has had its authority removed and its priests have been stripped of their religious faculties. Video / Ben Dickens / Michael Morrah
Kea Kids: Ngāpuhi sisters star in their very own show
Ngātaitangirua and Ngāwhakamoemiti are two sisters starring in the very first Ngāpuhi-dialect show, Te NGz! Reporter Hunter interviews the tamariki and their animal co-stars.
Focus: New city beat cops hit the streets
A team of 51 officers has been deployed to crack down on violence and antisocial behaviour in the central city. Video / Alyse Wright
President Biden addresses America
President Biden addresses United States of America. Video / The White House
Trump gunman named & new beat cops hit the street | Focus Morning Bulletin July 15, 2024
Thomas Matthew Crooks named as Trump gunman, more cops hit the CBD beat and severe weather warning for upper North Island.
Shannen Doherty has died after cancer battle
Actress Shannen Doherty, star of Beverly Hills, 90210 and Charmed, has died aged 53 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Video / Getty
Markets with Madison: Overvalued?
Tech stocks Nvidia and Apple have sent the Nasdaq to new heights this year. But some believe the optimism is overdone and a comedown is coming. Video / Cameron Pitney / Getty
Kea Kids: Fun-sized pony and his rider galloping to TikTok fame
Lincoln-Jay and his pony Oreo are the littlest riding duo on the East Coast! Reporter Zephyr-Mark interviews Lincoln-Jay about what itʻs like to have a pony for a best friend.
Good Times since 1947
Coronet Peak welcomes Kaylee Bell, Wax Mustang & the 50th Dog Derby.
Shooting at Trump rally
Former President Donald Trump, speaking at a rally in the swing state of Pennsylvania, seemingly narrowly dodged certain death after gunshots sounded, apparently clipping his ear.
Bill Sweeney on Newstalk ZB
The CEO of the RFU, Bill Sweeney joined Jason Pine on Weekend Sport to discuss the state of the Northern Hemisphere game and the relationship between NZR and the RFU.
Serious crash between car and delivery truck on Lincoln Rd
A serious crash involving a car and delivery truck occurred at the Lincoln Road and Universal Drive intersection. Video / Dean Purcell
PM Christopher Luxon wraps up on last day of his trip to the US
PM Christopher Luxon wraps up on the last day of his trip to the US, while visiting NASA’s Ames Research Centre in San Francisco. Video / Claire Trevett
PM Christopher Luxon meets California Governor Gavin Newsom
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has met with California Governor Gavin Newsom, one of the names in the mix as a candidate for President in the storm around Joe Biden’s future.
Black Foils crew speak to Luxon ahead of Sundays Grand Final
Black Foils wing trimmer Blair Tuke speaks about his chat with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon ahead of their SailGP final in San Francisco. Video / NZ Herald
PM in final leg of US tour, Biden fumbles press conference | Focus Morning Bulletin July 13, 2024
NZ Prime Minister wraps up his US tour following attending a 3-day NATO summit. Wishing the Sail GP team well before their final this Sunday. Biden blows another press conference.
Kea Kids: Kiwi kids taste test their first-ever hāngī
A hāngī is a staple of NZ life for most tamariki, but these kids are trying it for the very first time! Reporter Pania is in Papatoetoe, where a special Matariki lunch is served.
Mum of 5 toddlers chats to Hb Today
Joanne Wills mum of 5 toddlers including quadruplets sits down to chat with Hawke's Bay Today reporter James Pocock
The Chase star in New Zealand
The Chase star Shaun Wallace, aka The Dark Destroyer, is in New Zealand for a charity pub quiz tour. Video / Dean Purcell
Cost of living means choice between food or heating
Karina Tipene, with her two grandchildren, have to choose between food and heating in her cold Pakuranga home. Video / Alex Burton
Biden introduces Zelenskyy as Putin
President Biden introduced Ukrainian President Zelenskyy as Putin, "Ladies and gentlemen, President Putin." Video / The White House
Markets with Madison: Insurance risk
Insurance premiums have doubled in the past decade, concerning the regulator. How are the major insurers actually assessing risk? Video / Cameron Pitney / NZ Herald
Kea Kids: School's new walking track is a taonga for the whole community
Reporter Max and his schoolmates are helping a local farmer build the brand new Charteris Track by planting trees and trapping stoats and possums.
Police seize 20 vehicles, lay charges after Ponsonby Rd gunman's funeral
Police have seized upwards of 20 vehicles and laid multiple charges against Killer Beez gang members and associates after monitoring Ponsonby gunman Hone Kay-Selwyn’s funeral.
Man winched to safety after medical event on boat off Bay of Islands
A man in his 40s was winched to safety off a boat 12 nautical miles off the Bay of Islands after suffering a medical incident. Video / Supplied
Watch: Armed police swarm Porirua suburbs near Wellington
Grays Road in Plimmerton and Owhiti St in Titahi Bay have been blocked by Police this afternoon.
Aftermath of a multi-vehicle crash on the Nothern Motorway
Auckland's Northern Motorway closed on Thursday afternoon due to a crash where at least one person has been critically injured.