Benjamin Plummer is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking news.
Benjamin joined the NZ Herald in 2022 after completing a Bachelor of Communications degree, majoring in Journalism at Auckland University of Technology. You can contact Ben at benjamin.plummer@nzme.co.nz.
Urgent testing under way after elevated levels of arsenic found in Akl's water supply
Arsenic is a substance found in rock that can be deadly if consumed in large amounts.
'Nightmare': Dave Letele says foodbank won’t last to Christmas after tonnes of meat destroyed
'It’s like the last straw to break my back ... It's like a kick in the guts.'
Otago flooding: Concern overnight for river levels, Dunedin highways closed, NZDF brought in
Dunedin and surrounding areas are enduring a once-in-a-century weather event.
Dunedin cut off: Floodwaters close state highways, second rain 'peak' later today, Clutha declares state of emergency
Officials hoping for breaks in the weather to help ease surface flooding.
Severe wind causes Auckland Harbour Bridge disruption
Thunderstorms are possible for the upper North Island to start the week.
Polar vortex clips NZ, strong gusts batter Auckland Harbour Bridge, more snow expected
Thunderstorms are possible for the upper North Island to start the week.
Riverton boat tragedy survivor found clinging to hull, deceased victims trapped beneath vessel
Coastguard volunteers were on the scene within five minutes of a mayday call.
'Genuine Kiwi bloke': Police name man who died on fishing trip near Whakaari
His funeral will be held in Rotorua on Friday.
Showers forecast to continue along storm-hit East Coast, flooding forces hundreds of evacuations
Hundreds were evacuated from their homes after states of emergency were declared.
Kiwis warned to be vigilant after positive bird flu case in Australia
“Bird flu requires a co-ordinated, multi-agency approach to surveillance and response."
North Island to bear the brunt of more severe weather today, thunderstorms possible
Severe weather caused flash flooding, evacuations and mass power outages yesterday.
Extreme winds to lash South Island as heat continues for rest of NZ
Wind gusts of up to 130km/h will strike parts of the country today.
Watch: Large Canterbury blaze spans hectares, public health warning for smoke
Crews from seven brigades and two helicopters are in attendance.
'One of a kind': Friends and family pay tribute to Taranaki crash victim
“Her beautiful soul was an absolute delight."
Severe thunderstorm warning in North Island; Auckland sees fifth hottest day
The potential heavy rain could see flash flooding around streams, gullies and urban areas.
Temperatures rising in Auckland after heat warning issued for city
A stifling 98 per cent humidity will make the day feel hotter than the 27C forecast.
Petition demands harsher penalty after Kiwi allegedly kills beloved Aussie fish
Residents say they saw the man posing for a trophy picture with the slain fish.
Dozen eggs for $5: The Warehouse takes another crack at supermarkets
The offer beats supermarket prices and has been welcomed by Consumer NZ.
Forecaster signals hot, sticky nights in lead-up to Christmas across northern NZ
It was a sticky 18.6C night in Auckland with more uncomfortable, humid days to follow
More 30C-plus scorchers expected across country this week
Kaikōura Airport reached 32C yesterday as sun blistered eastern New Zealand.