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.
![Extreme winds to lash South Island as heat continues for rest of NZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
'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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
More 30C-plus scorchers expected across country this week
Kaikōura Airport reached 32C yesterday as sun blistered eastern New Zealand.