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.
!['I'm so sorry this happened to you': Mobility scooter rider dies in hit-and-run](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'I'm so sorry this happened to you': Mobility scooter rider dies in hit-and-run
'The person was transported to Waikato Hospital where, sadly, they have died.'
!['I have a good heart': Mother of Marokopa kids releases letter from fugitive dad](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'I have a good heart': Mother of Marokopa kids releases letter from fugitive dad
'I don’t know what to say or do to help you forgive me,' the letter says.
![Homicide investigation launched after 10-month-old baby dies](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Homicide investigation launched after 10-month-old baby dies
'We believe these injuries were not accidental.'
![Inmates camp on prison roof for over five hours](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Inmates camp on prison roof for over five hours
The inmates voluntarily climbed down about 9.30pm.
![Five dead in 'horrendous' crash near Hamilton, SH3 closed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Five dead in 'horrendous' crash near Hamilton, SH3 closed
Police collecting evidence from scene to understand reason behind tragic accident.
![North Island to bear the brunt of more severe weather today, thunderstorms possible](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
North Island to bear the brunt of more severe weather today, thunderstorms possible
Severe weather caused flash flooding, evacuations and mass power outages yesterday.
![Auckland police monitor Killer Beez gang convoy for Ponsonby gunman](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Auckland police monitor Killer Beez gang convoy for Ponsonby gunman
Killer Beez gang members travelled in convoy with the body of Hone Kay-Selwyn.
![Fourth person dies following horror Pukaki crash; road toll climbs to seven](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Fourth person dies following horror Pukaki crash; road toll climbs to seven
The official Easter holiday period began at 4pm on Thursday and ends at 6am on Tuesday.
!['I died when he did': Mother of Kiwi lawyer killed in Australia pays tribute](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'I died when he did': Mother of Kiwi lawyer killed in Australia pays tribute
A fundraiser set up in memory of the lawyer has received donations from Kiwi sport stars.
!['So much potential': Fundraiser for Kiwi lawyer killed in Australia raises over $75,000](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'So much potential': Fundraiser for Kiwi lawyer killed in Australia raises over $75,000
“Mitch’s time was far from up and he had so much life left and love to give.”
![Waikato man arrested in Raglan homicide investigation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Waikato man arrested in Raglan homicide investigation
The 29-year-old is due to appear in Hamilton District Court tomorrow.
![Shot dog’s 7km mystery survival dash after man gunned down](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Shot dog’s 7km mystery survival dash after man gunned down
Who shot Napier? A dog with a gunshot wound turned up at a store 7km from the man's body.
![Parts of NZ to soar into mid-30s as hot weather lashes most of the country](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Parts of NZ to soar into mid-30s as hot weather lashes most of the country
New Zealand recorded its hottest day in over three years yesterday, almost reaching 37C.
![Major search for person who fell from rocks at notorious Waikato fishing spot](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Major search for person who fell from rocks at notorious Waikato fishing spot
It comes after DoC urged people not to fish at the notorious spot over summer.
![Thousands evacuated at Hamilton concert during Simple Minds set due to extreme weather](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Thousands evacuated at Hamilton concert during Simple Minds set due to extreme weather
Police said they were made aware the show had been stopped due to lightning.
![Teens faint, 'beg driver' to pull over after air-con fails on bus home from festival](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Teens faint, 'beg driver' to pull over after air-con fails on bus home from festival
The bus had to pull over mid-journey amid concerns it wasn’t safe to continue.
![Temperatures rising in Auckland after heat warning issued for city](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
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.
![Police release names of pair killed in Broadlands Rd crash](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Police release names of pair killed in Broadlands Rd crash
Circumstances of two-vehicle crash remain under investigation.
![Twelve arrests made overnight in Waikato after illegal street racing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Twelve arrests made overnight in Waikato after illegal street racing
Two people were also stabbed shortly after midnight in the Matamata area.