Raphael Franks is a Multimedia Journalist for the New Zealand Herald, focusing on breaking news, crime, transport and human interest stories.
Raphael hails from Christchurch but made Auckland his home in 2022. While attending Christchurch Boys’ High School from 2014 to 2018, he worked in Coca-Cola Amatil’s bottling plant; and while studying geography at the University of Canterbury, he worked in retail. Marking a total reversal in career ambitions, Raphael was offered the opportunity to join the Te Rito Journalism Cadetship programme in 2022, funded through the Public Interest Journalism Fund. Through this, he got experience working in some of the country’s largest newsrooms and some of the country’s smallest. He began working for the Herald in the same year. During this time, Raphael has covered the Auckland Anniversary Floods, Cyclone Gabrielle, two different shootings on Queen St and another on Ponsonby Rd, the closure of Newshub, the slimming down of TVNZ, and other major news events of the day. You can contact Mr Franks on 027 436 5668 or at raphael.franks@nzme.co.nz.
'Lost something we weren't willing to give up': Rider killed in triple fatal crash a mum of three
Lesley Brooks, 46, was a member of the Road Pirates MC. Cause of crash remains in doubt.
Kiwi allegedly shot on visit to parents in Cape Town died in father's arms
Slain man named by friends as Eugene Robbemond, 49, a Whanganui business owner, father.
Auckland scientist’s death on Mt Ruapehu a ‘freak accident’ climbing with friends
Wednesday Davis died on Saturday after falling while climbing Mt Ruapehu.
Thousands join protest at Parliament as Govt unveils Budget
The nationwide protests come ahead of the coalition Government's first Budget at 2pm.
Two arrests on Auckland motorways as Te Pāti Māori protests disperse
Te Pāti Māori says protests planned today are 'just the start' - taking aim at new Govt.
Government gives Ruapehu Alpine Lifts another bailout
It is the fourth multimillion-dollar bailout since November last year.
Man charged for alleged role as money mule in scams
The accused man will appear in court on Tuesday.
Live: Major roads closed as snow falls; coldest night of year in Auckland
Most of MetService's weather watches and warnings lapsed last night, a few end today.
Brothers killed in crash leave behind five young children, pregnant partners
Police attended the crash at the intersection of Mchardies Rd, SH3 about 4.25pm on Sunday.
'Thanks for sticking with us, we are set to open': Embattled Ruapehu ski operator says after Govt loan
RAL makes statement after Govt offered $5 million loan to ensure ski season goes ahead.
Manhunt after Feilding woman carjacked, assaulted with machete
The incident came after police tried to stop a driver who earlier rammed an officer's car.
Defence Force help police meth bust, seven men before court
Police found over 19kg of methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of $6.7 million.