New Zealand Newspapers

‘Left to disappear’

Overgrown footpaths are pushing pedestrians onto a busy Far North highway, after the council confirmed vegetation control in parts of pononi and māpere is not covered by its maintenance contract. Residents in pononi and māpere said they have raised...

Body found after man goes missing at lake

Aman has died at Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) near Rotorua, in the second water death in the Bay of Plenty over the weekend. Police were called about 10.30pm on Friday to a report of a man who had not returned from a swim. The man’s body was found...

Overgrown paths push walkers onto road

Overgrown footpaths are pushing pedestrians onto a busy Far North highway, after the council confirmed vegetation control in parts of pononi and ma¯pere is not covered by its maintenance contract. Residents in pononi and ma¯pere said they have raised...

Fundraising push to revive Fordell pool

Acommunity is rallying to secure the future of its pool. The Fordell Community Pool is closed this season because the pump is not able to circulate the water, which posed a health and safety risk for users. Sarah Thompson, of the Fordell Community...

Historic Criterion Hotel restored to old glory

restoring boutique accommodation to Napier’s Criterion Hotel like that which was vogue almost a century ago has been a journey of discovery for the owners. Amid a new-year season of full bookings for the first time since the refurbishment of the “Cri”...

Bay swimming spots to cool off at this weekend

As temperatures rise across the Bay of Plenty, many locals will be looking for the perfect place to cool off this weekend — but not all swimming spots are safe. A MetService heat alert has been issued for Tauranga and Whakatāne, but the heat is not...

Region tipped to hit 33C

Gisborne residents might be looking for ways to cool down this weekend as temperatures soar. MetService has issued a heat alert for the region tomorrow, which is expected to reach 32C, and a “muggy” 19C overnight low. Heat alerts are issued the day...

Verbal, physical assaults on hospital staff increase

More than 100 assaults on staff were reported at Gisborne Hospital in a year between 2024-2025 — a 36% increase on the previous year. The union for nurses says incidents are likely underreported, and the physical, emotional and mental impact of...

What will replace the hall?

What will replace Masterton Town Hall is being hotly debated. To proceed with demolition, Masterton District Council had been required to have an “activation plan”, which included a public space with seating, event areas, food trucks and room for...

Inside the rise of Manage My Health

Logging in to your doctor’s patient management system to order a repeat prescription or check your lab results, you probably didn’t give much thought to who looks after that information, or how. Until now. The hack of patient portal Manage My Health...

Basement bar to go

One of Hamilton’s most enduring live music venues, Nivara Lounge, is preparing to close after almost 30 years, marking the end of an era for the city’s grassroots music scene. The closure was announced in a message shared on the venue’s social media...

Thank you, Sir Tim

Invercargill has lost a legend. The city’s longest-serving mayor, Sir Tim Shadbolt, died on Thursday at the age of 78. Kiwis from all walks of life have recalled their fondest memories of the charismatic leader who will be remembered for his...

Heritage Precinct display grows

Vintage earthmoving machinery used in the construction of the Upper Waitaki power development is now part of a growing display that aims to showcase Twizel’s history. The latest additions are a 988 loader that worked on Mt Cook Rd, gravel pits and...

Extreme heat could be new norm by 2050s

A record-shattering heatwave akin to unprecedented events in other parts of the world is possible in our current climate, scientists have found, and New Zealand needs to do more to get prepared. Universityof Waikato researchers Hamish Lewis and Dr...

Vice-chancellor hands over reins

In nine years at the helm of Massey University, vice-chancellor Jan Thomas faced multiple challenges – but when she sees a smiling student cross the stage to graduate, it’s a reminder of why it’s all worth it. She finishes at the end of this month and...

The stench is back

The stench from Christchurch’s wastewater treatment plant has spiked again this summer, angering residents, and driving them inside behind closed windows and doors. Residents are at breaking point, and the city council must do more to support their...

Armed police aid hunt for soldier

Details around the tense search for a soldier who police feared was armed with knives and petrol bombs have been suppressed through an injunction granted to the New Zealand Defence Force. The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) sought the injunction to...

Police officers’ links to gangs spark concerns

An Auckland police officer was living with a gang member who was suspected of drug dealing and money laundering, the Weekend Herald can reveal. Police raided the property where the King Cobras member was living with his partner and her daughter from a...

Sun shines on in Taranaki

For the third time in the last five years Taranaki has had more sunshine hours than anywhere else in New Zealand. Leading from the start of the year, 2743 hours of sunshine were recorded in Taranaki in the 12 months to 31 December. This was 71 hours...

Royal recognition for Lorraine and Gerald

Two Marlborough leaders have been recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours list, each appointed as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Dr Lorraine Eade received the honour for services to Māori, governance and the community. She has held a...

BLACK CLASH!

KIERAN READ AND DANIEL VETTORI’S CELEB TEAMMATES FOR EPIC CRICKET BATTLE

Billionaire’s boat in Dunedin

AN Australian billionaire’s $69 million superyacht, which doubles as a marine research vessel, has cruised into Dunedin. The Pangaea Ocean Explorer arrived in Port Otago yesterday from Port Lyttelton, sailing under the Jamaican flag. The 58m yacht is...

FROM FLUFFY TO FIERCE!

How cute snowy owl chicks grow up to become powerful predators

Quiz

1. What company, which last year booked just over $2 billion of revenue, was founded in 2006 by Rod Drury, who was last week made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit ? 2. 80 passengers from Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Israel...

CELEBRITY HOT SPOTS

The Herald’s annual search for New Zealand’s Best Beach is now open. To inspire your nominations, we asked some well-known New Zealanders to share their favourites. Do you agree with their picks? Go online to nzherald.co.nz/bestbeach to submit your...

HOMEGROWN CUT FLOWERS

Fabulous flowers (especially dahlias!), fantastic upcycling & a flying fox off-the-grid in Eketāhuna • A quirky & creative Oamaru garden full of art & colour • Meet the volunteers replanting native trees along Ōtaki River • Brewing peach-flavoured...

ON THE COVER

Colourful design enlivens this home on Waikanae Beach – see page 24. Photograph by Paul Mccredie

Blueberry banquet Savoury ways with summerʼs sweetie

SUMMER STYLE ESSENTIALS

CHORIZO EMPANADAS, CHIMICHURRI VERDE, CHICKEN FLAUTAS, KINGFISH PASTRAMI, PRAWN QUESADILLAS, SNAPPER CEVICHE, TUNA TOSTADA, STRAWBERRY & TOMATO SALSA, PORK KEBABS, SMACKED CUCUMBERS, STEAK LIKE TARTARE, ROASTED PRAWNS, PLUM & MANGO MOCHI, STRAWBERRY &...

HOW WE TRAVEL

Because it is important for our journalists to have first-hand experience, it can be necessary to accept assistance from travel operators. However, we never promise positive coverage in return.

Summer hacks for happy pot plants

Plants add life and charm to a home, making spaces more appealing, but they can suffer in the heat. To keep your pot plants lush over summer to impress prospective buyers, or enjoy a stress-free break, these simple strategies will help ensure they...

CHRISTCHURCH CENTRAL

Price: $ 899,000 Open home: Sunday 21, 1.45pm-2.15pm Just steps from Victoria Street’s cafés, Hagley Park, and the city’s dynamic dining, retail, and cultural scene, this property represents the best of modern urban living. Expansive open-plan living...

Easy living, elevated outlook in Fitzroy

Fitzroy’s lifestyle options of beach and surf, walkway, cafe, and golf are enviable, and an address in this New Plymouth seafront suburb has long been sought-after by property buyers. Add an easy-care, elevated setting to those lifestyle attractions,...

Quiz

1 Formula One driver Oscar Piastri comes from which country? 2 Where does a traditionally dressed Scot wear their sgian dubh? 3 What does a cetologist study? 4 The Bride pursues the Deadly Vipers in which movie? 5 Adipose tissue is another name for...

Beautifully renovated bungalow

Architecturally designed in the 1960s, this home balances classic character with modern family convenience. Flooded with sunlight and framed by iconic 60s feature windows, it exudes warmth and timeless style. Multiple living areas include two upstairs...

Christmas magic comes to the Arts Junction

Katikati’s Arts Junction has become a festive hub this December, with ‘Christmas in the Junction’ – a reimagined Santa’s Grotto from previous years - bringing movies, music, stories, festive displays, and of course Santa, all under one roof. Running...

Parade was a real cracker...

Feilding’s Christmas spirit was on full display over the weekend as one of the most well attended Christmas carnivals and parades took over the streets. Feilding & District Promotion (FDP) work with the Manchester Lions to deliver the programme of...

New festival puts music centre stage

IAN ALLEN Fruit Loop is going to be big. “We’re not just going to throw up a stage with a DJ and a little bit of lighting, we’re going to go big with the production and even dress the space to feel like a festival,” organiser Jesse North said. Think...

Family haven with space for every occasion

For John and Raewyn, the decision to buy 101 Clifton Terrace back in 2000 was driven by a need for space. With teenage sons, they were looking for a home that could grow with their family. What they found was a 1970s design masterpiece layered over...

SOLD

Amazing spaces! Buyers, we've listened. After time on the market and plenty of feedback, we're changing the game - 17 Donegal Crescent is seriously for sale. The vendor is making the next move to a retirement village, and this opens the door for you....

Solve scalp issues

An itchy-feeling, flaky scalp can be a real confidence killer. It’s the kind of persistent annoyance that makes you think twice about wearing your favourite black top, or might even hold you back from hitting the gym. More than 50 per cent of the...

Matamata’s taste of local goodness

Matamata is hosting the newest farmers’ market to open in Waikato with the aim of promoting local produce and giving the economy a boost. Behind the new Sunday market is Shayna Gaskell, who said when she moved to Matamata a little more than two years...

FROM THE EDITOR

If you need your footy hit over summer, then watch some sevens, either live or on the box. As I write these words, we are rejoicing that both our national sevens team have, for the first time since early 2024, both won the same tournament. The All...

Wow Factor On Waitoetoe Road

Welcome to 78a Waitoetoe Road. This beautifully presented property offers a diverse mix of flat-to-rolling coastal land, providing both excellent usability and impressive visual appeal. A central race system forms the backbone of the farm layout, with...

Wellington Market Update

Chris describes this year as “a gradual burn” - a market that has reacted quickly to both positive and negative news, but is now beginning to pull through. The recent OCR cut has also provided a welcome lift for buyers. “Every little bit helps,” he...

The smart home seller’s guide:

Selling your home now means navigating A Buyers’ market. With more properties listed than there Are Active Buyers, the power shifts. Buyers can Be more selective, And homes may take longer to sell. In this climate, your choice of real estate company...

What does the market want?

Fonterra, NZ Merino, Atkins Ranch and more weigh in on the changing customer demands and farmers’ efforts to match them

50+ HOMEGROWN RECIPES

• Vibrant salads • Outdoor cooking • Sharing plates • Dips & nibbles • Sweet treats • Cordials, mocktails & cocktails

RICK STEIN

Rick Stein may have opened his first eatery, The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow, Cornwall, England, more than 50 years ago, and he may be preparing to celebrate his 79th birthday on 4 January. Yet get him onto the subject of his upcoming restaurant...

HOMES Rhythm and soul

A hand-built home near Raglan embodies the spirit of manaakitanga.

Fonterra brands gone

Farmer shareholders have said yes to selling off iconic brands to French dairy giant.

DYNAMIC DUO

Universal Cranes recently took delivery of New Zealand’s first two 10x4 S-Ways – one rigid and one tractor unit. A factory-built configuration with competitive tare weight, fitted with Fassi cranes, they are a strong addition to the company’s...

WHAT'S INSIDE?

Rethinking the urban dream What liability law changes mean for landscapers Environmental impacts of compacted soil

EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR CHRISTMAS

Seamless family living and effortless entertaining

In the heart of Tamahere’s breathtaking countryside, this exceptional lifestyle property offers a rare opportunity to embrace rural elegance without compromising on modern convenience. With its sweeping country views, luxurious features, and prime...

Winter a strategic time to buy, sell

When the temperature drops and the days shorten, many buyers and sellers assume the property market hibernates, so they wait for spring to look or list. But for the savvy, winter offers unique opportunities for both buyers and sellers in the real...

Winter a strategic time to buy, sell

When the temperature drops and the days shorten, many buyers and sellers assume the property market hibernates, so they wait for spring to look or list. But for the savvy, winter offers unique opportunities for both buyers and sellers in the real...

Robur Hire

Attachment specialists

Monika Maynard: the answers to the most important questions

Monika Maynard is a name synonymous with real estate expertise in South Auckland. With 14 solid years of industry experience, Monika is not just another real estate professional; she’s your dedicated partner in navigating the dynamic world of property...

Melanie Bracewell

Beyond the punchline.