The New Zealand Herald

‘It felt like the ground fell away’

Charlotte Lockhart has a death sentence hanging over her: stage 4 breast cancer. In a generous move, her life partner, businessman and philanthropist Andrew Barnes, has donated $22.7 million to research in the hope of finding a cure.

Workplace ‘TOXIC’

An Auckland councillor has launched a stinging rebuke of some of her elected colleagues, unleashing over what she describes as a toxic culture involving bullying, intimidation, hostility and fear. Howick ward councillor Bo Burns said she has “packed...

‘Let the oil flow’

The United States and Iran agreed to a peace deal and an “immediate and permanent” end to military operations on all fronts including Lebanon, signalling the apparent end to more than three months of war in Middle East. The initial announcement from...

Youth crime falls in most districts

Only three parts of New Zealand are lagging in the Government’s drive to curb serious youth crime, with priority now focusing on the Eastern, Canterbury and Waitematā districts. The “delivery plan refresh” is revealed in a briefing from Oranga...

LET THE BEAUTIFUL GAME BEGIN

An amazing facility. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable support. And overbearing — if at times irrational — security protocols. If you want to understand the scale of this Fifa World Cup, you had to be at the All Whites’ first official training session at...

‘No family should go through this’

An Auckland mother feared her son might die after he was admitted to intensive care with severe breathing complications — a condition she attributes to living in a damp rental where black mould covered walls in multiple rooms. Montoya Fitimase, a...

COLD HARD FACTS

this, but this is what we see on a daily basis. We try to help, but sometimes it’s not enough,” she said. Issac said her visits were particularly important given Keshni was acting 24/7 as Kiaansh’s caregiver — which includes feeding him overnight via...

‘I’m too cold. I’ve had it’

with the boat’s propeller and, while the pair were cutting it away, the sea swell was increasing. Waves started coming into the stern, eventually filling it with water and flipping the boat over. Both men held on to the upturned boat. They managed to...

TAIWAN TENSION

In a likely first, a group of New Zealand MPs have been sanctioned by the People’s Republic of China for visiting Taiwan, the self-governing island China claims as its own. Act’s Laura McClure, NZ First’s David Wilson, Labour’s Duncan Webb and...

‘We did take pay cut coming here’

Australian paramedics are bucking the wellestablished transtasman migrant flow and choosing New Zealand jobs for opportunity over higher pay at home. And it is confounding the locals they are treating. “All the Kiwi patients we go to, they’re like,...

Sacked school staffer had ‘sexual item’

A junior staff member whose contract was terminated at St Cuthbert’s College is being investigated over concerns involving a sex toy at the school, the Herald understands. When asked by the Herald if the staff member had given a sex toy to a boarder,...

LIVES OF HONOUR

Some of New Zealand’s most respected doctors, educators, entrepreneurs and community leaders have been recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours list, writes Vaimoana Mase. Ninety-five men and 83 women make up the list, honouring 178 people...

BOUNCE BACK BUDGET?

Nicola Willis warned Kiwis not to expect a lolly scramble and anyone holding out hope for an election-year surprise would be disappointed. Instead, the Government’s Budget, unveiled yesterday, focused on attempting to untangle the New Zealand economy...

Budget 26’s uphill battles

The big question hanging over Finance Minister Nicola Willis’ Budget, to be revealed at 2pm today, isn’t so much what’s in it, but how it fits together. The Government’s fiscal strategy is boxed in by two goals: returning to surplus and maintaining...

Govt forecast to win second term

The coalition government would return to office at the election based on the latest numbers and predictions from the NZ Herald — Motu Research Poll of Polls. According to the model, current polling has the probability of the coalition of winning a...

‘I’M NOT A CORRUPT COP’

Former Deputy Police Commissioner Tania Kura says she and other former members of the police executive were “thrown under the bus” after the Jevon McSkimming controversy, in a manner that was unprecedented and “unforgiving”. In her first in-depth...

Rail Link cost 50% too much — ex CEO Katie Bradford

Collar up, motorcycle helmet under his arm, Sean Sweeney admits he might lose some friends over his brutally honest comments about the cost of Auckland’s City Rail Link project. But he’s not losing sleep over any mistakes he may have made. “I do...

Mystery of the concrete tomb

The truth of what really happened to a man found entombed in concrete beneath his home for 16 years with a skull fracture may never be known as the only person who may have known has since died. A coroner has determined David Stanley Hart disappeared...

Stobo quits over string of failings

Craig Stobo has resigned as Financial Markets Authority chairman, having voiced too many political views for someone in an apolitical public sector role. King’s Counsel Wendy Aldred led an investigation into Stobo after Financial Markets Authority...

Record spend on locum doctors

Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora spent just over $216 million on locum doctors last year. It is the most it has spent since the organisation was formed. Figures released to Newstalk ZB under the Official Information Act show that is up from the nearly...

Peters game-playing on Iran emails: Willis

National deputy leader Nicola Willis is claiming Winston Peters’ failure to notify Prime Minister Christopher Luxon that his office was releasing to the Herald emails showing Luxon wanted to show “explicit public support” for the US-led war in Iran is...

PM chides Peters over Iran emails

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held crisis talks with Foreign Minister Winston Peters in the Beehive last night after Peters’ office released emails to the Herald showing Luxon wanted to shift the Government’s position to show “explicit public...

The All Black and the promised millions

A global internet start-up billed as safe social media for children, and fronted locally by a former All Black, has been accused of overstating its reach and endorsements and leaving a string of unpaid bills. The Herald has spoken to a number of...

Open Day

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‘GET DOWN’

It was meant to be a glitzy night with President Donald Trump addressing journalists at a Washington ballroom. But the glamour was shattered by gunshots that left guests diving to the floor and the US leader bundled out by security personnel. Trump...

YOUR ANZAC DAY GUIDE

Kiwis around the country are set to mark Anzac Day this weekend, with thousands expected to attend dawn services, parades, and commemorations nationwide. More than 8000 Kiwis arrived on the Gallipoli Peninsula on April 25, 1915, as the Allies...

‘He’s trying to crank it up’

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has fired up at his coalition partner New Zealand First, including claiming its leader Winston Peters is trying to “scaremonger” and reminding New Zealanders the party put Dame Jacinda Ardern into power. It follows...

Days of our political lives

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon remains the National Party leader after the party’s caucus voted in support of him following Luxon raising a formal motion of confidence during a threehour caucus meeting. Luxon, reading out a short statement to...

Govt rolls out relief for schools

The Government promises to temporarily increase mileage rates for relief teachers and replace diesel boilers at up to 70 schools as part of its response to the fuel crisis triggered by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Education Minister Erica...

Govt’s quiet move to cut Treaty references

The Government has quietly agreed to repeal a number of references to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi within laws, while amending others to be more specific. Cabinet has also decided that, going forward, these provisions in legislation will...

Fractious fortnight

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is expected to face the most difficult two weeks of his leadership when Parliament returns next week, sources within the National Party say. It comes as the Herald can reveal a senior MP tried to present Luxon with...

Energy, water and mass immigration

Taine Randell’s first step into politics should serve as a reminder that, try as you might, not everything goes to plan. Had it not been for Cyclone Vaianu, Randell would have been revealed as NZ First’s latest candidate by party leader Winston Peters...

‘It’s a great spot, barbed wire aside’

A single property now remains in private ownership in a large parcel of land bordering the Devonport Naval Base with direct views over the Navy’s warships and defence operations. And despite the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) paying $4.2 million...

Push for tobacco taskforce

Retail NZ warns “time is running out” to address the growth of the illicit tobacco market as it urges the Government to establish a new taskforce to improve New Zealand’s “fragmented and ineffective” approach to the illegal product. The organisation,...

IN VAIANU’S PATH

Cyclone Vaianu has wreaked havoc across the North Island, causing widespread flooding, downing trees and leaving thousands of homes without power. Vaianu made landfall near the Maketū Peninsula on the Western Bay of Plenty yesterday afternoon as a...

Hunt for Utai’s son in Thailand

Australian police are investigating potential hideouts in Thailand as they search for the wanted son of shot exKiwis star Matt Utai. The 44-year-old former winger almost died after he was shot outside his Sydney home on February 17 in a drive-by...

Crude deal

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the ceasefire announcement for the Iran war by US President Donald Trump yesterday is a positive step that may allow the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. “While it’s too early to comment on the...

Who helped Tom Phillips hide?

Those suspected of helping Tom Phillips evade the law are yet to be charged, more than six months after the armed fugitive father was shot dead on a country road. Police have confirmed they have “spoken to” several people as they search for...

HOOP DREAMS

Charlisse Leger-Walker became the first New Zealand woman to win an NCAA basketball title yesterday — and could make more history next week. The 24-year-old guard was in the starting five as her University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) team won...

BATTLE READY

Senior Army commanders say pressure on New Zealand’s defence forces is greater than at any point in recent memory because of a heightened security environment in the region. It comes amid Chinese expansion into the Pacific, the NZ Defence Force (NZDF)...

Know when to hold ’em

Stakes high for PM in Cabinet reshuffle

‘CONCOCTED EVIDENCE’

David Tamihere’s convictions for murdering two Swedish tourists have been quashed, 37 years after the couple disappeared in the Coromandel bush. The upset decision from the Supreme Court yesterday finds that Tamihere’s High Court trial in 1990 was...

Govt out to avoid ‘mad’ fuel rush

The Government is pursuing options to access alternative fuel stock in an attempt to avoid what one minister predicted would be a “mad, frenzied rush” if supply runs low. While New Zealand has sufficient levels of fuel currently, something confirmed...

Drug deals behind bars

Apair of influential prison inmates were allegedly able to smuggle large amounts of drugs into New Zealand through a network of corrupt workers at Auckland airport, the Herald can reveal. The case has again raised concerns about the ease with which...

Hipkins got vaccine advice, paper shows

Then-Covid Response Minister Chris Hipkins received advice about the potential risks of a second Covid-19 vaccine dose for teenagers at a time when tens of thousands of them had yet to get a follow-up jab. The Herald has unearthed a Cabinet paper, in...

Diesel crunch forecast by Easter

Only two fuel ships are expected to arrive in New Zealand in the next fortnight, according to the Government’s latest update, showing declining stocks. As of midnight Sunday, New Zealand had 48.7 days cover of petrol, down from 49.9 days last...

$50 credits for those ‘doing it toughest’

About 140,000 families with children will receive an extra $50 per week through a boost to the In-Work Tax Credit as the Government seeks to provide some relief amid increasing fuel prices. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Finance Minister Nicola...

+ Iran conflict: Public transport cheaper than driving as fuel costs soar

Govt braces for fuel turmoil

New Zealand may have to elevate its response to fuel supply disruptions sparked by conflict in the Middle East within the next month, the Finance Minister says, with officials currently providing advice on the “relevant considerations” for such a...

‘Money mule’ loses name suppression

Petrol stations have been running out of petrol and auto stores have been running out of fuel containers as motorists fear prices will continue to rise as conflict in the Middle East threatens supply. RNZ on Saturday reported that several Gull petrol...

Govt calls for calm over fuel

Ministers are getting advice on how low fuel supplies have to go before the Government should introduce demand measures such as reducing the amount of petrol people can buy and only allowing fuel outlets to open on alternate days. Ministers said...

RENNIE’S 10 COMMANDMENTS

Thou shalt have speed, strength and agility Thou shalt be able to contest the high ball Thou shalt have an astute rugby brain

‘Could’ve been better’

● Auckland lockdown too long, testing requirements not ‘necessary or practical’ ● Labour Govt ignored Treasury advice on spending ● NZ remains weak for future shocks: ‘Pressing need to reduce public debt’ ● Too slow to remove mandates, while some...

Isle of Man

Iran war response a ‘no-brainer’: Clark

Former Prime Minister Helen Clark says the Government should have taken the same stance on the war in Iran that she took on the Iraq War in 2003, which she called a “no-brainer”. Speaking on Sunday to Newstalk ZB host Tim Beveridge, Clark has said if...

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‘An incredible honour’ Dave Rennie named new All Blacks coach +

On January 14, when Scott Robertson announced he was departing his role as All Blacks head coach, Dave Rennie was preparing for a Japan Top League clash against the Black Rams. Former All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick, who played in two Super Rugby...

Coalition on attack over interview

National’s Nicola Willis and Act leader David Seymour have trained their sights on Labour’s Barbara Edmonds over what the Finance Minister described as an “alarming interview” published in the Herald. Interest in the Edmonds interview spilled into...

‘An evil regime’

Trump vows to avenge US troop deaths Mid-East holds its breath as conflict escalates

STATE OF WAR

New Zealanders in Middle Eastern hotspots are being urged to leave if they can as ongoing strikes rain across the region. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader since 1989 and sworn enemy of the West, was killed in the opening salvo of a...