Heavy rain, thunderstorms and gales before winter chill sets in

Temperatures will drop to seasonal averages after what has been a warm start to winter.

‘I messed up, bro’: Lawson hits wall on tricky day in Monaco practice

The Kiwi did manage to log vital time on track in preparation for qualifying tomorrow.

'Why should we just give it away?': Crown eyes purchase of 'hold-out' Pt Chev bungalow

Owner Albert John Andrews, 95, bought the three-bedroom bungalow in the 1950s.

Smith takes six, Black Caps lose three chasing 254 for victory over England

New Zealand are 218 runs away from an incredible fightback win at Lord’s.

Mary Holm: Why chasing sharemarket wins beats most investors in the end

OPINION: Betting big on one share is a risky way to invest.

Organisers of event where Efeso Collins died took adequate measures, coroner rules

The former MP's widow, Vasa Fia Collins, raised concerns about his death, saying event organisers had failed him.

Possible disadvantages if NZ doesn't revise nuclear-free stance - expert

Defence Minister Chris Penk last week said it'd be "helpful" for New Zealand to have a "conversation" regarding its nuclear-free policies.

Live: Black Caps v England

Follow all the action as the Black Caps take on England at Lord's Cricket Ground.

Person stabbed at central Auckland Kainga Ora complex

Police hunt for Royal Hawea, after prison release

World Cup countdown on for sidelined Thomas

NASA orders astronauts off space station after air leak detected

No buffer - Sri Lanka is on the front line of multiple crises

Family devastated as support dogs feared to be stolen

Amanda Hacche suffers from complex PTSD and anxiety panic disorder and the missing dogs had helped keep her grounded. Audio

NZ to raise China's 'entirely inappropriate' ban on four MPs directly, PM says

Luxon stressed New Zealand would raise the matter directly with China itself "nation-to-nation."

How much do a retired couple with a large veggie garden spend at the supermarket?

They have six grown kids and eight grandchildren, but in this cost-of-living crisis, they're grateful to be shopping for two.

Lebanese leaders slam Iran, say country should not be used as 'bargaining chip'

“It’s not your job to interfere into our country. I reject the statement totally because our people (are) being killed, our houses being destroyed.”

How regular doses of hookworms revolutionised my health and gave me back my life

OPINION: Being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease was scary and debilitating. I struggled for years, before a chance discovery changed my life.

Actor Anthony Head, known for Buffy and Ted Lasso, dies at 72

Head achieved wider fame as librarian Rupert Giles, mentor to the title character in the cult-hit Buffy the Vampire Slayer, as well as the villainous football magnate Rupert Mannion in Ted Lasso.

'Belgium are scary': Ryan Nelsen on NZ's World Cup chances

Ryan Nelsen, the man who led New Zealand in our last World Cup campaign 16 years ago, says the 2026 team will have a big target on its back.

Astronauts take shelter during repair to fix leak on space station

The five astronauts moved into the SpaceX capsule that is docked at the station while cosmonauts worked to fix the leak, which is on the Russian side of the station

Huffer accused of using AI to recreate real models without permission

An Auckland model has accused the brand of using AI-generated figures that appeared to be based on himself and others who have previously worked with Huffer.

Gulf Harbour trial: Defendants' 'unconventional' lives revealed

Four family members are accused of the kidnapping and manslaughter of Shulai Wang, whose body was found wrapped in black plastic bags at the Gulf Harbour Marina in 2024.

NZ will raise China's 'inappropriate' ban on MPs directly, Luxon says

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says he appreciates Australia's support over China's "entirely inappropriate" ban of four New Zealand MPs from its shores.

Prisoner on the run after being let out on 'compassionate grounds'

Police said those who spot the man should not approach him and call 111.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Ted Lasso actor dies aged 72

Anthony Head’s daughters, actors Emily and Daisy, said the suave, smooth-voiced British actor passed away due to complications from pneumonia.

Black Caps lose Williamson in late wickets as England assume control at Lord’s

The ball dominated again on day two and New Zealand still require more than 200 for an improbable win in the first test.

Black Caps three down chasing 254 to beat England at Lord’s

Follow live coverage of the first test between New Zealand and England at Lord’s.

32-0: Crusaders put their remarkable home playoff record on the line

All you need to know ahead of the Crusaders v Blues qualifying final in Christchurch.

Should you buy NZ’s own White Lotus-style wellness retreat for $5m?

Paddy Gower tries some new things at a luxury retreat.

The small town full of gorgeous villas and architectural gems

It’s best known as the birthplace of barkers, but did you know the township also has its fair share of adorable homes?

The hunt for the $28.6m Lotto winner that’s got a small town buzzing with excitement

From suspicious mechanics and poker-faced pensioners to absent politicians and hopeful shopkeepers, we set out to uncover the identity of Ashburton's mystery $28.6 million Lotto winner.

The cause of late Green MP Efeso Collins’ sudden death revealed

Green MP was entirely asymptomatic and had no warning signs before his fatal collapse at an Auckland charity event, coroner finds.

When Chris Wood and Harry Kane were team-mates ... and the All White started more

For three months 13 years ago at Leicester City, the current New Zealand captain and current England captain were colleagues, not rivals.

‘Terrified’ parents sound alarm on school van safety after tragic death

The review of special school transport comes after an autistic boy died while escaping van on way home.

What new, bigger councils are coming? Tracking progress on amalgamation

Last month RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop gave councils an ultimatum and a tight deadline for reform. Here’s what’s happened since then.

The biggest changes to arts funding in a generation are coming. Here’s what we know

Creative New Zealand is preparing to hand responsibility for distributing up to $40m in annual arts funding to a network of regional partners, marking one of the biggest changes to the agency’s funding model in its history.

Why your child's school report may look worse this year

With standards now much higher for each year group, many students new to the refreshed curriculum are not meeting the criteria.

Black Caps lose late wickets in blow to chances of first-test win over England

Nathan Smith captured his second six-wicket haul for NZ, but the dismissal of Kane Williamson before stumps on day two kept the hosts on top at Lord’s.

Rules permit speaker Gerry Brownlee to claim $237,000 for staying in his Wellington townhouse

In total, $2.5 million has been paid in accommodation entitlements during this Parliamentary term to MPs who own homes in Wellington.

Walls going up, nerves still frayed: Wellington’s long flood recovery

Seven weeks after the April floods, repairs crawl forward while Wellington city's hardest-hit residents brace each time heavy rain arrives.

Hurricanes’ sweet revenge over Brumbies with nine-try demolition to ensure home semifinal

Replacement winger Ngane Punivai bags a hat-trick, while Cam Roigard and Warner Dearns each score twice as the Canes book a Saturday return to the capital.

We know how to cut the road toll. So why don't we?

New Zealand’s road toll remains stubbornly high, but this public-health issue has turned into a political and cultural battle.

The farm vote is back in play as old economic pressures return

Christopher Luxon rebuilt National's fortunes by winning back farmers. As he heads to Fieldays, there are growing signs he may have to do it all over again.

Inside the programme launching a generation of Māori innovators

Māori are under-represented in the world of science and tech. A classroom-based programme aims to change that.

Rules permit speaker Gerry Brownlee to claim $237,000 for staying in his Wellington townhouse

In total, $2.5 million has been paid in accommodation entitlements during this Parliamentary term to MPs who own homes in Wellington.

Developer says council’s 30m length rules for terraced housing will add unnecessary costs for buyers

New design rules create extra risks for developers and will make terraced homes more expensive to buy, according to Brooksfield director Vinny Holloway.

We know how to cut the road toll. So why don't we?

New Zealand’s road toll remains stubbornly high, but this public-health issue has turned into a political and cultural battle.

Catios booming as support rises for a cat containment law

One Canterbury builder is turning custom-made catios into a thriving business.

The ‘most influential far-right terrorist in history’ and 'a complete loser': New book demystifies the Christchurch terrorist

Two researchers found hundreds of online messages posted by the terrorist before his deadly attack that intelligence agencies never knew about.

Why the Crusaders could be their own worst enemies against the struggling Blues

All signs point to Rob Penney’s men improving their remarkable Super Rugby finals record to 33-0 when they host their longtime rivals on Saturday.

I moved from New Zealand to the Middle East: The strange dichotomy of feeling safe in a war zone

Moving to Jordan to study Arabic, Kiwi journalist Madeline Croad discovers a version of the Middle East rarely seen from afar.

Kayak business fears closure over Tata Beach land sale proposal

Owners of the family-run business say the loss of a council-owned site at Tata Beach would end their business and threaten public beach access.

Choked roads, private plans: The race to solve Queenstown's traffic woes

By early morning each day, Frankton Rd in Queenstown stops behaving like a road and starts behaving like a queue.

Canterbury grower finds success with turning quinoa passion into niche crop

Methven farmer Andrew Currie has spent decades trialling unconventional crops as he builds a niche Canterbury-grown quinoa business.

Job seekers find grass is greener down on the farm

Job seekers are being ‘called back to the land’ and finding the grass is greener down on the farm.

‘For the fun of it’: Emporium founder sets up arts creativity fund

David Lloyd is best known for his store that, for decades, helped Hamilton youngsters find material for art projects. Now he’s taking it a step further.

Hill country grit and genomics success for King Country stud

Alan and Kerri Blake are living out their rural dream in the heart of the King Country, bringing together modern technology and traditional practices.

A Kiwi in the Kremlin - Russian strongman employed NZ au-pair

Russian leader Vladimir Putin among the super wealthy seeking New Zealand childcare.

Why drugs seized at the NZ border come from so many different countries

NZ Customs intercepted drugs from 77% of the globe, Official Information Act data reveals.

Kiss and tell: Chiefs coach lifts lid on special connection with Reds counterpart

Saturday night’s qualifying final will see Jono Gibbes go head to head with Les Kiss, the man who he acknowledges helped make him as a coach.

State home rent and MP benefits: Letters to the editor

One writer sees a simple solution for Kāinga Ora to avoid arrears. Check out today’s letters.

Waipā’s council and the Facebook comments

OPINION: After almost 21 peaceful months, the council started allowing comments on its Facebook page again.

Hamilton firefighters say fleet hasn’t kept pace with city growth

The firefighters union says Hamilton’s fleet capability has not kept up with the city’s growth.

The farm vote is back in play as old economic pressures return

Christopher Luxon rebuilt National's fortunes by winning back farmers. As he heads to Fieldays, there are growing signs he may have to do it all over again.

The loneliness of being Black in New Zealand

‘New Zealand’s racism has a specific texture. It doesn’t announce itself with a megaphone.’

Where to eat in central Dunedin – an insider’s guide

The top food spots in central Dunedin, from steaming bowls of Cambodian noodle soup to late-night servings of wedges to ice cream tacos.

Hear me out: I love people blasting their bluetooth speakers in public

Accepting things that are out of your control is a humbling experience – and so is accepting the joy of other people.

‘My gay awakening’: a love letter

An excerpt from Joseph Trinidad’s debut collection of essays, Lucky Creatures.

Gone By Lunchtime: Hardcore lobbying and the emotional senior staffer

Please print out this podcast before sharing.

The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending June 5

Immerse yourself in 1930s Taiwan, 1890s Wellington, 2020s Hutt Valley and more.

My uncertain childhood was my path to architecture

I feared that my reality was too raw for a profession that celebrated perfection.

MPs used taxpayer-funded entitlements to buy and stay in own homes

MPs can receive up to $36,240 a year in superannuation contributions and use that money to buy property – then get another $36,400 a year to stay in it.

Review: Morgana O’Reilly shines in police drama Bust Up

Will its twist on the traditional cop-buddy drama be enough to make Bust Up stand out?

Increasing anger over government’s approach to Māori rights

A series of actions and decisions by the coalition government over Māori rights have drawn criticism this week.