NZ's drowning statistics are getting worse, not better
The number of preventable fatal drownings around the country has increased by 18% in the last five years.
Eight great shows to stream this week
A fab crime drama follows the fortunes of various groups connected to a large cocaine deal, while a new reality series places couples in a conundrum.
Fraudster spared from deportation due to family hardships
An Indian citizen who defrauded jobseekers can stay in NZ after his parents cut contact with him and he raised concerns about his daughter's asthma.
Court Theatre play to become premium television show starring Nicole Kidman
The actor described the celebrated play, which opens in Christchurch on Saturday, as “exquisite”.
Mosque attack widow left exhausted
When Imran Bhai was killed in the March 15 terror attack, his wife was left looking after their son and three family businesses alone. Now she’s ready to focus on healing.
Christchurch filmmaker wins $42,000 with short film about abused teddy bears
The poignant short film Bear Hugs reflects on domestic violence through the eyes of a soft toy.
Appeal against cathedral consent dismissed so work continues
Refurbishment of the vicarage at Taranaki Cathedral can finally get under way after a neighbour's bid to have the project’s resource consent overturned failed.
Quiz: Morning trivia challenge: March 15, 2021
Who was this new variety of ground wētā been named after?
Take on more debt, capital council told
Low interest rates and cheap money mean time is right to fix city issues, say economists.
Combating hatred in honour of terror victims
OPINION: The job of fighting racism falls not only to the police and politicians but to all of us.
Prison staff say they're not allowed to defend themselves from inmate assaults
5:00 AM Corrections officers say they should be able to take action to prevent violence. But justice reform advocate says more force is not the solution.
Corrections completes review into fatal assault on inmate
5:00 AM Bradley King died a fortnight after being attacked by his cell-mate; prison officials say internal probe findings won't yet be released.
Jacinda Ardern is now a Lego figurine
The toy is part of an International Women's Day collection and styled around Ardern's Covid-19 response.
Southern towns need Aussies now, MP says
Eleven shops have closed in Te Anau an a third of central Queenstown businesses don't expect to survive winter. Southland MP Joseph Mooney says it's time for action.
The Government lacks vision over mental health
OPINION: The Government is a long way from achieving its lofty goals on mental health, writes Mental Health Foundation chief executive Shaun Robinson.
Ex-MPs make the least effective mayors
OPINION: Mostly, only mayors either seeking a single term or at least not financially bothered by losing are brave enough to do what is needed rather than what won’t startle voters.
Southland schools benefit from free lunches
The Government is planning to invite six more Southland schools to join its Ka Ora, Ka Ako Healthy School Lunches programme this year.
Aspiring engineer's free lessons to inspire other Pasifika students
Halaevalu Tu’ipulotu Halanukonuka is one of few Pasifika women studying engineering at university. And she's on a mission to inspire others.
A generation has been failed in maths - can NZ turn that around?
NZ’s poor performance in maths has big implications for people's financial literacy and the economy.
South Island's first French-English school gets seal of approval by French ambassador
Half their day is in French, half is in English, and students are fluent in French by the end of Year 6.
Eight great shows to stream this week
A fab crime drama follows the fortunes of various groups connected to a large cocaine deal, while a new reality series places couples in a conundrum.
'Vaccine nationalism' may lead to further issues down the road
OPINION: A possible outcome from 'vaccine nationalism' could make the post-Covid world less interconnected, more inward-looking and more isolated.
The Detail: Are natural remedies regulated well enough?
Emile Donovan investigates the lax regulations and enforcement of natural medications in New Zealand.
Mental health concerns remain for Christchurch terror attack community
Two years on from the March 15 atrocity, the mental health scars are still raw.
'Absurd' ruling is a blow for migrant workers
The ERA decision was in favour of a fast food employee - but a former immigration minister says it's a big mistake.
The Covid-19 working holiday to remember
Traveller Adrianne Besse reckons New Zealand was the safest place to be stranded during 2020. Tourism experts are hoping she's the face of the future.
Filipino man with stage 4 brain cancer denied residency
A 43-year-old man with terminal brain cancer causing paralysis was denied New Zealand residency. His appeal has made it to the Immigration Minister.
Let's talk about opening the border to more people: MBIE
New Zealand's management of Covid could be a draw for highly-skilled migrants, briefing says.
Tsunami evacuations: Better safe than sorry
OPINION: The science behind our tsunami warning system is amazing, writes Siouxsie Wiles.
Pasifika family can't find a rental despite turning their lives around
The Tautus have made big changes in two years, but say their past and prejudice against Pasifika families is holding them back from finding a home.
Prison staff say they're not allowed to defend themselves from inmate assaults
Corrections officers say they should be able to take action to prevent violence. But justice reform advocate says more force is not the solution.
Aucklanders smoke, drink less than Bay of Plenty, Canterbury residents
Wastewater testing reveals what parts of New Zealand drink and smoke more than others.
Why I ditched the city girl life for a country cottage
Done with sky-high Wellington rent, I moved to rural Otago. But as a renter, am I living a borrowed dream?
Take on more debt, capital council told
Low interest rates and cheap money mean time is right to fix city issues, say economists.
My Wellington: Closeness to nature a plus for Dr Swee Tan
World-renowned researcher and plastic surgeon Dr Swee Tan has lived in Khandallah for 26 years. Here's his take on what's best about the capital.
Prison staff say they're not allowed to defend themselves from inmate assaults
Corrections officers say they should be able to take action to prevent violence. But justice reform advocate says more force is not the solution.
Why I ditched the city girl life for a country cottage
Done with sky-high Wellington rent, I moved to rural Otago. But as a renter, am I living a borrowed dream?
Court Theatre play to become premium television show starring Nicole Kidman
The actor described the celebrated play, which opens in Christchurch on Saturday, as “exquisite”.
Mosque attack widow left exhausted
When Imran Bhai was killed in the March 15 terror attack, his wife was left looking after their son and three family businesses alone. Now she’s ready to focus on healing.
Christchurch filmmaker wins $42,000 with short film about abused teddy bears
The poignant short film Bear Hugs reflects on domestic violence through the eyes of a soft toy.
Two seriously injured at Waihī Beach home
Police made an arrest after they were called to Bowentown on Sunday morning, following reports of an assault.
'Gut-wrenching' weekend on Waikato roads
One person died after an early morning crash in Horotiu, Waikato, and another was critically injured in a separate crash in Matamata.
Police drive through late-night Waikato car meet carrying man on bonnet
An officer on the tail of driver doing burnouts in the countryside ended up driving through the crowd with someone on the car.
Journey from the source of NZ's longest river could become annual pilgrimage
Many people drive, walk or cycle over the Waikato River but few know it intimately. A new initiave aims to change that.
Quakes sent cans and books tumbling on Raoul Island
Photos reveal the mess after two major earthquakes sent pantry items flying earlier this month.
One dead following car crash in Maungaturoto, Northland
A person died at the scene and another sustained injuries after a car rolled in a remote Northland township.
Three sperm whales die after Northland stranding
The public is being asked to stay away from Ripiro beach until the whales are buried.
Northland police appeal for information six months after aggravated robbery
Police are asking for witnesses to the assault and robbery at Glinks Gully in September, after their own enquiries were unsuccessful.
'Gut-wrenching': Deaths and serious injuries across multiple crashes
Two people have died and others are critically injured after a number of road crashes across the North Island.
Two seriously injured at Waihī Beach home
Police made an arrest after they were called to Bowentown on Sunday morning, following reports of an assault.
Quakes sent cans and books tumbling on Raoul Island
Photos reveal the mess after two major earthquakes sent pantry items flying earlier this month.
One dead after Athenree Gorge crash in Bay of Plenty
The section of road, on SH2 between Arden Rd and Mathers Rd, is due to reopen.
Appeal against cathedral consent dismissed so work continues
Refurbishment of the vicarage at Taranaki Cathedral can finally get under way after a neighbour's bid to have the project’s resource consent overturned failed.
Iron Māori Taranaki an 'amazing' turnout
Hundreds of people donned their running shoes, swimming caps and jumped on their bikes for a “stellar” Iron Māori Taranaki at the weekend.
Taranaki Masters Games wraps up after 'successful' year
After bringing more than 1000 people to compete with one another across 22 sports, the Taranaki Masters Games has come to an end.
Wanted men arrested, firearm recovered
Two wanted men are due to appear in court in New Plymouth following their arrests after an incident in Whanganui.
Chopper rider back on bike for Relay
The Wallys who have added colour to New Zealand's first Relay for Life are back in costume.
Corrections completes review into fatal assault on inmate
Bradley King died a fortnight after being attacked by his cell-mate; prison officials say internal probe findings won't yet be released.
Horowhenua councillor becomes first to have baby mid-term
Piri-HiraTukapua, 34, is in her third term on the Horowhenua District Council, and is now mum to Cyrus.
More than 40,000 people turned out to experience all things rural
People gathered to enjoy the Rural Games this weekend to watch competitors go head-to-head in tests of skill, encompassing everything from fencing to shearing.
Concerns over affordable housing plan
Neighbours raise concerns about a proposed affordable housing development on a rural site south of Nelson, with one worried the land will be “sucked under the concrete of houses”.
Former Royal Hotel sold but future use unclear
It's been a fixture of the Nelson hospitality scene since the 1850s - now a new owner has taken on the historic building.
Tasty new brews to peruse at Marchfest
Among the 15 brews on offer at this year's Marchfest are a dark and stormy creation from a Kāpiti first-timer and a funky braggot from Marlborough.
Nelson fundraiser for military museum celebrating French connection
A town in France remembers New Zealand for liberating it in 1918. A New Zealand trust with a Nelson College connection is raising funds to establish a memorial museum there.
New sports hub is "future-proofing" for the young
Work on the $4.3m sports hub in Blenheim, which will bring several sporting codes together under one roof, is set to be completed in mid-August.
Why there's a lot more to Kaikōura than wildlife-watching
Two new cycle trails and a classic car museum are just three of the many extra reasons to stay a few more days in the picturesque South Island town.
Greenshell mussel capital celebrates
The Havelock Mussel and Seafood Festival drew a crowd of thousands celebrating the region's aquaculture industry and giving support back to the community.
'Silver' dollars are helping keep tourism afloat
Older Kiwis with time and money to spend are a welcome sight for tourism businesses desperate for every dollar.
Tactix and Steel face off in Timaru
Timaru's budding netballers got a rare glance at some of New Zealand's top players at the weekend.
Rugby ref aiming higher
Top Timaru rugby ref is back in the mix among NZ’s top whistle-blowers, but he wants to take another step up this season.
Colourful fun a fundraising success
Families ran, walked, and crawled through a riot of colour to raise nearly $1000 for a Timaru kindergarten.
Twins shine in cricket final win
Pleasant Point secures decisive victory over Temuka in the Tweedy Cup South Canterbury senior cricket final.
Why I ditched the city girl life for a country cottage
Done with sky-high Wellington rent, I moved to rural Otago. But as a renter, am I living a borrowed dream?
Covid-19 and measles vaccination roll outs may clash
Doctors will need to make some tricky timing decisions to make sure usual vaccinations don't interfere with the Covid-19 vaccine.
Tourism operators want DOC's $25 million concession fee waiver extended
Some tourism operators say reimposing the cost could kill their businesses.
Southern towns need Aussies now, MP says
Eleven shops have closed in Te Anau an a third of central Queenstown businesses don't expect to survive winter. Southland MP Joseph Mooney says it's time for action.
Young Muslims busting myths over a cuppa
A group of young Muslims are travelling the country to give everyday Kiwis the chance to learn the true face of Islam.
Trainer watches special win on phone
Wyndham horse trainer Craig Ferguson claimed his first group winner on Saturday, but he had to cheer it on from afar.
Royal Riders ride high in club cricket
The Royal Riders have taken out Southland's second-tier club cricket competition, while in the top-flight competition the Shaun Fitzgibbon show keeps marching on.
Thousands hit the road for Surf to City
They may have had different reasons for being there, but close to 3000 people hit the streets of Invercargill on Sunday for the annual Surf to City family race.