Entertainment news

Author and performer John G Davies shares his favourite places in Auckland
Every week we ask a well known Aucklander for their favourite spots in the city.

On The Up: The Hits' Ben Boyce on going viral and finding his feet after TV
"I definitely don’t spend every hour in a novelty costume yelling 'rizz' and 'skibidi'."

Polly Gillespie on life after radio and new career
After retraining and lots of therapy, the radio legend reveals her surprising new chapter.
Watch

Getting away with murder: Hercule Poirot is back on the case in a new Auckland production
Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express is already one of the fastest-selling local theatre shows on record. Video / Auckland Theatre Company

Air New Zealand’s new uniform
Designer Emilia Wickstead reveals Air New Zealand’s new uniform at the airline’s Auckland headquarters. Video \ Jason Dorday

Reaction to Trump's Tariffs, Russel Brand accused and China watches closely | NZ Herald News Update
The world reacts to Donald Trump applying new global tariffs on trade. Russel Brand is accused of rape and sexual assault. China keeps an eye on NZ investigations.

Dua Lipa and Neil Finn shock Spark Arena with duet
The pair performed the Crowded House hit, Don’t Dream It’s Over. Video / Supplied

Graham Norton makes surprise appearance at Auckland supermarket
While in New Zealand to tour his stage show, the host of The Graham Norton show staged a surprise tasting of his wine range at Woolworths Mt Roskill. Video / Alyse Wright
Music

Watch: Lorde and Charli XCX stun Coachella in surprise performance
'Lorde summer 2025!'

TikTok dance sensation siblings seek glory for NZ at world champs
Auckland is set to become the epicenter of global dance this weekend.

Lorde gave a phone number to fans: Here’s what happened when they texted it
'There is so much to say. Probably easier if I txt it,' Lorde's email to fans read.

'It’s really moving': How music therapy helped teen through the grief of losing dad
Nicola Harrison said hearing her son's original song was heartbreaking and healing.

Music therapy: 'It’s not about perfection, it’s about expression.'
‘I wish you were here’: How music helped a 15-year-old boy find his voice through grief. Video / Cranford Hospice

On the Up: Waikato music and sports stars share how they stay positive
Music legend Neil Finn and other celebrities share their thoughts.
Television

On The Up: The Hits' Ben Boyce on going viral and finding his feet after TV
"I definitely don’t spend every hour in a novelty costume yelling 'rizz' and 'skibidi'."

Adolescence stars on the father-son bond and questions of a sequel
New York Times: The actors explore the social and personal impact of the Netflix hit.

On The Up: How NZ comedy icons conquered the world stage
Kiwi comedy often takes the world stage by storm. Here's who helped it happen.
Culture

Mum-of-eight graduates with degree earned during cancer treatment
Parata studied during chemotherapy, often logging in from Auckland Hospital.

‘The building is a living being’: Māori cultural essence in spa design
Sculptures and patterns at the spa reflect deep Ngāti Whakaue heritage.

Teen's 160km hīkoi backing Māori wards referendum
Jack Karetai-Barrett's inviting others to join the walk, aiming to raise awareness.

‘Fresh energy’: Māori Queen inspires youth at poukai
It was the first poukai for Nga wai hono i te po since her father's passing in 2024.
Movies

A Minecraft Movie achieves record-breaking box office feat
The NZ-filmed movie had the biggest US opening since Deadpool & Wolverine.

Russo Brothers: Marvel is killing cinemas? No, they’ve kept them open
Times: The Oscar-winning sibling directors are back to save the universe.

Snow White and the seven kajillion controversies
New York Times: Is Disney’s live-action remake doomed by culture war skirmishes?
More Entertainment

White Lotus star clamps down on teeth talk
'It makes me a bit sad because I’m not getting to talk about my work.'

Radio presenter calls out 'double standard' in Rob Irwin shoot reactions
She called out a 'double standard' in comments from some women.

Watch: Lorde teases fans with 15-second snippet of unreleased song
Fans speculate a new album could be coming this year.

‘Twisted avatar’: MAFS star's dad explains why portrayal of Jacqui is not the truth
Opinion: Doog Burfoot on Jacqui, Ryan, Clint and the truth about that Miss NZ claim.

'Intrusive, insulting': Hugh Grant recounts airport experience with family
British actor called the questions 'intrusive, insulting, and creepy' on social media.

A Minecraft Movie achieves record-breaking box office feat
The NZ-filmed movie had the biggest US opening since Deadpool & Wolverine.

Five potential victims: Who will die in The White Lotus season three finale?
SPOILERS: A body in the water could be any one of the main cast – or not.

‘Felt like a million bucks’: How a suit helped Josh McDermitt go from fan to fictional lawyer
Suits: LA takes on the sweltering high-stakes heat of Hollywood entertainment law.

Mafs stars unveil shock engagement
SPOILER WARNING: The highly publicised proposal took place at a Mafs reunion party.
Puzzles and Games

Sudoku - test yourself
The best fun with numbers! Sudoku is simple to learn but the challenges never end.

Crosswords
Keep your brain active and test your general knowledge with our classic crosswords

Cryptic crossword
Keep your brain active and test your general knowledge with our cryptic crosswords

Wordsearch
Wordsearch puzzles are solved by finding words hidden in a grid of letters.
Quizzes

Afternoon quiz: What type of animal is cartoon character Speedy Gonzales?
Test your knowledge with the Herald's afternoon quiz.

Morning quiz: Who said, ‘To err is human; to forgive, divine’?
Test your brains with the Herald's morning quiz.

Afternoon quiz: Who has the authority to appoint judges in New Zealand?
Test your knowledge with the Herald's afternoon quiz.

Morning quiz: In the musical The Phantom of the Opera, who does the Phantom fall in love with?
Test your brains with the Herald's morning quiz.

Afternoon quiz: Who was US president when the Berlin Wall fell?
Test your knowledge with the Herald's afternoon quiz.
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Protecting our land
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Seven steps for SMEs to maximise cashflow in 2025
Survived to ‘25? Now unlock cash flow and drive productivity forward.