Today's latest news

'Small localised landslide': Muriwai homes evacuated as road drops
Occupants of at least two evacuated properties given all-clear to return.

Fire crews battle blaze at Carnegies Restaurant in Fairlie
Fire crews arrived at Carnegies in Fairlie about 6.30am today.

Police apologise after misidentifying fatal crash victim
The victim was Andres Bonifacio Hernan Vergara Oportot, 50, of Blenheim.

Landslide sparks evacuations, roads closed, homes flooded after storm
The North Island is expected to get off to a wet start this morning, with lingering rain.

Gas leak in Feilding leaves two in hospital, emergency response under way
Two people have been taken to hospital after a gas leak at a house in the Manawatū town.

The big switch: ‘I don't care about the banks. I'll take the $8000 cash'
Mortgage chief expects banks will continue to drop rates even if the OCR stops at 3%.

Auckland retiree faces eviction as ground rent jumps 344%
The Dilworth Trust increased the annual leasehold fee from $45,000 to $202,000 per year.

'Some of the worst we’ve seen': Huge pile of concrete dumped illegally
Cleaning up the concrete and other waste is expected to cost between $25,000 and $30,000.

Trump visits Texas as flood response faces scrutiny and criticism
Evacuation alerts in Kerr County were reportedly delayed by several hours.

‘Fire sale’: World-renowned artist’s work to be sold against his will
Yaacov Agam is alleged to owe $6.8 million to a NZ-based printing company.

'Kinky red pants': The photo of Polkinghorne that changed everything - Steve Braunias
"NZ turned its heart against him as soon as they saw him in these pants" wrote Braunias.

Short on time, craving carbs? This easy soda bread can be made at home in less than an hour
There’s nothing quite like a loaf of fresh, crusty bread.

Air India crash: Pilot asked colleague why he cut off fuel control switches seconds after takeoff
Fuel switches and pilot actions under scrutiny as cockpit recording detail released.

Kumeū crash: Police identify teen who died after vehicle crashed into house
The vehicle fled police, crashed and flipped upside down before hitting a house.

Porirua Mayor condemns 'disgraceful' sex rumour email attack on Tory Whanau
Tory Whanau called the claims a 'malicious and sexist rumour'.

Gregor Paul: How Wellington's woes are reshaping NZ Rugby's HQ strategy
OPINION: NZ Rugby considers relocating its headquarters, questioning Wellington's future.

'Dirtiest-minded young woman in NZ': Dame Fiona's lifetime of flouting convention
New doco is a psychological study of the Wellington writer who flouted convention.

Lydia Ko misses cut at Evian Championship after tough second round
Lydia Ko shot six bogeys in her second round, missing the cut at Evian.

Sailing greats steer water polo towards LA Olympics
The White Caps aim for their first Olympic water polo appearance.

Fran O'Sullivan: New Zealand must move on from Ardern criticism to get real benefit from Covid inquiry
OPINION: Covid response should be examined dispassionately so NZ can learn for the future.

'You have to ask for help': League legend Tāwera Nikau on overcoming life's challenges
Despite tragic loss, the sporting hero is now focused on giving back.

'Very tough': Sinner braces for Alcaraz challenge in Wimbledon final
Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 to reach the Wimbledon final.

How Trump's workforce cuts could impact US diplomacy
The Supreme Court allowed mass firings of federal workers to proceed.

Woman awarded $500k after deceitful sale of rotting Auckland house
One defendant used a dehumidifier to falsely claim the house was dry.

How the million-selling All the Colours of the Dark brought its author peace
NYT: Childhood trauma led Chris Whitaker to write a novel. He should have done it sooner.

Elderly vendor 'gob-smacked' after her damaged home sells for $507,000
Bidders went hard for "as is, where is" property.

Paul Lewis: Why chasing perfection in rugby is a flawed ambition
Opinion: The All Blacks’ fast, attractive style led to errors against France.

I lost half my body on 7/7 – but every day I remind myself how lucky I am
Telegraph: Twenty years on, a survivor and her rescuer share their memories.

NZ’s UFO house for sale - Starship Enterprise meets Bond villain lair
The unusual-looking property boasts out-of-this-world views and interior design.

'The public have a right to know': Judge denies man with cache of child abuse files anonymity
'I must denounce your conduct in the strongest possible terms,' the judge told him.

'We’re confident': Payne on tackling Townsville's challenges
Matthew Payne is third in the V8 series with 1289 points, close behind Will Brown.

'Courage is contagious': The return of the Rainbow Warrior and other Auckland news
Opinion: Love this City looks at Auckland Council and other city news of the week.

Green light for fires on Napier beaches after council quietly revokes bylaw
It's open season for some winter marshmallow toasting.

St John defends decision not to send ambulance to toddler who broke jaw in fall
'When we went to open her mouth, the whole thing was like a flap.'

‘World-class performer’: Ajaz Patel thrown Black Caps lifeline by new coach
‘I don’t think he’s ever let the team down’.

‘World-class performer’: Ajaz Patel thrown Black Caps lifeline by new coach
‘I don’t think he’s ever let the team down’.

Letters: Students have always tried to find ways to cheat in exams
OPINION: Why is the Government proud it used AI to help write its AI strategy?

Editorial: It’s time to toughen the drink-driving laws
OPINION: The problem spans across our communities and society.

'Merry hell' in Mamaku: Village held 'to ransom' by hoons
Their gatherings involve burnouts, doughnuts and fireworks.

'Powerful example': Mum overcomes addiction to build a life helping others
'I discovered a renewed sense of purpose.'

Letters: Drugs may have a place but they’re not the foundation of a healthy society
OPINION: Road cones, a Buddhist statue, shoplifting and bringing back the moa.

Opportunities in America for NZ red meat
OPINION: The Power of Meat study author says meat sales have started strongly this year.

Mary Holm: Is there a way to pass on an inheritance without affecting benefits?
OPINION: Some people will be angry that your family wants to have it both ways.

'Favourable conditions': Avocado industry predicts export boom
The avocado industry predicts better times after two tough seasons.

Gisborne's Grey St protests ongoing one year on as review looms
A review of the effects of changes on the street is due in October, before any decisions.

Your ultimate guide to Auckland's arts and culture this weekend
Baby, it’s cold outside, but Auckland’s arts and culture calendar is heating up.

Transforming waste into eco-friendly fruit trays
Hawk's trays are used by NZ & Australian producers to export apples and avocados globally.

Missing German backpacker found alive in Aussie outback
Carolina Wilga was found alive nearly two weeks after going missing.

'Dastardly deed in dead of night': Ex-Nats president slams Govt on pay equity
Sue Wood says she feels disconnected from the current party's direction.

Thomas Coughlan: Regulatory Standards Bill shakes coalition and breaks Parliament
Opinion: Act has made it clear if the bill doesn't pass, the coalition is over.

Tearful hunter admits shooting and killing friend
Mark Jefferson was on a hunting trip when he accidentally killed Stuart Stobie.

Kāinga Ora scraps 450 new Northland houses, deepening shortage
Kāinga Ora halts 40 housing projects in Northland amid $12.3b debt

Fashion power couple selling their multi-million dollar art villa
Dame Denise L'Estrane-Corbet and Francis Hooper open up about their private home.

Israeli strikes in Gaza kill six, including five at school shelter
Al-Awda Hospital in central Gaza received casualties after firing near an aid point.

Legal hook means buyers risk losing thousands on some Kāinga Ora homes
Iwi have right of refusal on Hamilton state homes.