Latest from New Zealand

Pāpāmoa Fire Brigade retires siren

Pāpāmoa's fire brigade has retired its siren for emergencies.

Fright response manslaughter trial: Crown says man caused partner to jump from moving car

The defendant is accused of beating his partner until she jumped from the moving vehicle.

Simeon Brown announces lift in medical school places for 2026

Medical schools in Auckland and Dunedin will be funded to train 25 more doctors a year between them. Video / Mark Mitchell

‘Poetry in motion’: Te Arawa makes ‘history’ at Te Matatini

Four Te Arawa kapa haka groups placed in the finalist round at Te Matatini 2025.

Auckland mayor backs congestion charges, gridlocked traffic could cost city $2.6b

Aucklanders may waste over 17 hours in traffic each year by 2026.

David Seymour on the ongoing school lunches saga

Associate Education Minister David Seymour on the ongoing school lunches saga and his missed meeting with Education Minister Erica Stanford. Video / Mark Mitchell

Speaker Gerry Brownlee shuts down concerns about use of 'Aotearoa'

Winston Peters had previously raised concerns.

Farming co-ops can get bad rap on green scale but can also be a force for good

Analysis: The United Nations named 2025 the International Year of Co-operatives.

Afternoon quiz: Who was the first Disney princess character to have a child?

Test your knowledge with the Herald's afternoon quiz.

‘Blind to the effects of poverty’: Hipkins scorns Luxon over school lunches debacle

PM Luxon: 'There are a number of issues and the meals are not up to scratch.'

Free outfits for Central Hawke's Bay women: 'If you present well that’s going to carry you a lot further'

International Women's Day event in Waipukurau gives a chance for wardrobe refresh.

Unions concerns over new immigration policies for RSE workers

There are close to 9000 workers in NZ under the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme.

‘First taste of autumn’: Storm approaching Hawke's Bay could bring hail, MetService warns

MetService issued a 12-hour heavy rain watch for Wairoa from 9pm Tuesday.

Opinion: Why the Government needs the rural sector

Opinion: The government is emphasising the role of rural areas in economic recovery.

Police investigating after man found dead on remote alpine roadside

Police are asking for any witnesses to come forward with information.

Woman charged with manslaughter after 11-year-old cyclist's crash death

The woman also faces charges of driving with excess breath alcohol and failing to stop.

Man, 20, charged with drug driving causing deaths of teen girl and 20yo man

He will be back in court next month.

’Pattern of behaviour': Hastings council chided for stream and dam maintenance failures

Report delves into problems after Jessica Maxwell complained to the Ombudsman.