Latest from New Zealand

Rotorua considers new bottle store freeze to tackle alcohol harm

It comes as the city sets a new national record for liquor licence opposition.

Historic pōwhiri kicks off biggest Te Matatini festival

The festival's opening ceremony included a new taonga gifting by the Rangi whānau.

Last stretch of metal road on NZ’s state highways finally sealed

Contractors finished 12km of tarseal through Tāngarākau Gorge on SH43.

Opinion: Cultural games celebrate identity, not division

OPINION: Māori men’s coach Adam Blair advocates for players' cultural representation.

Erica Stanford announces fast track residency for primary teachers amid shortage

NZ schools could be short by 1250 teachers this year, a report has warned.

Watch Live : Christopher Luxon live with Mike Hosking

Christopher Luxon live with Mike Hosking in the studio

Courtenay Place reopens after pedestrian critically injured

Emergency services rushed to the scene last night.

Lake Rotokākahi protest as Tarawera sewerage project restarts

Arrests have been made as work on a controversial pipeline resumed at a tapu Rotorua lake overnight. Video / Protect Rotokakahi

Pope Francis battle and “Outdated laws need to be looked at” | NZ Herald News Update

C: Pope Francis battles illness, childcare centres attendance rises and “outdated laws need to be looked at”.

Simon Wilson: Chris Bishop is ‘proud to be an urbanist’ and I’m thrilled to hear it

OPINION: Transport Minister Chris Bishop dreams of a denser Auckland built around transit.

Morning quiz: Which country is the largest producer of coffee?

Test your brains with the Herald's morning quiz.

Mayoral challenge? Desley Simpson testing Wayne Brown’s patience, insiders say

Simpson says she's not interested in intrigue by alleged insiders.

‘I couldn’t afford the pain relief’: New report shines light on true cost of dental care

Nancy pulled her rotten tooth at home due to high dental costs.

Govt mulls extending repeat prescriptions, doctors warn it may lead to ‘catastrophic’ GP shortages

Patients may be able to go longer without seeing a doctor for a repeat prescription.

Why China’s naval activities are raising eyebrows in NZ and Australia

Judith Collins said NZ and Australia aren't 'particularly worried' about the drills.

Watch live: PM speaks to Hosking before Vietnam trip amid domestic pressure over MP’s exit

As Luxon prepares to fly to Vietnam one of his ministers has resigned.

Kea Kids News: Trolley fever sweeps Auckland as gumboots, cavemen, and moa race for glory

Auckland’s epic Trolley Grand Prix is back after 10 years! Reporter St. John gets the inside scoop from the wackiest pit crews as they prepare to blaze the track.

'Not part of NZ culture': Northern Auckland locals say crowds stripping sealife from beaches

'There are hundreds of people taking anything they can find.'