Crime
Pack rape defendant says backpacker was happy, thankful after 90-second intercourse
He told jurors the woman asked for sex while sitting next to his still-naked friend.
Latest from New Years Eve
Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
Police Eagle helicopter to target boy racer meets around Gisborne
Police will impound vehicles, issue fines and lay charges for dangerous driving.
Fireworks and bands ready to rock Hawke’s Bay on New Year’s Eve
The occasion was once dominated by disorder in the streets, but is now a family night out.
Festival delays opening, holiday plans disrupted as upgraded weather warnings cloak NZ
MetService has issued orange rain and wind warnings for much of the country.
Where to eat, hike and play this summer if you are staying closer to home
Big flavours, outdoor adventures and unforgettable ways to ring in 2026.
NZ Herald Morning Headlines | Saturday, December 20, 2025
NZ Herald Morning Headlines | Saturday, December 20, 2025. Video / NZ Herald
'We have a date set': Julian Dennison's wedding plans at 23 - and his next big career move
The 23-year-old actor got engaged earlier this year.
What to do in Auckland this summer: Ed Sheeran, ASB Classic, and more
From beachside festivals to big city spectacles, here’s how to fill your summer calendar.
Fireworks, live music and dancing for free: Napier plans big New Year’s Eve party
Families can enjoy fireworks shows at 9.45pm and midnight for free.
Editorial: Summer traditions can steady us in an unsettled world
OPINION: Summer getaways offer stressed Kiwis rare time to slow down and reconnect.
Rhythm and Vines locks in Grammy-winning rapper and film star as headliner for NYE festival
Other acts in the first line-up include Lance Savali and comedy musician Marc Rebillet.
UK hitmakers Rudimental to headline expanded NYE festival
Famous Last Words returns to Bay Park Mount Maunganui on December 31, 2025.
Northern Bass festival reveals 2025 lineup with Aitch, Dizzee Rascal
Capacity is reduced to 6000, and tickets are expected to sell out quickly.
More than 12 times the police force, 60 arrests: Holiday data from summer hotspot revealed
Charges included assault of police, threatening to kill and dangerous driving.
Opinion: When should you stop saying 'Happy New Year?'
It's January 9 and the Herald's Lana Andelane wonders when people will finally stop.
Watch: Drone flies during Auckland’s NYE fireworks display, CAA assessing
The Civil Aviation Authority is assessing the incident.
Drone view of Sky Tower NYE fireworks
The Civil Aviation Authority is assessing an incident where a drone was flown in a prohibited area and time on NYE, 2024/25. Video / Brian Ouro
Thames-Coromandel deputy mayor calls out ‘rich little s***s’ at troublesome holiday hotspot
Terry Walker says there is a regular pattern of vandalism at Pāuanui over New Year.
Five killed on night of fireworks chaos in Germany
Police call to ban celebrations with pyrotechnics in the streets.
Rhythm and Alps: South Island celebrates with Dave Dobbyn, Shapeshifter
Review: The three-day festival in Wānaka has wrapped for another year.
Fights, fireworks, family fun and almost 4500 breath tests: Tauranga rings in 2025
Police were 'pleased' overall but not everyone in the city was on their best behaviour.
12 peculiar New Year’s traditions around the world
There are countless bizarre and beautiful practices intended to welcome the new year.
‘It made me cry’: Former drug-dealing gang member on the words that changed his life
Kamonn Flavell-Downey helps 170 youth, proves change is possible.
‘Very honoured’: Ōtāne volunteer firefighter of 50 years receives King’s Service Medal
John Oliver has served with the Ōtāne Volunteer Fire Brigade for more than 50 years.