New Zealand
Thunderstorms set to continue, with South Island also in the firing line
Hours of heavy rain have increased the risk of surface and flash flooding.
Latest from Taupo
Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
Tūrangi bus upgraded, but no commuter service in sight
Raglan, with a similar population, has a seven-day bus service.
'Pretend sick'? School questions whether absent children are actually ill
The school said attendance rates were 'not where they need to be'.
Frosts return as temperatures drop to 2C this weekend
Temperatures will fall sharply overnight despite clear skies and sunny days.
'True local icon': Award-winning Taupō radio host dies suddenly
The beloved breakfast host spent 30 years with More FM.
Paddock to Pantry plans 20-plus stores to become NZ's third-largest grocer
It wants a government-backed fund to offer low-interest loans to grocers.
The polytech revival is here – and it needs its community
OPINION: Toi Ohomai's chief executive calls for communities to invest in local institute.
Multiple people injured in two-car crash near Taupō, state highway closed
Tawera St in Tokānu is closed and diversions are in place.
Calls answered: Health NZ approves more nursing roles for Bay, Lakes hospitals
It comes after Tauranga Hospital nurses declared a state of emergency.
Two Waikato hotels make 2026 NZ Michelin Key selection
New Zealand had 28 hotels named, with Huka Lodge retaining two keys.
NZ Vietnam veterans remember their fallen brothers in Taupō
For the second time in a row, the Vietnam veterans association holds its reunion in Taupō.
Pigs aplenty: Hundreds attend the National Guinea Pig Show in Taupō
Competitors travelled from throughout the country and judges flew in from Europe.
Dishwasher at 12, NZ's youngest Domino's owner at 18 – now he oversees 149 stores
Napier's Liam Stops went $450,000 into debt at age 18 - all to buy a Domino's store.
Ex-NZSAS soldier dies in Africa weeks after exiting Defence Force
The Kiwi endurance athlete and mountaineer left the Defence Force in August.
Motorists warned of icy North Island roads as school holidays start
MetService forecast cold fronts bringing frosty, wet and windy conditions.
Forced merger proposal process all for nothing – Tūrangi councillor
The Government says amalgamation proposals need more work before decisions can be made.
Seal to perform in New Zealand for first time on Summer Concert Tour
Summer Concert Tour 2027: Seal joins Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Bastille
'Worthwhile': Lung cancer patient hopes new screening trial will go national
The mobile screening programme will begin next year in Rotorua, Taupō and Hawke's Bay.
Caesar is born: Meet the kiwi chick named after a haircut
The chick hatched after the first eggs of the 2026 season arrived at Taupō's Kiwi Burrow.
MetService warns of thunderstorm and heavy rain risk for top half of North Island in coming hours
The risk for Auckland, Northland and Waikato is likely to “ramp up” into the evening.
Embra and The Bistro retain prestigious two-hat status
The two restaurants among 10 listings in Taupō in the latest Cuisine Good Food Awards.
One of Hawke's Bay's most prominent rodeos cancelled after 45 years
The Upper Mōhaka Rodeo Club has ridden its final ride.
Huka Lodge is the only NZ hotel in the latest World's Top 100. Here's why
Nearly 5000 bottles of French champagne are popped each year at Huka Lodge.
Councils around NZ warned of deadly landslides, tsunamis, floods, ‘loss of life’
Councils are reviewing plans for tsunamis, floods, landslides, eruptions and earthquakes.