The murder trial of Chrishan Raju, accused of killing Joeli Rankin in a Mt Albert flat, has begun in the High Court in Auckland. The case centers on whether Raju acted in self-defense during a violent confrontation last year.

A New Zealand start-up has launched a smart power saving panel designed to help households reduce their electricity bills by over $1000 a year. The panel offers real-time energy insights, automation, and advanced safety features.

Get the latest updates on the All Blacks 2025 schedule and results. With 13 tests under Scott Robertson's leadership, the team faces France, South Africa, Australia, and a historic Grand Slam tour in Europe.

The government has announced significant changes to its flagship family tax policy, FamilyBoost, including an increase in the maximum refund amount and a higher income threshold. These adjustments aim to benefit tens of thousands of households by providing greater financial support for childcare expenses.

Eight All Blacks have been named in the AUNZ Invitational XV squad to play the British and Irish Lions in Adelaide. The match could provide valuable insights for Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt ahead of the three-test series.

A woman was stabbed in a random attack in a Dunedin car park, described by police as an 'unprovoked assault on an unknown victim.' The suspect, a 39-year-old woman, was arrested and charged with wounding with intent to injure and possession of an offensive weapon.

The All Blacks' recent victory against France highlighted their growing strength in the forwards and set a promising trajectory for the Rugby World Cup. With a young and inexperienced scrum pack, the team's bold decisions and composure in critical moments signaled a positive direction for the future.

Jennifer Geerlings-Simons has become Suriname’s first woman President after her party won the most seats in the May legislative elections. The 71-year-old former opposition leader is set to take office on July 16, 2025.

A senior doctor in New Zealand was found to have been fairly dismissed after sending inappropriate and flirtatious messages to a junior colleague. The Employment Court ruled that the behavior constituted sexual harassment and that the disciplinary process was just and proportionate.

A New Zealand resident inside the Melbourne synagogue that was attacked in an alleged arson incident warns of the dangerous shift from hate speech to violence. The incident is part of a broader rise in anti-Semitic and Islamophobic acts in Australia.

Early childhood centres in New Zealand report that the government's free lunch scheme is making a significant difference in the lives of children living in poverty. With over 8,000 children benefiting from the programme, educators and community leaders are calling for its expansion.

Residents of Motueka are coming together to rebuild their lives and support one another in the wake of the region's worst flood in nearly 150 years. The Nelson Tasman region remains under a state of emergency as communities work tirelessly to clear debris and recover from the damage caused by the recent deluge.

The death toll from catastrophic floods in Texas has reached 67, including 21 children. The disaster, triggered by torrential rains over the Fourth of July weekend, has left communities in central Texas reeling from the devastation. Over 850 people have been rescued, and the search for missing individuals continues.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is set to announce its decision on the Official Cash Rate (OCR) on Wednesday. Economists are divided on whether the central bank will maintain the current rate or opt for a cut. Acting Governor Christian Hawkesby's recent comments have added uncertainty to the outcome.

New Zealand's Finance Minister Nicola Willis is considering a tax review for the banking sector ahead of the 2026 election. The review aims to assess whether banks are paying their fair share of tax and to address concerns over competition and profitability in the sector.

Benjamin Woods, a 36-year-old man from Wellington, was sentenced to six years and five months in prison for sexually exploiting young girls by posing online as an 11-year-old girl. The case highlights the dangers of online predators and the profound impact of such crimes on victims and their families.

Liam Lawson was forced to retire on the opening lap of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone after a collision with Esteban Ocon. The incident ended his race prematurely, just a week after his career-best finish at the Austrian Grand Prix.

A serious two-vehicle crash has closed State Highway 1 in Hukerenui, Northland, with reports of serious-to-critical injuries. Emergency services are on the scene, and traffic diversions are in place. Stay informed with the latest updates and road safety reminders.

New Zealander Tom Francis leads his crew aboard the Ultimate Lady to victory in the Blue Marlin World Cup, marking the first time a Kiwi team has won the prestigious event. The team caught a 312.6kg blue marlin, with the boat built by 84-year-old Fred Lewis. The win highlights New Zealand's growing presence in international big-game fishing.

Andrew Dykstra, a 20-year-old from Te Atatū, has lost his bid for permanent name suppression after a series of alarming incidents in Auckland and Taupō, including intentionally ramming a police car and endangering pedestrians. The case highlights the legal and social implications of his actions.