Latest breaking news NZ | Stuff.co.nz

December 3 2023

Kia Ora, Aotearoa!

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The Post

Who tops Wellington Power List?

The Press

Pupstar Luther sniffs out drugs

Waikato Times

Where is Captain Hamilton?

The Long Read

I nailed Tamihere

School remembers teenagers killed when car crashed into roadworks

The 'beautiful students' were remembered by their school, Kaitaia College.

Melanie Earley

Watch: Sarah Hirini saves Black Ferns Sevens from shock defeat to SA

The skipper came up with a turnover on her own line, then raced 70 metres for a match-winning try, to extend her team's stunning winning run to 37.

Stuff sports reporters

Wins for Motu, Daniels on historic night in Whangarei

Mea Motu retained her world title, while Lani Daniels added another to her collection to cap off a memorable night of boxing in Northland.

Reports Israel saw Hamas plans more than a year before attack

A 40-page document codenamed 'Jerricho Wall' was dismissed as unrealistic by Israeli intelligence bosses, a report in the New York Times says.

Old goal sends Phoenix top of the table

When I met Shane MacGowan he didn't have a single tooth left

One dead after incident at Auckland beach

The incident happened at Rothesay Bay on Auckland's North Shore just after 5pm on Saturday.

Black Caps thumped by Bangladesh

Captain Tim Southee admits NZ will have to improve with bat and ball to avoid a series defeat after losing the 1st test by 150 runs.

Did students really bite the feet off some ducks?

Looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, but did students really bite feet off the live animal as part of flat initiations?

Meet the 'Blind Skiwi' with an Olympic dream

latest headlines

10:44pm

Recap: Wellington Phoenix vs Western United

editors’ picks

Quiz: Afternoon trivia challenge

Quiz: Take the three strikes trivia test

Why you should watch 2014's Next Goal Wins before Taika's comedic take

Seeking the perfect pour, more beer drinkers are embracing foam

I’m a ‘massive fan’ of Christmas music, UK PM Rishi Sunak says

Boy, 10, takes on Apple over 'offensive and insulting' emoji

'Golden target' of planets found in search for alien life

Wayne Bennett keen to coach Kiwis

national More

How dangerous is the 'locked' part of our biggest earthquake fault?

The zone is a plate boundary fault - the kind of fault where the world's biggest earthquakes happen.

Auckland councillor criticised for 'vile' comment about Wellington mayor

Other councillors heard Maurice Williamson's comments when he left his mic on while remotely attending a council meeting.

The tunnel between New Plymouth and the floodwaters

It plays a key role in preventing New Plymouth from flooding, but most of us have never even heard of the 50-year-old Mangaotuku Stream flood diversion tunnel. Glenn McLean reports.

Ask Susan: Is it really worth getting a second job?

Money Editor Susan Edmunds answers your questions about tax, student loans, mortgages and KiwiSaver.

'One Year 9 girl got a tattoo': Parents fume at prestigious school

Parents are threatening legal action against Epsom Girls after a simmering dispute about conditions, fees and a secret report.

More than 100 potential victims in undisclosed Gloriavale probe

Operation Mathius began after an array of allegations surfaced about two men at the fundamentalist West Coast community.

stuff shorts

Listen now

Luke Malpass

Restless Luxon takes the reins

OPINION: Christopher Luxon looks like a guy who is just relieved to have a proper job again. Read more in The Post.

Janet Wilson

The more Luxon allows Peters to upstage him, the less credible he’ll appear

Max Rashbrooke

Watch out for the rise of conservative conspiracy theories

Chris Bullen

Global reputation for smokefree leadership is going up in smoke

School remembers teenagers killed when car crashed into roadworks

One dead after incident at Auckland beach

Young rapist's name suppression ends

Watch: Sarah Hirini saves Black Ferns Sevens from shock defeat to SA

Quiz: Afternoon trivia challenge: December 2, 2023

Auckland councillor criticised for 'vile' comment about Wellington mayor

'One Year 9 girl got a tattoo': Parents fume at prestigious Auckland school

'The unintended consequences of the new government'

US Pentagon aims to produce 'thousands' of drones through Replicator

The war in Ukraine has shown the value of low-cost drone swarms in modern warfare.

Ukrainian secret services blow up strategic rail line deep inside Siberia

The main railway connecting Russia to China was targeted in one of the most ambitious strikes deep into enemy territory.

Trump lawyer: Georgia trial would have to wait if he wins in 2024

He claimed that if Trump wins the Republican nomination and is required to be on trial in the weeks leading up to Election Day 2024, it would be "election interference".

Australian border force boss admits refugees 'slipped through' naval defences

The refugees were apprehended and flown to Nauru by the Australian Border Force once they made landfall in Western Australia.

'To hell with this place': US Republican who lied about life story expelled from House

The expulsion from Congress marked the final chapter in a spectacular fall from grace for George Santos.

Australia records more lightning strikes in a month than ever before

Lightning detection is a relatively new piece of publicly available weather tech, but nonetheless November 2023 is at number one.

lifestyle More

Renters rejoice: Showers are better than bathtubs IMHO

Weekend Baking sorted: Three edible gifts

Where to see the best Christmas lights in New Zealand

What’s sleep apnoea?

First plus-size Miss Universe contestant hit back at trolls

The gift registry for the $100m 'wedding of the century' is as wild as you would expect

Why Aucklanders will be drunk and high (but hopefully not both) this weekend

Paris Hilton: I was abused as a teenager. No child should suffer like I did

Palace considers legal action after Piers Morgan names 'royal racists'

What does it take to be part of Auckland's iconic Christmas street?

travel More

A boulder-strewn village and sheep: Taking Portugal’s roads less travelled

The goal for our very first trip to Portugal was to find smaller cities, mountain villages and activities that wouldn't mean standing in long lines with other tourists.

The pristine alternative to Bali few tourists know about

Tell the average traveller you’re visiting Sumba, an island twice the size of Bali, and they’ll likely think you’re starting Zumba classes.

This Kiwi-style accommodation shows Australia how it's done

Many of the people behind Australia’s luxury lodges first went to New Zealand to see how it’s done.

Is the average Kiwi being priced out of holiday parks?

Travel's biggest mistakes (and how to fix them)

Qantas quietly adds a clause that targets photos taken onboard

December is a big month. 5 of the best places to be in NZ

business More

'I lost half-a-million trading online – it's no different to gambling'

One former online trader says many people convince themselves they are 'investing' but they're risking it all.

How much would you pay for a cruisy Christmas meal?

Meal kit companies pitch their Christmas products as time- and money-savers, but does the convenience really come at a reasonable price?

Households grapple with soaring insurance costs

Wellington retiree Jonathan Buck has decided that the possibility of his house burning down, taking all his possessions with it, is a chance he’ll have to take.

Court increases fine to $195,000 in puzzle toy prosecution

The Commerce Commission argued the original penalty was 'manifestly inadequate' and the High Court agreed.

Buying a gift card this Christmas? Here's why you should read the fine print

Not all retailers have made Consumer NZ's gift card nice list.

Here's how your suburb's housing market might be faring

The downturn and recovery have hit different parts of New Zealand in different ways.

rural More

Parish nurse farewells decade-long role

Rachael Westenra has been part of rural residents' lives, from deciphering medical letters to delivering groceries, and even bathing their feet.

Duo impress in trans-Tasman test

Representing New Zealand in the sport of dog trialling has been a proud moment for Brian Dickison.

How to adapt your vegetable garden to El Nino and the coming heat

How do I grow mushrooms at home?

Day off the farm helps with cyclone recovery

prosper More

How embracing the vlog could boost your business

OPINION: Think video blogging is just for influencers? Think again.

Astin Parore, 20, with six-figure art business: 'Don't underestimate young people'

Started during the first Covid lockdown, he has now brought on his mum Sally Ridge as creative director to help find more artists.

Five couples 'accidentally' bought a classic country pub

Bold journey of bouquets

How two small businesses are tackling cashflow challenges

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the forever project More

UAE looks to burnish its climate credentials with $48 billion pledge

The newly established fund was "specifically designed to bridge the climate finance gap," with the money largely coming from oil revenue.

Why is the previous climate minister going to the COP28 global talks?

Days into the job, Simon Watts will arrive in Dubai for the closing days of the summit – accompanied by his predecessor James Shaw.

An architect has found a way to build flood-proof homes

Time to start taking this climate stuff seriously

The future of low-lying South Dunedin: 16 choices

pou tiaki More

End of funding raises conservation group fears

Taranaki conservation groups are worried the impending end of Jobs For Nature funding will slow the momentum they've created.

Kīngitanga and Ngāti Whātua play friendship card ahead of commemorations

The Kīngitanga is preparing to commemorate 165 years of the movement in Tāmaki Makaurau this weekend.

'Don’t claim you are Ngāti Rēhia if you want to tutū with the Treaty'

The ACT Party leader's hapū calls him out for playing the "race card".

Manawatū side off to Māori touch nationals

Player-coach Corey Governor wants to give his young players the chance to play the best in the country.

Rebranding government departments 'could cost millions' say marketing gurus

Such a change will require full rebranding operations at about a dozen government departments and could cost 'millions and millions'.

Council backs Sticky Forest development

The Environment Court is hearing a proposal to allow almost 150 building sites on popular recreation land overlooking Lake Wānaka.

Teaching data skills and Māori perspective

The first group of apprentices from the Auraki Group data apprenticeship programme have graduated.

Iwi to fight 'Crown stupidity' repeal of Oranga Tamariki legislation

Chief Children’s Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad also says she is concerned about the consequences of the new Government's proposed repeal of Section 7AA.

sport More

Tired Breakers fade late to drop road NBL game to SE Melbourne Phoenix

Mody Maor's men could not summon the energy to in Melbourne on Saturday night.

How a tennis great helped halt Kyrgios' self-harm

“It became an addiction of pain. I hated myself." But the Aussie enigma had a top opponent in his court to help him out of his mental health crisis.

The unluckiest cricketer to never play for the Black Caps

Central Districts veteran has record for best batting numbers to never crack the Black Caps. Is he bitter or frustrated? Far from it.

'We can beat them': Luna Rossa emerge to test Team NZ

Returning Crusader eager to seize second chance

More rugby stars named in concussion lawsuit against World Rugby

Recap: Wellington Phoenix vs Western United

homed More

Should I buy a doer-upper as a first home buyer?

I'm looking for a good deal on a place that needs work: What do I need to know to buy right?

It's beginning to smell a lot like Christmas

Gingerbread men, a clove-studded orange, cinnamon, nutmeg and pine - you can have all this goodness at your place.

Rundown Ponsonby villa sells under hammer for $1.85m

It's clearly all about location when it comes to selling real estate in Ponsonby. But this villa needs a lot more than a makeover.

Gross reason your clothes are coming out of the wash dirty

Pets gotta play

Historic Kirkpatrick House gets new character kitchen

Why do we bring a dead tree into our homes in December?

entertainment More

I had to break the law for my daughter’s future, says Felicity Huffman

Felicity Huffman has said she felt she would have been a “bad mother” had she not paid to inflate her daughter’s exam results to help her get into university.

Inspired Gypsy Jazz songstress poet makes her mark

Column: Talented souls are a delight to meet, and emerging European musician and poet Isabelle Wolff is one of them, writes Gerard Hindmarsh.

The surprising dating life of Henry Kissinger, a West Wing 'playboy'

At a time when the diplomat was shaping US foreign policy, he was also seeing stunning starlets of the era.

The inside man with a passion for outside adventure

Arts precinct would help 'cement Nelson as a destination'

The Project says goodbye: 'Thank you for watching'

Wish, Wonka, Maestro among December's must-see movies

motoring More

Road test: Tesla's cheapest car gets new face, new controversies

Tesla's most affordable model has been updated, and we've driven it on New Zealand soil. Here's what we like, and what we don't.

Think you know about cars? Take the Stuff motoring quiz: December 2, 2023

What came first, Land Cruiser or Land Rover? This and more in today's edition of the motoring quiz.

The Grand Tour is over; what's next for Clarkson, Hammond and May?

Tesla Cybertruck to be 50% more expensive than expected

ensemble More

Don't talk to me about 'brain fog'

Please, don't talk to me about 'Covid fatigue' unless you mean the bone-crushing, mind-numbing exhaustion that comes from this almighty germ

Practical and playful Christmas gift ideas for those obsessed with aesthetic homeware

Useful things that offer a thrill of silliness, from an artichoke pasta plate to a resting swan dish. Read more on Ensemble.

Poor Things is set to be the most stylish, and talked about, film of the year

Basketball, therapy and Adekunle Gold: the things that see Joe Daymond thrive

spotlight More

One of NZ's most prestigious golf courses now overgrown and neglected

Gulf Harbour Country Club's green has hosted world tournaments but now is dying, covered in piles of rubbish.

Ministry leak shows redundancy plans ahead of new government

A leaked email shows a government department singled out by David Seymour is already making cuts ahead of the formation of the Luxon-led government.

The new police car and the sea: 'an unfortunate episode'

With fog rolling in and unable to find the exit to a beach, a police officer found their vehicle stuck in soft sand. Soon the tide would swamp the 2022 vehicle.