Ashleigh Young on an extinction event

An old Russian fairytale is translocated to a desert wasteland in an allegory for our times as The Firebird – cut short by Covid during its debut tour – headlines the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s new double bill.Kiwi choreographer Loughlan Prior’s dystopian take on The Firebird is a triumph of hope in a world that’s falling apart. Principal dancer Ana Gallardo Lobaina, who originated the title role, is set to perform in the six-centre return...

When Paul Davies encountered what he believed was a small puddle on Onehunga Harbour Rd in Auckland early this morning, he decided to drive through it. However, the water quickly rose and overwhelmed his car, causing the engine to flood and stall. Davies described the water depth as at least one metre, highlighting the unexpected severity of the situation. Full Article

Police and whānau are urgently searching for 36-year-old Kory-Dean Wirihana, who went missing at Auckland Airport while en route to a netball tournament in Christchurch. Despite checking in for his flight and clearing security on Friday morning, he never boarded the plane, and his family last heard from him around 4am on the day of his departure. Authorities are seeking the public's assistance in locating him, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Full Article

THREE KEY FACTS Former Minister and Labour leader Andrew Little has announced his candidacy for Mayor of Wellington in the upcoming local elections in October, facing incumbent Tory Whanau as his main opposition. This election comes amid a backdrop of recent tensions between the Labour Party and the Greens in national politics, highlighting the competitive dynamics in Wellington where these parties have historically collaborated. In 2020, Labour secured 50% of the party vote, while the...

While you enjoy a long weekend break, catch up on some of the best stories of 2025 so far. From beauty to new books, divorce to David Seymour’s school lunches, and new uniforms to semi-naked firefighters, NZME’s Premium Lifestyle, Entertainment and Viva writers bring you insights you won’t find anywhere else, in 22 of our best stories of 2025 so far. For Meadowlark, running a decades-long New Zealand fine jewellery brand requires being made of...

Thousands hospitalized due to severe sandstorm in IraqThis week, Iraq experienced its most severe sandstorm of 2025, resulting in an orange haze that significantly reduced visibility and caused travel disruptions, including halted flights at two major airports. Thousands sought medical attention for respiratory issues, as the massive dust cloud, originating from Saudi Arabia, swept into the country, also affecting Kuwait with wind gusts over 50mph. While dust storms are common in the region, the climate...