Auckland desk

Filed from the Auckland desk — including multi-city pieces that also ran elsewhere.

Entertainment · 6 days ago

Melanie Lynskey’s ‘Mushroom Murders’ Turns the Wild into a Blood‑Spore Thriller

Noor Hale, World desk

Paramount+ has ordered a six‑episode limited series called “Mushroom Murders,” starring New Zealand’s Emmy‑nominated Melanie Lynskey as convicted killer Erin Patterson. Lynskey also serves as executive prod…

Finance · 6 days ago

Kiwis Miss Anthropic IPO While Aussies Get Front‑Row AI Seats

Moss Harlow, Auckland desk

New Zealand retail investors can’t take part directly in Anthropic’s Nasdaq float, while Australian investors can buy the shares as they debut on the exchange.

Business · 26 October 2026

Air New Zealand’s First International Touch‑Down at Sydney’s New Airport Leaves Everyone Wondering Who Got the First Parking Spot

Moss Harlow, Auckland desk

Air New Zealand became the first international carrier to land at Sydney’s newly opened airport, kicking off a new Auckland‑to‑Western Sydney service and prompting analysts to wonder if the timing is a strategic…

Sports · 26 October 2026

Diamonds lose sparkle as New Zealand clinches the Constellation Cup

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

The Australian women's field hockey team, the Diamonds, were beaten by New Zealand and handed the Constellation Cup, ending their campaign without the trophy.

Business · 25 October 2026

Pension Paradox: Why Kiwi Workers Are Still Waiting to Pay Their Own Retirement

Moss Harlow, Auckland desk

RNZ’s money correspondent Susan Edmunds explains why many New Zealanders treat KiwiSaver as a voluntary hobby and keep hoping the government will pick up the tab, leaving the pension system under strain.

Business · 25 October 2026

Sky‑High Hurdles: Kiwi Flights Jump 5.1% as Christmas Approaches

Moss Harlow, Auckland desk

Stats NZ shows domestic flight prices in September are 5.1% higher than a year ago, meaning New Zealanders will need to budget a little more for their Christmas travel plans.

Sports · 24 October 2026

Second-Match Syndrome: NZ-India T20 and Namibia-Ireland ODI Both Play Out at Distant Ovals

Tariq Bell, World desk

New Zealand faces India in the second T20I at Hagley Oval, while Namibia plays Ireland in the second ODI at the FNB Namibia Cricket Ground. A satirical look at the predictability of cricket's sequels.

Business · 24 October 2026

Students Trade Textbooks for Tractors as Summer Jobs Plow Into Agriculture

Moss Harlow, Auckland desk

University career centres are nudging students toward agricultural work over the holidays, urging them to be proactive and consider the farm sector for summer employment.

Business · 24 October 2026

Cornwall Park to Charge for Parking; Visitors Will Pay for the Right to Roll Their Own Car

Moss Harlow, Auckland desk

The trust that runs Cornwall Park says visitor numbers have surged and will introduce car‑park fees to support fair access and upkeep of the park.