Spotted: Who was at the Backbencher the night before the Parliament protest? The Backbencher pub opposite Parliament was one of the businesses hit hardest by the 23-day Parliament protest on February and March, forced to close by…

Treasury officials will report back to Cabinet early next year with a plan to fund billions of dollars’ worth of mass rapid transit across the country’s three biggest cities.Light rail in Auckland is estimated to cost $14.6 billion,…

Test your brains with the Herald’s morning quiz. Be sure to check back on nzherald.co.nz for the afternoon quiz. To challenge yourself with more quizzes, CLICK HERE.

Watch the full Local Focus interview for Daphne Geisler’s views on the South Wairarapa’s biggest issues, and our less important quickfire questions Mayoral candidate Daphne Geisler is optimistic that radical change is on the cards…

Watch the full Local Focus interview for Hine Moeke-Murray’s views on Gisborne’s biggest issues, and our less important quickfire questions As CEO of Te Kupenga Trust Gisborne, an organisation providing peer support and advocacy…

Time to turn off Netflix and grab a sun fix.Sunshine is forecast to stick around after the tropical storm that wreaked havoc across the country. MetService meteorologist Aidan Pyselman said a low front was moving away to the east…

A man has died after falling down a cliff at Morialta Conservation Park in South Australia.

Police and emergency services were called to the First Falls Walking Track at 8.30am on Saturday after reports over an injured hiker.

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Despite paramedics' efforts, the 48-year-old Houghton man died at the scene.

The park has been closed to the public while emergency services investigate.

Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

By RNZ Looking back on his 35 years as a Member of Parliament, former Speaker Trevor Mallard says it was mostly enjoyable while admitting he has made more than his fair share of mistakes in politics.He will soon take up a three-year…

Acclaimed Australian comedy and cabaret entertainer Hans has been badly injured after falling four metres from a stage on a cruise in Europe.

The Adelaide entertainer, also known as Matt Gilbertson, was performing on the ship in Turkey on Thursday night when he fell into the orchestra pit.

He suffered a shattered foot and some spinal damage as a result.

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"At this stage the spine looks manageable but I will require extensive surgery on my right foot," Hans said.

"Obviously not an ideal situation, but it could have been much, much worse."

The entertainer was flown from Turkey to London for treatment.

The incident has forced Hans to cancel a performance at the upcoming Broken Heel Festival.

"Future shows are currently on stand by until we have more of an idea of my recovery plan," Hans said.

Hans had previously found fame after competing on America's Got Talent.

SkyCity Auckland casino workers are walking off the job tonightas they fight for better pay.Workers are congregating outside the Auckland city casino on Victoria Street with placards and flags. A Unite union truck has a loudspeaker…