Entertainment news

Actor and theatre director Raymond Hawthorne dies aged 88
He founded Auckland’s Theatre Corporate in 1974.

Mafs couple’s last minute love decision sparks confusion
OPINION: One pair refused to accept their own final vows in an unprecedented 360.

Comedian Alice May Connolly's favourite spots in Auckland
Every week we ask a well-known Aucklander for their favourite spots in the city.
Watch

Reaction to Trump's Tariffs, Russel Brand accused and China watches closely | NZ Herald News Update
The world reacts to Donald Trump applying new global tariffs on trade. Russel Brand is accused of rape and sexual assault. China keeps an eye on NZ investigations.

Dua Lipa and Neil Finn shock Spark Arena with duet
The pair performed the Crowded House hit, Don’t Dream It’s Over. Video / Supplied

Graham Norton makes surprise appearance at Auckland supermarket
While in New Zealand to tour his stage show, the host of The Graham Norton show staged a surprise tasting of his wine range at Woolworths Mt Roskill. Video / Alyse Wright

Synthony in the Domain: seeing off summer in style
Thousands packed in to Auckland Domain last night to experience a night of music and dancing. Video / NZ Herald

Dancing Through Decades: Neil Ieremia & Black Grace's 30-Year Journey
Neil Ieremia, founder of Black Grace dance company on their 30th anniversary. Video / Dean Purcell
Music

Annual concert last held in 2007 returns to Hawke’s Bay
Collapse of the Timeless Summer Tour has led to the return of a gig full of 'nostalgia'.

‘Fully back in the saddle’: How this city’s events sector is thriving
There's something in the air for Rotorua venues and suppliers – renewed confidence.

Watch: Dua Lipa shocks Auckland fans with Neil Finn duet
Review: The pop star performed one of her 'favourite songs' with a true Kiwi icon.

Dua Lipa and Neil Finn shock Spark Arena with duet
The pair performed the Crowded House hit, Don’t Dream It’s Over. Video / Supplied

How to make the most of an extra hour in Auckland this weekend
Check out our top picks for places to go and people to see.

Review: Auckland Philharmonia’s Enigma concert relives rich musical memories
REVIEW: Scottish composer’s work thrills fresh from London debut.
Television

The White Lotus: 7 questions for the Season 3 finale
New York Times: A few questions that need answers in the supersized conclusion.

Karl Puschmann: Is Rebecca Gibney’s musical-comedy a show stopper or a bit flat?
Review: Set in the Bay of Plenty, Happiness is familiar but uniquely Kiwi. But is it good?

The White Lotus music will never be the same
New York Times: The composer said he has ooh’ed his last loo-loo.
Culture

‘Fresh energy’: Māori Queen inspires youth at poukai
It was the first poukai for Nga wai hono i te po since her father's passing in 2024.

‘We’ve gone to extremes’: Megan Alatini marries her dream girl
The TrueBliss babe exchanges vows with the love of her life in a romantic ceremony.

How John Scott’s design philosophy shapes a new generation of architects
Hana Scott applies her grandfather’s principles to design modular housing.

‘Formal warning’: Govt orders influencers to stop promoting gambling
Online casinos have enjoyed a surge in promotion online.
Movies

Russo Brothers: Marvel is killing cinemas? No, they’ve kept them open
Times: The Oscar-winning sibling directors are back to save the universe.

Snow White and the seven kajillion controversies
New York Times: Is Disney’s live-action remake doomed by culture war skirmishes?

‘Dear friend’: Tom Cruise honours Val Kilmer with heartfelt tribute
Tom Cruise led a minute's silence for Val Kilmer at CinemaCon.
More Entertainment

‘Dear friend’: Tom Cruise honours Val Kilmer with heartfelt tribute
Tom Cruise led a minute's silence for Val Kilmer at CinemaCon.

‘Fewer and bigger’: How rising costs will change NZ’s film industry
A 'Minecraft Movie' is the latest blockbuster filmed in New Zealand.

Karl Puschmann: Is Rebecca Gibney’s musical-comedy a show stopper or a bit flat?
Review: Set in the Bay of Plenty, Happiness is familiar but uniquely Kiwi. But is it good?

Family reveal heartbreaking detail of Val Kilmer’s final days
Kilmer reportedly beat cancer - but the disease took its toll on the Top Gun star.

Generation Minecraft: How a pointless video game took over the world
Times: It has retro graphics and no way to 'win' – but the Minecraft juggernaut rolls on.

Could MAFS dinner chaos see no shows at final vows?
OPINION: Fury and fallouts mar the final dinner party of the experiment.

Dua Lipa in NZ: Inside star’s whirlwind trip to ‘the edge of the world’
The Grammy winning singer is joined by her parents and brother.

‘The best comedy scene in the world’: Inside the state of NZ comedy
Hayley Sproull, Rhys Mathewson and Pax Assadi join Billy T' Billy to discuss comedy.

Kiwi MAFS bride’s bold move behind husband’s back
OPINION: Bold betrayals of trust leave the final vows hanging in the balance.
Puzzles and Games

Sudoku - test yourself
The best fun with numbers! Sudoku is simple to learn but the challenges never end.

Crosswords
Keep your brain active and test your general knowledge with our classic crosswords

Cryptic crossword
Keep your brain active and test your general knowledge with our cryptic crosswords

Wordsearch
Wordsearch puzzles are solved by finding words hidden in a grid of letters.
Quizzes

Morning quiz: Which type of whale is known for its distinctive tusk, resembling a unicorn horn?
Test your brains with the Herald's morning quiz.

Afternoon quiz: What is the largest species of penguin?
Test your knowledge with the Herald's afternoon quiz.

Morning quiz: How many chromosomes do domestic dogs have?
Test your brains with the Herald's morning quiz.

Afternoon quiz: Which iconic food mascot was recently retired from NZ shelves?
Test your knowledge with the Herald's afternoon quiz.

Morning quiz: What country is credited with being the home of golf?
Test your brains with the Herald's morning quiz.
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