A collage of 2016 icons.

As 2026 begins, virtual journeys back to 2016 are trending

Why is everyone looking back to 2016? A look at the current cultural nostalgia for the transitional year.

Sun, Feb 1

Rangoli powder sold at Big Bazaar. (Source: Product Safety NZ)

Recall issued after rangoli powder tests positive for asbestos

The traditional Indian art form involves the use of coloured sand to draw intricate designs at the entrance of a house.

Thu, Jan 29

Nine debut authors appear on the longlist announced today, including Dame Jacinda Ardern for her recent memoir.

Ardern among nine debut authors up for Ockham Book Awards 2026

Nine debut authors appear in the list - three in each of the poetry, illustrated non-fiction and general non-fiction categories - including Dame Jacinda Ardern for her memoir, A Different Kind of Power.

Thu, Jan 29

Te Radar and Ruth Spencer, pictured with the native kererū which is another massive fan of the cherry. (Composite image: Anna Bittle, 1News)

Foreign billionaires might relish NZ's cherries, but we get them fresher

SUMMER READ: As cherry season enters its last few delectable weeks, Te Radar and Ruth Spencer pay tribute to the jewel of the Kiwi fruit bowl.

Mon, Jan 26

1News reporter Aziz Al Sa’afin caught up with TEEKS after the opening.

'It's stunning': Teeks opens Hamilton’s new BNZ Theatre

The Northland-raised artist has become the first public act to perform at Hamilton’s long-awaited theatre.

Sun, Jan 25

Inmates get ready backstage.

Singing contest in Rio prison provides outlet for women behind bars

Many performed gospel songs, while others offered interpretations of MPB, the acronym for Brazilian popular music in Portuguese — including "Black Sheep" by the much-loved, late singer Rita Lee.

Sat, Jan 24

Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani poses at an exhibition of his best creations at the Ara Pacis museum, part of the fashion designers 45th anniversary celebrations on Friday, July 6, 2007 in Rome.

In pictures: The career of late fashion designer Valentino

Valentino's gowns – often in his signature shade of "Valentino red" – were adored by generations of fans over his nearly 50-year career.

Tue, Jan 20

After years of delays, damage and debate, construction has started at Auckland’s historic theatre.

St James Theatre rebuild hits major milestone as work ramps up

After years of delays, damage and debate, construction has started at Auckland’s historic theatre.

Sun, Jan 18

Pen pal letters are displayed outside the Sullivan County Health Care nursing home

Letter writing enjoys revival as fans seek break from screen time

Reviving vintage writing instruments and small tactile pleasures might be on the verge of becoming trendy.

Sun, Jan 18

Mike McRoberts: I felt uninvited to my own cultural party

Mike McRoberts: I felt uninvited to my own cultural party

SUMMER READS: Mike McRoberts on growing up in Christchurch and his gradual reconnection to his te ao Māori.

Sun, Jan 18

Families say restrictions at Ōtara Pools are stopping children from practising manu dives.

Parents question pool 'manu' restrictions ahead of world champs

The restrictions have sparked frustration online and in the community – but Auckland Council says the pool is simply too shallow to be safe.

Fri, Jan 16

Randa Abdel-Fattah. (Source: Macquarie University)

Adelaide Writers' Festival reinstates author for 2027, apologises

Randa Abdel-Fattah was dumped from the Adelaide Writers' Week, triggering a mass boycott from almost 200 speakers including Jacinda Ardern.

Thu, Jan 15

The festival's director Louise Adler, who resigned yesterday and writer Randa Abdel-Fattah who had been controversially cut from the programme. (Composite image: 1News)

‘Masterclass in poor governance’: how did the Adelaide Writers Week fall apart?

When Jacinda Ardern pulled out of the upcoming literary festival, she was just one domino in a catastrophic series of events.

Thu, Jan 15

Colosseum Archaeological Park guide Valentina uses a head-mounted device to livestream a guided tour for the press of the newly-restored underground House of Griffins, dated between the II and I century B.C., on the Palatine Hill next to the Colosseum, in Rome.

Ancient Rome meets modern tech in live stream of restored home

The House of the Griffins was hidden to the world underground after the Emperor Domitian built his palace on top of it in the first century AD.

Wed, Jan 14

Dame Jacinda Ardern's memoir was published earlier this year.

Jacinda Ardern pulls out of Adelaide Writers' Week amid boycott

Three Adelaide Festival board members and chair Tracey Whiting quit over the weekend and dozens of authors have withdrawn from Writers' Week, which starts on February 28.

Tue, Jan 13

Chris Chang (Composite image: Dianne McCauley)

Chris Chang: give me a white sand beach and Mike Tyson's 'bonkers' life story

Actually, the Breakfast presenter admits he struggles to lie on the beach, but when he does find stillness he loves nothing more than a gripping sporting autobiography.

Thu, Jan 8

Novelist Josie Shapiro (Photo: Ebony Lamb)

This year I plan to make some life changes that won't win me any acclaim

Novelist Josie Shapiro has a vision for 2026 and it's absolutely, categorically not on Instagram.

Wed, Jan 7

New Grammy category honours album covers, and artists who make them

New Grammy category honours album covers, and artists who make them

In recent years, covers had been assessed as part of the best recording package category, which considers all physical materials and images.

Tue, Jan 6

Composite image: Vania Chandrawidjaja

Melissa Stokes: the song that always takes me back to fun nights out as a student

SUMMER SERIES: Kiwis recommend their favourite beach, a book to read on it, and a song that encapsulates summer.

Sun, Jan 4

The original monument honouring the last full-blooded Moriori has deteriorated after decades of harsh coastal weather, prompting plans for a bronze replacement ahead of its 40th anniversary.

Chatham Islands to rebuild statue of Moriori icon Tommy Solomon

The original monument honouring the last full-blooded Moriori has deteriorated after decades of harsh coastal weather, prompting plans for a bronze replacement ahead of its 40th anniversary.

Sat, Jan 3

Photo: Catherine Lunden

Legendary Warrior Shaun Johnson: 'I had no doubts about where I wanted to be'

In this extract from his biography, Shaun Johnson recalls the moment he realised he was wanted back in the Warriors.

Sat, Jan 3

December 2025
Composite image: Vania Chandrawidjaja

As the year ends, I look back to my troubled homeland and miss it more than ever

An Auckland-based writer traces the dramatic ups and downs of Venezuela and his experience as an emigrant through five New Year's Eves.

December 31, 2025

Journalist Steve Braunias (with Philip Polkinghorne at rear). Composite image: Vania Chandrawidjaja

Sex, drugs and tragedy on the eastern slopes: the Polkinghorne trial changed NZ

2025’s most read: An extract from veteran journalist Steve Braunias' book, Polkinghorne.

December 31, 2025

Composite image: Leon Hyman

Sam Olley's pick of the perfect NZ beach is in the deep south

A strong South Island thread runs through TVNZ's Dunedin-based reporter Sam Olley's summer choices for beaches, music and books.

December 29, 2025

Francis and Kaiora Tipene in Tonga with their daughter Ngawaiata.

'It tested us' – the Tipenes on pain, joy and a new series

2025’s most read: Francis and Kaiora Tipene get frank about two years of extreme highs and lows.

December 29, 2025