Nzherald

Liam Napier: There's four World Cups to come in another hectic sporting year but it has to be the All Blacks' fortunes. Following a rollercoaster year like no ...

Ian Foster will then win the World Cup and all hell will break loose. Only 20 years old, the goal shoot has an incredibly bright future and will be a pillar of strength under the hoop for the Silver Ferns - during the World Cup in South Africa this September, and many years to come. Yes, his only international coaching experience is with an under-20s side who failed to make it to the knockout stages of the 2016 World Cup, but since then he has found nothing but success with the Crusaders; the Crusaders have won a title every year since he came aboard in 2017. On the other side of the draw two of England, Argentina and Japan will bid to push beyond the pool stage and take on Wales, Australia or Fiji. The same government and a victorious All Blacks side? Reive: Rally around the Football Ferns, with the support of the nation lifting the team to an appearance in the knockout stages. Rai, world No 455, upset Japan’s Taro Daniel, the world No 94, in the qualifiers. Despite their loss to Australia in the Quad Series final, with the influential Ameliaranne Ekenasio and Jane Watson returning from pregnancy at the right time, I’m predicting the Silver Ferns defend their world title. NZ will also rise to the occasion and use this event as the best tourism promotion. This is the first World Cup in recent memory the All Blacks do not start favourites. The building fanbase fear and anxiety as the team attempt to manoeuvre their way to France will be at the fore and the player load management will be contentious as NZR try really hard not to cannibalise themselves. Liam Napier: There’s four World Cups to come in another hectic sporting year but it has to be the All Blacks’ fortunes.

The former Absolutely Fabulous actress is a huge fan of the acclaimed HBO dark comedy.

Asked if she would like to see the duchess guest-star on the upcoming third season of the show, she said: “I would absolutely [love] to see her! Please, just quietly put my name under the door for that one.” If you get the right person, you’ve got magic.

The Aquaman star popped in for a drink at The Cav in Freemans Bay where he didn't receive the greeting he may have expected. The gastropub was holding a wedding ...

Veteran politics reporter says that Ardern will be remembered as a divisive PM.

Up to 10 wagons of a freight train derailed near Te Puke this morning after the train travelled through a flooded section of track.

The orchardist thought a nearby culvert was to blame as it was blocked and water had built up behind it, Smith said. The train was travelling on the East Coast Main Trunk Line from Kawerau to Mount Maunganui. The locomotive was still on the tracks but up to 10 wagons, carrying logs and pulp, derailed, a KiwiRail spokesperson said.

The bridge was on No 4 Road in Te Puke and the council have been working with affected residents. Western Bay of Plenty District Council civil defence ...

“The issue we are facing is a private bridge at the Manoeka Road end of the track may also be damaged and/or restricted due to water levels. So, we were down there with pyjamas, wellies, raincoats and torches just to check on guests,” she said. So, the bridge has gone.” It’s going to be a big deal,” he said. “This bridge going down has got the capacity to have a major impact on the economic structure for Te Puke and the orchards ... “Providing access and monitoring the welfare of these residents is a priority for us.

There's the opportunity to jiggle along a disused rail track in a converted golf buggy, discover scores of public gardens and hike the 18km Pouakai Crossing: a ...

You’ll also find a collection of cool food joints in the revamped White Hart Hotel, including The Snug, specialising in Japanese tapas. Outdoor pursuits are endless, with the Goblin Forest a firm favourite for its labyrinth of hairy tree trunks. Erupting in New Plymouth’s Bowl of Brooklands and Brooklands Park from March 10-13.