Rachel Maher is a Multimedia Journalist for the New Zealand Herald, focusing on crime and breaking news.
Rachel specialises in reporting on crime issues in Auckland, extensively covering the issues of retail ram raids and youth crime. She has also reported on many other topics including social justice issues, politics and entertainment. Rachel grew up in Whangārei before moving to Tāmaki Makaurau in 2018. After a lifelong passion for writing and story-telling, Rachel studied at AUT and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication, majoring in journalism, in 2022. She achieved her dream of becoming a journalist when she joined the Herald in June of the same year as a breaking news reporter. Rachel has quickly established herself as a passionate and well-rounded reporter, covering everything from the 2023 Cyclone Gabrielle destruction to the death of Queen Elizabeth II. You can contact Rachel at rachel.maher@nzme.co.nz.
Two men arrested after ‘violent attack’ at sushi shop
The sushi shop is on the same street where a woman was stabbed in March.
Mum wants g-string bikinis banned from public pool
The mum claimed the bikinis were 'pornographic' and not appropriate for family spaces.
Thief to face court after stealing personal items of McDonald’s workers in Pukekohe
The man allegedly sneaked in the back door and verbally abused the staff
Dirt bikers ditch ride in intersection, drive up on footpath during joy ride in Mission Bay
Police have arrested a 26-year-old man and impounded several dirt bikes.
'Stop senseless thefts': Anger and tributes after death of Kiwi woman outside US mall
Trish McKay was shopping with her husband when she was attacked.
Fire strikes Grey Lynn home twice in 24 hours, investigation under way
Fire crews were called back to the home at 2.34am today.
Botched robbery victim Trish McKay loved being a grandma, say tearful neighbours
'She was a lovely, lovely woman,' say those who lived in her Remuera neighbourhood.
'No words can express our sadness': Family pay tribute to Trish McKay
The 68-year-old was found dead at the scene, while her husband escaped uninjured.
Kiwi woman killed in US after robbery named; three arrested
”It was just a shocking, shocking act.”
Ōtara home shot at as tally of Auckland houses targeted by gunmen grows
Gunfire has damaged the home’s outside walls and one has gone through a glass pane.
Family 'bewildered' after MAFS groom died in prison
Andrew Jury's family said they were 'bewildered' and 'deeply saddened' by his death.
Three arrested after armed police and specialist teams search rural Waikato property
Police could be seen digging up large items on the property.
'Beloved' Auckland woman, 80, suffers facial injuries in late-night home invasion
Locals shocked at attack on elderly neighbour, while manhunt for intruder is under way.
Showers forecast to continue along storm-hit East Coast, flooding forces hundreds of evacuations
Hundreds were evacuated from their homes after states of emergency were declared.
'We don't know why': Musician's home shot up while children slept inside
The bedroom where his grandchildren were in was shot at over 12 times.
'Very distressing': Man charged after 'reckless' protest over motorway
'For children, it would have been quite horrific,' mental health advocate says.
'Horrendous': Brick hurled from motorway overpass smashes into car
'I’m just thinking that something really awful could have happened and we’re so lucky'.
'Vulnerable': Ex-MP says politicians need better security in electorates
Peter Dunne believes MPs are most at risk in their electorates.
Nerves on edge as stranded flyers prepare to depart Queenstown - again
A duck being sucked into the aircraft is suspected to have caused an engine fire.
Duck could be to blame for 'horrifying' Queenstown flight catching fire
A passenger said there was screaming and crying after the fire started.
'Love you, boss': Chlöe's message, PM reacts to Greens co-leader's cancer diagnosis
Marama Davidson's treatment, due to start after Matariki, is expected to take four months.
Fulfilling final wish: E-scooter crash victim's body to be returned to Germany
Loved ones have written about 'an extraordinary person who touched many lives'.
Te Kūiti baby death: 'Inconsistencies' in parents' stories - police
The baby had been known to police due to previous 'non-accidental' injuries, police say.
'Not the actions of a good father' - Police say missing Marokopa man armed, still a risk to community
This morning they offered a $80,000 reward in the hunt for Tom Phillips.
'Hysterical screaming' heard before baby's 'violent' death
'Nobody in the community likes to think that this sort of thing can happen'.
'It's pretty scary': Man taking out rubbish confronted by gunmen in Akl house shooting
Photos show a hole in the garage door and a car littered with shotgun pellets.
Luxon calls Te Pāti Māori claims 'pretty concerning', Stats NZ launches probe
Stats NZ is investigating allegations of misuse of Census data.
Thousands join protest at Parliament as Govt unveils Budget
The nationwide protests come ahead of the coalition Government's first Budget at 2pm.
Boats blown over at Auckland marina as fierce storm lashed region
Power was out to households across the city.
Te Pāti Māori protest: What you need to know about tomorrow's carkoi protests
Police are urging people in metropolitan areas to allow extra time for their morning trips
PM calls Te Pāti Māori planned Budget day protest ‘illegal’
Te Pāti Māori shared on social media that this is a 'rangatira revolution'.
Gymgoer dead after losing consciousness in pool
The person was found unresponsive and was pronounced dead at the scene in Parnell.
Two men found 'motionless' in Newmarket pool were holding breath under water
The pair were resuscitated poolside before being taken to hospital.
Worries elderly train worker will have PTSD struggle after attack
'All they want is to get people from A to B safely, they don’t expect this.'
Christchurch couple anxiously await rescue from Noumea as vital meds deplete
Disappointment, distress and frustration were beginning to take their toll.
'He wasn't a guest': Nearby hotel owner claims offender 'hiding' before shooting
Police are aware that the offender was carrying a long-barrelled firearm.
'Ecstatic' newlyweds in dazzling wedding photos with aurora night sky
'It’s a dream come true.'
Whakaari/White Island survivor Kelsey Waghorn opens up to SAS hero Ant Middleton
Brave guide opens up to former SAS soldier about eruption's horrifying legacy.
'Tragic': Robert Sidney Horne reported as Ponsonby shooting victim
A social media post from a family member said they were feeling “deep sadness”.
Wanted man captured on CCTV in moments after Ponsonby shooting; group shot at were 'innocent guys'
New footage shows the immediate aftermath of the shooting.
Police hunt for 'extremely dangerous' man suspected of fatal Ponsonby shooting
Police provided photos of suspect. He'd been loitering on Ponsonby Rd before the shooting.
'I was horrified': Mayor frustrated with CBD safety after Ponsonby Rd shooting
A man was shot and killed on Ponsonby Rd about 10.15pm last night.
Hunt on for 'extremely dangerous' man after Ponsonby Rd shooting
'This violence is shocking and it has no place here.' Scene blessed as hunt continues.
'Screaming and shouting' on Ponsonby Rd after man gunned down
All traffic, including buses, is being diverted from the scene.
Head Hunters raids lead to the arrest of five, drugs and money seized
Police are not ruling out further arrests.
Gun fired at machete wielding man outside Wellington Hospital
The pair remain at large. Police appeal for witnesses.
Hail, thunder, gales to pummel parts of NZ
Flooding is possible at the bottom of the North Island as a fierce weather system stalls.
Police raid Head Hunters' North Shore gang pad
Neighbours heard loud bangs as the armed police raided the industrial unit.
Dog walkers should be regulated after mauling, animal expert says
It comes as the Auckland Council looks at changing the laws around dog-walking businesses.
'Heartbroken': Beloved pet mauled by large pack of dogs
Barbara Wright says her 'hero' dog had to be put down a week after the attack.
Police arrest man after West Auckland mall smash-and-grab
The man is due to appear in the Waitākere District Court this morning.
Frankenfruit: Is this New Zealand's biggest feijoa?
'We couldn’t believe how much it weighed.'
Anti-war protesters turn Wellington's Bucket Fountain red
Posters have also been stuck around its perimeter.
'Absolutely gutted': NZDF to play reduced role in Gallipoli dawn service
The RSA CEO expects Kiwi ingenuity to shine through as they face this obstacle.
'It’s just not human': Concert-goer left for dead on Wellington road
'It looks like he’s been through [an] industrial machine, smashing his body around.'
'I can’t be the mother that I could be': Mum, 27, fights incurable cancer
'All of a sudden I can’t [play with him] and he doesn’t understand why.'
Parents of Bondi killer say son targeted women because he couldn't get girlfriend
'To you, he’s a monster but to me, he was a very sick boy.'
'Loving a monster': Father of Bondi mall murderer torn by son's actions
'To you, he’s a monster but to me, he was a very sick boy.'
Police reveal identity of 40-year-old Sydney mall attacker
Cauchi was known to police and had well-documented mental health issues.
Sydney mall attack: Dads jump into action during crisis
'Imagine being that father having to do that to protect your kids’ sanity. Amazing dad.'
Teen fights for life after being run over multiple times in targeted attack
Police appealing for dashcam footage after attack left boy with "life-changing" injuries.
Tourist's deadly dip: Rescuers battle 2m swells, darkness to reach swimmer
'We were very lucky to see him ... you couldn't see more than a few metres.'
Marlborough residents told to evacuate, high winds close Sky Tower eateries, flights cancelled
Restrictions are likely as the Auckland Harbour Bridge gets battered by wind.
$30m jackpot: The biggest wins in Lotto Powerball history
Will you join the big winners' list this Saturday?
'Be prepared to evacuate': West Coast residents on flood alert, severe thunderstorm watch for north
Power cuts, landslides and road closures struck the West Coast yesterday.
Parnell lodge fire: Owners obtained $22m in emergency housing grants across 6 years
The pair owned nine motels when they spoke to the Herald in 2022.
Gunshots ring out over Greenhithe in drive-by shooting
Residents said they heard a rifle fire shots before a loud car screeched down the street.
'Throw it out': Fruit juice brand 'dangerous' due to dodged health checks
The juice has not been registered under the Food Act.
‘Auckland invasion’: 209 fines and 5 arrests after illegal street racing sting
11 people were caught drink-driving after 1703 breath tests
'Ear-splitting': Gunshot heard before woman kidnapped from North Shore address
Police found the injured woman at an address in nearby Greenhithe.
Fourth person dies following horror Pukaki crash; road toll climbs to seven
The official Easter holiday period began at 4pm on Thursday and ends at 6am on Tuesday.
200 cars involved in illegal street racing in Auckland targeted by police
The racers involved had dubbed the meet up the 'Auckland invasion'.
Watch: Kiwi 'feared for life' in horror chairlift ordeal
'The fear of God was put into me... it was the most frightening experience of my life'.
Auckland University student shuts down 'segregation' claim by Act Party
The party's tertiary education spokesperson says the signs are reminiscent of 'ugly past'.
'Arrest us': Protesters clash after Destiny Church members paint over rainbow crossing
Rehette Stoltz says she plans to seek reparations from the group.
Former MP recounts ‘deeply disturbing’ visit to Gloriavale
'The girls really wanted to obey their husbands and be submissive'.
Married at First Sight 2024: Lucinda and Timothy finally share their first kiss
A previously strong couple melts down while another finally begins to heat up.
'He might never be the same': Auckland schoolboy suffers vicious bus station attack
The boy now is too shaken to go to school, while his mum fears the pair may strike again.