There were plenty of huge events both here and abroad to make sure journalists were kept busy this year.
The news cycle saw Mother Nature unleash far more mayhem than we're used to.
New Zealand had three Prime Ministers and overseas there were wars with seemingly no end in sight.
Here's a look at the stories that made the biggest headlines in 2023.
If we thought the post-COVID-19 world would bring a sense of calm, we were mistaken.
the New Year got off to a thunderous start as severe weather hit the country, derailing summer holiday plans.
Meanwhile, Jacinda Ardern derailed Labour's chances of a third term in power; the Prime Minister's shock resignation in January kicked the election year off early.
Superstar singer Elton John canned his Auckland shows just before curtain call, sending his fans home as severe flooding swept through the region.
It was the beginning of an Auckland Anniversary Weekend that drowned the city, killing four people and causing chaos on the streets and at the international airport like you've never seen before.
It wasn't just in the north. The East Coast was put under a state of emergency as tropical Cyclone Gabrielle unleashed her fury.
February saw the country's largest-ever drug bust. Customs and Police seized more than three tonnes of cocaine found floating in the Pacific Ocean.
In March 65-year-old Georgina Beyer, New Zealand's first openly transgender mayor, died. It was also the month the British anti-transgender activist known as Posie Parker was forced to cancel her New Zealand engagements after she was greeted with chaotic, sometimes violent protests.
Then there was more wild weather with tornadoes striking parts of the country in April, causing damage to at least 50 homes.
The music world said goodbye to the Queen of Rock after 83-year-old Tina Turner, who sold more than 100 million records worldwide, lost her battle with cancer in May, aged 83.
And historians were busy updating royal records as the longest-serving heir to the throne took on his new role as King.
Back here an arson attack claimed the lives of five residents who lived in the Wellington boarding house, Loafer's Lodge.
June and a story that gripped the world after all five passengers on an expedition to the wreckage of the Titanic were killed, after the deep-sea submersible 'Titan' imploded.
New Zealand made international news headlines in July after three people were killed by a 24-year-old gunman at a building site in Auckland's CBD.
Co-hosting the FIFA Women's World Cup was the feel-good factor the nation desperately needed. The Football Ferns raised the hopes of a nation, achieving their first-ever World Cup win.
But Spain's brilliant win in the final was overshadowed by the President of their Football Association's unwanted kiss during the celebrations.
And box-office records were broken in August with the comedy-fantasy film Barbie becoming the highest-grossing movie of the year.
There was more of nature's fury as wildfires tore through the island of Maui in Hawaii. With 55 victims, the fires are the deadliest in modern US history.
Hamas launched its deadly attack against Israel back in October. Twelve weeks on, and the fierce retaliation continues as the death toll rises.
Another big star died in October. 'Friends' fans were shocked when Matthew Perry was found drowned in a jacuzzi aged 54.
November - and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon leads New Zealand's first-ever three-party coalition Government.
Rounding out a year that was dominated by political storms and climate chaos - events we've all had to weather.
Let's hope the forecast is brighter for 2024.
