Start shutting the door on petrol cars and prepare to go electric. That's one message from the Climate Change Commission's major new report.

A cruise ship turned away from New Zealand is now stuck off the coast of New Caledonia, low on fuel with a significant storm approaching and no permission to dock.

A community group is taking the Canterbury Regional Council to court over its inaction in removing a massive pile of tyres set on fire last week.

Is the humble Kiwi sausage sizzle soon to farewell the flame? The Climate Change Commission's first report has been released, with targets proposed to cut New Zealand's emissions.

Artist Bill Hammond, noted for the environmental and socially-aware themes of his work, has died aged 73.

If State Highway 1's dangerous Weld Pass isn't addressed soon it will be like 'stepping back into the Dark Ages', a transport committee chairperson says.

Police are investigating the killing of a horse and suspicious shed fire in Hawke's Bay - two incidents thought to be gang-related.

The energy sector has largely shown support for the Climate Change Commission's plan to decarbonise the economy and slash emissions.

No new cases of Covid-19 in the community or managed isolation have been reported today, and former Pullman Hotel guests who have been contacted have tested negative, Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins says.

A by-election is imminent in Carterton after councillor Steffen Bertram resigned 15 months into his first term.

A full review is underway into security at racecourses after a spectator jumped onto the track during a race on Wellington Cup Day.

The commissioners who will take over the dysfunctional Tauranga City Council are expected to be announced on Thursday.

Residents who live by an empty industrial yard in Hastings heard nothing before police were called to a death nearby this morning.

First-time home buyers say they're demoralised in a market where investors have been buying houses at a rate last seen in 2016.

The Ministry of Health says it has more than nine months worth of personal protective equipment (PPE) in stock at current usage rates, or over a month's worth at "high pandemic" use rates.

Police are searching for information about a firearm recovered during their investigation into the death of Rau Tongia.

New Zealand is heading for a major upheaval under a plan to combat the climate crisis, and while some sectors show signs of resistance the Climate Change Minister takes 'a great deal of hope' from the report.

Māori knowledge and western science are being combined to save disappearing mussel beds in an eastern Bay of Plenty harbour.