New Plymouth's council is removing dozens of American flags it allowed to be hung along the main highway after complaints about it being inappropriate ahead of Waitangi Day.

Farmer Phillip Pullar was a long-standing member of the Gore Aero Club before he died in a plane crash this week.

People are being told to avoid the Thames St area and to not swim in Ahuriri Estuary.

People are flocking in their thousands to celebrate NZ's national day, with many saying they want to learn more about its significance.

Head organiser Mori Rapana said there had been a lot of sleepless nights in the run up to this year's event.

The threat of two pipe bombs sent to the Sydney and Auckland consulates was posted on a hacked events website.

The 21-year-old owner, who cannot yet be named, faces one charge in relation to a rottweiler that attacked a day-old baby in Hamilton.

The men face charges relating to the six-day standoff where a maximum security facility was destroyed by fire.

“A couple of times the enormity of being so far from home during a pandemic has made me a bit panicky and I’ve had to squash the feelings.”

A Wellington City Councillor says it is inappropriate to have a gun salute for the Queen on Waitangi Day.

Police in the US will not press charges against those involved in the fight that caused Hadleigh Keane's fatal head injuries.

They came in their hundreds to voice concerns over lead found in the water supplies of their towns.

Prime minister joins crowds at the annual Beat Retreat ceremony, a military display celebrating NZ history at Waitangi Day commemorations.

Parents dumbstruck that a Christchurch preschool was given 48 hours to close after it failed compliance conditions – some for “missing paperwork”.

Congestion remains north of Auckland near Puhoi and on the southern motorway as people head away for the long weekend.

From carving/whakairo to waka, politicians and stunning weather, here are some of the best moments from Friday's celebrations ahead of Waitangi Day

Two years since a major mental health inquiry, and many are concerned the Government has lost focus - including the sector's top watchdog.

Bad news for Wellingtonians escaping to Wairarapa for the long weekend - delays are expected after two crashes near Greytown.

A New Plymouth District Councillor who has championed Māori wards has apologised to a colleague, and others, he accused of being racist for their opposing views.

Those heading away for Waitangi Day could be in for a slow drive. Here's what you need to know about where the worst traffic is expected.