Relatives of Arapera Fia, 2, say they want answers after she died under suspicious circumstances.

The armed offenders squad, several police cars and helicopters, joined the pursuit across the central North Island.

Initial reports say it was felt in Wellington and Christchurch.

Hedley Edwards' family is now grappling with both his life-altering injuries and Auckland's Covid-19 border that has so far kept his children away.

Last seen about 50 years ago, a memorial dedicated to two brothers who died in World War I has been rediscovered on Bluff Hill.

'Loud cracking' and a plume of thick black smoke were earlier coming from the Ranui property, a witness said.

Twenty senior management jobs will go in what will be the council's second major shake-up this year, and is set to save ratepayers up to $800,000.

Migrants with health conditions will be eligible for residency, but a woman who was rejected six months ago wishes it had come sooner.

Colin Gordon of Nelson, borrowed $70,000 to help recover an extraordinary car, now his widow is defending a claim for repayment of a debt that has blown out to $592,498.

There were no injuries or reports of property damage, but police inquiries are ongoing.

Severe thunderstorms may be on the cards for many on Sunday, but a seven-day stretch of warm weather is heading our way which could see the mercury hit 30C for some.

Ruatoria woman Tūī Warmenhoven fears she is in a race against time before Covid-19 wreaks havoc across the region.

Luke MacLean-McMahon was a healthy 32-year-old, but Covid has left him unable to drive and his heart scarred. Experts warn many more may end up like him.

Loud bangs, a revving chainsaw, and a man screaming were all heard at a suburban Christchurch home as armed police went in to make an arrest over fatal teen shooting.

Police seek help finding a man who exposed himself to a pupil on the grounds of a Lower Hutt primary school.

The student was infectious while at school this week. Pupils are asked to stay home tomorrow to allow time for staff to be tested, 'thorough' clean.

Counties Manukau DHB today crossed the 90 per cent first dose threshold for the Covid-19 vaccine - joining the region's two other DHBs in the milestone.

While no cases of Covid-19 have been discovered in Taranaki following the detection of the virus in Stratford’s wastewater, residents are still being urged to get tested and vaccinated.

Covid situationa report: It's good news on the vaccination front, and for wastewater results in Huntly and Hastings.

Monday is the day Aucklanders will learn if they will get a little more freedom.