It was extremely rare for the sound to be heard so far away, but the volcanic explosion was "by far the most violent eruption we have seen in some time", a volcanologist says.

Live images from inside a flooded church among the first pictures and videos of the tsunami aftermath to filter through.

The National Emergency Management Agency has lifted a warning to stay off the beaches, but says people should remain vigilant, as the clean-up in Northland begins.

Digicel, part owner of the communications cable linking Tonga to the outside world, promises update 'within 24 hours'.

Tongans overseas are being asked to wait on credible information, as a telecommunication company frantically works on restoring comms on the island.

Damage assessments were under way, but communication links with the island nation were disrupted, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Families spent Saturday night desperately trying to reach loved ones in Tonga, after tsunami waves hit the island in the wake of a volcanic eruption.

The underwater volcano could erupt again, but with no active monitoring, it was "really hard to predict what might happen next", a geological expert says.

The world No 1 says he is 'extremely disappointed' with the court ruling over his visa cancellation, as he faces being put on a plane back to Europe.

Scrub fire threatening pine forest near Waimate is hard to get to over land.

The world No 1 says he is 'extremely disappointed' with the court ruling over his visa cancellation and will take time to recuperate.

There was a gap of more than 30 years between the oldest and the youngest finalists at the fourth Annual Oakura Bowl Jam on Saturday.

The Criterium National Championships, which was postponed because of Covid, is being raced over a 1.1 kilometre central city course.

Zendaya returns with her provocative, award-winning teen series, while the latest US medical drama boasts a familial twist.

REVIEW: Based on mindbogglingly odd real-life events, this is a terrific black comedy that’s a perfect showcase for the unbelievably talented actor.

Hazarduous coastal conditions, including large swells and unpredictable seas, are expected to continue until mid-week.

An 18-1 scoring run at the end of the game saw the Breakers come from behind to pick up an impressive victory against Sydney.

They took the lead for the first time in seven A-League matches against Brisbane, but a late penalty consigned them to a sixth loss in a row.

The southbound lane of State Highway 1, north of Rakaia, has been closed after the serious crash on Sunday.

Jack Tyro, 15, won the men’s and junior longboard divisions as well as the under 16 boys division.