Lightning strikes, thunder and up to 13.8mm of rain falls in an hour as Wellington became the latest to receive a pummelling, with heavy rain and thunderstorms sweeping through the North Island.

Director-General of Health Dr Ashely Bloomfield has warned there would likely be new Covid variants of concern, with unknown severity, in the future.

A crushing win over Bangladesh in Hamilton on Tuesday has pushed the 2017 runners-up towards the last four.

It's scrapping its vaccination mandate, but Nelson-based Sealord is continuing with regular workplace testing to detect Covid-19.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand asked people in houses and buildings close to the Alliance meat plant at Lorneville to close their windows and doors and stay inside after an ammonia leak.

REVIEW: It’s India’s Invictus, The Miracle of Bern and Major League, a rollercoaster ride of emotions that rivals Bodyline for its depiction of the game.

The former ADHB employee is alleged to have received payments in relation to the procurement and supply of medical equipment.

The house has been substantially damaged while crews continue to battle the fire almost two hours after they were alerted to it.

A subtropical low over the northeast of the North Island is forecast to escalate on Wednesday, with the potential to be an extreme event.

The city council is working with experts to fine-tune plans and review the costs of fluoridation.

The video shows a man crouching on the street side of the fence, before standing up and throwing a small flaming object over the top into the embassy grounds.

CD unveiled a new honours board at Fitzherbert Park, listing life members, New Zealand players and players of the year.

Cole McConchie and Tom Bruce both missed out on personal milestones as play was advanced with the bigger picture in mind.

Rising costs and an appetite for new spending could force the council to use debt to help balance the city's books.

Midwives say Christchurch Women's Hospital would not cope if St George's maternity unit closed - an option being considered in a proposal for change.

Emergency services were called to the crash in Halcombe at 4.30pm.

Rick Williams woke to news of a boat sinking in the Far North and hoped friends on a fishing trip weren't onboard. Soon, his worst fears were realised.

A driver was cut from their vehicle after a crash outside Oakura on Tuesday afternoon.

A fifth body has been found, two days after the Enchanter fishing charter capsized off North Cape.

The victim remains in Wellington Hospital in serious condition following the incident in Upper Hutt last weekend.