World War II veteran John Sato, who came to prominence after taking four buses to join an anti-racism march in 2019, has died at the age of 98.

Three people have been killed in separate crashes today across the North Island.

The world's biggest Māori and Pacific Islands cultural festival kicked off in Tāmaki Makaurau this week, but with no crowds for the first time.

New Zealand's Covid-19 hospitalisation numbers have fallen sharply again, but the death toll has risen by another 20 people today, with 14,175 new community cases also reported.

A new record for heavy rainfall has been set by this week's torrential downpours.

Auckland Zoo's male rhinoceros was euthanised on Wednesday after a sudden untreatable illness.

Trucks carrying logs and stock are adding five hours to their journey while a vital coast link is cut off due to flooding in the Tairāwhiti region.

The University of Auckland is facing another allegation of sexual misconduct, and is now reviewing its handling of all similar cases.

Christchurch police have arrested six people and fined 40 others for breaching liquor laws in suburbs near Canterbury University.

Police have launched a homicide investigation after the death of a woman on a Gisborne street.

Canterbury nurses who volunteer for extra shifts in aged care are getting payments of $350 per night for covering chronic Covid-related staff shortages.

Central Hawke's Bay District Council is anticipating an expensive bill as it prepares to clean up from heavy rain that has hit the area over the past two days.

Police and ambulance responded to reports of a man drowning at Whangamatā Beach about 4.45pm today.

Explainer - What's the government doing with RNZ and TVNZ - and why? RNZ is here to clear it all up.

The rain still has not stopped in Tairāwhiti - despite a slight reprieve it is back in full force along with strong winds, hitting the already sodden region.

Customers have been queuing to get their hands on a coveted Costco membership months before the country's first store officially opens.

Health officials are reporting 13 more people with Covid-19 have died, with 15,871 new community cases reported today.

Tauranga's rates could increase 13.7 percent next year, with commissioners insisting it is necessary to pay for infrastructure.