Concern is mounting over the long-term effects of Covid-19 for more than 600,000 New Zealanders who have contracted the virus since the pandemic began.

The closure of most of New Zealand's last remaining scallop beds around Auckland and Northland is being labelled a dramatic last ditch effort to save the species.

Three soldiers suffered burns to their bodies during a training exercise using molotov cocktails to prepare them for peacekeeping duties.

Southland is grappling with an extreme dry spell that has prompted water restrictions across the region and a total fire ban.

Government benefit increases will still leave families trapped in poverty as the cost of living skyrockets, anti-poverty campaigners say.

Director of Public Health Caroline McElnay says overall case numbers are dropping but regional spikes are occurring.

The bins have a small solar-powered compactor which crushes the rubbish, allowing it to hold more than a standard bin.

The Omicron outbreak is causing visitor spending to tank in Taranaki after it held its own during earlier stages of the pandemic.

Police are moving to bolster its team that scans the internet for threats.

Director of Public Health Caroline McElnay says the deaths reported today have occurred over the past 10 days.

A lengthy queue for new passports is catching out some New Zealanders trying to make the most of eased border restrictions.

Two eye surgeons have been fined for breaching Covid-19 health orders by seeing patients without being vaccinated.

Police have arrested a man involved in New Zealand's far-right movement in Te Puke.

An Auckland recruitment company has been fined $3600, and its director $1500, after a Chilean couple seeking work in the horticulture industry were found working illegally at a construction site.

Destiny Church pastor Brian Tamaki has been granted a bail variation to go on holiday next month.

Police are welcoming a court order that has stripped assets and cash from a senior Mongrel Mob member.

Flooding is occurring again around Wairoa and some residents in the northern Hawke's Bay town have now been evacuated.

Auckland police are appealing for information in relation to missing 13-year-old Aria Bridger who was last seen in Grafton last Thursday.