Haami Hanara, then 14, had fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, ADHD, intellectual disability and severe communication disorder, which a jury was not told about.

A firefighter was injured during the early stages of tackling the blaze, which has gutted two commercial buildings.

Police have arrested a 50-year-old-man in relation to the death of 33-year-old Owaka man Rikki McCall, who was found dead on a road close to Clutha earlier this month.

Westland mayor Bruce Smith was airlifted to Christchurch Hospital over the weekend, the council has confirmed.

The florist who transported more than $100,000 worth of stolen Trelise Cooper dresses to a storage unit has lost her bid for a discharge without conviction.

Nine months after injuring her ankle, Debbie Cuthbert was overjoyed to be told on Wednesday surgeons would be able to repair the damage.

The unique programme at Linden School is just over a year old - and the only school in the Wellington region teaching Deaf students entirely in sign language.

A Christchurch tech innovator has reeled in local fish and chip shops to market his three-bedroom Sumner house.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has returned to Parliament after testing positive for Covid-19, virtually attending a sitting of the House.

Gerard Leo Clarke was seen tailgating other vehicles and veering across yellow lines just before he smashed head-on into a classic Chevy.

But staff say they will happily reinstate the workshops if that is what the community wants.

A large piece of steel was craned into place to protect the historic building on Wednesday.

A new research finding could help detect Alzheimer's through blood tests during its early stages – but it could be a while before it is part of your next wellness check.

Police and ambulance were both called to a workplace near Motueka on Wednesday afternoon, after a person fell from height.

Water assets will remain in collective ownership under controversial infrastructure reform, local government minister insists.

Covid-19 is still in the community, the flu is expected to be back with a vengeance, and RSV is also making its presence felt.

Two days of rain has caused surface flooding, slips and road closures in Manawatū but the district council says there is no 'signifcant' damage.

People are probably breathing in more airborne microplastics in their own homes than they are while out and about, new research suggests.

The six old yachts cost a school principal $100. The lessons in leadership and joy of sailing his pupils are experiencing are priceless.

The family and friends of teenager Connor Boyd were left devastated after he died in an alleged hit-and-run last month.