New Zealand musicians talked to RNZ about what the Māori New Year means to them, as part of coverage of the first Matariki public holiday.

Matariki is the start of the Māori New Year Matariki - a time for celebration, remembrance, growth and renewal. Here is a snapshot of some of the events and scenes today.

Comment - The concern about gangs and gang-related violence in New Zealand continues to be highly politicised. The problem is these debates often lack history, context or vision.

A vintage cross has been returned to St Matthew-in-the-City Anglican church in central Auckland after it was stolen last month.

Today's Matariki celebrations signal the maturing of Aotearoa, Sir Pou Temara has said at a hautapu ceremony this morning.

Yesterday's brief power emergency is a good reminder for people to be prepared for power cuts, a consumer advocacy organisation says.

A 41-year-old man has been remanded in custody after appearing in court today over charges of assault and wounding with intent following an incident on Auckland's North Shore yesterday.

A prison parolee has been recalled to jail and had extra time added to his existing sentence for setting up a one-man drug-dealing business after he was released.

A search is being launched for a person missing at Maruia Falls in the Tasman District.

Emergency services have responded to a serious crash on State Highway 2, Horokiwi, between Wellington and Petone.

Industry leaders say the slowing housing market should offer millennials some hope, despite home affordability for first-home buyers being the worst it has been in 65 years.

Wellington City Councillors have approved a proposed district plan which will go out for public consultation. But one councillor says plans for an ambitious, liveable city have been "walked back".

People planning to head outdoors this long weekend are urged to pack and dress for the conditions.

Following today's grid emergency, consumer advocates are calling on electricity companies to put power in the hands of the people and roll out smart-meters to avoid future outages.

Four members of the public were stabbed in an incident on the North Shore this morning, Waitematā District Commander Superintendent Naila Hassan says.

The cherished gilded crown in Wellington's entertainment scene is officially back in business with the reopening tonight of the St James Theatre.

The public should still have confidence in Middlemore Hospital's emergency department, despite a continuing investigation into a patient's death at the hospital, Counties Manukau DHB says.

Excitement is growing for the future of Whakatāne as resource consent is granted for the proposed $29 million boat harbour, Te Rāhui Herenga Waka Whakatāne.