Family and friends of those onboard the Kaikōura charter boat which capsized on Saturday, who are still coming to terms with the tragedy, have spoken to RNZ of their loved ones.

With countries around the world dropping mask mandates as the pandemic appears to enter a new phase, questions remain about what we can learn from countries who have already left masks behind. Here's what you need to know.

All mask wearing requirements except in healthcare and aged care will be scrapped, and household contacts will no longer need to isolate, the government has confirmed.

Cabinet has decided that New Zealand will have a one-off public holiday on Monday 26 September to mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Covid-19 Protection Framework - also known as the traffic light system - will end tonight at 11.59pm: Here's what you need to know.

A search of farmland near Dunedin has been unable to unearth any remnants of the meteorite which crashed down last month.

Blood cancer patients are urging Pharmac to fund a medicine that would restore the quality of life of those suffering with the disease.

The former Auckland District Health Board has been found in breach of the health and disability code in relation to the death of a six-year-old girl.

The dismantled pieces of a Chinese fishing vessel stuck on a reef in French Polynesia will end up in New Zealand.

The two areas have been without any such homes since the then-National government sold its stock of more than 500 of them in 1999.

One of the main routes out of Wellington - State Highway 59 - is set to reopen this Thursday after being closed for weeks.

Residents of some Nelson homes that were threatened by landslides have now been able to return to their properties after they were deemed safe.

Migrants who helped an investigation into immigration fraud may soon be forced to leave the country.

The New Zealand Defence Force is pushing back against a decision to prosecute after a soldier died jumping from a helicopter in a training exercise.

The virus that causes Covid-19 is 'tricky' and will be with us for "a very long period of time" a medical researcher says.

A series of fake online posts that appear to be from a convicted rapist, who was given a controversial sentence, have been taken down.

There are 1149 new cases of Covid-19 in the community today as the government prepares to announce whether restrictions will ease.

New Zealanders planning on flying to London following the Queen's death may be disappointed as flights and accommodation are in high demand.