Voting in referendums in Ukraine aimed at annexing territory to Russia has entered a fourth day, after the United States warned of "catastrophic consequences" if Moscow used nuclear weapons to protect any annexed regions.

Hundreds of people including the prime minister, cabinet ministers and former prime ministers gathered at St Paul's Cathedral in Wellington this afternoon for a state memorial service for the Queen.

An Auckland couple have found their beloved dog after an intense 10-day search.

It is New Zealand's day to officially mourn Queen Elizabeth II, and at a state memorial service, PM Jacinda Ardern has read an extract from a souvenir book published after the Queen's first visit to Aotearoa.

First Person - RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch pulls back the curtain on some of the lighter moments behind the scenes and on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

Three people have died in two separate crashes in Waikato this afternoon.

Police are investigating whether there are any links between break-ins at two Hamilton shopping malls yesterday.

Memories were shared and tears were shed as half of Marlborough's councillors and the mayor bowed out during the last full council meeting of the term.

The sister of a rape victim nearly missed her chance to speak at a Parole Board hearing.

A 20-year-old man has been charged over an incident where a person was forcibly taken from their home to a nearby ATM.

The offender fled the scene and armed police are in the area, but police say there's no information to suggest there is a risk to the wider public.

Today is New Zealand's official Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Day public holiday, with a wide range of events planned and closures around the motu to honour Her Majesty.

Cauliflowers that could be left to rot are being used in ice cream which has passed the taste and texture test during blind tasting.

The future of Nelson's Elma Turner Library remains uncertain, as council considers the options for fixing its earthquake prone ceiling at a potential cost of up to $2.5 million.

A Harvey Norman store in Manukau was burgled and a phone repair shop in Panmure also targeted.

His job was to stand outside the Queen's window and wake her up: 'She came out with her little camera and took a photo of me."

Schools are trying to find extra teachers and tutors so they can spend their share of $20 million for catch-up learning.

Emergency responders are optimistic about new technology designed to contain marine oil spills.