The expert's warning comes as the first case of BQ.1.1 is confirmed in New Zealand - a subvariant that has gained the ascendancy in Europe and the US.

Auckland's new mayor says he stands by his comments, which are in line with what he has campaigned on.

Thousands of Ruapehu lifetime pass holders are waiting to find out if their ticket to ride could soon be redundant.

The 82-year-old told the Royal Commission when matters of abuse were raised, there was a policy to follow for the victim and offender.

Gore District has elected 23-year-old Ben Bell, who won by less than 10 votes, edging out long-time incumbent Tracy Hicks.

Jewellery stolen during ram raids and smash and grabs could be smelted down before being sold here and off-shore in an operation run by gangs, National's police spokesperson says.

More than 300 people turned out to a community meeting in Whanganui last night to fight plans to sell water from an artesian bore near Whanganui River.

More than 60 Wellington bus trips are being suspended from next week to improve reliability.

The Breast Cancer Foundation says the average survival for Kiwi patients is 16 months compared to two or three years in countries like Australia, Germany or France.

Victims of childhood sexual abuse reflect on the power imbalances and gruelling victim-centric focus of the justice system's approach to sexual violence trials.

Bank customers appear to be managing debt well with an increasing number ahead on their home loan payments.

New data has found ocean acidification and temperature is rising, and backs up research that sea levels are rising faster.

Mount Cook Alpine Salmon has announced it will construct the country's first land-based salmon farm.

A farming company and an earthworks contractor have been fined $76,500 for environmental damage at a north Waikato stream that left 48 eels dead.

Police investigating the killing of Ashburton teenager Kirsty Bentley are following 10 lines of inquiry.

Bird of the Year is back next week but in a contentious decision, the two-time champion kākāpō has been barred from the ballot.

The family of three children missing for 10 months are fundraising for a reward to offer for information leading to their return.

Voter returns in North Canterbury were higher than the New Zealand average, with Kaikōura leading the way.