Midfielder Theresa Fitzpatrick has quickly become one of the most important players in the Black Ferns' backline.

Retallick's red card was just one issue for the All Blacks to address after their poor performance in Tokyo.

ANALYSIS: Late call-up Samisoni Taukei'aho impresses once more, but it was up to the reserves to get the job done in Tokyo.

Black Ferns make another improvement with their scrum and the ultimate test awaits at Eden Park after winning their quarterfinal comfortably.

Southland has borne the brunt of the country's lightning strikes on Saturday evening, with 1133 recorded up to 9.05pm.

The 33-year-old Kiwi has picked up back to back Supercars championships, with his win in Queensland confirming his dominance in the category.

The winning First Division tickets were both sold on MyLotto, to players from Hamilton and Marlborough.

Emergency services were called to the fire, in Forbury, about 7.10pm on Saturday.

The southern band had talent, looks and massive self-belief, reinforced nightly by crowds in pubs they packed nationwide. What could possibly go wrong? Stupid question.

Our About the South columnist on a hardworking ketch, a politician who regretted his pugnacity, and a Southland racing scandal.

When the Black Caps got off to their blazing offensive against Australia, there was much scratching of heads about this Finn Allen chap.

Joanna Grisez scored a hat-trick, but the French scrum was formidable in their success that sets up a likely semifinal with the Black Ferns at Eden Park.

Hardy nine-year-old Pep Torque finally got the big win he deserved after producing a gritty performance at Awapuni.

Raymond Ratima was convicted of seven murders, including his three sons in 1992.

Dangerously high wind gusts forces group to delay Saturday's gig at Sky Stadium until Sunday evening.

Former Black Caps all-rounder has some fun for ND, keeping the Volts from charging to victory in Mt Maunganui.

One of the tournament heavyweights ensure their semifinal berth with a dominant final quarter.

At least two of the racist dolls were on display, which the race relations commissioner says is "inappropriate and disturbing".

Shelley Burke's show attracted thousands and was one of Auckland's most-anticipated Christmas display events.

The boy was wanted in connection with car thefts, assaults on other youths, burglaries and incidents where cyclists were hit by stolen cars.