A plan to fast-track a controversial West Coast hydro scheme has been given an initial go-ahead.

Two central Wellington landmarks have drawn significant crowds after years-long closures.

Police said people should avoid Wikaraka Street in Ngongotaha while emergency services deal with the fire.

Nathan Brian Teraki was said to be fatigued and taking "poor man's meth" tablets when he killed a mine worker in the head-on collision.

A 'level 1 threat' was made against the officer, which he was not immediately told about.

AA Principal Advisor says people can use less fuel by driving safely, carrying less weight in the car, and taking fewer trips.

In 2023, investigators gave Oranga Tamariki three years to turn things around at its biggest secure home for teenagers, Korowai Manaaki in south Auckland.

Jason Morgan asked students inappropriate questions, including, "How long would you wait to have sex with a dead girl?"

But an expert warns the true figures could be higher than reported.

A stroke survivor living on canned soup and bread is among those stuck with too much money for a benefit, but not enough to get by.

The unemployment rate for young people is three times higher than the national average.

Cars, trucks, bikes and other road users will put the surfaces to the test over winter.

The war in the Middle East has pushed up fuel prices - two experts give their views on dealing with the situation.

After allegedly murdering a courier driver, Tanginoa Pahulu Tangi went back to the US where he is also accused of attempted murder.

The child was taken to the hospital in a serious condition.

There has also been an increase in hospitalisations from Covid as New Zealand enters its ninth Covid wave.

He died at the scene, police say.

Many parents and students have been sharing their frustration about the delays in a social media group.