A charity screening children for sight and hearing problems at schools now has a fully kitted-out optometry bus - and big plans to roll the service out for adults.

Four people have been arrested and three hospitalised after a mass brawl on central Auckland's Karangahape Road - but police are looking for more.

Police were called to the two-vehicle incident in Upper Hutt about 6.35pm.

It follows allegations of sheep mistreatment related to shearing practices which are still under investigation.

Record rainfall caused widespread damage across the district, the worst in 150 years, after it was hit by floods twice in as many weeks during June and July.

With heavy traffic and bad weather expected over the New Year period, police are urging revellers heading to Rhythm and Vines to expect delays.

Twenty-one percent of students enrolled in 'life skills/personal development' in 2025, up from eight percent 15 years ago.

A drug-checking group is reminding concertgoers this New Year party season that it offers a free, legal and confidential service.

Canterbury drivers are being urged to be cautious after an oil spill on State Highway 73, West Coast Road near Porters Pass.

Police were called to State Highway 1 at the Waitarere turnoff about 11am.

A bout of bad weather is about to sweep across the east of the North Island, ahead of New Year celebrations.

The fire truck is damaged and police say there will be delays in the central city while the "matter is resolved".

It comes as some businesses receive thousands of applications for paid roles and people look for experience anywhere they can.

A calmer day is in store for parts of the South Island battered on Saturday by hail, and lashed by torrential downpours and lightning.

Richard Chambers says it's only right he is in the city where Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming died on duty a year ago.

Large parts of the mainland have been under brief severe thunderstorm warnings through the afternoon.