Emergency services are battling a scrub fire in Gisborne.

A Gisborne family have made a plea for the return of their stolen husky.

The MetService is forecasting rain for much of New Zealand today, perhaps ruining plans for post-party barbecues and sunbathing.

Final repairs were made this morning to high voltage lines which were brought down when a light plane crashed, killing the two people on board.

The man who added to the anxiety of Gisborne residents this week after warning of an earthquake insists he has "nothing to apologise for".

Power is expected to be restored before nightfall for Gisborne residents, the electricity company says.

The father of George Anderson, whose body was removed from rural Hangaroa yesterday afternoon, was also a pilot.

It could be two or more days before the Gisborne area gets power after a light plane crashed into power lines this morning, cutting electricity to the city.

Fewer than half of councils have enough staff trained to respond to marine oil spills.

A petition to have one of Wairoa's main alternative roads sealed has attracted more than 240 signatures. Kiwi Road residents want it sealed to decrease dust nuisance, improve their health and overall lifestyle. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

A petition to have one of Wairoa’s main alternative roads sealed has attracted more than 240 signatures. Kiwi Road is just one of several rural roads residents want sealed to decrease dust nuisance, improve their health and overall lifestyle. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

For heavy transport driver Archie Simons of Hastings there was no option but to ride out a terror out-of-control moment and hope for the best.

A century after his death, the family of Second Lieutenant Alexander Ormond have finally been able to honour his sacrifice.

An inspirational drama teacher who travelled from Gisborne to England to see actor Jeremy Irons perform in a play had a welcome surprise at its conclusion.