An 8-year-old boy who died alongside his father in a truck crash in the Hawke's Bay wanted to drive trucks just like his dad, family say.

What does a natural musician do after they've studied, taught music and sailed around the world performing on cruise ships? Open

Members of a shearing gang were injured this morning when the van they were in left the road and smashed into a tree.

Firefighters are returning to the scene of a major scrub fire that gutted a house, destroyed a shed and forced the evacuation of baches and homes in the Hawke's Bay.

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested and charged over an alleged sex attack on a woman in Gisborne on New Year's Day.

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 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.

Temperatures in some parts of the country have climbed over 30 degrees before midday.

Gisborne catering company, Black Fig, have created their own, local meal delivery service. 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 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.