NZ at Noon: Bald sheep and boy racers

A lamb missing the crucial top-knot, the centre of the World Shearing Records Society judges' decision. Photo / Supplied

Stories making headlines across New Zealand at noon include bald sheep thwarting a world record attempt and the Boy Racer capital of New Zealand.

A world shearing record attempt had to be called off because the sheep were bald.

Boy racers in Christchurch are apparently the worst in New Zealand.

A toddler needed more than 20 stitches to repair a flap of skin that was ripped from her forehead when she was attacked by a pitbull.

Waipukurau apparently hit a sweltering 39C yesterday - if a public thermometer in the town is to be believed.

The school year started with wasp stings yesterday for several Rotorua children.

Carterton Hardware closed its doors for the final time yesterday, after more than 60 years in the town.

Police are determined to net the assailant behind a "disgraceful" pre-dawn attack on a newspaper runner.

Wanganui residents have been poisoned after ingesting an array of substances, including industrial chemicals, contraceptive pills and rodenticide.

A woman attacked by an intoxicated off-duty police constable says she's glad the officer has been convicted.

Meanwhile a tribunal has ruled a police officer was rightfully sacked after he used excessive force on a drunk partygoer who snatched his police hat.

And here's a photo gallery celebrating the life of broadcaster Sir Paul Holmes, who died this morning.

Top trending topics on Twitter in NZ at noon were: #LittleMixToNZ, #ReeceTo200K, #ItsCrazyHow, #SmallzysSurgery, #nzlead, Speaker, Novopay, #sevens, #shortlandstreet and New Zealand.

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Russian's 'Bach' sprawls in splendour on Northland coast
Raggamuffin will have a taste to suit everyone
Aerobics class good fit for seniors
Two arrests after fuel thefts
Rugby website post sparks sexism row
Toxic algae threat rising