NZ at Noon: Schoolgirl defies odds

Paige Maxwell, 5, is extremely excited about starting school - something her parents never thought would happen. Photo / Stephen Parker

Stories making headlines across New Zealand at noon include parents who watched their daughter start school after being told by doctors that she wouldn't survive two years with a large tumour growing down her spine.

Eighteen months ago Selena and husband Brendan Gaskill were told by doctors their daughter, Paige Maxwell, wouldn't survive two years.

A Far North family of four is lucky to be alive after fleeing a burning house in the middle of the night.

A 21-year-old Masterton man who terrified his mother and threatened police with a Japanese samurai-style sword told presiding Judge Tom Broadmore that K2 synthetic cannabis "twisted my mind".

Farm worker, Hamish Allan, who died in a house fire on Saturday night had just become engaged.

Virtual friends who usually converse over social media will swap their keypads for proper conversation this Friday when the first Rotorua TweetUp - #RotoTU - is held.

Tourist numbers, which took a dip in 2012 following the Rena grounding and extreme wet weather, rebounded last summer to the relief of moteliers.

A Mount Maunganui woman's labour pains helped save her and her young family when they woke to find their house on fire.

For the second time in three years Rotorua's Kingi Biddle has been named the best public speaker in the country.

Fire damage was largely restricted to the space between the roof and ceiling of a home in Donald Road Kaitaia yesterday, although the interior of the home also suffered water damage.

A Tauranga sports club has fallen prey to thieves twice in one day - in two separate cities.

A place where older men can socialise, share skills, keep their brains active and mentor youth won top honours at the Tauranga community awards last night.

Consumers' Voice New Zealand, an advocacy group for victims of poor social service care, has called for the naming of the "disgraced" social workers implicated in the death of a 12-year-old girl while in the care of CYF.

Tourist numbers, which took a dip in 2012 following the Rena grounding and extreme wet weather, rebounded last summer to the relief of moteliers.

Finally take a look at some of the amazing images from award-winning photographer Stephen Parker from the Daily Post, winner of this year's Canon Award for New Zealand Senior Press Photographer.

More stories making headlines today:

Distractions could lead to serious crashes (+poll)
Principals to share top job
Hospice Cup date gone
Peak restaurant to serve panoramic views
Licensed tobacco sellers backed
Mentoring helps with te reo goals

-nzherald.co.nz