NZ@Noon: Boxing surprise and star power

Set for another lap of the Pandora Pond markers, actor Cliff Curtis may have been thinking about the flight he had to catch afterwards. Photo / Warren Buckland

The unexpected end of a Rotorua boxing match and a celebrity cameo at the IronMaori Half-Ironman are just two of the stories making headlines around the regions today.

Spectators were in for a treat at the Rotovegas World Championships over the weekend when the fight took on a surprise twist.

There was star quality on display at the IronMaori Half-Ironman In Hawke's Bay.

A proud parade of soldiers marched through Tauranga on Saturday.

Where are the monarchs? A Russell resident wants to know.

Kids in Hamilton will have their spirits lifted this Christmas.

Z Energy Masterton is taking crime-fighting to the next level.

And finally, if waking up to a "loud dawn chorus" of native birds every morning sounds like your cup of tea, check out this place.