NZ@Noon: Bridge blunder and a missing green thumb

Heat prevented the Te Matau O Pohe bridge from closing after allowing a boat to pass through on Saturday. Photo / Supplied

A bridge blunder in Northland and troubled trees in Masterton are just two of the stories making headlines around the regions today.

When the heat was on Whangarei's award-winning bridge it failed to perform.

Masterton is apparently missing a good green thumb as more council trees are reported to be sick and dying.

Not even a power outage could stop Santa from arriving at the Raetihi Christmas Parade on Saturday.

Wishes do come true for the Hawke's Bay District Health Board, thanks to a touch of the festive spirit.

Paddlers have braved rough conditions and rain to highlight a good cause in Rotorua.

The streets of Mount Maunganui have come alive, leaving lasting images for a younger generation.

And finally, a Christmas story with a futuristic twist is heading to Hamilton - in a DeLorean.