NZ@Noon: Coma compassion and fashion challenge

Masterton student Delaney Cooper (right), pictured with her winning design, has won the right to present her work at New Zealand Fashion Week. Photo / Supplied

Compassion for a comatose prisoner and a young designer's opportunity of a lifetime are just two of the stories making headlines around the regions today.

"A violent assault, with a tragic sequel," - a comatose prisoner only months into his sentence has been released in Hawke's Bay.

This Wairarapa student has just been offered the opportunity of a lifetime.

An anti-smoking "killjoy" proposal is irking the Tauranga food industry.

Northland is apparently the second worst place in the country when it comes to car theft.

According to figures, Northland has the highest rates of kereru hunting convictions in the country.

Any Auckland locals looking for lost letters may find them here.

A Rotorua man with a love for drones wants to find other enthusiasts to race and battle with.

And finally, check out what children in Wanganui really think about the royal family. Warning - expect extra-cuteness.