NZ@Noon: Free app can help save lives

Northland Red Cross training co-ordinator Kevin Spill hopes people will hook up to the new life-saving phone app. Photo / John Stone

Stories making headlines around the regions today includes a life saving app and a skilled lensman takes the plunge and swims with the sharks.

Anyone coming across an emergency medical or injury situation could find their fingers do the talking if they have a new first-aid app on their phones.

As former Daily Telegraph and Hawke's Bay Today photographer Richard Robinson likes to put it, in his pursuit of the finest image he is "going to great depths".

A woman who woke to what she thought was a train screaming past her house has described the strong winds that ripped trees from their roots and carved a path of destruction as a "mini tornado".

A Rotorua artist is turning bottle tops into something beautiful to share with the community.

A couple resettling in Wairarapa has received a less-than-pleasant welcome to Featherston.

And finally, Wanganui music fans are in for a real slice of Kiwiana next week when the Herbs Unplugged tour hits town.

Election round up from the weekend:

In case you missed it, here's a round up of election happenings from around the regions.

Tauranga MP Simon Bridges is tomorrow heading to Wellington for caucus and Cabinet meetings after a landslide election victory.

Hawke's Bay voters declare a draw.

Whangarei MP's bold promise - 3000 jobs in 3 years.

McClay stands by Harawira gibe.

'Huge' win for new Wairarapa MP.

Job inside Cabinet tops wishlist for Whanganui MP Chester Borrows.