NZ@Noon: 'Malicious' hoax and deaths honoured

The abandoned Capitaine Bougainville burns. Photo / Archives.

The anniversary of Northland's worst shipwreck and a hoax phone call that went wrong in Wanganui - these are just two of the stories making headlines around the regions today.

Shipwrecks have always been part of Northland's history but one of the worst in living memory was the Capitaine Bougainville, 40 years ago today.

Not so funny now - a "malicious" prank phone call to Wanganui police has lead to criminal charges for a local man.

Apparently Hawke's Bay Regional Prison's assault rate is the second highest in the country.

Last calls are going out for the rightful owners of Rotorua RSA memorabilia before it goes up for sale.

The impact of the Rena disaster are still being felt on Bay of Plenty beaches.

A special comic is set to change perceptions of Hamilton from a "cultural wasteland" to the "City of the Future".

And finally, a piece of Martinborough history is set to get a new lease on life.