NZ@Noon: Nasa and some 'harmless bit of fun'

Joyriders in the Bay of Plenty and 'secrets to the universe' in Rotorua.

Stories making headlines around the regions today include possible 'secrets of the universe' in Rotorua and 'stupid' drivers in the Bay of Plenty.

A team from Nasa arrives in Rotorua today hoping to unlock 'secrets to the universe'.

'Harmless bit of fun' is escalating in the Bay of Plenty. Three people where photographed while joyriding on the headrest of a convertible - just one week after another was caught 'car surfing' in Tauranga.

Meanwhile, an estimated $8000 in damage was caused in a ram raid on a Masterton service station - all for two energy drinks.

This 'seemingly jovial Hawke's Bay woman', who shot her neighbour's dog between the eyes, has now asked for an adjustment to her curfew to feed her beloved animals.

Temperatures boiled over in Whangarei yesterday when two women, one of them holding a baby, had a very public spat.

And finally, eight rural grass fires in the Wairarapa were sparked over the past fortnight by farmers or contractors mowing their paddocks.