NZ@Noon: Patriotic pride and rugby 'immortality'

Oman Khwaja spent three hours painting himself green, red and black to support his home country of Afghanistan yesterday. Photo / Duncan Brown

Patriotic pride on display in Napier and a chance for a rugby club in Rotorua to be given immortality on the small screen are just two of the stories making headlines around the regions today.

Wide-eyed boys punched the air and cheered on their idols as the Black Caps batted their way to another victory in Napier yesterday.

The fast and exciting times of the Reporoa Rugby Club have been immortalised in a documentary. Check out the trailer here.

Evacuated residents living near a large forest fire in Kaipara will return home today after a "strenuous" move.

A Bay mother says her teenage children risk their lives crossing State Highway 29 because of a school bus route change.

Think you have a hard job? This Wanganui man is one of a small handful called upon to "euthanise" stranded sperm whales.

More than 30,000 people ran, walked, wheeled, and were pushed or carried from Auckland's CBD to St Heliers for the 43rd annual Ports of Auckland Round the Bays over the weekend. Check out the photos here.

And finally, Carterton residents are looking to flush out a stunning new look for a public loo.