NZ@Noon: Richie McPossum and a flying teen

Richie McPossum was spotted at the Kerikeri crossroads. Photo/ Peter de Graaf

Richie McPossum celebrates the World Cup in Northland and a teen with a dream to keep her head in the clouds in Hawke's Bay are just two of the stories making headlines around the regions today.

In Northland, even the possums are celebrating the All Blacks' win in the Rugby World Cup.

This Hawke's Bay teen is set to become one of the youngest solo glider pilots on record.

Cries of despair led two walkers in South Wairarapa to a box of puppies that had been clamped shut then abandoned.

A single dad from Stratford has been travelling to Hamilton every week so his son can get two days of therapy, and now he wants to bring the treatment back home - but he'll need help.

A special screw is apparently the key to saving a license plate from being stolen from a car - and in Rotorua police will be giving them away for free this week. Check out where to get one here.

Five Nga Tawa students have shed their locks for a good cause in Wanganui.

Christmas has already landed in parts of Tauranga as the city gears up for the festive season.

And finally, thousands of people are expected at this year's Farmers Santa Parade in Auckland CBD which will start at the new time of 1pm.