NZ@Noon: Shock and oar as plucky prisoners push on

Five teams of Whanganui Prison inmates and staff finish 24 hours of non-stop effort on rowing machines.

Plucky prisoners push on to raise funds in Wanganui and a Tauranga teen in Vanuatu determined to help are just two of the stories making headlines around the regions today.

A Whanganui Prison inmate has "rowed his heart out" to raise money for a good cause.

A brave Tauranga teenager wants to help rebuild the lives of people in Vanuatu devastated by Cyclone Pam.

Seal you later! Three of Marineland's former furry residents will leave Napier for their new homes on Tuesday.

Lest we forget - there's been some celebrating at the Whangarei RSA this week.

Rotorua is now home to an new and unusual installation that will highlight a favourite pastime of many locals.

A Hamilton man has a grown pumpkin that now weighs over 700kgs - and it is still growing.

And finally, Wairarapa went purple this weekend in a march of "camaraderie, of defiance, of protest, of remembrance, [and] support."