Police are hunting a hit-and-driver who ran into a group of men fighting in central Hamilton overnight.

A Matamata woman has been charged with three counts of careless driving causing death.

All police chases which led to a record 14 deaths this year were sparked by minor offences, rather than serious crimes, figures released to the Herald under the Official Information Act reveal.

It could take weeks for a GAG unit to put out a coal fire in the Pike River mine, police say.

Three people have been hit by buses on a Wellington street since it was made two-way on Sunday.

The strength of the West Coast community will help it overcome its collective grief over the deaths of the 29 men who died in the Pike River mine tragedy, Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand said today at the memorial service in Greymouth.

West Coast poet Helen Wilson has offered an emotional tribute to the men who lost their lives in the Pike River mine.

Several thousand people have filled Greymouth’s Omoto Racecourse and numerous MPs and city mayors have taken their seats on the main stage for the Pike River Official Remembrance service

A GAG unit at the Pike River mine appears to be working with early indications a fire is dissipating.

Much of NZ will come to a standstill today as the victims of the Pike River tragedy are remembered.

Raphael Alualu was just beginning to make something of his life when it was tragically cut short.

A local politician says a popular diving spot on Auckland's North Shore should not be closed down despite the death of a teenage diver.

A jet engine brought in to make the Pike River mine safe is now in place. Rescue services are hopeful it will be in use tonight so the process to recover the remains of the 29 trapped miners can begin.