A drug overdose and a coward's punch have ended an annual Otago party after 10 years.

Mark Carruthers has pleaded guilty to assault with intent to injure and wilful damage.

Elizabeth Zhong was found dead in the boot of her car last month near her home.

It is possible a decision on suppression may be reached before the Christmas break.

'Our loving, caring and fierce sister will never be forgotten rip our angel.'

The killer's behaviour was "indicative of a degree of wholly self-regarding wickedness".

The killer has also asked the country's top court to continue suppression.

A neighbour described the blood curdling screams on the Hamilton street.

The Court of Appeal ruled the murderer's name suppression will lapse tomorrow.

Message on footpath outside Masjid An-Nur is being taken 'very seriously', police say.

The punches outside an Auckland bar drew blood, court documents say.

The 25yo was found bloodied, with her mum's severed head nearby. What led to the tragedy?

Rising street violence is fuelled by booze, drugs - and maybe visiting Kiwis, locals say.

The incident occurred about 1am on Thursday at the Whenuapai Air Force base.

An investigation has been launched after a body was discovered on Tomahawk Beach in Dunedin. Video / Will Trafford

Sean McKinnon's sisters have shared their thoughts on today's sentencing.

Palmer Edward Marsters appeared in the High Court at Auckland today.

Opinion: We have roles and responsibilities as a nation after the Christchurch attack.

The father, a personal trainer described as "mellow" and "reliable", has been arrested.

Contrary to witness reports, police did not believe the incident was gang-related.

The woman called her son from the police station after she allegedly set a house on fire.

A young father who fatally shook his seven-week-old son had an 'extraordinary addiction'.

A man spent more than 19 months on bail, but charges were dismissed after just one day.

Surging gun violence is being blamed on gang warfare, drugs and organised crime.

Team of detectives working on investigation into Auckland woman's death.

Kaine Van Hemert was due to be admitted to a mental health facility later that day.

Official report into terror attack will be released next week: 5 key things to expect.

Peter Beckett has been through two murder trials and now faces further legal battles.

The man and woman wanted over fatal Wellsford shooting located by police. Video / Will Trafford