A former high-profile principal says he will defend dozens of charges against him that include money-laundering, false accounting and fraud.

Wilderland, an alternative community on the Coromandel Peninsula, has been ordered to evacuate and demolish all its dwellings.

There would be plenty of mana in customary marine title without the power to exclude the public from sacred sand.

The slain Kahui twins' grandfather today admitted lying to police to protect his son Chris, an inquest into the twins' deaths has heard.

The Kahui twins' grandfather drove 50km to search for their mum when baby Cru stopped breathing, instead of taking him 4km to hospital, an inquest hears.

A trackside fire has shut down train services on Auckland's Southern and Eastern line between Otahuhu and Papakura.

Christchurch was today confirmed as the venue next year for New Zealand's annual mid-season rugby league test against Australia.

Todd Carney completed his stunning return to league by picking up the RLIF International Player of the Year award.