A woman has died after being hit by a suspected drink-driver when she and a friend stopped for a roadside picnic yesterday.

An eco-friendly NZ holiday house has been named in the world's top 15 for its unique design.

David Dougherty - compensated in 2001 for wrongful imprisonment - is in court again accused of stealing meat, beer, socks, DVDs and underwear.

Religious extremists have been sending cards to the elderly asking them to pick the date they will die.

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard is to visit NZ for talks early next year likely to yield progress in aligning the two nations' economies, says John Key.

A hospital emergency department is being investigated after a doctor filled out a "do not resuscitate" order, allegedly without consent.

Access to one of NZ's top fishing rivers has been closed - upsetting local tourism operators and anglers throughout the country.

A surly swan is terrorising a stretch of Nelson's Maitai River - chasing kids, harassing a woman with a pram and having a hissy fit at a kayaker.

Air New Zealand is trying to trace a passenger seen talking on his cellphone during a domestic flight, who allegedly claimed he had been given permission.

At the age of 76, Leonard Cohen, the dark poet is a warm, gracious, comfortable performer on stage.