Nine detainees on the roof of Villawood detention centre in Sydney's west have continued their protest overnight.

Te Atatu MP Chris Carter has returned to Parliament and says he still considers himself a Labour MP, despite leader Phil Goff saying he has been expelled from the caucus.

Keep up to date with all the action in tonight's Ranfurly Shield clash between Southland and Auckland in Invercargill.

World class New Zealand shooter Kirk Penney is on the verge of a long-awaited return to the NBA.

More than 40 of the 80 pilot whales stranded at Spirits Bay have died and the rest will have to be relocated by road because of rough weather conditions.

DOC staff are scrambling to get enough help to save up to 30 whales still stranded at Spirits Bay, north of Kaitaia. At least 43 have died.

Local businessman Nathan Tinkler has stepped in to take-over the Newcastle Jets for the remainder of the A-League season.

Defending champions Team New Zealand were back in a familiar position today after the opening day of the final Med Cup event.

Southland Rugby is certain tomorrow night's Ranfurly Shield match will go ahead against Auckland in Invercargill.

While more New Zealanders are interested in the ITM Cup than in the NRL or A-League, a new poll released by UMR Research shows big regional variations.