A thunderstorm warning remains in place as violent electrical storms pounded Auckland overnight leaving many without power for hours.

Up to 100 New Zealand soldiers' bodies could be brought home from overseas, after the Government confirmed it was reviewing its policy on repatriation.

After almost 16 hours of deliberations, the jury in a Navy sex trial has been unable to reach a verdict and has been discharged.

NO byline thanks A 57-year-old Peria woman suspected by the prosecution and defence of covering for her children was convicted on

'The nearest approach to hell imaginable' were the words Prince Charles used to describe the Battle of the Somme.

It's 100 years to the day that New Zealand troops joined the Battle of the Somme in World War I. Prince Charles paid tribute to New Zealand's role in war.

It's 100 years to the day that New Zealand ground troops joined the Battle of the Somme in World War I. Kieran Campbell is in France for the commemorations.

Thousands of Kiwis died in the Battle of the Somme. Commemorations marking the centenary of their sacrifice start in France start this afternoon.

Angelina Jolie has called for a "new way" of peacekeeping focused on justice and inclusion of women during a surprise visit to a UN

New Zealand First hopes the Defence Force will take better care of its personnel, in the light of shock suicide figures from the Australian military.

Japan summoned Chinese diplomats on Saturday to protest after six Chinese coast guard vessels approached disputed East China Sea islands

The Afghanistan province where two Kiwi soldiers were killed four years ago today, is now secure, peaceful, and purged of insurgents.

America's top regional naval commander has discussed history-making plans for a US ship visit with Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee.

Speaking at a reception in Auckland tonight hosted by Murray McCully, US Vice President Joe Biden touched on the special relationship the US and NZ have.

The Government is to buy a $493 million naval tanker which will be custom-made for use in the Antarctic.

Prime Minister John Key has arrived in Indonesia at a time of heightened tensions over the neighbouring South China Sea.

Prime Minister John Key was joined by rugby royalty at a private dinner in Paris this morning (NZ time).

A deployment of New Zealand military trainers will stay in Afghanistan until June 2018 and their number will be increased from eight to 10.

Just when you thought you couldn't be any more dismayed by America's gun crisis, comes this depressing nugget of information.

US Secretary of Defense Ash Carter has thanked the New Zealand Government for agreeing to extend its deployment to Iraq

The Pentagon looks to the lessons of Silicon Valley to regain technological superiority.

The 16-strong New Zealand Defence Force team is joining forces with around 2000 personnel from the Five Eyes partner nations.

Charlie Petera fought during World War II in North Africa and Italy between 1941 and 1945.

Prime Minister John Key says he remains confident New Zealand troops based at Taji are as safe as they can be despite a car bomb outside the military compound yesterday.

An explosion has occurred within two to three kilometres of Camp Taji in northern Baghdad where 106 NZ Defence Force personnel are currently deployed.

NZ's military will be able to go after illegal fishing vessels and launch its own cyber attacks as a result of a $20b increase in funding - Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee.

NZ Defence Force upgrade includes a scaling-up of operations in the Southern Ocean and Antarctica and a greater focus on defending against cyber attacks.

New Zealand peacekeeping troops based in Sinai have been moved to a safer base and the mission is under frequent review because of security concerns about terrorist groups.

China is "highly likely" to send a ship to upcoming Navy celebrations, as a decision on whether the United States attends draws closer.