Misplaced loyalty to a superpower 'ally' is not a good enough reason to stay.

Official figures show Afghanistan most hazardous overseas posting for personnel.

The aviation colour code around Mt Tongariro has been downgraded from red to orange, but the volcanic alert level remains at 2.

News of Tongariro's eruption sparked a flurry of activity by Kiwis who have been awake into the early morning.