A driver racing the wrong way down a major motorway last night smashed into six cars, leaving survivors who couldn't believe they were alive.

A woman found slumped in the driver's seat after a crash which left eight people needing hospital treatment had a cellphone in her hand.

Increases in police staff and the number of officers on the streets over weekends are being credited with reducing crime in Counties-Manukau.

A formal police investigation is underway to determine if a man gunned down by police last night fired the first shot.

David Bain has again called emergency services - but this time it was to assist a stranger.