Flooding on the East Coast has trapped several residents in their homes, with further heavy rain forecast for tonight putting local civil defence centres on alert.

A man aged in his twenties died after being stabbed in the chest in Manukau City last night.

Firefighters have warned of the dangers of "fire safe" clothing labels following the deaths of two men.

A hotelier who was doused with petrol during a robbery was lucky to escape with his life as the building was gutted by fire.

Howard Broad says his proudest achievements have been a roll out of tasers and boosting staff numbers in Counties Manukau.

Police hope to learn today whether there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding a house fire that claimed a woman's life at the weekend.

Students at the St Kentigern College after-ball party were treated by paramedics after becoming ill from drinking large quantities of Red Bull.

Shayne Sime was issued a gun licence just two years before he turned his weapons on Christchurch police.

A bomb that forced the evacuation of more than 100 people from their homes sat in its owner's underwear drawer for three years before he decided to get rid of it.