Despite weather extremes, an Auckland climate scientist is unconvinced about the role of human-induced global warming.

The last of 366 30-tonne concrete beams has been put in place over the $340 million tunnel.

Today the Weekend Herald salutes the winners of the annual Sir Peter Blake Leadership Awards, which honour one of the country's greatest leaders, the late Sir Peter Blake.

Fire safety officers are investigating a suspicious fire at a Waikato church overnight.

Two lower North Island schools burned overnight, amid fears a copycat arsonist is on the loose.

A man charged over two suspicious fires in Wainuiomata has been charged with another eight counts of arson.