The sexual abuse claims of a boy had been "clearly vindicated" and a weight lifted from his mind, a judge said as he jailed Damien Robert Banks for 15 months.

A pilot "did everything right" to land a light aircraft in a paddock after the engine failed during take-off today at Auckland's Ardmore Airport.

A man was dragged from his burning council flat by his cousin, who happened to see smoke coming from the area as he went out for a takeaway.

Forestry company HarvestPro has been ordered to pay $120,000 in fines and reparation after one of its workers was hit by a log weighing more than a tonne.

More than 100 insurance claims have already been lodged with AA Insurance today for damages to roofs, windows and fences from the overnight storm.

The search for missing Gisborne man Duncan Munro ended tragically yesterday for his family when his body was found in a remote area on the Mahia Peninsula.

Police have resumed their search for a missing Gisborne surfer, after his car was found near a remote beach.

A South Korean man has drowned after diving into a popular river rockslide pool to save two children.

A Gisborne robber who swung a knife at an Indian restaurant employee and stole $6000 later told police he was prepared to use the knife.

An elderly man was bashed in a late night home invasion in Gisborne.

Police believe the people who have slaughtered sheep at night inland from Gisborne in recent months, and stolen the meat to sell, are experienced farm workers who live in that area.

Visitors will be amazed at the variety of attractions, writes Elisabeth Easther.

A young forestry worker is in intensive care at Gisborne Hospital after he was hit by a log in a forestry block today.

Gisborne's main water pipe has been reconnected four days after it broke following work by Gisborne District Council staff and contractors from Fulton Hogan.

Plans are in place for the worst-case scenario as Gisborne enters day three of its water crisis.