The body of slain NZ soldier Lieutenant Timothy O'Donnell and his two wounded colleagues may be home as early as Saturday evening.

A coroner has told the ADHB to ensure mental health unit patients get the same standard of medical care as those in general wards, after a schizophrenic woman, 60, died.

Swine flu has become the dominant flu virus in New Zealand and some emergency departments are struggling to cope.

Former prime minister Kevin Rudd has been admitted to a Brisbane hospital and will have an operation today.

Patients are being treated in the corridors of North Shore Hospital's A&E because of overcrowding due to winter illnesses.

There are four newcomers on the list of contracted players to New Zealand Cricket.

Sandy Adams kissed Skye goodbye and the child let out her typical high-pitched giggle. It was the last time she saw her 'little button' alive.

The two police officers who were shot in Christchurch on Tuesday morning have been released from hospital and are recovering with their families.

The flying instructor badly injured in Monday's plane crash near Palmerston North has shown promising signs of recovery.

South African tourist Tayla Storm has lost her battle against a deadly bug that struck her down on her first overseas trip.