Powerco says around 3500 houses in the North Island without power should have the service restored by tonight.

A Rotorua man who admitted assaulting his son has walked free after a judge said he had already punished himself enough.

Environment Waikato is worried about the danger of rapidly rising streams and rivers in the next few days.

The convicted Waiouru medals thief sentenced to six years in prison today has links to Joseph Reekers, the killer of hairdresser Marie Jamieson.

A two-car crash which left five Rotorua Girls' High School students injured today has been "absolutely devastating", principal Annette Joyce says.