One of New Zealand's most-identifiable buildings closed for at least two years.

An exhausted tramper has been rescued from remote South Island wilderness.

These are the high points from Labour and Greens' State of the Nation speeches this afternoon.

MAIN PIC MC270117NADSUP1.JPGStand up paddle boarder Marcus Hansen will soon be swapping the tranquil waters of Whangarei's Town Basin

Each year, our country is shifting at about the same speed our fingernails grow. Here are four other strange things you probably don't know about New Zealand.

The state of our rivers and lakes has predictably come under intensified focus this summer, as Kiwis head to their favourite watering holes.

A precious carved club gifted to Rotorua Lakes Council in honour of late kaumatua Mauriora Kingi has been stolen.

The fire near Queenstown which destroyed 150ha of native scrub was likely caused by a campfire, authorities have found.

The tourism industry's biggest challenge is coping with record growth and finding ways to fund infrastructure.

What do you like about camping in Rotorua? 281216sp12.JPG We're here until the 6th. We really love this place, it's great for the

A search and rescue operation is underway for a man who's been swept out to sea at Lake Ferry in the Wairarapa this afternoon.

Party-goers who attended an unauthorised event on Lake Wanaka's Ruby Island claim safety was paramount.

Boat started taking on water early this morning.

Four people got into difficulty due to bad weather and windy conditions. Three capsized from their plastic yellow skiffs. One was not wearing a life-jacket.

A grassroots environment group is ramping up a lobbying campaign for more stringent "bottom line" rules around freshwater quality.

A Lord of the Rings actor who now works as a tour guide operator has slammed New Zealand's "clean, green" image.

Rotorua farmer Alison Bentley has been awarded $50,000 to trial two new hazelnut varieties not currently grown commercially in New

Despite tragedy at the weekend, it is one of the "safest" lakes around, the harbourmaster says, because of the clearly-defined areas for passive recreation, such as swimming.

New data showing an increase in long wait times for youth patients needing mental health help has been labelled "appalling" by a local

A weather balloon with cameras attached has captured a stunning view of Central Otago from the sky.

RURAL BOARD: The Rotorua Lakes Council's Rural Community Board (from left) Shirley Trumper, Chris Sutton, Euan McLachlan and Bob Martin

Rotorua Lakes Council has launched a major campaign to convince Aucklanders to abandon the rat race and move to Rotorua to live and work.

COMMENT: Environment, drinking water and charges need to be dealt with separately, writes Iain Rabbitts.

mattmartinserious.eps*Rotorua mayoralty results 2013- Steve Chadwick 11,630- Kevin Winters 4789- Rob Kent 2462- Janine RangiMarie

A North American dishwashing liquid claims to smell like 'New Zealand springs' - let's hope they don't mean Rotorua.

Anglers could become $10,000 richer if they catch a special green-tagged fish released in the Rotorua lakes for the opening of the summer fishing season.

Somewhere in one of three Rotorua lakes is a fish that can net someone $10,000 - and "all you have to do is catch it". Fish and Game

A freshwater lake behind North Shore Hospital, in Auckland, has been reopened to fishing after a diesel spill last month.

A cousin of the kangaroo could wreak havoc if it spreads through the Kaimai and Urewera ranges, conservationists fear.

Kayaker Jamie Slessor-White may be a bit better than your average weekend warrior but most of his focus at this weekend's Blue Lakes 2 Canoe Racing Regatta will be on those around him.