Searchers have confirmed that the body of a 21-year-old student missing at Lake Karapiro has been found.

Some say the Government's water-quality proposals are not ambitious enough, but others - including farmers - are cautiously optimistic.

COMMENT: The Environment Minister's promise to make 90 per cent of rivers swimmable by 2040 is a cynical sleight of hand, writes Gen Toop from Greenpeace.

COMMENT: The Government's plan to clean up waterways is an attempt to look as though action's being taken, when in reality nothing's happening, says Mark Dye.

Preparing New Zealand's water stores for a warmer climate is a major focus of new research projects just awarded more than $2 million.

The decision to close a Taupo District Council reserve in Kinloch to cars has been revoked - as debate rages about the causes of erosion in the area. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

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.

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.

The search for the 48-year-old man was officially changed to a recovery operation last night.

It is an uncontroversial fact that the state of the country's freshwater resources has for decades been moving towards ecological collapse.

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.

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.

GNS volcano information specialist Brad Scott answers questions on the science behind the eruption which sent water shooting 20- to

Residents tell of fear after eight water eruptions of up to 30m on the lake this morning - the first geothermal activity in the area for about 15 years.

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