The witness said the truck driver was "devastated".

Crashes occurred in Levin and Greytown.

A fire broke out at a Levin recycling centre this morning, causing extensive damage.

The man has been charged with murder and arson and is due to appear in court tomorrow.

Police say circumstances around the fatal blaze are being investigated.

Alleged family estate dispute sparked a prolonged siege with armed police.

Around 80 people were evacuated from the neighbouring properties.

He was found inside his burning home last week.

Police will remain at the scene of a siege-type incident in Levin

People are urged to follow all police instructions and stay away from the area.

Pereka may be seeking a ride to Wellington and saying that he needs to go there for work.

The constable had lived in the house since 2009. Police wanted it for a new officer.

The provisional data shows there were 807 claims after the tornado.

"It lasted 30 seconds but that 30 seconds was absolutely terrifying to say the least."

Police have impounded 10 cars and plan to seize more.

Southwest winds are bringing severe gales to parts of the North and South Islands.

For some, the cleanup has begun while others are hunkering down

Levin tornado carves trail of destruction, houses damaged, trees torn up, roads closed.

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Emergency services from around the district are rushing to help put out the fire.

Paora Sweeney and Wiremu Waikari suffered appalling abuse at the hands of state carers.

Nomads prospect stabbed a rival gang member in the face 15 times with a pair of scissors.

'My parents were great people and they would not want this to derail your life.'

The crash happened at about 2.30am this morning.

"He turned up and said the debt is yours."

A former Waitomo mayor died just hours after attending the funeral of his wife.

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During the arrest, two police officers and the man fell onto the ground.

Three of the four who died work at a New Plymouth school.

Four deaths have been confirmed.