Four fire crews are battling a blaze in the Lower Hutt suburb of Stokes Valley.

There was a record downpour in Auckland, a tornado in Taranaki and "quake lights" above Wellington. Oh, and 2016 was likely also New Zealand's hottest year on record.

A Wellington kitten had a close shave this morning after becoming trapped in rush-hour traffic.

A teenager who was charged after allegedly saying "this teacher is mean as f***" in a public place has had his charges withdrawn.

Wellington police are appealing for information after a woman was badly injured in a possible hit and run early Saturday morning.

The earthquakes closed New World Hutt City, so its owners have opened a pop-up supermarket.

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission has released its findings on two Wellington commuter train crashes.

Creaking metal and roaring machinery have heralded the end of Queensgate mall's cinema.

Lower Hutt shoppers won't be vying for a car park at Queensgate or the CBD this Christmas season, thanks to a free weekend shuttle service.

A man accused of throwing a chunk of concrete at a person, severing the person's big toe, has had his matter called in court.

A teenager faces a court hearing for allegedly saying "this teacher is mean as f***" in a public place.

Alternative work spaces are being arranged for hundreds of office workers kicked out of the Asteron building. The building, which

Xero spokesperson says staff are "deeply saddened by the loss" of two employees who died during an overnight walk in the Tararua Range.

Last Monday's earthquake should be a wake-up call about the risks commercial building owners overlook when it comes to non-structural items, say experts.

Footpath outside mall closed for building strengthening work.

The Metservice is warning rain, wind, and possible thunderstorms are on the way to Wellington for tonight and tomorrow.

State Highway 2 is closed in both directions as police respond to an incident in Lower Hutt.

The Prime Minister's bodyguards directed traffic around a high rise close to collapse, slips caused traffic chaos and homes were evacuated in capital.

A Lower Hutt man whose house is threatened by floodwaters won't evacuate because he is worried about looters.

Give yourself a pat on the back, people of Wellington

A Massey University lecturer has been sentenced on a charge of dangerous driving causing injury.

Judith Collins will not be drawn on whether police acted illegally when targeting euthanasia advocates.

New Zealand rules which ban all ages from cycling on footpaths are out of step with other countries, transport officials say.

Around $2.1 million will be invested to build a total of six new classrooms at schools in the Wellington and Kapiti regions, Education Minister Hekia Parata announced today.

Police have admitted setting up a drink-drive checkpoint near a euthanasia meeting.

Wright's closest friends have written a heartfelt tribute in a bid to "put the pieces of our lives back together".

Twelve Kiwi families will be watching the Auckland Marathon next weekend with a little more excitement than might normally be expected.

After Warriena Wright's death at the foot of Gable Tostee's apartment building, people on both sides of the Tasman asked why and how she got there.

A bus driver was taken to hospital with "superficial head injuries" after three people tried to rob him in Upper Hutt this morning.

A Hutt City councillor has beaten out her closest rival by only six votes.