A High Court jury in Whanganui has heard that the man accused of murdering sickness beneficiary Marice McGregor will take the stand, and that there is no blood or DNA evidence linking him to the crime.

A man has been charged with the murder of a 23-year-old woman shot at her home in Otaki Beach yesterday.

Travellers could get caught as heavy downfalls settle over the North Island for the next 24 hours.

Having fallen into disuse once rail made life easier, the Central Plateau's Old Coach Rd is now being utilised by cyclists. Diana Clement got on her bike.

A Manawatu teen was today jailed for eight years and three months for the attempted murder of a Taihape policeman last year. Bruce Mellor was left for dead when he was attacked from behind with a machete after pulling over a stolen red