Talkshow host Michael Laws has been taking heat from his radio colleagues for driving with an unrestrained child.

A fire that razed a Manawatu home overnight was "no accident" police say, amid reports a molotov cocktail sparked the blaze.

A horror seven days has seen 18 people die in 12 road accidents and has left police blaming speed and alcohol as a factor in many of them.

Guy Sainsbury came across a group of people who had seen a vehicle 80m down a bank, and decided to look around the area himself.

Police have charged a truck driver over the death of a cyclist who was hit by a truck only days after writing about aggressive Kiwi drivers.

Mayor Michael Laws must accept scrutiny of his private life, according to his radio station colleague John Tamihere.

The official warning over a tsunami that threatened the entire east coast of New Zealand today has been downgraded to an advisory, but there is still a threat from ocean surges.

Civil Defence authorities have downgraded the tsunami warning for New Zealand. However, New Zealand authorities are warning that there could be surges for up to 24 hours.

New Zealand east coastal areas aren't out of the woods yet, with Civil Defence authorities and scientists electing keep the tsunami warning in place.

The first wave has reached the Chatham Islands, after a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit Chile overnight. An official tsunami alert remains in place for New Zealand's entire east coast.

Four Manila-based call centre staff have been suspended over abusive text messages sent to Telecom customers.