Shark sightings around the country have forced beach closures more than 12 times this summer.

Prime Minister John Key arrived far too early for the party, but got the present he wanted at the annual Ratana celebrations yesterday.

Prime Minister John Key stands by his decision to reveal that one of the SAS soldiers in a controversial photograph this week was Victoria Cross winner Corporal Willie Apiata.

The elite air force aerobatics team the Red Checkers has been grounded in the wake of yesterday's fatal plane crash.

The Air Force pilot who died in a plane crash near Ohakea Air Base today was a new father, a tearful Air Force official has revealed.