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.

New Zealand sevens coach Gordon Tietjens has named a clutch of newcomers in his 16-strong training squad.

MidCentral District Health Board has released a damning audit report of Palmerston North's Rosa A Lea Rest Home, which it closed last month.

It is too early to say whether a fire that killed a woman and a child overnight is suspicious, police say.

A major elderly care operator has accused health authorities of a "witch hunt" over the closure of a rest home.

An inspection team finds a 103-year-old woman tied to her bed with a sheet, during an audit of a Palmerston North rest home.

A drunk teenage driver who crossed a median strip and collided with a Toyota Hilux admits killing his friend in the smash.