Alesana Seneka drowned at Papamoa Beach on Tuesday after trying to retrieve cray pots from the water. His family say his death was "something we didn't expect to happen."

In a four-part series, experts take a look at the toxic surprises that could be lurking in the backyard, beach or bush - or even the bathroom - this summer. We start with a look at the beach.

Over 280 of the 1368 shipping containers have been removed from the stricken cargo ship Rena since it ran aground on the Astrolabe Reef off the coast of Tauranga.

Can the winds of Wellington help the capital city to join Auckland and become a marine industry hub?

Take a look at the stranded vessel SPARTA and the Norwegian rescue vessel SEL JEVAER from the air.