National MP Nikki Kaye has criticised Government plans to open Great Barrier Island to mining, as have mayors John Banks and Len Brown.

Boaties have been asked to look out for missing yacht Tafadzwa, which could be drifting without a skipper at the helm.

Two thrill-seeking adventure divers have put a new spin on the phrase taking a tiger by the tail.

Researchers say a decline in Ross Sea orcas may be partly due to NZ's deep-sea fishing.

More than 200 sharks, mostly hammerheads, were spotted during a 15-day helicopter surveillance off Australian beaches this summer.

Transtasman rower Shaun Quincey is expected to complete his epic journey tomorrow, after fears that he might be swept past the top of the North Island abated overnight.

A strong current is threatening to sweep Shaun Quincey past the top of the North Island.

When cicadas emerge from their long sojourn underground, trout stir for the feast to come.

Everyone likes a bit of pampering now and again - and sharks and manta rays are no exception.

Bad weather has put a damper on the start of the Bluff oyster season but it has not stopped Auckland's restaurants and retailers getting them on to plates in the thousands.

Hawkes Bay coastal residents are allowed to return home after high waves prompted evacuations.

Teenager Lydia Ward had her second close encounter with sharks yesterday - but this time she avoided being bitten.