People living near rivers and streams in the Tasman District should be prepared for a rapid rise in water levels overnight, with heavier falls forecast to continue, Civil Defence says.

Hamilton police are helping with an investigation into an Australian murder-suicide spree that left two Kiwis dead.

After more than 10 hours of deliberation the jury in the trial of a former national figure accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl has still not been able to reach verdicts.

More than 1000 infringements were recorded by police during a blitz on drink driving over Easter at the top of the South Island.

An injured 30-year-old tramper has been flown to Nelson hospital after her husband tramped out of the Kahurangi National Park to get help.

Nelson police are appealing for information after a man on crutches was repeatedly stabbed outside a police station.

A Nelson father critically injured his 37-year-old son when he shot him at close range at a family home in Tapawera before turning the gun on himself, police say.

A Nelson surfer suffered a deep puncture wound to his hand while wrestling a 2m shark during the weekend.

An Air Nelson pilot sacked for sleeping with a young flight attendant and drinking before a flight has won his job back.

A pilot has won his job back after being sacked for a late-night drinking spree during which he had sex with a 19-year-old flight attendant.

Three of the five Rugby World Cup pool matches that were to have been held in Christchurch will remain in the South Island, it was announced this afternoon.