Nelson and the Coromandel proved to be the nation's black spots when it came to the nation's New Year celebrations last night.

Parts of the North Island are set for a soaking today, with up to 140mms of rain expected to fall in some areas.

A large scrub fire south of Nelson has been contained but may take a week to fully extinguish.

70 million-year-old prints are the first dinosaur footprints recognised in New Zealand and the first evidence of dinosaurs in the South Island.

Store north of Auckland takes the title in this year's competition.

A Nelson cabbie has been denied compensation after being stood down for refusing to wear a uniform that reminded him of a childhood spent under Nazi occupation.

A policeman accused of pepperspraying a cyclist who was not wearing a helmet and ramming him with his police car will stand trial.

When the Fire Service called John Weatherley and told him there was a problem at home he thought his house must have burned down.

NZers urged to be safe in the sun as clocks go forward an hour at 2am - to become 3am - tomorrow morning.

A severe weather warning is issued for the lower North Island while police warn of surface flooding in Auckland.