Five off-duty lifeguards have been honoured for their rescue of an unconscious woman in rough seas at Piha on Auckland's west coast.

Police believe two motorcyclists involved in a head-on collision were patched Black Power members travelling in convoy to a Northland tangi.

All lanes on the Napier-Taupo Road are open again after the trailer of a truck was blown over in high winds this morning, blocking one of the lanes.

Police have finally left the scene of horror smash on the outskirts of Hamilton last night where four young people lost their lives.

A campground manager who offered Hobbiton-bound tourists free accommodation in return for alcohol is under investigation by his employer.

David Hickson melted down the knife he said that he had used to stab and kill Campbell Paterson, a court has been told.

A slip north on one of the country's most popular scenic highways is down to one lane and a second incident in Bay has left motorists navigating floodwaters.

Campbell Paterson and the man accused of murdering him were both addicted to ice or methamphetamine, a court has been told.

A short, sharp downpour has caused headaches on one central Auckland roadway, as a sub-tropical airflow makes its presence felt.

A Whanganui High School teacher has been charged with assaulting another staff member in a "serious incident" on Tuesday.

Hamilton authorities are on the hunt for an armed fugitive on the run with his toddler in tow.

Police are likely to tomorrow again door-knock neighbours of a Porirua woman subjected to a prolonged and horrific sexual assault in her home.

Wellington police are hunting a jewel thief who made off with two rings valued at more than $11,000.

Demolition of an Auckland building for a 46-level 150-unit apartment tower in the CBD has been stalled by a court order.

A Napier man is disgusted after being delivered someone else's medical documents, sparking an internal investigation by the Hawke's Bay District Health Board.

A 65-year-old was subjected to a prolonged sexual attack in her own home after answering the door to a stranger on the prowl in the neighbourhood.

COMMENT: This week a student suggested her lecturer join her for sex in Bali. Jill Goldson explores when an offer for sex becomes harassment.

The yacht on which one sailor was killed and another lost at sea has arrived back in New Zealand under tow.

Roger Nathan is being hailed a hero for trying to save a man who got into trouble and died while diving on Sunday at Pourerere beach.

A man is in critical condition after he was thrown from his vehicle following a collision with a police car during a pursuit through Whangarei city streets.

An Auckland family reeled in more than they bargained for when they discovered they had a snake eel on the end of their fishing line.

Teacher censured for letter describing principal as "someone who discriminates".

The gateway to the Western Bays is sitting pretty, writes Elisabeth Easther.

A man who stole thousands of dollars from unattended wallets and shops on the North Shore will spend nine months in prison.

A hikoi of almost 1000 people arrived at Parihaka marae today, led by "recovering racist" and New Plymouth mayor Andrew Judd.

Tourist driver from China has been sentenced to 17 months jail for crash that killed motorcyclist Rhys Middleton.

The first nine years of Jurnee's life have been tough but all that could change.