A central Dunedin cafe could be closed for several weeks after parapets above it started collapsing this morning.

Roads and vehicles must be "more forgiving" to curb a road toll which averages more than one death a day, the AA says. Figures released by the Ministry of Transport today show 371 people died on the roads over the past year.

Men and women who are in relationships for longer than five years are less likely to be depressed, researchers have found.

Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run in Manukau early today, which took the holiday road toll to two.

Rebecca Barry meets a group of New Zealanders for whom life means much more than material possessions.

When an aviation security officer drove a vehicle on to the active runway at Dunedin International Airport at night in heavy rain ahead of a landing aircraft, the consequences could have been disastrous.

A couple were forced to spend a 'tough' night out in the open after abandoning their boat in rough seas off southern Fiordland.

Canterbury firefighters continue to battle two major fires in the region, but both blazes are under control.

A massive blaze has engulfed the hills above Waimate in south Canterbury and tonight continues to burn.

Stretched Canterbury firefighters are battling two large scrub fires, one in Rolleston and one in Waimate.

Firefighters are continuing to battle a 120 hectare scrub fire in Waimate, which has now spread into forest.