An international team of scientists have found an odd and slightly gross explanation for sticky, glowworm-made "fishing lines" that hang in the famous Waitomo Caves - urine.

Kākā numbers are on the rise, looking for food around houses and farms. But these curious birds will eat anything, including lead which makes a sweet change from totara berries. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Kākā numbers are on the rise, looking for food around houses and farms. But these curious birds will eat anything, including lead which makes a sweet change from totara berries. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Police are concerned for the wellbeing of a 14-year-old girl missing from Otorohanga since last Thursday.

Keith Bremner is out of a coma, but unaware his son Ross killed his mother Clare, then another couple Mona Tuwhangai and Maurice O'Donnell.

There was a sighting of Ross Bremner's car at his victims' home before he went on his murderous rampage, say police.

Otorohanga mother and son Clare and Ross Bremner will be farewelled together on Tuesday.

Neighbour says Clare Bremner had "big concerns" about her son Ross two weeks before she was killed.

Elderly couple found dead in their King Country home last week will be laid to rest at a big gathering of whanau today.

Four days, four deaths. Two towns. Keith Bremner lies in a coma in hospital, unaware of his only son's death or the destruction he caused.

The devastated daughter of an elderly couple found dead at their bach on the Kawhia harbour says she bears no animosity towards their suspected killer or his family.

Te Aroha locals are losing their local Westpac and ANZ branches which could force them to drive 20 minutes just to bank a cheque.

Councils around the North Island are assuring residents of the safety of their water supplies following a gastro outbreak in Hawke's Bay.

A driver has been seriously injured after a freight truck rolled in Otorohanga early today.

A woman who left her farm on Monday has not been seen since and police are appealing for sightings.

A Waikato family struck by tragedies, including multiple suicides and parental mistreatment, has ended up in the Court of Appeal battling over a $2.33m family farm.

A 17-year-old could face three years imprisonment or a $50,000 fine if found guilty.

Two vehicles collided just before 12.40pm today on State Highway 31, Tihiroa, north of Otorohanga.

A 21-year-old man has been charged in relation to the death of Ocean Heke in Otorohanga at the weekend.

One of the last things Ocean Heke did before she died was hug and kiss the mother of one of her oldest friends.

Simply by raising the idea of commemorating the wars annually, at least one New Zealander - me - studied up on what the wars were about, Heather writes.

Three people have fortunately survived a crash near Otorohanga in which their car left the road, crashed into a post, flipped in the air and then rolled.

An Otorohanga man is facing a charge of arson after the rural farm house he was living in was gutted by flames last night.

A Japanese tourist who missed her bus outside a rural New Zealand cave attraction is overwhelmed by the kindness of local people who came to her aid.

There are cultural symbols aplenty in the kiwiana capital of New Zealand, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Head to this wonderful part of Waikato for encounters with llamas, a dose of Kiwiana and scenic bush hikes galore.