Latest fromPalmerston North

Success: Down to earth focus earns growing revenue
Research and development business specialises in NZ's key crop - grass.

Police hunt man after Palmerston North stabbing
A young man on a rehabilitation programme for offenders has been stabbed outside the Probation Service building in Palmerston North.

Students' letters touch hearts of emergency workers
Handwritten letters from students in Feilding have warmed the hearts of emergency service workers in quake-stricken Christchurch.

Drink driving grandma released on parole
A grandmother jailed after driving at nearly twice the legal alcohol limit and killing cyclist Frank van Kampen on the Kapiti Coast has been released on parole after serving just half of her sentence.

My Auckland: Freemans Bay
Anil Sharma and Rachel Jones arrived in Freemans Bay eight years ago from Britain, via Palmerston North. Rachel tells Catherine Smith what the family loves about the area.

Prison bans Rebel members after recruitment attempt
Three senior members of the Rebel Motorcycle Club have been banned from visiting a Northland prison after attempting to recruit members there.

Crash near Foxton claims two lives
Two people are dead and five others have been taken to hospital after a vehicle carrying seven people rolled this morning near Foxton.

Man not guilty of toddler's murder
A jury in the Palmerston North High Court has today found a man not guilty of murdering a three-year-old girl but guilty of her manslaughter. Kash McKinnon died of head injuries in Palmerston North Hospital in August 2009.

Doctor shortage reaches 'crisis' level
A spiralling shortage of doctors has sparked a warning of future "severe safety issues" in New Zealand hospitals, with predictions that patients could suffer from increasing medical mistakes and treatment delays without urgent action.

Writer keen to acknowledge inner strength
Having led a lonely childhood, Lesley Pearse knows what it is to seek a better life. Now she is helping women to help others. She tells Stephen Jewell how.

Gang bust blow to Rebels' NZ growth - Police
A major police operation resulting in at least 30 arrests is likely to stymie Australian gang the Rebels' growing presence in NZ, police say.

Aussie gang presence growing: cops
Luxury cars and motorbikes, drugs and thousands of dollars have been seized in a major police crackdown on organised crime.

Luxury cars, firearms, drugs seized in bust
A major police operation today has highlighted the fact that rival gangs are working together in the highly lucrative drugs trade, Police Minister Judith Collins says.

Man goes on trial for toddler's murder
Members of the public wept in court today upon hearing a 3-year-old had over 80 marks or wounds when she died.