The Palmerston North rescue helicopter has airlifted two trampers out of the bush.

Police investigating the shooting of a school caretaker in Palmerston North yesterday say it may be linked to similar incidents in recent months.

The trial has begun of a freezing worker accused of shooting dead his brother and driving around the lower North Island with him in the back seat, avoiding police during a two-day manhunt.

David Dougherty - compensated in 2001 for wrongful imprisonment - is in court again accused of stealing meat, beer, socks, DVDs and underwear.

A hospital emergency department is being investigated after a doctor filled out a "do not resuscitate" order, allegedly without consent.

A man who rescued two of his children from a house fire last night was lucky to escape with only burns to his hand, the Fire Service says.

A mother is calling for a city council to take action after a falling football goal crossbar broke all but one bone in her son's face.