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.

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

Luxury cars and motorbikes, drugs and thousands of dollars have been seized in a major police crackdown on organised crime.

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.

Members of the public wept in court today upon hearing a 3-year-old had over 80 marks or wounds when she died.

Lisa Latta clearly remembers her thoughts moments before Fort Lincoln mastered Antonio Lombardo in last night's $1 million Karaka Million at Ellerslie.

Police officer Bruce Mellor, who was viciously attacked with a machete at the weekend, is steadily improving.

Two trainee officers at Linton Army Camp were caught with a haul of 210 ecstasy tablets.

A seven-year-old girl who went missing in Palmerston North last night has been found safe and well, police say.