Veteran police dog handler Bruce Lamb is still managing to maintain his sense of humour, despite losing his 'best friend'.

A 8-year-old boy left with "half his face hanging off" after a pitbull attack said he was grateful it was him and not his baby brother or sister.

A Northland man was shot in the backside after his dog accidentally stepped on the trigger of a rifle, say police.

A drunk Aussie who was turfed out of a pub told police he climbed into Fatso's enclosure to give him a pat.

A farmer wants TrustPower to check its lines after eight cows died when a 33kV line dropped on his farm.

Talks continue today on where Moko the bottlenose dolphin should be laid to rest, with Mahia, Whakatane, Gisborne, Tologa Bay and Te Kaha vying to host his remains.

Good on Pete Bethune, writes Matt McCarten.

Anti-whaling activist Peter Bethune has arrived back in New Zealand, ending his five month-long nightmare.

The carcass believed to be of much-loved dolphin Moko has arrived at Massey University in Palmerston North for an autopsy.

Moko the dolphin, who thrilled and sometimes unsettled swimmers with his playfulness and imposing physical size, has been found dead.

The dolphin carcass believed to be that of Moko was removed from Matakana Island by DOC staff this afternoon and will be sent to Massey University for an autopsy.

A deal negotiated with the Japanese resulted in a suspended sentence for anti-whaling activist Pete Bethune, but means he won't be on the next Sea Shepherd protest.

A man has been arrested over the theft of more than 20 geckos taken from two separate locations in Northland over the past 10 days.