The police and SPCA have carried out a search of a Raglan property as part of an investigation into how the bodies of two cats ended up dead in rubbish bags.

A woman punched a French woman in the jaw, knocking her to the ground, and shortly afterwards punched an Australian woman in the nose, making it bleed.

Danielle Wright discovers small-town seaside charms on a weekend away in Raglan.

A man has drowned after being swept away while fishing in Raglan overnight.

The subtropical weather system which brought torrential rain to the Nelson region has abated and been replaced by much more pedestrian weather, MetService says.

The torrential rain that has caused havoc in the Nelson region for the last three days appears to be easing, with conditions expected to improve overnight in most places.

Authorities estimate at least 90 homes in the Tasman District have had some flood inundation as a result of the heavy rain over the past 24 hours.

A small tornado brought down a tree, broke windows and damaged a roof in Raglan this afternoon.

The parents of a 3-year-old boy who was hit by a reversing car at a Raglan boat ramp this morning have praised the quick response of members of the public.

Five men who attacked a young French couple as they slept in their campervan on their last night in NZ could be connected to local shearing gangs, say police.

Two French tourists camping overnight in the Waikato were violently attacked after they were accused of not paying "rent" to their attackers.

Don't let the cold weather keep you from the royal waves.

Pain is an inevitable part of learning to surf - but it's worth it, writes Vicki Virtue.