Students at some Taupo schools were briefly put into lockdown following sightings of a man with a shotgun.

Mt Ruapehu's risk of eruption is increasing with its volcanic alert now at Level 2, as DoC also issues warning to climbers and trampers.

The Sensible Sentencing Trust, "outraged" by the manslaughter charges faced by Moko Rangitoheriri's killers, are calling for people to protest.

Death was not quick or painless for 3-year-old Moko Rangitoheriri.

Emergency services are currently at the scene of a crash in Taupo where a car has hit a power pole.

The man and woman accused of killing Taupo 3-year-old Moko Sayviah Rangitoheriri have pleaded guilty to manslaughter and ill treating a child.

A driver who fled an alcohol check point in Taupo was stopped after a dramatic 20 minute pursuit through the town.

Fire crews from Rotorua and Taupo are currently attending a fire at Dudley Mechanical Preps on Manuka St in Taupo.

Police have today opened a homicide investigation following the death of a 41-year-old woman in Mangakino, north west of Taupo.

A German tourist has died on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, despite the efforts of a group of tourists who attempted to walk him to safety.

Lisa Te Heuheu was one of 14 who had to be rescued after being swept off course on their Pacific Ocean voyage towards South America.

A High Court judge says if he's forced to adjourn a murder trial involving a Taupo toddler, he will be calling for an inquiry into New Zealand's forensic and pathology system.

The kiwi dollar has dropped this morning after Fonterra cut its farmer payout for the second time this year.

Plans for former forestry land near Wairakei into 39 dairy farms have been scaled back.

Two Australian fishermen have a survival story to tell, after being rescued off a lake in Taupo.

A Taupo bar owner who once played for the Junior All Blacks has admitted defrauding the Inland Revenue Department of nearly $1 million.

A Taupo bed and breakfast has been voted the second best small hotel in the world.

A hedge caught fire in Taupo tonight during what is suspected to be a fireworks display gone wrong.

Police and emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash on Wairakei Dr, north of Taupo.

The family of a toddler who died from injuries he suffered in an alleged assault are still in shock.

A Taupo man has admitted killing his partner who was found dead in a bedroom of her home.

A 45-year-old man suffered serious head injuries in a motorcycle crash at Taupo Motorsport Park.

It’s shaking all over, and generating some hot stuff, but a volcanologist says it’s way to soon to tell what’s next for Ruapehu.

A Dutch businessman has been ordered to pay US$25 million ($32 million) as an interim payment in a legal scrap involving one of New Zealand’s most luxurious resorts.

A post-mortem examination is being held in Auckland today to establish the cause of death of 47-year-old Katrina Rose Drummond.

A woman found dead at her Taupo home last night has been named, after the man accused of murdering her appeared in court this afternoon.

A 49-year-old man from Taupo will appear in the Rotorua District Court today charged with murder.