Hamilton police are appealing for help in identifying a limping man who leapt from a bridge into the Waikato River today.

Christchurch's Boxing Day aftershocks and the recent wet weather have seen more than 1000 claims lodged with the Earthquake Commission.

Nick Smith has called for NZ to improve its fresh water management after a report found almost a third of lakes have poor water quality.

A 54-year-old NZ army veteran involved in an eleven-hour standoff with Brisbane police has been seen dousing his yacht with liquid from a jerry can.

A 54-year-old New Zealand army veteran is at the centre of a standoff with police in Brisbane, causing parts of the CBD to be put into lockdown.

Britain's most famous waterway is smelling sweeter these days.

Two Christchurch women were rescued by helicopter from Arthur's Pass National Park today.

A hunting trip turned to tragedy when a group tried to raft out of a remote part of Eastern Bay of Plenty on a swollen river.

Heavy rain has left Gisborne virtually cut off, with surface flooding closing roads and forcing the evacuation of homes.

Heavy rain is lashing the North Island's East Coast, leaving dozens of homes without power and closing rural schools and roads.

Schools have closed, houses are without power and homes have been evacuated as rain continues to lash the Gisborne region.