A climber is reported to have been killed and a paraglider has spinal injuries after accidents on two South Island mountains today.

The search for 17 fishermen missing in the Southern Ocean has been suspended as no further survivors are expected.

Hope is fading for 17 missing fishermen after a South Korean trawler sank in the Southern Ocean, claiming at least five other lives.

The search for 17 people missing after a Korean fishing vessel sank in the Southern Ocean early today has been scaled down as it becomes increasingly unlikely further survivors will be found.

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

The fire which has been raging for days at the Pike River Coal mine is definitely out, say Australians brought in to operate the GAG jet unit which has been pumping carbon dioxide into the mine.

Pike River Coal will have to reduce its workforce when it is ready to re-establish operations, but CEO Peter Whittall says reports of possible receivership were "extremely premature".

An Australian-based online mining journal today called for NZ police to be blocked from controlling mine rescues.

When Tanu Filo heard his son's voice on the phone, he thought it was a miracle.

International experts say they are shocked a mining disaster the magnitude of the Pike River tragedy occurred in a modern mine.

Police Commissioner Howard Broad today praised the work of Superintendent Gary Knowles, the police officer who led the mission to rescue 29 miners.