Most of Chile's 33 rescued miners are preparing to return to the homes they last saw more than 70 days ago.

Some cried, others prayed, most just smiled and wrapped their arms around the wives.

A major search underway in Southland for a missing helicopter with a pilot and instructor on board will continue into the night.

Follow the rescue of the 33 trapped Chilean miners as it unfolds with nzherald's Latest Updates.

Florencio Avalos, the first of 33 miners to be rescued, has surfaced after 69 days underground. He stepped out of a rescue capsule amid sobs from his young son and received a bracing bear hug from Chilean President Sebastian Pinera.

The rescue of the trapped Chilean miners may come sooner than expected - forecasts now put it happening from midday today (NZT).

Monitoring gear developed in New Zealand is being used to help doctors assess the vital signs of the miners trapped in the Chilean mine.

The family of slain Auckland mother Carmen Thomas could wait days to hear how she died and for her remains to be returned.

A NZ man who lost a ring 40 years ago in a US lake has had news that his treasured possession has been found.

The body of a missing 25-year-old swimmer was discovered in Wellington's Oriental Bay today.