A crate of plants came with an exotic surprise this afternoon as biodiversity officials discovered a live boa constrictor hiding inside.

Port of Tauranga has reported strong rises in forestry-related exports and in imports of grain and dairy food supplements.

Nick Smith says uranium transiting through NZ ports will only be used for "peaceful purposes", despite one of its recipients being involved in making nuclear weapons.

Auckland's mayors will not commit to funding the 'party central' development without a waterfront masterplan in place.