The man's lawyer cited other cases where six-figure payments had been ordered.

A big rockfall near Haast has closed an important alpine route.

$15 million Airbus H145 choppers start service tomorrow in Christchurch and Dunedin.

One person sustained injuries and will be airlifted out.

Scientists say no indication last night's quake had an impact on big-risk Alpine Fault.

With police too busy to investigate burglary an angry mum tracked down alleged culprit.

High winds have ripped off a preschool's roof and lightning has struck a tree.

Heavy snow warnings are in place for Canterbury, North Otago and Dunedin.

There's snow and heavy rain warnings and watches across a large swathe of the country.

The man was armed with a knife and demanded cash from the shop workers.

Armed police roam city in hunt for Liam Strickland.

Old landfill under threat: Forecasts of big seas have council on alert.

Frenchman "lost control" after being scammed on cannabis deal.

The driver at fault will probably be in a wheelchair for the rest of her life.

Tourist 'rip off' - $51 for the 5km trip, judge says wait till you see court fees.

MPI says it has a zero tolerance policy to illegal fishing

The winning piece is an abstract artwork based on the Pigeon Valley.

It's colder than usual for August - when can we expect a reprieve?

The house is believed to be unoccupied.

Revelations come after a long legal battle.

One applicant who walked out said people deserved to be interviewed in private.

A person has been killed in a crash on the West Coast this morning.

Cold front forecast to hit the far south of New Zealand from the southwest.

COMMENT: Dunedin, Edinburgh of the south, was all right in the 90s. It's even better now.

The missing utensil is thought to have been a 6-7cm long paring knife.

The dry, mild winter continues, but change is looming.

More than 30 people have left the isolated Christian community in the last year.

Woman who came to rescue her friend after he crashed ended up getting arrested herself.

The man will be released from prison after serving the entirety of his nine-year sentence.

Up to 30 men, some drunk and belligerent, spilled into the bar.