GeoNet technicians reach new heights of Kiwi ingenuity as they work in the quake zone. .

Puzzled roadworkers got a surprise when they learned who was playing with their cones.

The New Zealand Transport Agency is taking over control of what's become the Kaikoura Emergency Access Road along the old State Highway 70.

Public toilet funding has been redirected to the Springs Junction loos which are struggling to cope with increased demand as traffic is diverted away from quake-damaged areas.

A feline passenger in a car which crashed in the Buller Gorge this morning ended up going to hospital by ambulance with its owner.

The Pike River Mine protest entered its 15th day today, with a second leading mine specialist backing a drift re-entry.

The new Westland District Council has rejected plans for a $6.5 million wastewater treatment plant at Franz Josef Glacier.

A truck and car were involved in a serious accident north of Christchurch this morning.

One of the men allegedly behind the Dunedin burglary of a huge weapons cache can now be named.

Compared to other fibres, yak wool is more sustainable because yaks aren't farmed specifically for wool.

The Earthquake Commission [EQC] has received more than 11,000 claims since Kaikoura's monster quake.

Longer freight routes between the islands and through the northern South Island have prompted freight company Toll NZ to hike its rates.

Greg Bruce goes beyond the cellar door for a winery tour with a difference.

A slice of Kiwi paradise has attracted interest from potential buyers from Switzerland, North America, the UK and also a syndicate of local families.

Nearly all routes in and out of Kaikoura are closed today as high winds across the South Island mean small planes and helicopters are grounded, Civil Defence says.

A moderate earthquake has rattled the top of the South Island, 25km south east of Seddon.

Sticky, humid weather awaits the country this summer as a weak La Nina brings muggy weather particularly in northern areas.

As border seizures of drugs go up, a Dunedin man reveals the depths to which he sank after being caught in the dark web.

Kaikoura residents and visitors will be able to dash for freedom this afternoon as Inland Rd opens for a short time.

Dunedin's 'arty' suburb is worthy of a film, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Santa is not coming to Dunedin-based lines company Delta this year after chief executive Grady Cameron cancelled end-of-year function.

Motorists should think twice before parking on a roadside near Dunedin Airport.

One of Queenstown's biggest developers has called time on plans for a retirement village.

It may be time to put away the togs - scorching temperatures on Wednesday aren't likely to be repeated today, the MetService says. While

The repair of Kaikoura's harbour may provide an opportunity for Westport's dredge, says Buller Mayor Garry Howard.

These graphics show how Marlborough's faults were set off one by one in the 7.8 Kaikoura Earthquake.

Bikers on their way to the Burt Monroe Challenge in Invercargill this weekend have been warned to slow down on areas of loose chip.

Police have warned the public about an Invercargill man on the run, but his mother is hoping she can appeal to his softer side.

By noon today, scientists had recorded nearly 5000 aftershocks from last Monday's big shake. But what are aftershocks and what can they tell us? Jamie Morton explains.

Three young children have been treated in hospital for potentially-deadly meningococcal disease.