A man has been charged with murder after two people were found dead in a burning house.

Police are responding to reports of a person with a firearm in Omakau, in Central Otago.

As the ex-tropical cyclone bears down, be prepared, forecasters warn.

"Hurricane force winds" possible when Gita hits New Zealand.

Gita is set to hit NZ this week - and could be the most southern-travelling cyclone ever.

Gordon Gray almost died from renal failure in July. Two weeks ago he had a brain bleed.

The road is closed and diversions are in place.

Central New Zealand appears to be at the greatest risk from Gita.

Extensive land and water search for 22-year-old man who hasn't been seen in almost a week.

"Sadly this is something we see that happens a lot," says SPCA spokeswoman.

Three brothers detain two youngsters after alleged physical altercation.

Police appealing for any sightings of a 22-year-old who has been missing for five days.

Police charge man chased away by a group of women living in a student quarter flat.

Misguided arson attempt lands man in jail for a year.

Boy, 17, who didn't go through with terror plan, was radicalised online.

'I called the them this morning – they were both very emotional and so was I,"' MP says.

Comment: As #MeToo rages, is Dunedin doing its own Burns bashing or standing by man?

Ben Petrie was on a road trip with his best mates when he was killed in motorcycle crash.

Around 2000 rings stolen from a Christchurch store last year have been returned.

Police used a covert search warrant to rifle through a murder suspect's bedroom.

Total of 33 forged documents at seven different pharmacies were found over 9-month period.

Two men who stopped to stomp out roadside scrub fire didn't expect to find a burning body.

"We are seeing changes in our climate, an increase in severe weather events."

People come forward after police promise to keep personal information confidential.

Claire Trevett found there's more to English than suits when she spent a day on his farm.

Aucklanders are being warned of surface flooding and streams rising rapidly.

Heavy rain watches and warnings are in place for much of the country.

The cycle trails around Alexandra are a joy at any time of year, writes Elisabeth Easther.

The drizzle will continue until the heavens open up again tomorrow.

Rain spreads south to cover the whole country during the weekend.