Heavy rain is expected across NZ this week in the wake of Cyclone Debbie

Regional GDP growth is up across 12 out of New Zealand's 15 regions.

Shearers raise funds for cause close to their hearts - Made with funding from NZ On Air

Shearers raise funds for cause close to their hearts - Made with funding from NZ On Air

Shearers raise funds for cause close to their hearts - Made with funding from NZ On Air

Shearers raise funds for cause close to their hearts - Made with funding from NZ On Air

The incident is believed to be unfolding in the small town of Mokau.

Grandmothers were amongst those who took part. Made with funding from NZ on Air

Children and grandmothers were amongst those that blockaded entrances to the New Plymouth venue. Made with funding from NZ on Air

Taranaki's shearing competition featured world champions. Made with funds from NZ On Air.

A group of motorcycle riders took Taranaki by storm as they rode through the region to promote awareness around teenage suicide. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

A warm, sunny week is expected across the North Island before the weather takes a turn for the worse on Friday.

The Taranaki Health Foundation has launched a fundraising drive to raise an additional $180,000 for home comforts in the inpatient unit. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

The Taranaki Health Foundation has launched a fundraising drive to raise an additional $180,000 for home comforts in the inpatient unit. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Talks have begun on the "most severe" Treaty grievance in the country - Mt Taranaki.

Police are appalling for witnesses.

Four days full of family activities only scratches the surface, writes Alexia Santamaria.

A popular local amusement park has shut its doors to work on a list of some 70 health and safety recommendations. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Ngati Ruanui weighed in on the seabed mining debate - as the hearing into Trans Tasman Resources' application shifted to New Pymouth. Made with funding from NZ On Air

Ngati Ruanui weighed in on the seabed mining debate - as the hearing into Trans Tasman Resources' application shifted to New Pymouth. Ngati Ruanui’s Debbie Ngarewa-Packer delivered an emotional plea for the decision making committee to decline the application. Made with funding from NZ On Air

Tutaki, a social enterprise, uses a gym to fund extra community services for young people in Stratford. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Tutaki, a social enterprise, uses a gym to fund extra community services for vulnerable young people in Stratford. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Two brown kiwis have been released at Lake Rotokare. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Two brown kiwis have been released at Lake Rotokare. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

A cold change sweeping up the South Island this afternoon has seen temperatures drop by double digits in 10 minutes.

A school is taking radical action to get pupils off their screens for at least 45 minutes a day.

Stratford mayor Neil Volzke, says he disagrees with the Maxim Insititute's regional population decline report. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Stratford mayor Neil Volzke, says he disagrees with the Maxim Insititute's regional population decline report. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

American cars have taken Hawera by storm. The festivities included drag races up a main street. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

An expert has weighed in on reports of a bright light shooting across the skies over New Zealand last night.