The next Parliament will be tasked with deciding whether NZ legalises euthanasia.

"Where's the money honey," asks one mayor over the cost of preparing for sea level rises.

Get out now, Coromandel Peninsula coastal residents told.

Here are the latest weather updates, region by region as Cyclone Cook bears down.

The skies are beginning to clear after last night's storm, but the respite may be short-lived, with thunderstorms and more heavy rain forecast for later today.

Hauraki Mayor John Tregidga met with locals in Whiritoa, as they band together after being hit with 260mm of rain in the past 24 hours. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Police are cracking down on freedom campers who are parking their caravans at holiday homes while the owners are out of town.

Find out what place will be 31C on Auckland Anniversary weekend and read our list of the top five places to bask in the sun.

WATCH: A beach-goer says he was amazed to watch a group of young fishers haul in and release a "bloody great" bronze whaler shark.

About 1400 private bach owners on the Coromandel face being stung with a new council charge if their properties are rented out as short-term holiday accommodation.

Coromandel's council has been accused of going against its own efforts to showcase heritage by proposing to dump half of the character town's listed buildings from the register.

People in northern and eastern areas of the North Island are being advised to take precautions as heavy rains threaten to sweep across those regions tonight and tomorrow, with a possibility of flooding in coastal and low-lying areas.

A plan to put one of the country's most pristine beaches back in public hands has been presented to the Government.

Wilderland, an alternative community on the Coromandel Peninsula, has been ordered to evacuate and demolish all its dwellings.

The host of US TV show The Amazing Race is joining the campaign to save a pristine Coromandel beach from development.