Two riders seriously injured in Coromandel crashes.

An 8-year-old is in hospital in a serious condition after his child-sized motorbike collided with an SUV.

A young fisher who caused a stir after reeling in and releasing a bronze whaler shark in the Coromandel said he was "helping the species".

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.

Scientists are seeking to solve one of the most intriguing mysteries of the disease that's killing our kauri - why it's attracted to the native tree's scent like we're drawn to coffee.

Police are "generally pleased" with behaviour at New Year's Eve celebrations across the country and say there were no significant issues or incidents reported.

A spectacular fireworks display off Auckland's Sky Tower and parties around the country herald the start of a new year.

The Department of Conservation is sending in helicopters this morning to deal with the remnants of a bush fire on the Coromandel.

Crews from Thames, Turua, Te Puru and Tapu have been called to assist at the blaze.

The man drowned while kayaking to Donut Island off Whangamata.

Don't let the morning cloud fool you - it is set to be a fine Boxing Day for New Zealanders, with Central Otago tipped as the best place to be.

The boat was trying to cross the Whangapoua Harbour bar.

The best spots for enjoying a Christmas hamper outdoors will be in the Bay of Plenty, Nelson and Central Otago tomorrow.

Wet weather today will clear throughout the country making way for a mainly fine Christmas weekend.

There was a record downpour in Auckland, a tornado in Taranaki and "quake lights" above Wellington. Oh, and 2016 was likely also New Zealand's hottest year on record.

Kauri dieback infection rates in the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park have more than doubled in the past five years.

If variety is the spice of life, this week is set to be a lively one.

A man came close to drowning before being rescued by members of the public in what has been a dramatic day at the country's beaches.

The woman was a passenger in a Toyota Hilux that smashed through a barrier and fell 70m, landing on its wheels in a paddock.

The passengers of a ute had a lucky escape when their ute tumbled 70 metres down a tricky stretch of road south of Coromandel Town last night.

Proposed new marine protected areas, rules for polluters and changes to commercial fishing methods have been revealed in a long-awaited master plan for the Hauraki Gulf.

New Zealand has been spared half a billion dollars in damage from a notorious pest - and scientists say it's an Irish wasp we have to thank for it.

Police hold fears for two people who may be missing overnight off a Coromandel beach on a double kayak.

The signs of summer are among us with pohutakawa trees flowering already and forecasters say the official first day of the season on Thursday will be calm and dry.

The Ministry for Primary Industries is touring the country holding public consultation meetings, seeking feedback about its 'Future of our Fisheries' programme.

Officials are urging residents around the Firth of Thames to take photos of King Tides to help them chart the impact of possible sea level rises. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Officials are urging residents around the Firth of Thames to take photos of King Tides to help them chart the impact of possible sea level rises. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Emergency services confirm an elderly man who fell into a causeway has died.

Te Aroha Museum is celebrating 110 years of electricity in the region with an exhibition that will trigger powerful memories for older people. Among the items on display, vintage vacuum cleaners and heaters. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

A man who has been missing since yesterday has been found dead.