Water sampling has failed to reveal what killed hundreds of crayfish in Waikato.

The inhabitants of a house that caught fire today escaped without injury.

Workmate applies tourniquet to man's injured hand.

A weak cold front will bring cloud, drizzle and showers to the country over the next few days but should clear in time for New Year celebrations.

The community is rallying to help the family of the little girl who was run over in Te Kauwhata on Boxing Day.

One person has died and another two been badly injured in separate crashes as holiday traffic queues across the North Island.

Alan Langdon, 49, and his daughter, Que, 6, haven't been seen or heard from since they sailed from Kawhia Harbour 11 days ago.

A kayaker out for an evening paddle found a body in the Waikato River this evening.

Occupants in a Morrinsville house managed to flee before their house burned down this afternoon.

Police are concerned for the welfare of a 49-year-old man and his daughter who left Kawhia Harbour on a catamaran nine days ago and haven't been seen since.

A 2-year-old girl has died after being hit by a car in a driveway in Te Kauwhata, Waikato.

A woman was playing in the hot pools at De Bretts Hot Springs near Taupo when she collapsed.

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.

What will start out as a cloudy morning for most of the country should clear as the Christmas day wears on, but the odd shower is in store too.

The pair met on the netball court - although she doesn't remember.

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.

A farmer accused of growing cannabis told the High Court a scrap metal dealer he called ''Santa Claus'' was responsible for some of the unexplained money he had.

Parents take a win with free early childhood education, but Hamilton centres out of pocket. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

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.

A double-murderer who has spent 22 years in prison for killing an elderly couple for a thrill has again had parole denied. Gresham

Police name quad biker killed in Port Waikato crash.

Paula Bennett says her appointment as Minister for Women shows the Government is taking women's rights seriously.

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

Cattle have died after a truck rolled, closing part of State Highway 23, Waikato.

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

Kay Billman suffers from debilitating back pain but doctors say she doesn't qualify for surgery.

A patient at Waikato Hospital says he was told he was a "faggot" by a doctor who arrived allegedly drunk in his room in the early hours of Saturday morning.

A male has been killed after the quad bike he was riding overturned in Port Waikato.

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.