The sentencing of two companies and a company director over a fatal coolstore explosion in the Waikato has given firefighters closure.

Big fines and reparation bills have been given to two companies and a company director charged over last year's fatal Waikato coolstore fire.

The Govt has rejected the idea of banning children from riding quad bikes despite the death of a six-year-old girl at the weekend.

Rare giant kokopu, which in their infancy make up part of the group known as whitebait, are to be reintroduced to Auckland waterways.

Australian Idol winner Stan Walker says he is still coming to terms with his new-found fame.

A robber pointed his rifle at a bank customer before ordering a dozen people to the floor in what police say was an aggressive hold-up.

Paul Rush finds that a fun-filled family holiday around Taupo region can be enjoyed at minimal cost.

New Zealand's only tea plantation is now certified organic in time to begin exporting its harvest.