A foreign rowing official who was caught by police driving over 80 km/h over the speed limit has had the charges dropped.

The inexperience of a teen driver with a new learner's licence was a "massive factor" in a fatal smash, say police.

The owner of a moa skull being auctioned for thousands on Trade Me has been implored to sell or donate it to a museum.

A police officer is to undergo surgery after his patrol car was smashed into - possibly deliberately - by a fleeing driver in Hamilton this afternoon.

Two people were killed and three seriously hurt after a car driven by a 15-year-old on a learner's licence collided with a truck today.

A father watched helplessly from a boat as his son disappeared under water after briefly surfacing during a diving trip and calling for help.

Clint Rickards has missed out on one of Tainui's top jobs to former public servant Parekawhia McLean, the Herald understands.

Tainui board members are deciding between former Assistant Police Commissioner Clint Rickards or Parekawhia McLean to lead the tribe's administrative arm.

New Zealand ended the world rowing championships today with a total haul of 10 medals, including three golds.

Wine, food, scenery ... Joelle Thomson samples the more sedate pleasures Taupo offers its visitors.

A former high-profile principal says he will defend dozens of charges against him that include money-laundering, false accounting and fraud.