Latest fromWairarapa region
![Wild winds: Power restored to most homes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=820)
Wild winds: Power restored to most homes
But the good news is the wild weather of the past 24 hours is easing for most of the country.
![Rimutaka Hill Road reopens](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=820)
Rimutaka Hill Road reopens
Police shut the road at 1am after the strong gusts made it too perilous for traffic using the pass.
![Yoga behind bars](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=820)
Yoga behind bars
New Zealand's toughest criminals are doing yoga behind bars in a bid to reduce recidivism and help turn their lives around.
![The real reason NZ gets earthquakes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=820)
The real reason NZ gets earthquakes
Were the quakes that struck Wairarapa today and Christchurch last night caused by the weather or planets ... or neither?
![Once racist mayor lauds Masterton](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=820)
Once racist mayor lauds Masterton
Outgoing New Plymouth mayor Andrew Judd applauds the appointment of iwi representatives to council in his hometown.
![National park fees for foreigners scoped](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=820)
National park fees for foreigners scoped
Overseas visitors could face paying a fee to visit national parks
![Quakes rattle lower North Island](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=820)
Quakes rattle lower North Island
Residents described the second quake, registering 5.2 and 25km deep, as loud, sharp and scary.
![Storms: Severe winds and power cuts](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=820)
Storms: Severe winds and power cuts
MetService says there is a small chance tornadoes will hit the South Island this afternoon as severe thunderstorms lash the country.
![Assault teacher 'wanted respect'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=820)
Assault teacher 'wanted respect'
A teacher who was found guilty of physically assaulting a pupil in his classroom says he wanted respect from his pupils.