Tropical downpours are drenching the north of the North Island as thunderstorms loom over Northland, Auckland and Waikato.

Grown men cried on hearing news of death of popular young man after a summer afternoon swim.

High winds to bring more misery to fire crews fighting bush blazes today, but no rain where it is needed.

Unsociable hours can make chefing an unpopular profession, but some of New Zealand's best chefs are determined to help youngsters

Heavy rain has undermined part of State Highway 53 near the bridge over the Tauherenikau River.

The weather's going to be (finally) glorious for most of the country.

Troubled schools: A school where teachers were allegedly given "illegal" payments is one of nine under Government control.

Thieves have targeted veterinary supplies in an early morning ram raid in Wairarapa today.

The woman who died in a two-car crash on a bridge near Eketahuna, north of Masterton has been named as 46-year-old Nicola Dawn Dryden.

Five homicides within 15 months involving acutely unwell mental health patients have led to an overhaul of health systems following a critical review.

The police officers in charge of the man left forgotten in a court cell this weekend are "devastated".

Residents in parts of the country have been warned to brace for widespread flooding, slips and fast-rising rivers as a power-packed, mid-week weather system hits.

A Wairarapa couple spent $45,000 on a tiny house that downsized their living quarters and upsized their happiness.

Multiple severe weather warnings and watches were issued yesterday as a cold front looks set to put a dampener on summer.

An elderly man reported missing from Martinborough last night was found dead this morning, police say.

Two people escaped serious injury after their car and caravan veered off the road and crashed down a bank yesterday afternoon.

South-westerlies dominating the country this summer will continue to deliver wind and cloud to large parts of the country today.

The elderly Wellington grandmother missing after going for a run yesterday has been found.

The name of the Filipino fisherman who was washed out to sea yesterday has been released.

A man at the beach where Filipino man was swept out to sea says victim's twin brother told him he had warned the man not to go near notoriously dangerous spot.

A search and rescue operation is underway for a man who's been swept out to sea at Lake Ferry in the Wairarapa this afternoon.

As most Kiwis were partying to see the new year in, others were being born.

The MetService is forecasting rain for much of New Zealand today, perhaps ruining plans for post-party barbecues and sunbathing.

Road toll now equal to last summer's following death of motorcyclist.

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

A body has been located in the Tora bush, believed to be that of a missing hunter.

A high-profile murderer suffered life threatening injuries after he was stabbed with glass and wood at Auckland Prison.

Three Head Hunters gang members are facing charges for allegedly selling methamphetamine in Wairarapa.

The trampers who died in the Tararua Forest Park were found within 1km of the hut they were heading to, police say. The 39-year-old

Temperatures plummeted below freezing the night two men died on a tramp in the Tararua Forest Park.