A Lord of the Rings actor who now works as a tour guide operator has slammed New Zealand's "clean, green" image.

China is to return a US Navy underwater drone after its military scooped up the submersible in the South China Sea.

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.

A stunning summer's day in Wellington has attracted some aquatic visitors to the coastline, with locals spotting orcas and dolphins.

A woman in her early twenties has drowned and two children have been rescued after getting into trouble in the water on Ninety Mile Beach.

Changes taking place in Antarctica are significant another to influence those on the other side of the planet, new research co-authored by a Kiwi scientist has found.

Rotorua farmer Alison Bentley has been awarded $50,000 to trial two new hazelnut varieties not currently grown commercially in New

A government inquiry chairman has thanked two councils for their efforts which resulted in Hawke's Bay Regional Council dropping its

Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule says without a prosecution, councils can focus on finding the cause of the Havelock North water contamination

Hawke's Bay Regional Council has backed down from prosecuting Hastings District Council over water breaches relating to the gastro

Parts of Waikato are having to restrict how much water they use due to the hotter weather. Hamilton, Waipa and Waikato district are

A man and two female friends were lucky to all return to shore relatively unscathed after getting into trouble in choppy seas about a kilometre off Napier port.

The girlfriend of a 19-year-old man who drowned in an Otago lake on Saturday has criticised the lack of signage on the shore.

Police have confirmed a 19-year-old man has died while swimming in Kawarau River on Saturday.

Repairs to South Island stopbanks damaged in the Kaikōura earthquake is expected to cost nearly $700,000.

A decision on whether the Department of Conservation will allow the Waitaha River power scheme will be made by mid-2017.

Water supply levels in both Franz Josef and Fox Glacier are being monitored as the tourist season ramps up again.

COMMENT: The launch of the Hauraki Gulf's first marine spatial plan is a major achievement and not to be under-estimated, writes Gary Taylor.

The Herald New Zealander of the Year has been celebrating those who make an outstanding contribution to this country and beyond for 25 years.

The police yesterday called off the search for Taulagi Afamasaga.

A first-time councillor has been criticised for lobbying her elected colleagues and the district health board over her anti-fluoride views.

Havelock North artist David Trubridge is appalled at council for urging residents to conserve water while permitting commercial bottling and export of local water supplies. Made with finding from NZ On Air.

Havelock North artist David Trubridge is appalled at council for urging residents to conserve water while permitting commercial bottling and export of local water supplies. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Two Kiwis are aboard a fishing trawler missing off the coast of Queensland.

Police have led an extensive air, land and sea search for missing trawler reportedly carrying a Kiwi father-of-six.

The girlfriend of a keen young rugby player pulled from a river has paid tribute to her "soulmate" in an emotional video on Facebook. Police

There's a chill in the air in Kaipara, strong winds whipping the flag lowered to half mast into a frenzy on the front lawn.

The Western Bay District Council has brought in a security firm to patrol camping hotspots such as Waihi Beach and Bowentown's Anzac

Residents tell of fear after eight water eruptions of up to 30m on the lake this morning - the first geothermal activity in the area for about 15 years.

Bill McNatty, 68, was familiar with the water, worked hard to pay off his boat and spent a good chunk of the past three years taking people out fishing.