Scientists' analysis suggests farm animals may be behind the gastro outbreak in Havelock North.

Councils around the North Island are assuring residents of the safety of their water supplies following a gastro outbreak in Hawke's Bay.

The latest test results into the origin of the gastro outbreak has revealed it is unlikely to have come from chicken manure.

Hastings people have been reassured there is no physical connection between Havelock North and Hastings water.

A report on a previous contamination at the water supply causing widespread sickness in the Hawke's Bay will be released today.

An expert says the Havelock North outbreak was entirely preventable.

Health officials believe the gastro bug that has made thousands of Havelock North residents badly ill has peaked.

How could a thousand people fall ill anywhere in New Zealand from drinking tap water?

Havelock North residents say Hastings District Council knew the town's water supply was contaminated hours before they told people to stop drinking it.

Watch: Mick Fanning ditched the professional circuit to dodge icebergs as he surfed isolated waves in a half-frozen lake at a secret location.

Bottled water will be more popular than fizzy drinks for the first time in the U.S., thanks to its convenience - and fears over what's coming out of the tap.

A three year investigation into Christchurch's water supply has found local authorities do not know how much water will be needed as the city grows.

Eruptions, lahars, faster and better facilities, a catastrophic diesel spill and a devastating arson - it's been a hectic 30 years

The Ashburton Council has reneged on its deal to sell commercial land to a Chinese company planning to bottle water for export.

Three inexperienced surfers are counting their lucky starfish after getting caught in a rip and being sucked out to sea yesterday.

A sperm whale has been spotted in the Hauraki Gulf - a rare sighting for boaties. Rob Pine, a wildlife photographer from Auckland

Auckland's growing fast - and the council-owned Watercare Services says it'll be spending $4.9 billion over the next decade to cope.

Water rescues were up 14 per cent this year, compared to 2015, Surf Life Saving New Zealand says.

In a country where it is perfectly safe to drink water from a tap, it is incredible that anybody can make money by selling water in bottles.

If Ashburton Council doesn't halt sale of land with aquifer, residents will take ECan to the High Court for a judicial review.

COMMENT: Why should commercial bottlers of water privately profit from this scarce public resource without paying?

COMMENT: If international consumers are prepared to pay for bottled water rather than a product such as milk, beer or juice, we should seize the chance.

Aucklanders will be paying more for their water from July, equating on average to an extra $21 per household each year.

COMMENT: Maori rights to fresh water deserve a better quality of debate than we've seen recently, writes Susan Guthrie.

COMMENT: NZ's not going to run short of water any time soon because of a growing taste in China for the stuff.

COMMENT: It is ludicrous to suggest that, when Maori sold land, they imagined that they retained an ownership interest in the water which flowed over it.

Massive housing growth in northwest Auckland is coming with an $800 million bill for new and improved water services.

COMMENT: Across New Zealand, people from many different backgrounds have a deep and passionate connection with their waterways.

COMMENT: An embarrassing moment yesterday afternoon. I was confronted by Pak'nSave store security, who asked me to open my enormous rucksack.