The Green Party has dismissed the new bottom lines as "weak" and argues the measures mean rivers will only have to be clean enough for wading or boating.

Global warming is melting sea ice so fast that more than half of Antarctica's population of emperor penguins are set to be wiped out by the end of the century, according to alarming new research saying they should be listed as an endangered species.

This winter was not a good one for farmers in the Fertile Crescent.

If you're in a hurry to meet your maker, a religious pilgrimage may be the most direct route.

A grey 6.6m Comsub, which the owner says has been used to explore waters near Half Moon Bay and Waiheke Island for the past few years, is for sale.

The chances of an El Nino playing with our weather this summer have become more likely, according to a just-released report from the World Meteorological Organisation.

Despite being warned to "hunker down" by weather analyst Bob McDavitt while a front passes over tonight, Mr Donaldson was in good spirits, Mr Funnell said.

A New Zealand resident has been rescued from the Pacific Ocean after the boat he was in began sinking during a 3800km rowing race.

Not long after the Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 was declared missing, the world's attention was focused on a remote, poorly known area of the Eastern Indian Ocean as the possible location of the lost aircraft.

Tens of thousands of Kiwis drink water that fails to meet quality or monitoring standards, prompting calls for better investment in New Zealand's smaller supplies.

More than 100 insurance claims have already been lodged with AA Insurance today for damages to roofs, windows and fences from the overnight storm.

A 4WD track featuring steep slopes, a waterfall, boulders and pools of water is one of the attractions at this year's National Fieldays in Hamilton.

When Marlborough Boys' College head boy Angus Pauley saw a young girl being swept away by a flooded Blenheim river this morning, he knew what he had to do.

Scientists are being told to use art and poetry to win public support in the battle to curb climate change.

"Sea," said King Canute, the 11th-century Danish King of England, "I command you to come no further!"

Waiwera mineral water destined for the United Arab Emirates was relabelled to sell in New Zealand after claims the water was unsafe.

Sea ice, winds and invertebrates will go under the microscope in the next stage of a major science programme turning to Antarctica to answer crucial questions about how the Earth will respond to climate change.

A South Korean man has drowned after diving into a popular river rockslide pool to save two children.

It's been found on nearly every bank note in the UK, in toilets at Parliament - now tests confirm cocaine traces are in Britain's drinking water.

If the hike in your rates bill seems less of a leap this year, enjoy it while you can.