Muddy and happy people slithered 650m down a farmland slope yesterday on what was described as the longest waterslide in the world.

Mighty River Power says the driest summer in at least five years will affect its full-year result as it cuts back on generating power from its Waikato River dams.

Editorial: Since the 1980s, scientists have been warning about the declining water quality in lakes around Rotorua, some of the country's most beautiful and popular.

When a scared child sought help for a man drowning at Omanu Beach, teens Josh Jarvis and Fletcher Swan called on all their lifesaving skills to haul the man to safety.

A West Auckland home gardener's hope of cutting her water bills by fitting a $150 irrigation meter has been dashed after Watercare Services quoted her $1500 for installation.

Auckland's water storage levels are dropping steadily as the year's dry spell continues, with sunny weather forecast to last through the week.

A man accused of putting beachgoers in danger by repeatedly riding his jetski too close to shore and among swimmers may have the charge against him upgraded.

Watercare is heading for a fight with its biggest customers as it tries to follow on from the controversial introduction of a single waste water tariff.

To disguise what it is doing, the Beehive has ordered the Ministry for the Environment to abandon the five-yearly State of the Environment round-up report, writes Neville Peat.

Fishing can often be unrewarding at this time, but the crayfish, scallops and fish are still there and the diver ventures into their domain.

Police say they will take a tough line on maritime misbehaviour this summer to prevent people being harmed on or near the water.