Traffic is reaching its peak around the country now, but may ease off this afternoon.

"It was quite instinctive. You just do it," the dad of two said of his actions.

Members of the public jumped in to help a female police officer who was being overpowered.

Firefighters were called to the city centre to deal with the smouldering ATM.

"We have a massive problem on this street," Louise Ansell says.

A rejected ring, a spa/boat combo and a spinning spaceship were among the top 10.

The Naenae residents had just gone to sleep when a car ploughed through their fence.

The victim didn't know the man who assaulted her on a walkway in Whitby.

The victim suffered moderate injuries to his face in the attack.

Find out when and where to avoid driving if you want to miss the traffic on Boxing Day.

Room at the Inn lunch a chance for people to share in the festive spirit.

There were multiple calls to 111 about the fire.

It is unclear whether the assault was related to the seatbelt or the fare.

A rescue helicopter has been sent to retrieve the injured person.

NZTA warning revellers escaping the capital for Christmas to be patient as on the road.

Cats from nearby homes have reportedly died in or near Wellington Zoo animal enclosures.

Wellington couple decided to tie the knot on the Taupo Bungy platform.

Christmas holiday traffic rush starts with queues on State Highway 1 north of Wellington.

Pensioner who ran over a "pillar of the community" says she suffers under the burden.

The man was one of a party of three people diving at Flat Point, Wairarapa.

Wellington police had been searching for the wanted man for the last two months.

Conditions are set to hamper a search for a diver missing for nearly 24 hours.

Temperatures are set to "yoyo" the week before Christmas, the MetService warns.

Fuel disruption affecting some service stations should be resolved in time for Christmas.

Weinstein brothers hung up when director mentioned Mira Sorvino's name.

Convicted felon loses appeal to reduce sentence for assault and kidnapping.

How has our country warped and stretched this decade? Scientists are about to find out.

A helicopter has been deployed to take one of the injured people to hospital.

The machine rolled about 80m down a bank in Makara just before midday.

Climate Change Minister James Shaw to release Govt guidance on coastal hazards on Friday.