Father and daughter bears Sean and Sasa tucked into their usual meal at Wellington Zoo today, but with a Christmas twist. The sun

Traffic has already slowed to a crawl in parts of the country as holidaymakers head out of town for Christmas.

A man has died from a heart attack while in Christmas traffic near Wellington.

KiwiRail has announced it will replace its electric train fleet on the North Island main trunk line with diesel locomotives.

What will the weather be doing on Sunday for Christmas?

The Porirua community is rallying around their local Santa after his sack was stolen just weeks before Christmas.

There was a record downpour in Auckland, a tornado in Taranaki and "quake lights" above Wellington. Oh, and 2016 was likely also New Zealand's hottest year on record.

Nobody has been hurt in a gas explosion in a Wellington suburb.

A bad weather forecast has scuppered the historic Dunedin visit of mega-cruise ship the Ovation of the Seas on Thursday.

Lois Tolley's aunt always looked forward to her niece stopping by to give her a hug and natter about the world's problems. Those visits are memories now.

Dozens of people went topless to beaches in Auckland and Wellington yesterday.

Woman whose odd auction on TradeMe reaped $6500, will fly to Miami to have the artwork done - and we reveal what the tattoo will say.

How does it feel to share your birthday with Jesus Christ? Herald reporter Tess Nichol finds out in our Holiday Babies series.

A Wellington kitten had a close shave this morning after becoming trapped in rush-hour traffic.

A Wellington MyLotto player won $5million in Wednesday's Lotto Powerball after his friend joked about sending "good vibes out to the Lotto gods".

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

Brittany Godderidge retrieved clothing and documents from her quake-evacuated Wellington apartment - as well as her 2-year-old goldfish, Sir Swimsalot.

It's going to be a sunny one this weekend for most of the country.

A man who pulled a gun on a police officer remains on the run.

Kiwi couple donate seven works including pieces by Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol and Joan Miro at inaugural event.

The big win comes only days after a young Auckland woman won $10 million in Saturday's draw.

Demolition contractors have been able to get a small amount of material out of the quake-damaged building at 61 Molesworth St.

A last minute flurry of bidding saw Wellington woman's auction go for $6500.

The quake struck just after midnight on November 14, causing massive fault line ruptures and slips, damaging buildings and closing key roads.

An elderly man who died alone in his Wellington home could have been dead for days before neighbours called police.

A teenager who was charged after allegedly saying "this teacher is mean as f***" in a public place has had his charges withdrawn.

A 40-year-old man has been sentenced to 11 years and six months jail after "exceptionally cruel offending".

If Bill English was as superstitious as his predecessor, he would be a bit nervous that when he is asked about Andrew Little an earthquake strikes.

Members of slain Upper Hutt woman Lois Rita Tolley's family were meant to be gathering for Christmas celebrations, but instead they will be gathering for a funeral.

New Prime Minister Bill English is expected to announce a new Cabinet lineup in the next week.