Two lucky Lotto players are each half a million dollars richer after tonight's Lotto draw.

Most people would take a few days off if a gunman stormed into their shop and fired a bullet into the ceiling - but not Bharati Gandhi.

Nikki Kaye has opened up about the aftermath of being diagnosed with breast cancer.

The elderly Wellington grandmother missing after going for a run yesterday has been found.

Nearly 1000 cats have found themselves in predicaments needing rescue by fire crews in the last five years.

A police investigation into the execution-style killing of Upper Hutt woman Lois Tolley has revealed the possibility of one or more females being involved.

Wellington District Police are concerned for the safety of a 76-year-old woman who was reported missing earlier this evening. Marilyn

Big swells predicted to surge up the eastern side of New Zealand from Kaikoura to north of Mahia Peninsula

Crashes mixed with the usual holiday traffic mean people travelling back to Wellington will be stuck in delays of at least 45 minutes.

Bay of Islands the place to be for summer sun today

As most Kiwis were partying to see the new year in, others were being born.

The MetService is forecasting rain for much of New Zealand today, perhaps ruining plans for post-party barbecues and sunbathing.

Police are "generally pleased" with behaviour at New Year's Eve celebrations across the country and say there were no significant issues or incidents reported.

A spectacular fireworks display off Auckland's Sky Tower and parties around the country herald the start of a new year.

To the sound of 200-300 voices chanting "live, live, Israel, resolution go to Hell", Hawke's Bay pastor Nigel Woodley stood outside

An American motoryclist was found dead with his crashed motorbike two days after he left a hotel, and failed to turn up for work the next morning.

Closure of the Kapiti rail line has exacerbated holiday traffic along the Kapiti Coast as would-be train passengers have been forced to travel by bus on congested roads.

Thousands have reported feeling the "severe" 5.5 magnitude quake which rattled central New Zealand this afternoon.

Road toll now equal to last summer's following death of motorcyclist.

A weak cold front will bring cloud, drizzle and showers to the country over the next few days but should clear in time for New Year celebrations.

Four fire crews are battling a blaze in the Lower Hutt suburb of Stokes Valley.

Demolition of the Reading Cinema carpark building will begin next week.

Give yourselves up, heartbroken family pleads of killers of "cherished, kind" niece and daughter.

Don't let the morning cloud fool you - it is set to be a fine Boxing Day for New Zealanders, with Central Otago tipped as the best place to be.

Wellington police are asking the public to help find a wanted man.

A man has been airlifted to Wellington Hospital after a violent Christmas fight between a father and son.

What will start out as a cloudy morning for most of the country should clear as the Christmas day wears on, but the odd shower is in store too.

The best spots for enjoying a Christmas hamper outdoors will be in the Bay of Plenty, Nelson and Central Otago tomorrow.

Steve Braunias looks back on a year of thinking dangerously.

Quake-affected businesses in Wellington and Hurunui have been given a boost with the announcement that support subsidies will be extended.