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.

Wellington Hospital took a leaf out the NZ Police's book during New Years' Eve, busting out the breathalysers for people coming through the emergency department.

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.

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.

Traffic delays north of Wellington are becoming a daily occurrence as capital residents head away for New Year.

Feel dogged by news of the Kardashians this year? We've got another one for you.

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.

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.

Being in charge of the population of a small town is "a dream come true".

A crash that closed the Terrace Tunnel in Wellington has been cleared and the tunnel has re-opened, NZTA Wellington said.

Wet weather today will clear throughout the country making way for a mainly fine Christmas weekend.

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.