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.

Geonet say there is a 98 per cent chance of an aftershock of 6 to 6.9 magnitude in the next year.

If variety is the spice of life, this week is set to be a lively one.

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.

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.

More office workers have been sent home in central Wellington as more earthquake damage comes to light.

A 32-year-old man has been arrested over a string of aggravated robberies in Porirua that took place more than a year ago.

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

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.

The quake, which has been upgraded to 'strong' from 'moderate' by Geonet, was felt in Wellington.

The latest predictions indicate the rain may stay away on the festive holiday.

The teens, aged 14 and 15, were training around midday when the wind turned and toppled the three yachts, throwing them into the sea.