The first ANZ Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence survey of the new year has recorded a rise in consumer confidence, particularly in earthquake-hit Canterbury, but the survey's authors say households are still cautious.

One of the most fascinating cricket days of recent home summers looms in the final day of the second NZ-Pakistan test.

Wellington's mayor has defended a leaked email which suggests councillors learn Te Reo, Mandarin or ballroom dancing to keep 'mentally fit'.

Chris Martin knocked off two milestones last week and he is keen to make it a trifecta in the second test starting tomorrow.

Police have charged missing diver Colin Smithies with wasting police time after a $50,000 two-day search for him near Porirua turned out to be pointless - as he had hitchhiked to Hawkes Bay.

Police are expected to this afternoon reveal details of why a diver reported to a Hawkes Bay police station after an extensive two-day search for him near Porirua.

The diver missing for two days near Titahi Bay has been found - after walking into a police station in Hawke's Bay.

The search for a paua diver missing at Titahi Bay in Porirua resumed at first light today.

'Oh my God, I'm being swept away, come and get me,' was the last thing a NZ woman heard from her son, phoning from floodwaters.

Police have named the paua diver missing in Titahi Bay in Porirua, who they believe may still be alive.