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.

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

A Wellington coroner has recommended a local church overhaul its carpark layout after a second child was killed in the L-shaped lot.

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.

Police say a paua diver missing in Titahi Bay in Porirua may still be alive.

More than 40 people are searching for a diver missing near Titahi Bay, Porirua, since last night.