Mark Gilbert, the departing United States Ambassador, is keen to reassure New Zealanders that Washington does not spy on Wellington.

A 14-year-old girl was left locked in an interview room for several hours.

Nearly 5000 people are now in the queue for social housing across the country.

US President-Elect Donald Trump is now just hours from claiming his place as leader of the free world - but New Zealand's own version of The Donald is keen to get in first.

Metservice says heavy rain and gales have eased as temperatures were set to take a wintry turn across the country.

Who could blame this pilot for wanting a cup of tea and a lie down after landing in such difficult conditions at Wellington Airport this morning?

The summer "bomb low" is expected to continue to bring wild weather to the country today.

It took a German tourist couple only 20 seconds to find themselves more than $2000 out of pocket after thieves targeted their campervan in a Paraparaumu carpark yesterday.

Two people in a car which was shielding a longboarder from traffic before fatally hitting him were sentenced today.

Businessman Sir Bob Jones wants begging made illegal, saying beggars are mostly fat and a disgrace to society.

Wellington Zoo's kea have been getting used to their brand new aviary - by seeing what things they can destroy.

A 300kg leopard seal looks to be in Auckland to stay, as the hefty visitor makes itself a summer spectacle for ferry commuters.

More than 20,000 students asked for an emergency derived grade following the Kaikoura earthquake.

This New Zealand city has been singled out as one of the world's best "unexpected" destinations for foodies.

Andrew Little says he needs to concentrate on the whole country, not just an electorate.

Residents in parts of the country have been warned to brace for widespread flooding, slips and fast-rising rivers as the mid-week weather system hits.

Three people are injured after a pile-up north of Wellington.

The Taxpayers' Union has praised the Wellington City Council for turning down former Mayor Celia Wade-Brown's leaving gift request.

Police are confident they have caught Lois Tolley's killers on camera.

Gable Tostee has taken to social media to dismiss as 'nonsensical' suggestions of him being recharged over Warriena Wright's balcony death.

Tens of thousands of tonnes of steel and concrete from Wellington's earthquake demolition sites will be recycled.

Quake-damaged buildings to be torn down and the materials reused.

Bangladesh prospered and will start day two today at 154 for three.

Researchers call for ban on ban on alcohol sponsorship of sport

Owners of boutique cinemas in Wellington have seen their business double since the November earthquake knocked two major cinemas out of action.

WATCH: An extreme water daredevil has gone over the Huka Falls on a bodyboard, an act that has been described as "reckless and irresponsible".

Services will be held in Wellington and Auckland today to pay tribute to former Steel & Tube Holdings Ltd boss Nick Calavrias.

A "spectacular" multi-million dollar homestead on the edge of Lake Wakatipu and the foothills of the Remarkables has been donated to the University of Otago.

Patient battles through two reviews and three court cases to prove that his treatment injury happened at the time of surgery.

The November 14 earthquake caused significant damage to the Wellington Port, especially to the container area.