Traffic is free flowing for holiday-goers on the motorway heading back into Auckland - and we'll keep you posted throughout the evening.

The 67-year-old was a well known businessman and was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2011 for services to business.

Most people would take a few days off if a gunman stormed into their shop and fired a bullet into the ceiling - but not Bharati Gandhi.

A brave Wellington shopkeeper hit a gun-wielding robber over the head with a broom handle after shots were fired as the offender fled with cash.

Nikki Kaye has opened up about the aftermath of being diagnosed with breast cancer.

A woman is selling her historic yacht on Trade Me - for a $1 reserve

The elderly Wellington grandmother missing after going for a run yesterday has been found.

A bank manager was in a geocaching area when his car collided with a milk tanker.

Nine cars trapped inside the condemned Reading Cinema carpark building in Wellington will never be recovered.

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.

EXCLUSIVE: Family members recall how Leotisia Malakai - the third victim of a horrific bus crash near Gisborne - slipped into a coma and never woke up.

Bay of Islands the place to be for summer sun today

The MetService is forecasting rain for much of New Zealand today, perhaps ruining plans for post-party barbecues and sunbathing.

The lower North Island and the South Island's West Coast and Buller regions have been told to brace for a wet and windy start to 2017.

A spectacular fireworks display off Auckland's Sky Tower and parties around the country herald the start of a new year.

To the sound of 200-300 voices chanting "live, live, Israel, resolution go to Hell", Hawke's Bay pastor Nigel Woodley stood outside

In protest at an "outrageous" United Nations resolution, busloads of Hawke's Bay residents will travel to Parliament today to condemn

A posterior tattoo canvas and erotic eggplant are among the site's oddest hits of 2016.

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.

A stranded English couple who had all their most valuable possessions stolen are set to head home tomorrow thanks to some helpful Kiwis.

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.

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.

One person has died and another two been badly injured in separate crashes as holiday traffic queues across the North Island.

Demolition of the Reading Cinema carpark building will begin next week.

The author of a controversial running guide has apologised for suggesting female joggers should see wolf whistles as compliments.

A man armed with a knife has entered a Wellington petrol station, demanding cash and cigarettes.