The Kiwi filmmaker has taken the time to roll up his sleeves and go on the bone marrow registry.

What will start out as a cloudy morning for most of the country should clear as the Christmas day wears on, but the odd shower is in store too.

New daughter has dad wrapped round her finger, say couple who started charity to help kids after losing their son.

An elderly man has died after the mobility scooter he was driving went into a river in Whakatane today, police say.

A string of light earthquakes have hit several parts of the country since Seddon was rattled by a 4.7 magnitude quake last night.

A Whakatane police officer pepper sprayed a 10-year-old girl and her mother, but it was carelessness, rather than a deliberate act

A coroner has disagreed with a WorkSafe finding that blamed an experienced forestry worker for the accident that caused his own death. Rotorua

Ena Lai Dung died in a pool of her own urine and faeces, starved, dehydrated, neglected and in extreme pain. Today Cindy Taylor was sentenced for Ena's death.

The Ministry for Primary Industries is touring the country holding public consultation meetings, seeking feedback about its 'Future of our Fisheries' programme.

A man who fell from the first floor balcony of a hotel in Whakatane last month remains in a critical but stable condition.

Two fishermen spend hours in the water and are rescued by the last boat crossing the Whakatane bar.

Tourism is booming in Whakatane. Latest statistics show travellers to the region injected 115 million dollars into the local economy last year. That's an increase of 20 percent over the last three years. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Dreamworld has permanently closed the raft ride that killed four people.

Opotiki Artist Jamie Boynton has unveiled his latest work, at Waiotahe Valley School centenary celebrations. The artwork reflects Mr Boynton's personal to uncover his identity, a mix of Maori and Pakeha heritage. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

A judge has ruled New Zealand Police canines are among the top dogs in Australasia.

Kiwi Hayley King rode Dreamworld's Thunder River Rapids ride yesterday, just hours before the accident that killed four people.

Uretara Island, in Ohiwa Harbour, is now free of rats, and native birds are thriving, thanks to the work of dedicated volunteers. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Uretara Island, in Ohiwa Harbour, is now free of rats, and native birds are thriving, thanks to the work of dedicated volunteers. Made with funding from NZ on Air.

Check out these mussels! New Zealand's first commercial open ocean marine farm, off the coast of Opotiki brings in its first harvest. Made with funding from NZ on Air.

Opotiki beekeepers are worried too many hives are now being placed in the region by corporate newcomers, threatening the survival of the pollinating bees required for the local kiwifruit industry. Made with funding from NZ on Air.

John Forbes' early blunder didn't diminish his election result. And he admits his opponent Les Keane ran a good campaign after all. Made with funding from NZ on Air.

Tony Bonne believes strong marketing was behind his weaker majority, so he is determined to communicate better this term. Made with funding from NZ on Air.

Tony Bonne believes strong marketing was behind winning the mayoralty with less votes, so he is determined to communicate better this term. Made with funding from NZ on Air.

Incumbent mayor Tony Bonne looks to have regained his position.

Two Auckland teens are appearing in court today after a car was stolen and taken on a joy-ride of more than a hundred kilometres, from Paeroa to Whakatane.

Police want eyewitnesses to come forward after a man fell from a Whakatane hotel balcony onto a footpath at the weekend.

Armed police have swarmed to a Whakatane address.

Watch NZH Local Focus: Banned from sailing further until authorities deem him safe to travel, renegade South African yachtie, is apologetic.

Banned from sailing further until authorities deem him safe to travel, renegade South African yachtie, is apologetic for the inconvenience he has caused everyone involved. made with funding from NZ on Air

A large slip has blocked SH3 in North Taranaki, flooding and slips have closed roads in Wellington and hampered the capital's World War I centenary events.