Celebrities everywhere are waiting with bated breath to find out if their pumpkin look-alike will take the top prize at Matakana’s Pumpkin Growing Competition. Video: Kea Kids News

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop announced a possible 4km long tunnel may be built to cut congestion in Wellington. Video / Mark Mitchell

After a long time coming, hundreds turned out for the Tairua skatepark opening. Video / NZ Herald

Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Regulation Minister David Seymour announced a policy to introduce “pet bonds”. Video / Markl Mitchell

Brian Tamaki makes a brief statement alongside Ford O’Connor and his wife Eden O’Connor outside the Auckland District Court. Video / Jason Oxenham

The Government is looking at a $2.2 billion 4km tunnel underneath the city.

Vapes, essential oils and cleaning products are all linked with hospitalisations of kids.

Efforts are underway from Australian Police to get to the bottom of the tragedy.

Waikowhai Intermediate is setting the stage on fire once again with Waifest, an annual dance performance showcasing some of New Zealand’s finest. Video / Kea Kids

Six dead in Bondi stabbing. Iran to retaliate after Embassy bombed by Israel in Syria. Kiwirail to begin repairs on damaged South Island bridge.

Jenni-Lee Reardon has been considering getting her moko kauae for some time and has it booked in for May. She tells journalist Catherine Sylvester her story. Video / Alex Cairns

Police continue their hunt for those who injured a 15 year old boy, the Rangitata rail bridge remains closed after being damaged in a flood and the community calls for justice.

Smash Room owner Lloyd Bombell talks about his operation at Brewtown in Upper Hutt. Video / Mark Mitchell

The ACT Party leader spoke to the Bay of Plenty Times on Thursday.

Emirates Team New Zealand have taken their new AC75 out for its maiden voyage in Auckland. Video / Emirates Team New Zealand

More and more businesses are choosing to refuse cash. Video / NZ Herald / Cameron Pitney / Corey Fleming / Mark Mitchell / Getty

Excessive alcohol consumption is putting immense pressure on our hospital EDs. Video / NZ Herald / Getty

Orange rain and wind warnings remain in place in many parts of the country. Video / NZ Herald

PM Chris Luxon speaks to media

Fierce storm moves up the country, former NFL star OJ Simpson dies aged 76 and the burden of excessive drinking on our EDs revealed. Video / NZ Herald/ Getty / AP

Veteran news broadcasters lament what media loss will mean to Māori. Video / Te Ao Māori

Rotorua Action Sports Charitable Trust chairman Ryan Gray speaks about the potential exclusion of a new skatepark from the Long-Term Plan.

The EWB Zeiss Telescope reopens following a challenging period marked by an act of theft last year. Video / Michael Craig

MetService Severe Weather: Thursday 11th of April - April 15th. Video / Metservice

Former heavyweight kickboxer and Muay Thai champ Jason Suttie is encouraging people not to park in disabled carpark spots because people need them. Video / Jason Suttie

Corren Awheto talks about graduating top of the class. Video / Hamish Williams

One house is at risk as firefighters battle a scrub fire near Helensville. Video / NZ Herald