NZ@Noon: Quadbike destroyed by fire

An electrical fault is suspected in this quadbike fire on a farm in Waipu. PHOTO/WAIPU VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE

Stories making headlines around the regions today include an Argentine ant invasion, a sharemilker's quadbike is destroyed by fire and the New Year Honours recipients are named.

A sharemilker's day got off to a horror start when a quadbike he was riding caught fire.

An invasion of Argentine ants is driving Patea residents to despair.

A first-time beauty pageant contestant was stunned when she was named Miss Whangamata 2014.

In popular culture, religious missionaries are used to having doors slammed in their faces. But two members of the Mormon faith say their evangelistic experiences in Wairarapa have been just the opposite.

Five hunters have been trespassed from the Kaweka Forest Park, after they allegedly spent a booze-filled Labour Weekend at a popular camping spot.

And finally, a blues-rock version of well-known Rotorua song Pokarekare Ana could become a chart-topping hit.

*Check out the regional websites for extensive coverage of the New Year Honours list.