NZ@Noon: Mobility thieves and farewell to hero

Disabled Masterton man Ken English, 88, is stranded without his aqua blue mobility scooter. Photo / Andrew Bonallack

A theft in Wairarapa that has disgusted a family and a farewell to a national hero in Tauranga - these are just two of the stories making headlines around the regions today.

A crippled 88-year-old man in the Wairarapa has been left stranded at home after 'horrible' thieves href="http://www.nzherald.co.nz/wairarapa-times-age/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503414&objectid=11493780" target="_blank">took off with his mobility scooter.

One of the country's most decorated war heroes was farewelled in Tauranga this weekend.

This little boy couldn't stop grinning when his hero stopped by his hospital bed in Hawke's Bay.

The Koutu community in Rotorua is still haunted by the tragic death of 3-year-old Nia Glassie, eight years on.

In Northland, this pug pooch has had a rough start in life - and vet trips are starting to take their toll on his devoted owner.

And finally a Wanganui man once saved by the Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter has vowed to keep it flying.