Latest from New Zealand

Battle of Midway: Clubbies to fight it out on the beach and ocean
Valuable hit-out before national surf lifesaving championships at Midway in March.

Severe thunderstorm watch for central North Island
MetService says storms could strike this afternoon and evening.

Whangārei’s famous castle for sale - but it won’t cost ‘millions and millions’
The sprawling estate was a decades-long labour love for Stuart and Nanette Cains.

Skydiver hits powerlines in Parakai
A parachute has been left hanging in powerlines near Skydive Auckland after an incident this morning. Video/ Alex Burton

Bremworth secures $104.2m insurance payout after cyclone damage
Insurers have paid $62 million; the remaining $42.2 million is pending.

BoP house fire spreads to shelterbelt
Fire crews battle house fire and shelterbelt blaze near school.

The Country: Julian Raine on the Waimea Dam
Julian Raine, Chris Russell, Chris Brandolino, Stu Duncan, Stu Loe, and Jason Walls.

Audrey Young: The best thing about Luxon’s absence from Waitangi
OPINION: Luxon's absence shone a light on the best speech about the Treaty in many years.

Board games, bouncy castles and beats: Gisborne’s Waitangi celebration in pictures
All ages had something to enjoy at Te Rūnanga o Tūranganui a Kiwa's event centre.

Prominent musician accused of abuse in tears during ex-partner’s testimony
The musician says he acted in self-defence.

‘Human error’: Skydiver crash lands in powerlines
Power out north of city after 'experienced' skydiver's crash landing.

Wings, wheels, and waves: Napier festival celebrates transport heritage
Some of the model jets sound like the real thing and can do 300km/h.

‘Reject discrimination’: Fiji Rugby sacks new director after controversial comments
Naulivou called same-sex relationships a 'problem' affecting the team's performance.

‘Transnational crime’: MP sues Fijileaks editor over leaked video
Lynda Tabuya is suing Fijileaks’ editor for exposing a private video.

‘If you come in, this place will be gone’: Woman held hostage for 15 hours
Phillip Mant was furious with the outcome of an earlier court matter.

Leading light: Zeva top teen at life skills camp
'I proved to myself that I can do more than what I think I can do': Zeva Peard

Pedestrian seriously injured after collision with cyclist in central Auckland
The pedestrian was taken to Auckland City Hospital in a serious condition.

Pedestrian killed on motorway struck by at least three vehicles - none stopped
Police are urging the motorists involved to "do the right thing and come forward".

Cook Islands reportedly dropping separate passport idea, Peters ‘blindsided’ by China move
A media report has emerged saying the passport won't be progressed.

Speed limit hike on SH5 ‘reckless’, raises crash concerns
An independent study found the 80km/h limit prevented 34 crashes in a year.

Di-vine: Seaside BoP property with orchard hits market
The property spans 18.2ha with stunning sea views near Waihī and Katikati.

‘Different leadership approach required’: Health NZ boss Margie Apa resigns
The troubled national health authority has faced ongoing budget challenges.

Man missing after falling into river at popular national park
Police are searching after a man fell from a rock into the river and did not resurface.

‘It’s horrible’: Rise in funeral livestream scams alarms families
Scammers create fake pages, ask for money to watch livestreams, upsetting families.

Hawke’s Bay teen runner wins gold at Oceania Orienteering Champs
She also earned a silver in the W18 long distance, boosting her world ranking.

Seven arrested after armed police callout, firearms and meth charges laid
Charges include burglary, possession of firearms and methamphetamine.

House fire in a near-century-old villa treated as suspicious
Padlocked gates hampered firefighting efforts.

Severe thunderstorm watch for central North Island today
Heavy showers are expected in Bay of Plenty, Waikato, and Taupō this afternoon.

Why NZ needs more Māori nurses for culturally safe care
Māori nurses make up only 7% of the workforce, despite 17% of the population.