NZ@Noon: A potato problem and plea for 'sacred' sign

George's Fish and Chip Shop are having a shortage in potatoes. Vilia Ngawaka holding one of the small potatoes they have to use. Photo by Devyn Staines

A potato shortage puts hot chips at risk in Wanganui and a reward offered for a "sacred" sign in Whangarei are just two of the stories making headlines around the regions today.

When the chips are down.... apparently our national dish is under threat from a shortage of spuds.

Thieves struck at the heart of Whangarei's RSA when they stole a "sacred" engraved sign - and the veterans are willing to pay to get it back.

The Tauranga RSA is getting behind sending troops to fight Isis because it is the ''right thing to do".

A Rotorua teen took out the top prize in a national competition without even realising he had entered.

A Featherston recluse has gone from hiding from the world to showcasing her work on the world stage.

And finally a Hawke's Bay singer proved she has star potential by dazzling the X Factor New Zealand judges last night.