NZ@Noon: 'Bug busters' and a nativity scene theft

B.O.P No Bugz owner Eddy Staessens with an indoor spraying equipment. Photo / George Novak

Hot demand for Bay bug exterminators and missing biblical figures in Waipu are just two of the stories making headlines around the regions today.

Bug exterminators are in hot demand in Bay of Plenty thanks to warmer humid weather.

The spirit of Christmas has gone from Waipu as a mindless thief or thieves have stolen Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus from a nativity scene set-up.

Three weeks after farming widow Fiona Wills disappeared on her family farm northeast of Napier, her son Bruce Wills is not shy of talking to the chooks, if that's what it takes to find his missing mum.

The La De Da new year music festival doesn't look likely to return to Martinborough - at least not in its current format.

Gonville was once his stomping ground - now David Harris rubs shoulders with some of Hollywood's biggest stars.

The death of hundreds of snapper remain mystery in Northland.

And finally, Te Arawa is mourning the loss of a woman who was described by many as dynamic, innovative and charismatic.