NZ@Noon: Downsized mountain loses lofty status

The height of Mangamuka Summit has been reduced by 4000m, turning it back into a hill. Photo / Peter de Graaf

A Hawke's Bay couple who lost everything for their new baby in a fire and a title demotion for a mountain in Northland are just two of the stories making headlines around the regions today.

A heavily-pregnant woman in Hawke's Bay has lost everything in a fire, including almost all she had gathered for her unborn baby.

It was briefly New Zealand's highest mountain - but now Mangamuka Summit has lost 4000m and turned back into a hill.

A Rotorua battler is taking to the streets to encourage other people to speak out about abuse - and start to heal.

An Arctic wolf, a roaring lion and a prickly porcupine are among hundreds of animals from around the world in this Wairarapa man's collection.

Sign vandalism in Hamilton is costing the council hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.

Do you recognise this ute? Bay of Plenty police are on the look out for leads following an alleged hit and run incident over the weekend.

And finally, the last Wanganui gallery that was damaged in the June floods has finally re-opened.