NZ@Noon: Father challenges cultural ruling

James Tioro and his partner Rebecca are challenging a federal court decision which prevents them moving to Perth as a family because of cultural hertiage. Photo / Damian White

A dog theft shatters a Masterton family and a Whangarei man battling to keep his family together are just two stories making headlines around the regions today.

A former Wanganui man is fighting a landmark Australian court decision in a bid to keep his family together.

A Masterton family is feeling devastated after their beloved dog was apparently stolen from their backyard in the early hours of New Year's Day.

A Whangarei man who fraudulently obtained money from a woman he knew on the pretext of funding urgent treatment for his "dying" dog has been sentenced to home detention and ordered to pay reparation.

Hundreds of items from a Havelock North local with a long history went under the hammer yesterday. Icons@ The Tav, formerly known as The Happy Tav is set to be demolished, making way for a five star hotel.

It's green, slimy and it stinks - sea lettuce is back in the Bay of Plenty.

And finally, it's looking like a busy year ahead for Rotorua, with 2015 packed with big events and projects for the city.