Stories making headlines around the regions today include a teenager who has defied the odds of her upbringing and a man apologises to a judge for being 'a bit of a dick'.
An inspirational Hamilton teenager, who has been earmarked the 'it' girl for Front Row Pony, says "there is always tomorrow" after she left her life in foster care to become a model.
This Wanganui man, who caused wilful damage after drunkenly throwing two rocks, told the judge "I'm just a bit of a dick, sir".
Two wakas which will sail 87,000km around the world in the next four years have come for a stop-over in New Zealand carrying a Northlander on board.
Watch out! Business owners in Hastings are being warned that burglars are no longer breaking in through doors and windows - now they are gaining entry through walls and rooftops.
The Maketu Volunteer Fire Brigade may soon be unable to guarantee responses to emergencies.
And finally, Rotorua is getting right into the festive season as the city lights up.