NZ@Noon: Goodwill for Santa and poaching fears

POST OPERATIVE: Santa the cat is recovering well after surgery at VetCare Veterinary Hospital to remove pellets lodged in his head. His treatment has attracted donations from across the globe and a network television news team. Pictured at the Masterton clinic yesterday was Campbell Live reporter Whena Owen, left, Dr Heidi Ward-McGrath, Santa's owner Angela Speers and her son Phillip, 3. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

Stories making the headlines around the regions today include goodwill floods in for a cat shot in the head three times and illegal hunters put their lives at risk.

Santa survived three shots to the head and has now become the focus of a world-wide campaign to help other abused animals.

A Hawke's Bay farmer believes "sooner or later somebody will be shot" if cowboy poachers continue to illegally hunt on his and nearby neighbours' land.

A Far North family are blaming a 'mozzie zapper' for sparking a blaze that destroyed their home.

Locals are slamming the condition of an underpass at Marton Junction which has provided a place for schoolchildren to safely cross the train tracks for more than a century.

Being told you have the "X Factor" by one of your idols was a dream that turned into reality for three talented Northland teenagers.

While a Rotorua trio of singing siblings have wowed the judges of X Factor NZ with their "perfect performance".

Finally, the results are in and the best beach in New Zealand is...