NZ@Noon: Maori brides and a special sacrifice

The cast of Find Me a Maori Bride, Amanda Billing (left), Siobhan Marshall, Te Kohe Tuhaka, Matariki Whatarau and Cohen Holloway. Photo / Supplied

A special sacrifice by a Wanganui man and Maori brides in Rotorua are just two of the stories making headlines around the regions today.

A young man in Wanganui is honouring the love and sacrifices of his mother in a very special way.

Maori brides wanted - a famous Te Arawa couple are bringing love, laughter and a little culture to the small screen in a new mock-realty series. Check out some videos here.

A teenage girl has become a "hero" in the eyes of her neighbours after she came to the rescue of a special fuzzy friend.

A week ago intrepid police dog Thames was entering his eighth day lost in the bush - but today he's a "pampered pooch."

A car apparently "cartwheeled" into a Northland paddock, leaving a man in critical condition.

And finally, blisters and burning muscles did not stop supporters in Tauranga walking 50km to raise money for a sick little boy.