NZ@noon: Marathon anguish

Japan's Naoko Tsuchiya wins the women's title at the 51st anniversary Rotorua Marathon on Saturday. Photo / Stephen Parker

Stories making headlines around the regions today include anquish for the lead runner in the Rotorua marathon and Prime Minister John Key tells Northlanders to "get on yer bike".

After 25km of the Rotorua Marathon Tauranga runner Jess Ruthe was leading the women's field by 6 minutes target="_blank">before disaster struck.

More highlights from the event:

Image 1 of 13: Conrad Langridge

Mobile users click here to see photos from the Rotorua marathon.

Prime Minister John Key has told Northland to "get on yer bike" in the nicest possible way in his first visit back since National lost the seat in the March byelection.

The NZ Geographic Board Nga Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa (NZGB) is asking the public for their views on the Wanganui District Council's proposal to add an 'h' to the name of the district.

A young mother rescued from a gang family has in turn reached out to a Masterton teenager she found living in a laundry.

About 40 people took part in an event in Tauranga to mark 'J Day' - an international day celebrating cannabis culture.

Finally, where have all the monarch butterflies gone?