NZ@Noon: One of Tauranga's darkest days

Colleen Killeen's father and uncle died when the Ranui sunk. Photo / George Novak

Stories making headlines around the regions include a resident laments one of Tauranga's darkest days and a lovely checkout gesture at Pak N Save catches a shopper by surprise.

It was one of Tauranga's worst tragedies. Colleen Killeen shares her story of the day she will never forget.

A Whangarei man experienced the most magnificent thing in the 12 and under queue at Pak N Save.

A Spy base in Northland?

A routine concrete pumping job turned into a leap for life after a seven-tonne truck's handbrake failed in Napier.

Wanganui students are following the steps that early missionaries took almost 200 years ago.

A rock from the Ruamahanga River links "a better way of life" for the elderly of Niue to the family, community and ideals of Masterton architectural design student Matt Wilson.

And finally, Rotorua is determined to be put on the world stage as a top spa destination.