NZ@Noon: Plucky penguin and a 'cowardly act'

Chrissy Jefferson with a rescued penguin, who will be ready for release in two weeks. Photo / George Novak

A plucky penguin in Tauranga and a "cowardly act" in Rotorua are just two of the stories making headlines around the regions today.

A penguin recovering after being coated in oil in last month's oil spill has earned himself a special new name.

In an act labelled as "cowardly," the "idiot" who sent harmless white powder to the mayor of Rotorua has left ratepayers out of pocket by thousands.

The "rogue bull" of Monckton Resrve has finally been found - and apparently it wasn't alone.

One Northland man is praying for sun ahead of the first Fifa U20 World Cup match in Whangarei - but not for the reasons you'd think.

'Snail mail' is on the way out in Masterton in a very final way - and not everyone is happy about it.

A community trust in Waverley has to cut its firewood fundraising scheme because it's "too frightening" to continue.

And finally, do you know these soldiers? One Far North woman hopes to unearth the history surrounding a 100 year old postcard.