NZ@Noon: Shipwreck treasures and 'the scariest ride'

The water level of the Ohinemuri River had risen to within half a metre from the road in the Karangahake Gorge by 1pm yesterday, causing one motorist to say "it was the scariest ride ever".

A call to save salvaged relics in Northland and the 'scariest ride ever' in the Bay of Plenty are just two of the stories making headlines around the regions today.

A group of Chinese New Zealanders are rallying to preserve relics from the shipwrecked Ventnor.

Wild weather had motorists worried after churning rapids rose to just below the road on the Karangahake Gorge yesterday.

In the past few years this Hawke's Bay couple have been dealt one devastating blow after another - but the community is rallying to help.

Out of the mouths of babes - an intermediate student in Tauranga has come up with a potentially life-saving idea that could revolutionise road safety in the area.

A Wairarapa student has won an intercollegiate speech competition with a recycled address.

Wanganui locals are dancing in the dark as a new craze hits the region.

Rotorua's most vulnerable citizens are a hot topic in the region.

And finally don't cry for me .... Waikato? After 20 years, a Broadway favourite is heading to Hamilton.