NZ@Noon: Town rallies to help family

Taihape musician Rex Bond, organiser of the Aaron Paki Benefit Concert. Photo/Supplied

Stories making headlines around the regions today include an entire town rallying round to help and a young Rotorua musician is off to Hollywood.

Taihape might have a population of only around 1500, with many in the older age group, but when it comes to helping those in need these superannuitants are out in front.

Rotorua's Stella Maris is off to Hollywood to chase her dream of becoming a global singing sensation.

Kaikohe residents are outraged at the vandalism of a series of college students' murals of famous Northlanders, including some of Maoridom's most respected figures.

Congestion at Napier Port could lead some Hawke's Bay fruit and produce exporters to use other ports while trying to get through the seasonal export peak.

An ex-soldier and a podiatrist are celebrating a heart-warming fluke in which each won passes to the exclusive 100th anniversary commemorations of the Gallipoli landings in Turkey next year.

Finally a Masterton bakery has regained the crown as bakers of the best hot cross buns in New Zealand.