Latest from RDP - Taupo & Turangi

Campervan explosion seriously burns man

A man suffered serious burns after his campervan exploded in Taupo last night.

Large bush fire near Taupo contained but not out

A large bushfire is blazing through forest and scrub northwest of Taupo.

One killed after being hit in driveway

A person is dead after being hit by a car in a Taupo driveway overnight.

Watch: Drones spy on NZ volcanoes

Kiwi scientists could soon have a new way to safely get an up-close look at erupting volcanoes: send in the drone.

Watch NZH Local Focus: Erosion debate divides Taupo District Council

The decision to close a Taupo District Council reserve in Kinloch to cars has been revoked - as debate rages about the causes of erosion in the area. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

River victim knew missing woman

The young woman swept to her death when floodgates opened on Waikato River was a young Aucklander with an infectious smile that could "cheer anyone up".

Thousands turn out for Flochella

Thousands of fans turned out for New Zealand's first floating music festival at Great Lake Taupo yesterday, with the free event reaching capacity by midday.

Police name woman swept away in river

Police have named a young woman who died when she was swept down the Waikato River yesterday.

Taupo mayor on drowning: 'A tragedy'

Drowning a tragedy but dam flood to remain open as an attraction, says Taupo mayor.

'I was so scared, the waves were big'

A pleasant evening kayaking trip turned into a terrifying ordeal in the darkness for a lone woman blown offshore on Lake Taupo.

Paddler rescued on Lake Taupo

A Turangi woman was rescued off Lake Taupo after going missing while fishing in her sea kayak. A police media statement said the

Tongariro bus crash: Tour boss speaks

Most of those injured in yesterday's Tongariro National Park bus crash have been discharged from hospital, tour boss says.

Bus crash tourists 'lucky' - fire chief

The National Park fire chief has described the scene of this morning's Tongariro National Park bus crash.

Warning after spate of fires

Several vegetation fires in and around Rotorua this week have sparked warnings for locals to take extra care around "high risk" areas

Andrew Williams, mayor turned landlord

Former North Shore Mayor Andrew Williams has shifted to Taupo and is now taking guests and his and wife Jane's Fairbairn House.

Bodyboarder's extreme stunt condemned

WATCH: An extreme water daredevil has gone over the Huka Falls on a bodyboard, an act that has been described as "reckless and irresponsible".

Funeral to be held for ex-Steel & Tube boss

Services will be held in Wellington and Auckland today to pay tribute to former Steel & Tube Holdings Ltd boss Nick Calavrias.

Fire crews continue to monitor 'hot spots' from Ohaaki blaze

Fire crews will today attempt to dampen "quite a few hot spots" remaining from the large scrub and grass blaze that ignited yesterday