Powerco says around 3500 houses in the North Island without power should have the service restored by tonight.

A Rotorua man who admitted assaulting his son has walked free after a judge said he had already punished himself enough.

Environment Waikato is worried about the danger of rapidly rising streams and rivers in the next few days.

A two-car crash which left five Rotorua Girls' High School students injured today has been "absolutely devastating", principal Annette Joyce says.