In a dark basement below the main stage of Kawerau's town hall, a bunch of teenagers are on punching bags.

Three runners missing near Lake Rotoma since yesterday have been found this morning in the Rotoma Forest by a search and rescue team.

Another 80 job losses announced today in a third sawmill unable to profitably export timber suggests the wood industry is in crisis, says a union representing workers in the sector.

More than 50 sawmill workers at two North Island sawmills have been told they will lose their jobs.

Dita De Boni on how the welfare reforms might impact solo parents.

A growing number of unemployed couples are living apart so one can claim the domestic purposes benefit to get more money, say beneficiary advocates.

A bar owner reportedly doused in petrol before he escaped his burning hotel had previous run-ins with gang members, locals say.

A hotelier who was doused with petrol during a robbery was lucky to escape with his life as the building was gutted by fire.