A young girl has undergone reconstructive surgery in hospital after being mauled by a bull mastiff in Masterton on Saturday, one of two dog attacks over the weekend which have sparked debate over dog control laws.

Two police officers are in Masterton Hospital with minor injuries after their vehicle crashed into a power pole this afternoon.

An apprentice mechanic whose dream car was torched in Masterton on Saturday has been swamped with offers of parts from all around the country.

A coroner has called for the Government to immediately investigate making the wearing of helmets compulsory and tightening other safety regulations.

Firefighters have contained a large scrub fire in Masterton which was burning on about six hectares of land.

One of the winners of New Zealand's largest ever lottery prize has died.

A former Marist teaching brother was today found guilty of 11 historic sex offences by a jury in the High Court at Wellington.

Minor damage was reported in Masterton and near Otaki after a 5.4-magnitude earthquake this afternoon.