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.

Raybon Kan returns to the stage for a show about laziness - and why it has been a leading force in human affairs, writes Barney McDonald.

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.