Research into how ash clouds from a large volcanic eruption under Lake Taupo would affect the country could help with managing the disaster if it occurs.

There is a big road trip ahead for a giraffe travelling down the North Island today.

The Government will soon release a national policy statement that will require some councils to relax restrictions on where houses can be built.

Residents of a seaside suburb are unhappy a children's playground is going ahead, saying it will attract undesirables leaving needles and condoms.

A Wanganui Cancer Society volunteer has shocked the organisation by offering up his beloved classic car for auction in a bid to raise funds for them.

A 19-year-old whose car went head-on into a power pole in Waikato early this morning, is now in a stable condition.

Two young men have been charged over an assault in which a police dog handler was knocked unconscious.

A driver escaped unhurt after the logging truck he was driving caught fire in Northland.

MetService is warning of more rain, squalls, strong winds, "a nasty band of thunderstorms" and even coastal tornadoes today.

A boat has sunk in Coromandel Harbour causing a small amount of diesel to leak into the sea.

Two vehicles collided just before 12.40pm today on State Highway 31, Tihiroa, north of Otorohanga.

Thunderstorms, gale force winds and heavy rain are on the way for this afternoon.

A developer has backtracked on its plans to move a beachside carpark.

Two Levin schools have closed today because of a confirmed case of measles.

Police unsure how long body in Wellington flat lay undiscovered.

Eleven automatic weapons - including submachine guns and assault rifles - stolen from the gun safe.

Fleeing gang members hurled onions and a glass chopping board at police during a high-speed pursuit through the Waikato.

A vehicle on State Highway 1 north of Taihape appeared to have gone over a bank and caught fire last night.

Taxi driver thought he was going to die when young man robbed him gunpoint.

A group of hunters have been spoken to by police, and they are seeking another group of hunters believed to have been in the area at the time.

One person was taken to Waikato Hospital in serious condition and another person was taken in moderate condition, a St John Ambulance spokeswoman said.

Family devastated after their new house burns down just a week after they moved it onto their land.

Tributes to "brave" and "inspiring" man who died after suffering a head injury during a half marathon.

Six people were injured, two critically, in a head-on crash this afternoon.

Staff member from prestigious private girls' school hit in the face by shards of rock after shots fired.

One person is dead after a crash between a car and truck in the Dome Valley.

Vehicle swerved to miss a school bus before colliding with another vehicle, police say.

An investigation is continuing to find a missing Horowhenua man last seen nearly two months ago.