Latest from North Island

Research could prepare for eruptions

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.

Giraffe road trip as Zuri heads to Wellington

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

Council loses final say on housing land

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

Playpark 'will attract condoms, needles'

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

One dead after truck flips into water in Far North

Beloved classic car up for cancer society auction

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.

Man crashes into power pole

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 charged over assault of police officer

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

Smell was unusual, but flies were a shock

Police unsure how long body in Wellington flat lay undiscovered.

Machine guns, assault rifles stolen

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

Grandad escapes dog attack conviction

Graham Hartley's dog mauled his six-year-old grandson but judge decided he had suffered enough.

Fire guts sleepout in Turangi

A shed being used as a sleepout was damaged by fire in one of two suspicious blazes overnight.

Police dodge flying veg during chase

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

Police investigate fiery fatal crash

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

'If this is a real gun, I'm gone'

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

Teacher hurt by gunshot debris on mend

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.