Latest from North Island

Downpour causes flooding in Omaha

Properties in Omaha have flooded following a downpour of rain.

90 minutes - two drink-driving charges

A man accused of driving drunk twice in one day said he drove the second time because he was worried about his tools left in his ute.

Tourists get stuck on Auckland jet boat

Passengers aboard an Auckland tourist attraction were grounded in the middle of the Waitemata Harbour today.

Second person killed by train today

The North Island has seen two train deaths today, the latest occurring on the Kapiti Coast, stranding commuters north of Wellington.

Farmer catches fuel thief

After a farmer's security system was triggered, he went to investigate and found a man walking around the area of his fuel pumps.

14-year-old caught drink-driving

Police are "astonished and disappointed" a 14-year-old boy has been caught drink-driving in Masterton.

Man stops attempted machete robbery

A man with a machete last night tried to rob a liquor store in the Waikato but a staff member grabbed the weapon.

12-year-old burglars caught on Facebook

Hamilton children have been caught trying to sell electronic equipment they had stolen in a house burglary on Facebook.

Worker to repay $30k of stolen funds

A woman will spend the next 15 years paying back more than $30,000 she stole while working for a taxpayer-funded agency.

Many hands help serve Xmas cheer in Pukekohe

Last year Alofa Glas, Jason Goodall and their extended whanau organised a free lunch at Pukekohe's Lone Star for 100 guests.

Gift will help iwi for many generations

The Te Ara Rangatu o te Iwi o Ngati Te Ata Waiohua Inc Society will receive $10,000 from Auckland Airport's 12 Days of Christmas campaign this year.

Love story blossoms

Boutique theatre company's opening Kiwi musical Daffodils is to be made into a movie

$8000 fine for importing illegal ivory

A Napier man has been sentenced after admitting to give charges of trading in endangered species.

Farmer attempts to block thieves

A farmer had her quad bike rammed out of the way by offenders trying to make their escape.

Bernard Hickey: The big booms and busts of 2015

Bernard Hickey: This has been a big year for the NZ economy, ranging from an extended slump for the dairy payout to a big boom for tourism and Auckland house prices.

Boy in stable condition after skylight fall

The boy who fell through the skylight of a school in Palmerston North on Friday night is in a stable condition in hospital.

Sanctuary visit dream come true for kids

The Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi Inc is working to give as many kids as possible the chance to learn about animals in their natural habitats

Boy suffers serious injuries, skylight fall

Friends of a 12-year-old almost killed when he fell through a skylight on a Palmerston North school roof were "distraught as hell" when police arrived.