Latest from North Island

Paintball gun attack blinds woman

An 18-year-old woman who was waiting for a taxi in Whangarei with friends was "unable to see or open her eye" after a person in a

Xmas week weather: Gusts, rain, sun

If variety is the spice of life, this week is set to be a lively one.

Lois Tolley investigation: Police make arrests on 'unrelated' matters

Police investigating the murder of Upper Hutt woman Lois Tolley say they have spoken to a number of people and made arrests on "unrelated matters".

Another hot day for North Islanders

It will be another good day for going to the beach for much of the north of the country.

Multiple rescues at North Island beaches

A man came close to drowning before being rescued by members of the public in what has been a dramatic day at the country's beaches.

Weekend weather: Temps set to soar

It's set to be a scorcher of a Saturday, with temperatures in some parts of the country expected to hit the high 20s.

Drug sting: Millionaire begged for more

A millionaire businessman who won a battle to keep his name secret was so addicted to cocaine he begged his dealer for a small amount to "keep him going".

Northland's amazing Lotto winning streak

Northland's amazing Lotto winning run has seen 28 major prizes won in the region in less than four months, including a $5.5 million

Scallop greed costs diver boat, gear

Two Northland men who collected excess and undersize scallops in the Bay of Islands then used a false retrospective customary permit

Hoverboard blamed for bedroom fire

A battery-powered hoverboard has been blamed for a fire that damaged a child's bedroom at a house in Kaitaia on Sunday night. A Kaitaia

Police dogs get a handle on safety vests

Northland's canine crimefighters have been given an extra layer of protection against being stabbed or slashed while on the frontline. The

Suspicious blaze destroys building

Police are investigating a fire that razed a two-storey building in Kaikohe and threatened to spread to nearby flats. When the Kaikohe

Outcry over rowdy Che Fu gig: 'It was loud all around the block'

A noisy Che Fu gig may cost a hotel its liquor licence just before Christmas.

Woman drowns in dramatic surf rescue

A woman in her early 20s drowned and two other young women were hauled from the surf in a dramatic beach rescue at remote Hukatere

Fishing giants launch dolphin protection plan

Fishing companies pledge changes to help endangered Maui dolphins.

Watch: Secret Santa police reward safety

A little boy has been left chuffed by a random act of kindness from two police officers who donned their secret Santa hats for him. Four-year-old

Gisborne residents set for another outrage

More than 40,000 Gisborne residents have been asked to prepare for eight hours without power again this Sunday.

Gastro: $100k compo for businesses

Thirty-seven businesses have been selected to receive financial help after the gastro crisis rocked the village in August. A council