Latest from South Island

'He should be safe': High school student beaten unconscious during violent classroom attack

The school called the incident "completely unacceptable".

One dead following car vs truck crash

Inquiries into the crash are ongoing.

Huge plumes of smoke seen in Wānaka following large burn off

The large burn off on a hillside above Wānaka is under control, officials say.

Mainland sports wrap: Ex-Warriors forward a premiership winner at 44; First XV showdowns

The best of what was and what's to come in Mainland sport.

Inside the Aratere ferry grounding: Midnight emails, mud and a disappointed minister

Correspondence reveals the back-up plan if the first refloat attempt was unsuccessful.

Coroner hears from last person to speak with young Gloriavale man before his sudden death

The inquest into Gloriavale man Sincere Standtrue's death continues.

Police catch group fleeing alleged hit-and-run

Four young people were taken into police custody.

Mayor's son says drink-driving was 'bad judgment'

The driver says a poor decision was made.

Firefighters free person after car ploughs into house

The crash happened in a gated community for people aged over-60.

Christchurch cathedral rebuild hopes crumble as Govt declines funding

Government will not provide $60m of taxpayer cash to bail out troubled project.

'Blood on their hands': Father of baby who died suddenly warned OT infant 'not safe' before tragedy

Police investigating the death of a 2-month-old boy say the death is 'unexplained'.

'I don't believe in hoodoos': First XV grudge match between old Christchurch rivals returns

The Herald looks ahead to Saturday's crunch semifinal.

Trial ends for Christchurch schoolboy accused of multiple rapes

Teen did not deny offending against schoolgirls after four days of Youth Court trial.

Police raid uncovers loaded guns stashed in child's bedroom

Police said there could have been a terrible and needless tragedy.

Person dies in crash in Hope, Tasman District

The single-vehicle crash happened around 6.15pm on Wednesday.

Mines of contention: Plans for more mining on the West Coast divide locals

Frank Film gauges local attitudes to increased plans for West Coast mining.

The Dickason Family Tragedy: Herald podcast revisits Timaru triple murder

Herald podcast A Moment In Crime looks back at the murder of the Dickason children.

Release of captive NZ pilot in Papua remains ‘top priority’ for Government after killing of fellow Kiwi

NZ Government seeks answers over how separatist rebels killed chopper pilot.