A New Zealand man who flew back from Australia voluntarily to face charges of stealing more than 800 medals from Waiouru Army Museum over a seven-year period in a "devastating theft" made a brief appearance in court today.

Big deals in the past six months are generating confidence, say brokers

The central North Island has been shaken by an earthquake this morning.

One person is dead after a truck and trailer unit rolled north of Waiouru in the central North Island late last night.

An army major who collapsed and died during a rehearsal for an official ceremony at Trentham will be buried today with full military honours.

The two teens accused of a brutal machete attack on a police officer are to be charged with attempted murder.

A police officer injured in a brutal machete attack needs more hospital treatment for his facial and head injuries.

One of the thieves who stole the Waiouru war medals was on bail after using stolen priceless artefacts as bargaining chips to get out of jail.

Despite more than 420 convictions between them, the Waiouru medals' theft was something of a career highlight for Ronald Van Wakeren and James Kapa.

The convicted Waiouru medals thief sentenced to six years in prison today has links to Joseph Reekers, the killer of hairdresser Marie Jamieson.

The second professional burglar who stole the Waiouru medals has been given a six year jail term for the brazen heist.

TV3 presenter John Campbell. The War Medals case has raised questions about police attempts to force journalists to reveal confidential sources.

Cold, icy conditions may have been a factor in a crash between a car and a truck between Waiouru and Rangipo this morning, which killed two men.

Two people are on their way to hospital after a car and trailer went over a bank in the central North Island.

A soldier was struck by a stray bullet while operating a standard-issue light machine gun late this morning.