As 2012 draws to a close there is no such thing as the "good old days" when it comes to water use in town or country.

Family members of a Northland father and son caught in rough weather when their jetski broke down headed back out to retrieve the jetski after the rescue.

Rain-starved fruitgrowers in the Hawke's Bay say they're willing to breach water restrictions in a desperate attempt to save their crops.

The New Zealand Maori Council has been given leave to appeal to the Supreme Court over water rights.

A "brave'' surfer who risked his life to save swimmers dragged out to sea was forced to let go of a young man to save the man's girlfriend.

Watercare Services has fitted meters to 14 Auckland household rain water tanks in a trial that will test the fairness of its new $582 annual wastewater fixed charge.

Debate about the benefits of corporatised or privatised water models has been simmering for several years.

High-level discussions are taking place to stop councils providing water services and pass control to a handful of companies run on commercial lines.

Thousands of athletes have been training for the State Harbour Crossing in Auckland and tomorrow it's time to put that hard work to the test.

The Maori Council's challenge to the Government's partial asset sales plan is likely to bypass the Court of Appeal and go directly to the Supreme Court early next year in order to meet the looming deadline for the sale of Mighty River Power.

The Maori Council's High Court bid to halt the sale of Mighty River Power ended in Wellington today with a decision likely before Christmas.

After a dramatic high-seas rescue, a Kiwi sailor tells of fear and misery on a crippled yacht during a Pacific storm.

A New Zealand woman and her partner rescued from their damaged yacht in a Pacific storm say they are grateful to be alive after a long ordeal.

Two people trapped on a stricken yacht 1260km northwest of New Zealand have been rescued by a cargo ship this morning.