Lifelike robot Sophia is billed as the future of healthcare, therapy and education.

News briefs: Fire damages Parapara home, pool closes and new Land Wars fund.

Black ice and frost causes car crashes

Boaties leap to the rescue when yacht comes off its moorings in Paihia.

A young Kiwi fashion fan has travelled the world thanks to Instagram.

Eight Northland liquor outlets have been caught selling booze to minors.

Dog owner loses bid to get pooch back, but wins battle to keep animal alive.

Pampering in Paihia is the icing on a Bay of Islands trip, writes Miriyana Alexander.

Elisabeth Easther talks to one of the owners of Russell's Duke of Marlborough Hotel.

Kamo coach says camaraderie played big part in vital 25-12 win over spirited Sharks.

OBM continued to show their dominance in the Bayleys Premier rugby competition.

A Kaikohe photographer captures the drama as police stop a fleeing unlicensed driver.

Lab tests come back negative for a second nursery as a third possible case is found

It was only a matter of time before a devastating fungal disease arrived in New Zealand

Five state school principals have taken top jobs in private schools in the past two years.

Willow-Jean Prime is likely to be in the Beehive after a high placing on Labour's list.

OBM grab another bonus point as Mid Northern and Western Sharks keep pace.

The British & Irish Lions are set to be welcomed on to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

A house has been condemned after a section of road slumped in Cyclone Cook's rain.

A school principal shared hard-core pornographic images with his staff by email.

An Auckland man killed his brother's dog during a row while on a Northland family visit.

Facebook has announced a new tool to help small businesses with their marketing strategy.

A plan for steam train rides from Kawakawa faces a wait until at least next month.

Ricardo Simich checks into historic Northland accommodation.

Seven upper North Island Council's have released a report on the state of the region.

Broadbill swordfish was so big it wouldn't all fit in the boat.

A scrub fire has taken hold and is spreading, near Kawakawa in the Bay of Islands.

Elisabeth Easther speaks to the owner/operator of Paihia Dive Craig Johnston.

The skies are beginning to clear after last night's storm, but the respite may be short-lived, with thunderstorms and more heavy rain forecast for later today.

An incredible 130mm of rain has fallen in the Coromandel Ranges in the past 24 hours.