A French man who wanted to experience "the real New Zealand" was abducted and raped while travelling alone on a rural backroad.

The MetService is forecasting these strong westerly winds are set to continue until Wednesday.

Wairoa College student died while trying to rescue his prized and expensive basketball from river.

Whitebaiters reminded to clean nets to prevent spreading didymo.

Cockroach populations have soared this year, with good breeding conditions and horrible winter weather sending the bugs inside.

Paul Henry's suggestion that Moko the Mahia dolphin be shot has not surprised local residents who say he's an idiot who speaks without thinking.

Deaths come as Government prepares to consider extensive changes to our road rules.

The primary production region of Gisborne is "feeling the pain" of the recession with another employer slashing staff numbers by half.