Justine Tyerman learns the finer points of wine tasting at a trio of Gisborne vineyards.

As the Gisborne music festival celebrates its 10th anniversary police say Rhythm & Vines has been relatively successful, despite thefts threatening to mar the event.

Rhythm and Vines festival organisers are happy a bit of rain isn't going to put off concert-goers.

The Rhythm & Vines crew will be working through the night to get the stage ready for 25,000 festival goers after a truck carrying audio equipment rolled off the road.

Police in Gisborne will be cracking down on pre-loading and drink driving over Rhythm and Vines that starts on Saturday.

Situated on a vineyard looking towards Young Nicks Head, the Rhythm and Vines music festival is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this month.

A police constable accused of beating and kicking a driver at a cordon denies any assault and says the complainant is anti-authority and overly-dramatic.

Air New Zealand is under fire for its decision to scratch 16 flights a week in and out of Gisborne from December 1.

Eruption activity has subsided but another eruption could occur at any time with little or no warning, according to Civil Defence. Read the latest.