Another 80 job losses announced today in a third sawmill unable to profitably export timber suggests the wood industry is in crisis, says a union representing workers in the sector.

In the eternal quest to come up with a point of difference at wine festivals, beyond the bands, showground attractions, tasty finger food - and the wine, Gisborne ought to take a bow.

Canterbury's wineries are slowly bouncing back from September's earthquake.

A road trip to the Gisborne Wine & Food Festival is a hilarity-filled affair for Sarah Ivey and friends.

"We took him to a vet for x-rays and pellets were right through him", a shocked SPCA animal inspector said of Chopper.

Thomas and Leanne Papuni have waited months for the truth about the killing of their 11-year-old son Triston by a 12-year-old relative.

A 13-year-old East Coast boy has become one of New Zealand's youngest killers after admitting a charge of manslaughter today.

Cooking demonstrations, fish filleting and mussel opening competitions are part of the fun at the Tauranga Moana Seafood Festival.