A woman in labour had to be flown from flood-stricken Coromandel.

Weather watches or warning are in place for most of the upper North Island as more rain is forecast over the week.

The first day of the trial of a man accused of shooting four police officers in the Bay of Plenty last year has been adjourned at the Hamilton High Court.

A man who fled police custody at Waikato Hospital wearing a blue gown and handcuffs faces two charges including escaping from police custody and stealing handcuffs.

Rhys Richard Ngahiwi Warren denies charges relating to an armed stand-off in Kawerau.

Lionel Patea was jailed for life for killing Tara Brown. The couple's young daughter is now parentless, and struggling.

A Hamilton woman reported missing since late this week has been found this evening.

A couple disguised themselves as hospital staff and visitors to schools before going on a $50,000 spending spree with stolen credit cards.

A cold change sweeping up the South Island this afternoon has seen temperatures drop by double digits in 10 minutes.

Recent report predictions that rural districts may see a population decline in years to come is being rebutted by the South Waikato which has had 1.3% population rise in the last year. - Made with funding from NZ On Air

Hauraki District Mayor John Tregidga is optimistic about the future of his region - despite dire predictions. But - he wants Government agencies bought back to the district. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

A high-speed chase follows a ram raid at a Hamilton petrol station.

Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick discusses the release of the Maxim Institute population decline report today, and what the Rotorua Lakes Council are doing to buck the trend. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick discusses the release of the Maxim Institute population decline report, and what the Rotorua Lakes Council are doing to buck the trend. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

A Hamilton woman will go to prison for almost five years.

Searchers have confirmed that the body of a 21-year-old student missing at Lake Karapiro has been found.

Watch: A dramatic video of a fight on Hamilton's main street has emerged.

An alleged "smooth-talking" motel burglar has been arrested in Hamilton.

A man convinced a motel receptionist that a guest had nearly been abducted and he was there to retrieved her belongings.

The heartbroken mum of a baby who died of respiratory failure wants answers after she says only one of eight GP practices referred son to hospital.

It may be the digital age but libraries are coming to a street near you, and they need your books. Made with Funding from NZ On Air.

Northern Districts cricketer Scott Kuggeleijn has been found not guilty of rape.

The jury has retired in the Hamilton District Court rape trial of Northern Districts cricketer Scott Kuggeleijn.

NZ research may hold key to disease treatment to stop spread from cell to cell.

How many languages can you speak? Hamilton resident Christian Damba knows eight languages and is now adding Te Reo as his ninth. - Made with funding from NZ on Air

How many languages can you speak? Hamilton resident Christian Damba knows eight languages and is now adding Te Reo as his ninth. Made with funding from NZ on Air.

Cricketer tells court alleged rape victim was looking for 'male attention'.

A man who shared a ward with convicted double murderer Jason Reihana has spoken of the experience.

Northern District's cricketer Scott Kuggeleijn told his rape trial today he felt the sex with the alleged victim was consensual.

The mother of a boy injured in a hit-and-run is asking for changes to his school bus route before a child gets killed.