It's peak season on the Whanganui River, with about 100 people a day finishing river trips at Pipiriki. About half of them are canoeists

An insect has put a nasty end to a German tourist's hike in the Whanganui National Park.

A man is in critical condition after a two-truck crash in Palmerston North, which has closed the road as freight spilled across both lanes.

A Wanganui woman found the greenstone necklace found on the shore of Lake Taupo

Firefighters have cut a woman out of a car after the vehicle crashed in Whanganui.

As most Kiwis were partying to see the new year in, others were being born.

The MetService is forecasting rain for much of New Zealand today, perhaps ruining plans for post-party barbecues and sunbathing.

Boxing Day crash victim remembered as one of the "most amazing people" .

Road toll now equal to last summer's following death of motorcyclist.

Don't let the morning cloud fool you - it is set to be a fine Boxing Day for New Zealanders, with Central Otago tipped as the best place to be.

The public are being asked to help find jewellery stolen in Palmerston North.

Watch NZH Local Focus: Getting young Taumarunui people driving. To get your driver's licence as a youth in Taumarunui used to cost up to $1000 with lessons. But - thanks to a Government initiative - more people are getting licenced for free. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

The people of Taurmarunui have been part of a social expert, aimed at lowering youth crime

Whanganui GP John Moore is retiring after 38 years on the job Made with funding from NZ On Air.

His father started the practice after World War 2. Now, John Moore has shut the doors for good. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

The town of Ashhurst, northeast of Palmerston North, is using its own currency as a way of stimulating discussion about the local economy. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

The town of Ashhurst, northeast of Palmerston North, is using its own currency as a way of stimulating discussion about the local economy. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

There was a record downpour in Auckland, a tornado in Taranaki and "quake lights" above Wellington. Oh, and 2016 was likely also New Zealand's hottest year on record.

The roar of motorcycles echoed through Woodville's streets as the 24th annual Lions Ride to Survive Coast 2 Coast once again joined the town's Christmas parade. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

The roar of motorcycles echoed through Woodville’s streets as the 24th annual Lions Ride to Survive Coast 2 Coast once again joined the town’s Christmas parade. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

15 year old Palmerston North girl, Sarah Ridsdale wins her first film award. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

15 year old Palmerston North girl, Sarah Ridsdale wins her first film award. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Whanganui's second annual Santa Run raised funds for charity Kidscan. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Around 100 athletic Whanganui Santas have staged a fun run in support of charity Kidscan. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Loved ones gathered in Palmerston North todayWednesday to farewell the hero cop who died while saving his daughter from the Manawatu

This year's annual Tough Kids competition was the biggest yet, attracting schools from around the Whanganui region. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

This year's annual Tough Kids competition was the biggest yet, attracting schools from around the region. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Community spirit is alive and well in Whanganui with parents and bike enthusiasts working together to build a huge new bike park for the kids. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Community spirit is alive and well in Whanganui with parents and bike enthusiasts working together to build a huge new bike park for the kids. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Up to 50 Palmerston North Boys' High School pupils and teachers were sent home on Friday.