Members of the public wept in court today upon hearing a 3-year-old had over 80 marks or wounds when she died.

Police are warning users of the Whanganui River to beware of a shark that has been spotted in the river.

A police search and rescue team looking for missing Pahiatua man John Campbell have found a body. Mr Campbell, 64, was last seen leaving his Pahiatua home, in the Tararua district, for work at 6.45am yesterday.

Convicted murderer Stephen Hudson has filed private prosecutions against witnesses who gave evidence against him.

The National Government and its Maori Party partners presented a united face when Prime Minister John Key visited Ratana Pa this afternoon - a move Mr Key admitted was unexpected.

Phil Goff believes Ratana church followers are rallying behind Labour because of wider problems they see in NZ.

Maori party co-leader Tariana Turia says she is "totally unaware" of any leadership aspirations rogue MP Hone Harawira may have.

Police are disgusted after a crashed driver stole a car belonging to an elderly couple who had stopped to help him.