Latest fromMotueka

Coromandel towns isolated by flooding, more heavy rain forecast as storm rages on
Roads have been submerged, roofs ripped from buildings and ferries and flights cancelled.

'Prepare now': Cyclone Tam brings 130km/h gust, winds forecast to ramp up overnight
Forecasters warn of 120km/h gusts that may close the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

Winter arrives early as thick snow falls in the South
The first snowfall of the year makes landfall following a day of wild weather.

‘It all went wrong’: Fire chief describes rescuing neighbours from car in flooded river
The couple had gone out for supplies when "it all went wrong for them".

‘Worst to come’: Largest weather system of the year to bring a month’s worth of rain
Orange heavy rain warnings have been issued for large swathes of the country.

Farmers struggle as severe drought grips Tasman District
"It's normally good grass out here, but it's just barren," says deer farmer Alf Kinzett.

New Zealand comes to Minecraft: Which six NZ destinations made the cut?
It's hoped that the popular online game will help boost tourist numbers.

Pensioner celebrates b'day with a court appearance for drink driving
Now he plans to move to Thailand permanently after cashing in his Kiwisaver.

When is it time to stop financially supporting your children?
Lynda Moore emphasises discussing finances as living costs rise and NZ's population ages.

MetService issues heavy rain warnings, torrential downpours forecast for parts of NZ
Auckland is set to avoid the worst of the front with only a few showers for the region.

400-plus weka killed, DoC justifies trapping methods amid concerns
DoC has defended its traps, saying rising species numbers may increase accidental catches.

‘I never meant any harm, I won't do it again’: Burglar’s impassioned apology
Judge's challenge: 'If you can’t (change) for yourself, then do it for your kids.'

Disqualified driver in court after making pizza run in mum’s car
'The public needs to be protected from your poor driving' - Judge Richard Russell

'I’ve never seen one that big': Judge shocked at cow's untreated cancer
Judge criticises owner for not seeking vet help; 'The cow suffered significant pain.'

Online predator's 'sustained campaign of terror' ended by one small mistake, police say
Police: 'It took nearly two years to charge Cottam and get justice for his victims.'

Kiwis' creative cooking good news for fresh herb producer
Tasman Bay Herbs will invest in more greenhouses and automation over the coming year.

'Lecherous behaviour': Porn addiction leads to jail for farmer with child sex abuse videos
Matthew Harry Drummond is now behind bars for more than two years.

Drunk driver walked away from crash scene while cousin lay trapped under van
The judge dealt with the RSE worker 'expediently' to avoid any burden on the NZ taxpayer.

Cannabis grower told police it was a shame he was caught as plants were "nearly ready"
Police found the plants after seeing light coming from an area with no obvious entrance.

Busted: Inquisitive cleaner finds fake money operation in motel room
'It's offending that undermines our currency and this is a serious example of it.'

Drunken sailor crashed car while drinking '8 or 9' beers on drive home from sea
He understood the seriousness of what he’d done and how he’d placed other drivers at risk.