New Zealand has had a comfortable win in the opening round of pool play at the women's World Team Squash Championships in Palmerston North.

New Zealand's road to the 2012 London Olympic begins in Adelaide this weekend at the Oceania track championships.

The Palmerston North rescue helicopter has airlifted two trampers out of the bush.

Police investigating the shooting of a school caretaker in Palmerston North yesterday say it may be linked to similar incidents in recent months.

The trial has begun of a freezing worker accused of shooting dead his brother and driving around the lower North Island with him in the back seat, avoiding police during a two-day manhunt.

David Dougherty - compensated in 2001 for wrongful imprisonment - is in court again accused of stealing meat, beer, socks, DVDs and underwear.

A man who rescued two of his children from a house fire last night was lucky to escape with only burns to his hand, the Fire Service says.

A mother is calling for a city council to take action after a falling football goal crossbar broke all but one bone in her son's face.

First five Stephen Donald and fullback Mils Muliaina will carry Waikato's hopes on their shoulders against Manawatu on Thursday.