Five homicides within 15 months involving acutely unwell mental health patients have led to an overhaul of health systems following a critical review.

The police officers in charge of the man left forgotten in a court cell this weekend are "devastated".

Residents in parts of the country have been warned to brace for widespread flooding, slips and fast-rising rivers as a power-packed, mid-week weather system hits.

A Wairarapa couple spent $45,000 on a tiny house that downsized their living quarters and upsized their happiness.

Multiple severe weather warnings and watches were issued yesterday as a cold front looks set to put a dampener on summer.

An elderly man reported missing from Martinborough last night was found dead this morning, police say.

Two people escaped serious injury after their car and caravan veered off the road and crashed down a bank yesterday afternoon.

South-westerlies dominating the country this summer will continue to deliver wind and cloud to large parts of the country today.

The elderly Wellington grandmother missing after going for a run yesterday has been found.

The name of the Filipino fisherman who was washed out to sea yesterday has been released.

A man at the beach where Filipino man was swept out to sea says victim's twin brother told him he had warned the man not to go near notoriously dangerous spot.

A search and rescue operation is underway for a man who's been swept out to sea at Lake Ferry in the Wairarapa this afternoon.

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.

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

Wet weather today will clear throughout the country making way for a mainly fine Christmas weekend.

A body has been located in the Tora bush, believed to be that of a missing hunter.

A high-profile murderer suffered life threatening injuries after he was stabbed with glass and wood at Auckland Prison.

Temperatures plummeted below freezing the night two men died on a tramp in the Tararua Forest Park.

A police spokesperson said "early indications were hypothermia" in relation to the two deaths, but that had not been confirmed.

Elisabeth Easther finds country village living at its best in this Wairarapa town.

The Prime Minister's bodyguards directed traffic around a high rise close to collapse, slips caused traffic chaos and homes were evacuated in capital.

Scientists investigating the mechanics of the earthquake say it faulted in the same way the February 22, 2011, Christchurch Earthquake did.

Heavy rain and wind is forecast to batter the upper South Island and lower North Island this afternoon.

It's beginning to feel like summer in some parts of the country, with pohutukawa bursting into bloom. "People have been getting a

A teen is in hospital after an assault at a Wairarapa agricultural job training centre.

Firefighters use water pumped from the ocean to fight an overnight blaze.

Squally thunderstorms and heavy rain are forecast to hit the North Island overnight, with a severe weather watch in place.

Only five days into November, 10 people have already died on our roads, and police fear another 60 to 70 people could be killed before the end of the year.

MP was part of one of the most bizarre election battles in New Zealand's history.