Two lower North Island schools burned overnight, amid fears a copycat arsonist is on the loose.

Timaru's Chris West and co-driver Erin Kyle hold a 30-second lead after eight special stages in Rally Wairarapa today.

Tens of thousands of New Zealanders turned out at dawn services across the country.

Two police officers are in Masterton Hospital with minor injuries after their vehicle crashed into a power pole this afternoon.

Raybon Kan returns to the stage for a show about laziness - and why it has been a leading force in human affairs, writes Barney McDonald.

An apprentice mechanic whose dream car was torched in Masterton on Saturday has been swamped with offers of parts from all around the country.

Tropical cyclone Bune, which is heading for Raoul Island, about 1100km northeast of New Zealand, weakened slightly this afternoon to a strong category 2. It may cause dangerous rips and surf along the east coast next week.

A $200 bottle of Martinborough pinot noir was crowned the finest at a tasting in California, ahead of renowned wines from around the world.