A big-cat handler fatally mauled to death by a tiger did not see a need to lock the animal away while cleaning its enclosure, a coronial inquest has heard.

A tiger that killed a big cat handler at the Zion Wildlife Park had attacked another man a month or so before it fatally mauled Dalu MnCube, an inquest has heard.

Switched On Gardener was described as a 'one stop shop' for cannabis growing equipment today, as the trial of five people associated with the gardening chain begins.

A Northland science teacher dismissed after he supported a gay rights protest at the Catholic school is considering legal action.

The brother of Dalu Mncube, who was fatally mauled by a tiger, hopes a coroner's inquest recommends better prevention and protection measures for zookeepers.

Wayne Bracken was found guilty of kidnapping and murdering Jack Davis in 2011. But co-accused Neville Dangen, 24 was found not guilty of the same charges.

Whangarei's newest residents - two baby tuatara - will be among the most watched, and talked about, additions to the district ever when they go on public display today.

Current and former students have thrown their support in behind a Northland Catholic school teacher who was fired after he supported a gay rights protest.

A Northland teacher who was suspended last month after he supported a pro-gay protest at the Catholic College he taught at has lost his job.

The secret behind Mahe Drysdale's paddle power is being given away for free in Whangarei today.