A dispute over a lawnmower ended with a Northland woman biting her neighbour's finger off.

Craig Busch unlawfully retained property when sacked from Whangarei's Zion Wildlife Gardens, an ERA hearing was told today.

More than 50 people have been arrested in two separate large-scale drug operations targeting cannabis in Northland and Hawke's Bay.

Police have today released dramatic tape of a mayday call from a missing boat off the Northland coast. But is it genuine?

39-year-old enters no plea during Whangarei District Court appearance.