Rescue efforts continue in Japan following an earthquake that killed 55 people, a new consumer action group targets New Zealand's supermarket duopoly and new documents reveal the dire state of the NZDF. Video / Newstalk ZB / AP / NZ Herald

Bay of Islands artist Erika Pearce speaks about her current projects. Video / Michael Cunningham

A magnitude 7.6 earthquake has hit Japan, State Highway 25 is closed following a serious crash and New Zealand dairy exporters now have duty-free access to the Chinese market. Video / Newstalk ZB / AP / Getty / NZ Herald

Labour MP Kelvin Davis gave his valedictory speech on Wednesday afternoon. Video / Parliament TV

Lachlan Galbraith apologises for taking drink bottle from Queenstown store

Swimmers stay out of the water as Orca cruise by

Two people are fighting for their lives in hospital after a serious incident in South Auckland overnight. Police said they were called to Addington Ave, in Manurewa, about 3.20am. Video / NZ Herald

The police are at a scene of incident in Manurewa. Video / NZ Herald

NZ Herald's Best Beach competition is back for 2024 and we need you to tell us your favourite. Here's everything you need to know about how to nominate and then vote for NZ's best beach. Video / Molly Floyd

A hailstorm rains down on Timaru as Heavy Rain Watches are in place across the North Island. Video / Chris Hyde

The 2024 New Year Honours list has been announced, the average daily Covid case numbers have increased by 3.5% and warnings are issued over the use of fireworks for New Year celebrations. Video / Newstalk ZB / NZ Herald

Kahira Rata Patricia Olley is being honoured for services to women, youth and the prevention of family violence.

Who will make it on to the New Year Honours List this year? Video / NZ Herald

Phil Gifford discusses his honours award with Chris Rattue. Video / Michael Craig

Fire crews battle early-morning blaze at Avondale Jockey Club, more resourcing and support needed for National's family and sexual violence strategy, and the US provides up to $250m of arms and equipment in its final aid package to Ukraine for 2023. Video / Newstalk ZB / AP / NZ Herald

The seagliders are being developed by US company Regent and brought to New Zealand by Ocean Flyer. Regent has successfully tested a quarter-scale prototype and launched a full-size prototype. Video / Supplied

Members of the community and multiple organisations came together today to hold a BBQ and parcel event for all the ELE labourers who lost their jobs over Christmas. Video / NZ Herald

MetService Auckland Weather: December 29th - 31st. Videos / Metservice

MetService Wellington Weather: December 29th - 31st. Video / Metservice

MetService National Weather: December 29th - January 1st. Video / Metservice

A caravan disintegrated on the Bombay Hills, south of Auckland on Wednesday afternoon, with contents scattered everywhere. Video / NZHerald

Data shows Boxing Day sales were down this year, Israel has intensified its bombardment of Gaza and more young people are choosing apprenticeships over degrees. Video / AP / NZHerald

Robbers use an angle grinder to break into a cigarette cabinet of a Waikato bottle store in July. Video / Ash Parmar

The traffic entering into Wellsford is reportedly kilometres long. Video / Supplied

One person has died after a fire engulfed a home in Pukekohe. Video / Supplied

MetService Christchurch Weather: December 28th - 30th. Video / Metservice

MetService Auckland Weather: December 28th - 30th. Video / Metservice

MetService Wellington Weather: December 28th - 30th. Video / Metservice

MetService National Weather: December 27th - 29th. Video / Metservice