Adam Burns

Christchurch community leaders are uneasy about the proposal for pumping out sewage from the fire-damaged Bromley wastewater plant in an effort to lessen the stench. Audio

Toys, mats and other contents were wrecked after the Christchurch pre-school was vandalised, allegedly by a group of intermediate students.

The jury delivered a unanimous verdict.

Michael Scott Rodger is accused of murdering and dismembering the Canterbury father-of-three.

The defence says prosecutors have been "underhanded and dishonest", but the Crown claims the case against the accused is "overwhelming".

Hamish Mitchell-Wood was sentenced for distributing photos and videos showing the sexual exploitation of young children.

The man in his 50s is yet to enter a plea and name suppression will continue until at least May.

Nathan Boulter has been handed at least 17 years in prison for killing Chantal McDonald, whose daughter says she's haunted by the killing.

The peninsula remains under a state of emergency as efforts to restore access to isolated properties continued, almost 72 hours after the region was hammered by a merciless storm. Audio

A local state of emergency was in place for the peninsula, where several hundred people remained without power and many more affected by telecommunications outages.

25-year-old Connor Garden-Bachop was found in bed while staying with family.

Bromley community leader Jackie Simons has made an emotional plea to the council for more help to be provided to those affected by the foul stench pouring from Bromley Wastewater Plant. Audio

The Black Cat Cruises catamaran ran aground in the Akaroa Marine Reserve on Saturday, resulting in the rescue of more than 40 passengers and crew.

Forecast bad weather for the next two days means the Black Cat Cruises vessel will remain lodged on rocks. Audio

The signs - such as ones saying 'dire emergency' - have been emblazoned on trucks and fire stations for months.

A HDC report says the hospital failed to give her reasonable care which meant diagnosis was delayed.

The fast food giant will develop a 450 square-metre 24 hour restaurant and drive-through in the Otago town.

Kiwi expert Dr Riley Elliott insists sharks don't hunt people - but sometimes they make mistakes.

Scott Robertson's rise to coaching the All Blacks was a popular one, particularly in Canterbury, where he led the Crusaders to seven Super Rugby championships.

The visitors, largely made up of amateur club players from Australia and the UK, were touring the country for the first time, the latest trip of a fledgling annual tradition. Audio

There are fears New Zealanders are becoming more complacent around fire safety at home.

A former mayor and lifelong friend says the country has lost a superb New Zealander and "a giant of protest".

The first kākāpō breeding season in four years could be the biggest in decades, the Department of Conservation (DOC) says.

The private use of fireworks has been banned at several locations over the holiday period due to high fire risk.

A former Gloriavale member says leavers should be involved in helping families adjust to alternative schooling options.