A Hastings couple have been remanded on bail for sentence on multiple burglary charges after a series of raids on the homes of the woman's parents and one of her neighbours.

She was described as a happy, healthy child - then bruises began to appear on the then 17-month-old's face and head.

A Hastings retiree illegally selling meat to cover the cost of his hunting trips has been netted by an undercover seafood operation.

The Government's big-spend on "social investment" is being treated with scepticism by some of those battling issues such as housing and child poverty.

A volunteer teacher killed in a crash earlier this week had already "made her presence felt" - just two months into a year-long stint at Hohepa school.

Fishy tale as inquisitive cop catches out alleged burglar with missing fishing gear.