Fewer than half of councils have enough staff trained to respond to marine oil spills.

Summer will be well and truly here this week with temperatures expected to soar to 29C in some parts.

American author Peter Dixon is the man behind many hit TV shows from the 1960s, '70s and '80s, including, Flipper, Little House on the Prairie, Knight Rider, and Bionic Woman.

People across New Zealand have been basking in today's sunshine as the first weekend of summer did not disappoint.

Govt says a public message about unusual seismic activity under the North Island was not a cause for alarm.

A driver has been airlifted to hospital after a serious truck crash on the East Coast this morning.

It may be time to put away the togs - scorching temperatures on Wednesday aren't likely to be repeated today, the MetService says. While

Two people took home half a million tonight when their numbers came up in Lotto's first division draw.

Temperatures in some parts of the country have climbed over 30 degrees before midday.

Opotiki Artist Jamie Boynton has unveiled his latest work, at Waiotahe Valley School centenary celebrations. The artwork reflects Mr Boynton's personal to uncover his identity, a mix of Maori and Pakeha heritage. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Gisborne Mayor Meng Foon has reignited the debate about the name Poverty Bay, suggesting the Maori name should be added. But some locals say that doesn't go far enough. Made with funding from NZ On Air

Gisborne Mayor Meng Foon has reignited the debate around the use of the name Poverty Bay, suggesting the Maori name Turanganui-a-Kiwa should be added. But some locals say that doesn't go far enough. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Gisborne police are searching for a Taser, after a holster became dislodged during a struggle with youths who shot fireworks at officers.

Gisborne Real Estate agent George Horsfall, 23, is helping other young people buy their first home, as he has just done. The region has New Zealand's second highest proportion of mortgage holders under 30. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Gisborne Real Estate agent George Horsfall, 23, is helping other young people buy their first home, as he has just done. The region has New Zealand’s second highest proportion of mortgage holders under 30. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Gisborne catering company, Black Fig, have created their own, local meal delivery service. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Gisborne catering company, Black Fig, have created their own, local meal delivery service. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

The Motu Trails fundraising event, highlighted a section of SH2 that could be improved to provide a safer 'coast to coast' ride, linking Opotiki to Gisborne. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

A person is trapped after the car they were in collided with a parked truck near Gisborne.

Long weekenders rejoice - the sun is set to continue for the majority of the country over Labour Weekend.

Congestion north of Auckland and around Wellington has eased, NZ Transport Agency says.

A petition to have one of Wairoa's main alternative roads sealed has attracted more than 240 signatures. Kiwi Road residents want it sealed to decrease dust nuisance, improve their health and overall lifestyle. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

A petition to have one of Wairoa’s main alternative roads sealed has attracted more than 240 signatures. Kiwi Road is just one of several rural roads residents want sealed to decrease dust nuisance, improve their health and overall lifestyle. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Priced out of Auckland? A property expo this weekend aims to pitch affordable properties in the regions.

Emaciated dogs have been uplifted from a Ruatoria property after a visitor discovered them tied up next to the decomposing body of another dog.

Emergency services are on the scene of a crash near Gisborne, where a car may have gone into a drain. An ambulance spokeswoman said

Flying iron sheeting whipped up by strong winds has forced firefighters to abandon the smouldering remains of a large storage fire in Gisborne.

For heavy transport driver Archie Simons of Hastings there was no option but to ride out a terror out-of-control moment and hope for the best.

A 33-year-old teacher regrets calling her and her partner's relationship with a teen who is now dead "a little family".

Gisborne District Council has reminded residents "closed means closed" after closed road signs were removed from roads made dangerous by recent heavy rain.