An unlicensed real estate agent has appeared in court after approaching people in Gore about selling their properties privately.

The rural town of Gore has turned itself into a creative hub, writes Anna Hart.

Now in its 22nd year, Gore's Hokonui Fashion Awards continue to attract and inspire designers of all levels.

A schoolbus driver was taken to court for trying to stop a boy from pulling a girl's hair - but the judge dismissed the charge and instead put the boy in jail.

Summer has ground to a spectacular halt in a number of regions over the past week - is it going to get even worse?