Latest from Marlborough

Roads cut off, homes evacuated in the south as Auckland hit by thunderstorms
Severe weather hits as school holidays begin, with evacuations in Marlborough.

Watch: The latest highlights from this year's Smokefreerockquest and Showquest
More exciting performances from talented up-and-coming musicians around the country.

Evacuations under way as South Island lashed by heavy rain and flood threats
A state of emergency has been declared in Nelson and Tasman as rain batters the region.

Helicopter footage shows extent of flooding in Havelock, Marlborough
Rescue helicopter crew reveals extent of flooding damage in Marlborough's Havelock area. Video / GCH Aviation

'Recipe for disaster': Boys left with loaded rifle while man went fishing and drinking
'God know who they might have shot and killed or wounded' - Judge Snell

Watch: Behind the scenes at this year's Smokefreerockquest and Showquest
See performances from talented up-and-coming musicians around the country.

Rural vs urban economy: Who's doing 'the hard work' and which regions are booming?
ASB has released its Q1 Regional Economic Scoreboard: Food exports make an impact.

The case for Year 14s to play First XV rugby
The debate over Year 14s playing school sports has reignited with Marlborough Boys'.

Australian navy ship disrupts NZ internet and radio services
HMAS Canberra's radar blocked Wi-Fi from Taranaki to Marlborough.

Anna Kelland wins Marlborough Young Viticulturist title again
Kelland will compete in the national final on August 27 in Waipara.

Inter-island ferry sailings cancelled; heavy snow looms for South Island ahead of cold snap
Both the Interislander and Bluebridge ferry services have cancelled Cook Strait sailings.

'I have murdered someone': Son's confession after he 'snapped' and killed his mother
He confessed to hitting her with a crowbar and stabbing her in the chest.

Review: Sky TV nails First XV return but misses big rugby moment
REVIEW: That controversial Marlborough Boys' try and the latest in schools rugby.

Warm, wet weather to hit NZ before cold snap brings freezing temps
MetService has issued heavy rain watches for parts of the South Island.

Analysis: Was the remarkable schoolboy try really against the rules?
ANALYSIS: 'It was not from our playbook,' the Marlborough coach Tonga Taumoefolau says.

Watch: This innovative try is dividing opinion – should it stand?
World Rugby law 8.20 requires teams to kick at goal if they've indicated intent.

Severe thunderstorm watch issued for parts of North Island
Wild weather in the south looks to be improving, with northern areas in the firing line.

Woman who set her own home alight rescued by heroic neighbour - then jailed
Kristle Manuel was unconscious in her burning Blenheim home when help arrived.

'A superstar in the making': The First XV star carving up in Moascar Cup
Nathan Stephens, a Year 13 student, impressed with a stunning fullback performance.

From city to the skies: 5 new things in travel for your next trip
Special journeys and experiences to spend your travel funds on.