A former national figure has appeared in court in Nelson accused of indecently assaulting a 13-year-old girl.

An inquiry has been launched after a mental health worker was stabbed, kicked and had boiling water thrown over her by a patient.

A vigorous front which has hammered the lower South Island with high winds and rain will attack central parts of the country today.

Nelson and the Coromandel proved to be the nation's black spots when it came to the nation's New Year celebrations last night.

Parts of the North Island are set for a soaking today, with up to 140mms of rain expected to fall in some areas.

A large scrub fire south of Nelson has been contained but may take a week to fully extinguish.

70 million-year-old prints are the first dinosaur footprints recognised in New Zealand and the first evidence of dinosaurs in the South Island.

Store north of Auckland takes the title in this year's competition.

A Nelson cabbie has been denied compensation after being stood down for refusing to wear a uniform that reminded him of a childhood spent under Nazi occupation.

A policeman accused of pepperspraying a cyclist who was not wearing a helmet and ramming him with his police car will stand trial.