In a warehouse packed with dignitaries and military officers, mourners today heard how NZ had lost a fine young leader, 28-year-old Lieutenant Tim O'Donnell.

The death of Lieutenant Tim O'Donnell in Afghanistan was a tragedy on a number of levels, the Governor-General told the slain soldier's military funeral today.

Lieutenant Tim O'Donnell was described as a striking example of a young man with positive and irrepressible energy at his funeral today.

An earthquake has been felt in Palmerston North and other parts of the Manawatu as well as in northern Wairarapa and southern Hawkes Bay.

An unlicensed driver has been taken to hospital after a police pursuit in Palmerston North this morning ended with a vehicle slamming into a truck.

The flying instructor badly injured in Monday's plane crash near Palmerston North has shown promising signs of recovery.

The flying instructor who survived an air crash has had surgery for bleeding to his brain but doctors hope to bring him out of a coma today.

Two men are "pretty banged up" after their plane crashed in the Ruahine Ranges this afternoon.

Two men have survived a light plane crash in the Ruahine Ranges and have been taken to Palmerston North Hospital.

Talks continue today on where Moko the bottlenose dolphin should be laid to rest, with Mahia, Whakatane, Gisborne, Tologa Bay and Te Kaha vying to host his remains.

The carcass believed to be of much-loved dolphin Moko has arrived at Massey University in Palmerston North for an autopsy.

Dave Dobbyn, who celebrated 30 years in music last year, is touring the majestic churches, chapels and cathedrals of New Zealand on the 2010 Classic Hits Acoustic Church Tour.

A man who left his baby son unattended in a car while he visited a Wellington strip club has admitted assaulting the child's mother.

A 25-year-old man who allegedly stabbed his brother in a fight, has had his name suppression order lifted.