The rain Aucklanders have copped today is likely to ease for a relatively fine but cool weekend.

A Masterton woman, who caused the death of an elderly dial-a-driver while she was three times over the legal blood alcohol limit, has escaped jail.

A southerly blast is headed for the lower South Island tonight, with showers and storms predicted elsewhere around the country.

Five people have been admitted to hospital following two separate crashes in the lower North Island overnight.

Further flooding is possible for the South Island's sodden Waitaki district, where 1000 people remain without drinking water.

Horseplay at Wharekauhau is a breathtaking affair, says Diana Balham.

John Key says it is critically important police address the child abuse investigation concerns raised in an Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) report today.

A damning report into police handling of child abuse cases shows at least one district prioritised traffic fines over abuse investigations.

Fatherhood can be the key to transforming anti-social young men into responsible citizens, according to new research.

Severe gales powerful enough to damage trees and power lines are set to lash the east coast of the South Island and the parts of the North Island.

A 4-year-old killed in a crash may have survived if the family dog had not been sitting on the seatbelt the boy should have had on, a coroner has found.