Minor damage was reported in Masterton and near Otaki after a 5.4-magnitude earthquake this afternoon.

A young man wept in the dock when he was found guilty today of raping his then girlfriend's best friend.

A severe weather warning has been issued as heavy rain and gales are expected to hit areas across the country.

NIWA's latest seasonal outlook predicts temperatures in all regions are likely to be above average from October to December.

If wine had a personality, pinot noir's would be strangely alluring while requiring occasional therapy.

Hundreds of North Island homes have been hit by power cuts as high winds continue to lash regions still reeling from the weekend's storm.

Police smashed their way into a Masterton house this week and held a couple at gunpoint - only to discover the man they were after moved out months ago.