Both the holiday road toll and last year's entire toll are the worst they've been in years.

One person is dead after a truck rolled on Thornton Road in Whakatane about 12.30pm. The truck is believed to have hit another vehicle

A report that someone may have used P in the toilets of Whakatane Hospital's paediatric ward a year ago resulted in a partial closure of the area.

The Kiwi filmmaker has taken the time to roll up his sleeves and go on the bone marrow registry.

What will start out as a cloudy morning for most of the country should clear as the Christmas day wears on, but the odd shower is in store too.

New daughter has dad wrapped round her finger, say couple who started charity to help kids after losing their son.

An elderly man has died after the mobility scooter he was driving went into a river in Whakatane today, police say.

A string of light earthquakes have hit several parts of the country since Seddon was rattled by a 4.7 magnitude quake last night.

A Whakatane police officer pepper sprayed a 10-year-old girl and her mother, but it was carelessness, rather than a deliberate act

The Ministry for Primary Industries is touring the country holding public consultation meetings, seeking feedback about its 'Future of our Fisheries' programme.

A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a pregnant Opotiki woman last night.

Man suffers leg and arm injuries in machete attack.

A man who fell from the first floor balcony of a hotel in Whakatane last month remains in a critical but stable condition.

Two fishermen spend hours in the water and are rescued by the last boat crossing the Whakatane bar.

Tourism is booming in Whakatane. Latest statistics show travellers to the region injected 115 million dollars into the local economy last year. That's an increase of 20 percent over the last three years. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Dreamworld has permanently closed the raft ride that killed four people.

Opotiki Artist Jamie Boynton has unveiled his latest work, at Waiotahe Valley School centenary celebrations. The artwork reflects Mr Boynton's personal to uncover his identity, a mix of Maori and Pakeha heritage. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

A judge has ruled New Zealand Police canines are among the top dogs in Australasia.

Uretara Island, in Ohiwa Harbour, is now free of rats, and native birds are thriving, thanks to the work of dedicated volunteers. Made with funding from NZ on Air.

The junior doctors' strike which began yesterday continues until tomorrow morning, with local public support for the striking doctors

Trojahn Tuna is 23, covered in tattoos and boasting so much sex appeal Iggy Azalea could barely contain herself.

Check out these mussels! New Zealand's first commercial open ocean marine farm, off the coast of Opotiki brings in its first harvest. Made with funding from NZ on Air.

Opotiki beekeepers are worried too many hives are now being placed in the region by corporate newcomers, threatening the survival of the pollinating bees required for the local kiwifruit industry. Made with funding from NZ on Air.

John Forbes' early blunder didn't diminish his election result. And he admits his opponent Les Keane ran a good campaign after all. Made with funding from NZ on Air.

Tony Bonne believes strong marketing was behind his weaker majority, so he is determined to communicate better this term. Made with funding from NZ on Air.

Tony Bonne believes strong marketing was behind winning the mayoralty with less votes, so he is determined to communicate better this term. Made with funding from NZ on Air.

Incumbent mayor Tony Bonne looks to have regained his position.

Two Auckland teens are appearing in court today after a car was stolen and taken on a joy-ride of more than a hundred kilometres, from Paeroa to Whakatane.

Police want eyewitnesses to come forward after a man fell from a Whakatane hotel balcony onto a footpath at the weekend.

Armed police have swarmed to a Whakatane address.