Aucklanders have been warned their coastline harbours the same potentially fatal toxic shellfish that have led to a record spate of poisonings in the Bay of Plenty.

Two armed robbers who were nabbed by patrons at the Whakatane bar they tried to hold up thought the heist would be easy money "like in the movies".

Two men are in court today after "courageous" patrons of a Whakatane bar intervened and stopped an armed robbery attempt last night.

A man who spent three days lost in Te Urewera has made sizeable donations to his rescuers and searchers and says he'll continue to donate the same amount each year.

A hunter who has been missing since Sunday in the Ureweras has this afternoon been found alive and well.

After placing their lives on hold for a year, Mark and Caroline Longley return to New Zealand seeking normality.