Otago

The owner of a motel that backs on to the town hall says there's nothing left of the building but a few walls. Audio

A man who allegedly stole critical equipment from a rescue chopper has had an unusual court appearance.

Eight crews fought the blaze in the middle of the central Otago town, which destroyed the Roxburgh Town Hall, including its 128-year-old cinema. Audio

A rescue search is underway after reports a man fell from a rock on Thursday night.

Flames 10 metres high loomed above the Roxburgh town hall as firefighters sprayed water into it. The building is home to what is thought to be one of the world's oldest operating cinemas.

The Dunedin-born writer, sportsman, conservationist and environmental activist died yesterday, aged 80.

The National Poison Centre staff were often able to help callers without them having to call an ambulance or rush off to the emergency department.

The campaign takes aim at Auckland, Wellington, and Queenstown "where people will be feeling the squeeze on housing prices and free time". Audio

Major surgical cases have been delayed in some places because of a strike by lab workers at public hospitals in Wellington, Palmerston North, Tauranga, Rotorua, Whakatāne, Nelson and Dunedin.

Emergency services were called to the airport as a precaution.

The Wellington Blaze have swept up the Super Smash women's title, proving too strong for the Otago Sparks in the final.

South Islanders saw a fireball break through the atmosphere near Wanaka overnight with a loud sonic boom.

The delays and cost-cutting have been "frustrating and disappointing", critic says, and the government needs to "suck it up [and] commit the funds". Audio

The government is being unrealistic and ignoring the needs of an ageing population, an Associate Professor of Psychiatry says. Audio

They blocked Simeon Brown's exit, chanting "build it once, build it right" and "public health, not private wealth".

While the number of inpatient beds at the new hospital will be reduced, Simeon Brown says there is room to expand.

NZ's newly minted health minister is expected to share details about the coalition's plan for the new hospital build on Friday. Audio

Twenty-nine chicks have been born so far, with another 11 eggs still to hatch.

Glyn Lewers has been talking to ministers about the possibility of introducing a congestion charge, although he has emphasised this would not apply to locals.

A 16-year-old boy is in hospital with serious injuries after being hit on the head with a hammer soon after a car crash.