MetService is warning of thunderstorms in many parts of the country, and the risk of "large, damaging hail and possibly a small tornado" in eastern parts of the North Island.

The 16 protesters at Waikeria Prison have surrendered to authorities after a six-day stand-off, but the Department of Corrections says there was no excuse for their behaviour.

There have been 19 new cases reported in New Zealand's managed isolation facilities over the past three days, including six cases of the recently identified UK variant.

A man has died at Omanawa Falls near Tauranga.

All travellers from the United Kingdom or the United States will need a negative test result for Covid-19 before departing for New Zealand, the government has confirmed today.

Police have named a 6-year-old boy who died when two vehicles collided on State Highway One in Northland on New Year's Day.

Tourism operators are calling for the government to give them more clarity about when borders will be opened again.

A police officer has been injured while responding to disorder at a popular Coromandel pub.

Many campers will have spent a wet night, with heavy downpours in many parts of the country, and travellers are being warned to check road conditions before they set out as more rain is forecast.

Amnesty International is calling on the Corrections Minister to ensure force isn't used to end the impasse at Waikeria Prison - where 16 inmates are entering a sixth day of protest.

A toxic algae watch is being carried out through the summer in rivers and lakes.

Animal welfare group SAFE wants people to boycott rodeos this summer, saying they are inhumane and cause suffering to animals.

Boaties are encouraged to keep a lookout for rare dolphins this summer.

Locations which rely on international visitors like Te Anau and Milford Sound might struggle this summer, Tourism NZ says.

Families spending Christmas apart because of closed borders say they need hope of being reunited in the New Year.

Routine checks of Gisborne's inner harbour have revealed the return of the marine pest, the Mediterranean fanworm.

Police are defending an officer's use of force during riots in Whangamatā, in which a youth was kicked in the back.

The National Party is calling on Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis to front up at Waikeria Prison, where a rooftop protest by 16 prisoners is into its fifth day.