The couple who flew to Wānaka, breaking Auckland's level 4 lockdown restrictions can be named as William Willis and Hannah Rawnsley.

Mr Whippy-type vans will be used for Auckland's vaccine drive, cases dropped sharply and a major company is paying staff to get vaccinated.

Two people have been arrested and charged after a security guard at Takanini Pak'nSave was assaulted.

Horticulture is making a comeback in Taranaki, where avocado and kiwifruit orchards are being planted in numbers not seen since 1988.

Police say Rodney Khan did not hesitate to run straight towards danger during the stabbing attack at the LynnMall supermarket.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says the theme of the past few days has been "vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate with a particular focus on Tāmaki Makaurau in what we intend to be their last week in level 4."

The Eagle helicopter from Auckland had been deployed for the search, as well as three drones operated by Fire and Emergency and Coastguard plane. Police say they have "serious concern" for the family.

A 19-year-old accused of threatening to kill non-Muslims will keep his identity secret for now, after an appearance in North Shore District Court.

Police in Southland are calling for information on moa bones taken from a flood damaged campsite near Milford Sound.

A digital and ethics expert says a vaccine passport will be needed for international travel but would prefer it wasn't used domestically.

Three charges of assault against All Black Shannon Frizell have been dismissed after the 27-year-old completed police diversion.

A man who may have unknowingly helped funnel money to terrorists behind the Easter bombings in Sri Lanka has been granted refugee status in New Zealand.

There are 15 new cases of Covid-19 in the community, the Ministry of Health has announced.

One person is in critical condition at Auckland Hospital and another has injuries after a crash in the Auckland suburb of Whitford.

Cellphone reception and internet connection has been restored for thousands of people on the West Coast.

The road between Te Anau and Milford Sound is now open after a helicopter accessed the area to allow workers to carry out avalanche prevention work last night.

Counties Manukau DHB says it is not looking to vaccinate people at the same time they are getting a Covid-19 test, because it's better to keep the two groups separate.

The lawyer representing the couple who travelled to a Wānaka holiday home from Auckland has told a court social media users cannot be trusted to follow name suppression orders.