Wiremu wasn't meant to arrive till March, but this Masterton māmā says he had other ideas.

Hundreds of people, including some of Auckland's most vulnerable, were able to enjoy free hot takeaway meals from Nando's on Christmas Day.

"It's Christmas Day and a family is grieving," police say, as 20 officers scour the suburb of Mt Roskill for clues.

Families are enjoying the sun on the banks of the Waikato River, while others work.

The state highway at Waihola that was the scene of the crash has reopened.

Daniel Mataafa worries about the virus hitting the Samoan community, and says everyone who's eligible needs to get vaccinated to protect their āiga.

The highway is closed at Motutere, south of Taupō, and drivers are being warned to expect major delays.

Police say the crash occurred after the driver failed to stop when directed, but officers did not give chase.

The man, in his 50s, didn't return from his trip on Friday. His boat has been discovered off the coast of Whitianga.

The Santos family have been granted an exemption from a court order to be deported on Christmas Day.

People who saw the latest Spider-Man film in Rotorua and Taupō cruisegoers are being advised to isolate and get tested immediately.

On December 14, 1927, Catherine Walschleger heard a scuffle in her boarding house. André Jose's body was soon discovered. The most likely culprit? Another one of the guests.

They aren't the only Kiwi having a merry Christmas - seven other players have each won $142,857.

The incident was reported shortly before 6pm on Christmas Day.

Keen to head to avoid the sales and the post-Christmas family dinner fallout? Here's what's opening and playing at a cinema near you on December 26.

Like many Kiwis, Jacinda Ardern celebrated Christmas with pavlova. But a mishap with the tasty treat meant some creative problem-solving was required.

Police said they were made aware of an "item of interest" on the southern motorway, near the Symonds St on-ramp. The situation has now been resolved.

Noting her missing "familiar love" Queen Elizabeth wished people in the Commonwealth a very happy Christmas.

Hundreds of people turn up to Oreti Beach on Christmas Day.

MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said Christchurch had mostly high cloud in the sky, conditions ideal for the formation of the halo.