The light aircraft crashed along the notorious stretch of State Highway 5 between Taupō and Hawke's Bay, but the pilot was able to walk away.

The body of an 11-year-old girl has been recovered as the search for a woman continues.

Paralympian Sophie Pascoe and former Auckland City Missioner Chris Farrelly are among those named on the New Year Honours list.

A man and a woman charged in connection to an alleged gunpoint robbery of a Hamilton grocery store on Boxing Day have appeared in court.

Top athletes, our last remaining member of the Māori Battalion, a well-known actor, and many more who fly under the radar, named in New Year Honours.

How closely have you paid attention to the headlines? Take Stuff’s big news quiz of 2021 to find out.

Several people reported the incident to police, and the driver was stopped just after 8am by a police officer in Upper Hutt.

Restaurant owner, Fleur Sullivan says it is "quite an unexpected position to be in".

"I wonder if the world really is a better place for the cost of all our boys," says reluctant knight Sir Robert 'Bom' Gillies.

Dame Sophie Pascoe sees her ultimate honour as a reward for her family, coach, support staff and the Paralympic sport community.

After months of isolation, Great Barrier Island's business owners are looking forward to welcoming back those looking for a break.

Central Auckland landmarks were lit up on Friday night to ring in the new year, after the city spent 128 days of 2021 in lockdown.

State Highway 35 is closed and motorcyclist has been seriously injured - and a second rider also hurt - near the East Coast town.

The former sprinter and All Black was surfing off the Sunshine Coast on Christmas Eve when he suffered a heart attack.

Two people have been taken to Gisborne Hospital, one with critical injuries and the other serious injuries.

Cycling injury claims are on the rise in New Zealand, especially for those over 65, an indication of its rising popularity.

Daniel and Johnny continue their rivalry, while Will Forte revives one of Saturday Night Live's most popular characters from the noughties.

A Napier homeowner woke to early morning beeping, but didn't realise the danger until he opened the door to the already engulfed internal garage.

The temporary change will see passengers instead offered their cookie or popcorn as they disembark the plane.

Police said the group of dirt bike riders "deliberately smashed" a police patrol car during their ride across Auckland on New Year's Eve.