Firefighters will return at 8am on Wednesday to keep at the blaze, which is dangerously close to another large scrub fire.

The law makes it a criminal offence to attempt to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity through harmful therapy practices.

Time is fast running out for protesters to move their vehicles, police say, and those who obstruct their efforts are "very likely" to get arrested.

Central Christchurch residents want police to take action against a small group of anti-mandate protesters before it turns into an occupation like in Wellington.

The 20-year-old on debut at the Winter Olympics drew applause from his competitors and will be pushing for a medal on Wednesday.

Auckland freeskier nails two solid scores while wearing earphones, to qualify seventh and book a shot at a medal on Wednesday.

About 700 homes in Auckland and almost 400 Far North homes remain without power after Cyclone Dovi downed trees and power lines over the weekend.

Long queues at testing centres see health officials urging people in Tāmaki Makaurau only get swabbed when they need one.

But public health was prioritised in setting up the MIQ system, Crown lawyer tells court.

REVIEW: It's the hilarious, heartrending, crowd-pleasing '90s Aussie comedy that gave the world Toni Collette, Rachel Griffiths and THAT catchphrase.

More PCR testing sites are on the way for wider Wellington, as people wait more than three hours in queues.

REVIEW: Backed by whizzy new technology and a range of quirky, fresh characters, this provides plenty of opportunities for the legacy trio to shine.

The all-rounder made her second ODI century to guide the White Ferns to a win over India with an over to spare in Queenstown.

Eight of nine people linked to what is alleged to have been a major ring importing cocaine from Colombia have now denied the charges.

Four charities were deregistered by Charities Services on February 15 for failing to file annual returns.

The US sprinter missed out on the Tokyo Olympics because she had tested positive for marijuana.

Danny Doolan's in central Auckland is now a close contact exposure location of interest.

Devonport Naval Base hit by the virus, as we move to phase 2 of the Omicron respose from midnight.

The Omicron outbreak may see large numbers of people isolating at home, which could slow the economy and lessen the need for interest rate hikes.

There are now 56 active cases and 332 close contacts isolating in the Queenstown Lakes.