Funeral directors say a government grant needs an urgent increase amid soaring funeral costs, with thousands of people on low incomes unable to afford a funeral.

Indoor games could be on the cards for the start of the school holidays, with severe weather watches in place for many parts of the country.

The three-month study will will track concentrations in residential areas, high congestion areas and during peak traffic.

There has been a "significant increase" in the number of people in hospital with Covid-19 this weekend, with 7461 new community cases and eight further deaths also reported today.

A scientist wants better warnings given about the use of fish oil supplements during pregnancy.

Lyttelton Tunnel will shut from midnight to 5am on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday while Waka Kotahi contractors conduct deluge testing.

Hawke's Bay Police have arrested a man in relation to a serious assault on a taxi driver.

Members of the Sri Lankan community in New Zealand are pleased Sri Lanka's president is stepping down, but worry about what happens next.

One of the pools at Tairāwhiti's aquatic centre is so old the heating is failing.

Anti-depressants and strong painkillers are the drugs most-commonly consumed by people before driving, the Waka Kotahi-commissioned study found.

The airline says it has been hearing from many passengers unable to travel due to illness as it warns of three-hour waits to get through to its call centre.

Aviation enthusiasts can expect to see the largest gathering of Waco biplanes in Australasia at next year's Classic Fighters Omaka Airshow in Blenheim.

The Ministry of Health says there is no evidence of community transmission in the country.

New research shows international sports events could significantly reduce their carbon footprint - if fewer event staff attend in person.

Businesses say they are struggling to employ staff and are urging the government to allow more migrant workers, but an academic says they will not solve the problem.

The annual New Zealand Eid festival will take place in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch this morning.

Workers digging out waste amid the rotten stench from Bromley's wastewater treatment plant pond are using respiratory equipment to keep safe.

The Ministry of Health is reporting the first case of monkeypox in New Zealand - a person in their 30s who lives in Auckland - but says there is no evidence of community transmission.