Some of the 215 stranded whales had to be euthanised due to remote location and challenging conditions.

“I honestly didn’t think the campaign was going that well," says Geoff Upson. "I only spent $4000."

​​​​​​​OPINION: Backline brilliance comes to the fore as New Zealand fight out of early trouble against Wallaroos.

The Black Ferns trailed 17-0 but stormed back in the second half to kick off their World Cup campaign before a record crowd at Eden Park.

Auckland Transport chair Adrienne Young-Cooper said she was quitting to give the new mayor “a clear runway”.

Kiwi Matt Payne's car will start on the front row of Sunday's race, with Fabian Coulthard and the car of Greg Murphy and Richie Stanaway just behind.

A pedestrian has died following a crash involving three vehicles on State Highway 35.

Roger Blakeley and Glenda Hughes have failed to be re-elected to the Greater Wellington Regional Council, according to provisional results.

Progress results see mayors re-elected in Palmerston North and surrounds.

Three councils across the West Coast and Canterbury will welcome new mayors, while 10 incumbents have been re-elected.

Wayne Guppy has won his eighth term as mayor of Upper Hutt, a record that makes him one of New Zealand’s longest-serving mayors.

Voters in Tasman district have returned incumbent mayor Tim King to the top job for another three years.

A loss for Dunedin mayor Aaron Hawkins mean he is now off the council, as he didn't run for a councillor spot.

A garden designer's own layered and lovely property has a "woodland feel”.

How a desperately imperilled little Southland bird was for years denied Bird of the Year vote status - until now.

Whangārei and Kaipara have new mayors confirmed - the Far North will have a new mayor too, but we won't know who it is for another week.

LGNZ president Stuart Crosby called the 40% turnout very disappointing. “An independent review is really required now.”

“I think going forward, now, I'm voicing the people's voice,” said Allanah Burgess, who's more used to being the “back part of the marae”.

Two sitting city councillors look to have been ousted as seven newcomers are voted onto the council.

Our About the South history columnist on the flowers of Mt Burns, a stout editorial defence of the southern climate and a very early serviceman.