Split migrant families are being offered the chance to have their residence applications prioritised so they can reunite.

Amid a worrying shortage of bus drivers a Wellington bus company is targeting a new market of recruits - students.

A Picton aquarium has 20 working days to leave its waterfront building after a High Court bid to stop its eviction failed.

South Auckland's streets are set for a Samoan invasion this Saturday as Toa take on the Kangaroos of Australia in the Rugby League World Cup final.

Blaine Hughes has had an appeal dismissed by the Court of Appeal after he was sentenced to preventive detention with a five-year minimum jail time in 2014.

The government has announced new rules aimed at reducing harm for gamblers.

Christchurch Hospital is warning there will be long wait times at its emergency department this weekend because it does not have enough staff.

Police investigating the disappearance of a millionaire more than 20 years ago have examined previously unsearched areas of Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula.

An 18-year-old Hokitika man has been arrested in relation to the sale and supply of MDMA following police searches.

One person has died in a two-vehicle crash near Methven in Canterbury.

Another 114 Wellington bus trips will be temporarily suspended from Sunday due to the driver shortage.

Fire and Emergency says the large blaze at a Lyttleton house has been put out and its crews have left the property.

The victim of a stabbing attack at a Christchurch park earlier this week remains in a critical condition in hospital.

A man who stabbed a woman to death as she was walking home has been ordered to spend at least 13 years in prison before he is eligible for parole.

A memorial service to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Ballantynes department store fire will be held at the Christchurch Transitional Cathedral this evening.

The family of Alan Hall, a man who spent 19 years in prison for a murder he did not commit, hope a report investigating the Crown's role in his case will hold those responsible to account.

Air New Zealand has confirmed one of its aircraft has landed safely after the captain observed a flare from one of its engines.

Some secondary school principals have accepted a pay rise that others have rejected.