Two gang members and an associate have been arrested in Hawke's Bay following an investigation into high levels of methamphetamine in wastewater.

A woman is being treated for smoke inhalation but a firefighter says all other occupants are accounted for.

There are reports of flooding in Timaru, while Dunedin was earlier pelted with hail as severe thunderstorms sweep across Otago.

If things went wrong, the stem cells could turn into other cells - like for hair or teeth - instead of eyes.

The council suspects the current dry conditions are the main problem.

Thomas Tuira and his former partner Aroha Tuira had earlier pleaded guilty to two representative charges of obtaining by deception.

Two years on from setting up its own security service a popular Auckland shopping precinct says it has slashed crime in its area but some people are falling through the cracks.

NZTA is pumping the brakes and reducing speed limits on several sections of a popular holiday route in time for Christmas.

The working party is being disestablished under new Mayor Max Brough's committee structure.

Six people have now been charged in connection with the homicide investigation.

A government report has found local councils need to be doing more to prepare for flooding and to mitigate the risks it poses to communities.

A proposal from the new Napier Mayor to remove mana whenua voices and voting rights in the council's standing committees for the next council term has failed.

Flights are not affected but local residents are advised to close windows and doors and stay inside if possible.

Three people have been arrested following an investigation into ongoing thefts of copper.

A group of men armed with weapons entered the building on William Jones Drive about 7.25pm last night.