APNZ

The nativity scene at Rotorua Hospital chapel is still missing its most important member - baby Jesus.

Christchurch residents have had a rocky start to Christmas Day as aftershocks continue to rattle the battered city.

A man facing methamphetamine charges is spending Christmas Day on the run.

A Kiwi musician found dead inside a property on Australia's Gold Coast died from a physical assault, a post mortem has revealed.

The parents of a 5-year-old girl viciously attacked in a Turangi holiday park have issued an emotional Christmas message thanking New Zealanders for their support and generosity.

Christmas came early for seven lucky Lotto players who each won a $143,000 share of the first division prize last night.

The official holiday road toll stands at three after a fatal crash in Canterbury last night.

Not long after World champion All Black Adam Thomson was burgled, his family has been struck another blow.

Christchurch hospitals are back up and running and dealing with a "relatively small" number of earthquake-related casualties, said a spokesman.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen believes his new coaching staff and selectors will keep the World Cup winners "ahead of the pack" as they enter a new era.