The government has to walk a "careful path", standing up against China trampling on the Pacific's anti-nuclear values while recognising it's our biggest trading partner, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.

An investigation into a senior police officer's handling of over 50 cases began after supervisors noticed a historical sexual abuse case had sat for a couple of years with no investigations being done.

Just 60% of families who are meant to benefit from a weekly fuel relief payment have received it to date.

Firefighters who rescued a driver trapped in floodwaters in North Canterbury early this morning had to use a digger and a life-raft to reach him.

New Zealand says China's testing of nuclear-capable weapons into the South Pacific is at odds with peace and stability in the Islands region.

The Green Party would ban bottom trawling and lower the nitrate limit for drinking water, under its rivers and oceans policy package.

Health NZ is adding 30 more temporary beds than initially expected to hospitals around the country in order to meet winter demand.