A young mum facing life-threatening delays for cancer treatment may be forced to raise more than $1 million for a stem cell transplant overseas.

A scam has been uncovered in Christchurch in which fraudsters allegedly steal beneficiaries’ identities to swindle payments from the Ministry of Social Development.

Mackenzie mayor Scott Aronsen has dismissed reports Twizel is running low on fuel as the town hosts the pinnacle of the secondary school rowing calendar.

Cleaners are facing job losses after the organisation put forward a proposal that includes outsourcing its cleaning operation days before the opening of Christchurch's new stadium, a union says.

There are concerns that offering fuel support via the Working for Families system may mean some people end up having to pay it back.

Kaitāia and the top of the Far North are now cut off from the rest of the country by flooding, and more rain is on the way.

The Greens have launched their housing policy for the election, promising legislation to limit rent rises at 2 percent a year.