RNZ

The first ever direct air service will be trialled between Invercargill and Auckland next year.

Guyon Espiner is stepping down from RNZ's Morning Report presenter role next year in a series of radio presenter changes.

A little penguin expert is calling for a ban on dogs being allowed on large stretches of New Zealand's coastline, after becoming frustrated with the number of dog attacks on the endangered birds.

The Government is responding to dozens of synthetic drug-related deaths in the last year by cracking down on suppliers and boosting funding for addiction treatment services.

A New Zealand citizen locked in detention has gone to Australia's highest court to break new legal ground that would protect Aborigines from deportation.

Animal activists are calling for a ban on greyhound racing, saying it is outrageous that 353 dogs were euthanised last season.

The environment watchdog is warning there are shortcomings in the tool that farmers use to manage the nutrients they put into their land which can end up damaging rivers and lakes.

Autopsies of the birds laid on the steps of Parliament during an anti-1080 protest in September show none died from the poison and one protected species had been shot.

A three-day Air New Zealand engineers' strike before Christmas could affect up to 100,000 travellers, a travel agent says.

More Kiwis and fewer overseas tourists are booking accommodation on New Zealand's Great Walks.

Grace Millane's death is a reminder of the huge amount of work that needs to be done to reduce violence directed at women in this country, says Jacinda Ardern.

The government is to reduce the ACC Work Levy which is paid by employers and self-employed people but other levies will remain at the same rate.

A visiting water scientist from the United States Department of Agriculture has been shocked by the state of New Zealand's fresh water.

Holidaymakers at a remote campground north of Westport awoke to find wads of cash had been left for them yesterday morning.

The murder of British backpacker Grace Millane has struck a chord with New Zealanders, who are expressing anger over male violence towards women.

A Green Party investigation has concluded that there appears to be widespread discrimination against job applicants with mental health issues.

A smelly mushroom farm in Hawke's Bay has sparked dozens more complaints since it was fined $26,000 in August for its objectionable odour.