East Coast

Three people have been charged after painting over a rainbow pedestrian crossing in Gisborne, and police say they are pursuing it as a hate crime.

Two were killed and three injured during the fight at a 21st birthday party on Lytton Road.

The cold snap has brought the first snow of the year to Otago's Cardrona ski field. Audio

Buyout rules for uninhabitable properties are stacked against owners, Shane Fell says, but the Gisborne council is defending its process.

Further arrests or charges are not being ruled out after two men died at a 21st party.

Police have revealed more details about what led to a deadly 100-person brawl. Audio

"In the face of the havoc this government is wreaking, Labour must provide New Zealanders with hope," the Labour leader says.

Neighbours described chaos erupting at a party after two men were found dead and others injured, while the Police Minister is on his way to the East Coast.

A report by the teachers union has shown more support, funding and emergency supplies are needed for schools to respond to future storms.

NZME has purchased the Gisborne Herald - a newspaper that has served as a "cornerstone" of Tai Rāwhiti for 150 years.

International attention is continuing to hone in on forestry practices on the East Coast - with promises audits around harvest practices will improve.

Proposed new alcohol rules could force some restaurants to close earlier and others from opening up close to marae and schools in Gisborne.

More than $6 million has been set aside to clean up four vulnerable dumps.

The chief executive of Te Aitanga a Māhaki says his iwi has cut off all future engagement with Rehette Stoltz.

Gisborne leaders are looking beyond storm recovery, and are instead looking towards a future of innovation.

More than 100 people were expected at the Tai Rāwhiti Tomorrow Together Summit in Awapuni.

Gisborne residents, groups and businesses which went above and beyond during the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle this time last year have been honoured in a ceremony.

The good deeds of Gisborne residents during and after Cyclone Gabrielle are being recognised at an awards ceremony this evening.

The prime minister says there will be more support to come for regions still dealing with cyclone recovery.

"There was shock and disbelief by those occupants ... losing everything, their pride and joy," Joe Faram says. Audio