Northland

"Devastation" and "tragedy" are how one resident has described scenes at the beachside settlement after damaging floods.

Some parts of Northland were isolated after heavy rain, with floodwater running deep around houses and emergency services under pressure to respond to calls.

A plan for compromise has been reached after a court heard of the controversial installation of a large network of tall colourful statues on a bush-clad hillside at the Whangārei Heads.

DOC said two dogs had been seized by Far North District Council animal management officers from a property in Wharengaere Bay.

Some of those injured in the two-vehicle crash will need to be airlifted ot hospital, police say.

The mosaic, which lined a wall on Commerce Street, was created in 1997 by Ahipara artist Jen Gay using tiles made by around 500 local schoolchildren.

Jason Marris's time in the top job coincided with a flurry of headlines about a karakia ban, the abolition of Māori wards, and complaints about last year's election.

Swimmers started flocking to local pharmacies on Saturday seeking relief from the painful red bite-like marks.

Dallas Gurney, once the boss of short-lived news station Today FM, was left with a fractured shoulder.

Record temperatures have highlighted a long-standing bugbear - declining access to once-popular swimming spots. Audio

The moment Dallas Gurney, who runs the Whananaki General Store, was pushed off a deck was caught on camera.

Police say it's fortunate no was injured during the incident.

GPs are frustrated by what they say are mixed messages about the extent of the Manage My Health data breach. Audio

Police are investigating following the aggravated robbery in the early hours of Boxing Day.

The worst-off patients have been flown to hospital.

The doors to the sleepout had been left open to cool the room down - then they found a little brown kiwi tucked in the corner.

Arthur Fairley has almost 900 trials under his belt, and says the law is like a test match.

Police were called about 6.50pm on Saturday with a report that two men could be seen struggling in the water.

"I managed to grab my camera and take the photographs before we decided that we actually needed to think about where we were and the situation we were in."