Auckland Region

A policeman who stopped to buy a pack of chips has nabbed a shoplifter who was trying to sneak out of a supermarket laden a stolen basket of meat, police say.

It'll be easier to stop liquor stores being opened in some areas, but people needs to stay vigilant, a local leader warns.

Police say the man opened the plane's emergency exit door and jumped out during take-off in a bid to escape police.

City Rail Link has appointed chief financial officer Patrick Brockie to take over from departing chief executive Dr Sean Sweeney.

A Mobile Planet employee has been suspended after reportedly trying to send himself a customer's nude photos.

Respiratory illnesses are making people sicker than in previous years and many are developing pneumonia, doctors say. Audio

Endangered birds roost near the site of a proposed helipad at a mansion. If a chopper comes near them, they'll be "feather soup", locals say. Audio

An Auckland food bank is asking for help to fill the cupboards after it was targeted by thieves early last week. Audio

The crash involved three vehicles and caused hours-long delays on Auckland's Northern Motorway.

Dairy owners in Auckland say the priority for the government's new retail crime advisory group should be to talk to business owners. Audio

An agent offering migrant employment and visa services has been accused of using a vulnerable migrant worker's details to fraudulently obtain more than $17,000 in benefits.

The 51-year-old has been found safe and well, police say.

A 36-year-old man has been charged with aggravated burglary and assault.

Mitesh Kumar's attack on his wife lasted more than seven minutes, and only stopped when police arrived at the scene.

Waterfront business in Auckland are celebrating the return of the Sail GP regatta next year, but stress a vital link to the district needs to be up and running when it happens.

The Labour leader says if Luxon was being honest on his overseas trips he would be saying the government is taking New Zealand backwards on climate.

Auckland FC will play their home games at Go Media Stadium for their first five years of existence in the A-League.

Police say the alleged actions and violence of the 17- and 15-year-old are "appalling".

The international sailing competition was pulled from Christchurch after this year's racing was marred in controversy after dolphins were seen on the course.

It is the first time the games have been held in Oceania and only the second time it has been in the Southern Hemisphere.