Wellington Region

Investigations are underway into what went wrong in evacuating Wellington's Loafers Lodge last night.

Wellington's mayor Tory Whanau says thousands of dollars have already been raised to support those affected by the Loafers Lodge inferno. Follow the latest developments here

Tory Whanau wants emergency personnel upset by what they saw inside Loafers Lodge to know they saved "so many people".

FENZ assistant national commander Bruce Stubbs says at this stage there are "six people inside" the Loafers Lodge - but they haven't been able to search all of the building due to extensive damage.

Residents who escaped an early morning fire at their hostel have spoken of the frightening moments they realised they needed to get out. These are their stories.

Images and video of the fire that broke out in the 92-room Wellington hostel show the extent of the massive fire, described by a fire chief as a worst nightmare scenario.

Politicians visiting the scene of the fire in Wellington today have praised first responders and signalled inquiries into regulations could come at a later stage.

Chris Hipkins says New Zealanders have woken up to the tragic news of the events that have been unfolding in the Wellington region as a result of a fatal fire.

The Wellington businessman is the sole listed owner of Titanium Trustee Management, which went into receivership in mid-March.

New Zealand needs to prepare for the reality that weather events such as Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland Anniversary floods will continue to happen 'more and more', the finance minister says. Audio

One of the challenges is the size of the 294m ship and a risk assessment is being carried out on how to bring it into port, Wellington's harbourmaster says. Audio

One of the women diagnosed with cancer after breast screening failures in Wellington says they were all harmed, no matter what a review says.

It is believed to be the first time the species has ever been transported in modern times.

Kāpiti Coast District Council says it's thrilled to have won Playground of the Year with its newly updated Lorna Irene Drive Reserve playground in Raumati South.

Martinborough's growth will be stunted for two years as a result of the town's non-compliant wastewater treatment plant.

Engineers recommended the $3.6 million option that had the least impact on the tower visually.

Hundreds of striking secondary and area school teachers marched on Parliament today to protest for better pay and conditions.

The action is affecting schools from Wellington north to Taranaki and Hawke's Bay.

Conservationists are calling it an important step, as the first of 50 kiwi were released into the hills of Wellington.