Wellington Region

Widespread delays are expected across the Wellington Region and Coromandel Peninsula as major highway closures begin this week.

Scientists have discovered 26 new worm species, and evidence the creatures exist in stunning numbers.

It's an indoors day for much of the North Island, with heavy downpours expected in many areas and two orange warnings in place.

Another major slip in Lower Hutt has hit the main road to Stokes Valley, which has been partly closed due to the ongoing risk since a landslide last winter.

Police officers have described fearing for their lives when sent to evict protesters on the last day of the Parliament protest without appropriate gear.

Police have removed protesters who were blocking Adelaide Road, near the Basin Reserve, in central Wellington this morning.

Seafarers are rallying in Wellington, protesting the recent cancellation of the Coastal Connect container service by global shipping company Maersk.

Andrew Coster says he would not have done anything differently, despite an IPCA report noting faults in the police response.

Police Commissioner Andrew Coster says he is immensely proud of the work of staff throughout the protest.

The police watchdog has found, despite a number of police failings, officers served the public well in the face of at times "extreme provocation".

Wellington City Council has reported more than 10 locations around the city have experienced flooding and blocked drains.

Problems experienced by firefighters attending Lower Hutt's Alicetown Foodmarket shows the FENZ fleet is ageing, a union says.

The firefighters union says the response to the fire could have been faster if the local station wasn't closed.

A foot found on Petone Beach, Lower Hutt, has been identified as the remains of a missing man.

Disruptive protests blocking traffic are dangerous for drivers and protesters and anyone taking part could face up to 14 years in jail, police say.

Protesters blocked the southbound of lane State Highway 1 at the Terrace Tunnel during rush hour traffic in Wellington.

The Shiling was sailing to Napier this morning when it lost power and drifted outside the shipping channel.

Watch: Officials admit they should have told the public earlier about the risk posed by 17,000 faulty street lamps, which are liable to shear off in high winds. Audio

A Wellington man has escaped serious injury after being hit by a truck and dragged 10m down a street.