Marlborough

Police have released the name of the third and final victim of a weekend accident in Marlborough where a car crashed into a river.

Police have named two of those who died as Brayden Charles Allen and Jamie Marama Cunningham, both were 19 years old and from Picton.

Bluebridge's Connemara ferry hit the Picton wharf while berthing.

Despite being "really entrepreneurial", a mobile sauna that started operating in Picton before it had consent will no longer be able to operate from its beachside spot.

The accident happened before 1.45am at the intersection of SH1 and Bush Road, Tuamarina.

More than 10,000 people have reported feeling the earthquake.

The speed limit on Kenepuru Road will also be reduced from 100 to 60km/h.

Continued problems on ferries are making holiday-makers and tourists nervous, Marlborough's Chamber of Commerce says.

The loss of ferries that can carry rail vehicles will mean more trucks on the roads, advocacy group says.

Homeowners in the Kenepuru Sound are "very pleased" more funding will be pumped into an effort to fix damaged roads in Marlborough.

Repair work in the Marlborough Sounds will "accelerate" after the NZTA board approved $100m in funding.

An animal control manager in Marlborough says there have been six attacks on sheep in the past year and often "three or four or five" were attacked at once.

It means the matter will now go to a binding public referendum at next year's local body elections, with the result taking effect from 2028 onwards.

When the Aratere ran aground in Picton Harbour, it wasn't clear who was leading the emergency response, the harbourmaster says. Audio

Canterbury Museum has secured a rare medal, which the British government fought to keep in the UK.

Multiple heavy rain, snowfall and strong wind warnings and watches are in place across the country.

The decision to fast-track the consent, under the Covid-19 Recovery Act 2020, was released on Friday.

A little red flying fox found in a Blenheim backyard was only the second time one had ever been seen in New Zealand - and the first to be spotted alive.

Councillor-turned-MP Jamie Arbuckle said he received "a lot of phone calls from a lot of charities" when he announced he would donate his council salary.

The North Island is in the firing line for heavy rain and a cold snap later this week.