Waikato

Perfect pass rates, a bar full of redheads and a new dark sky park for the South Island are among this week's feel-good stories.

People in Raglan have access to a community seed bank so they can plant their own vegetables and ensure local cultivars thrive.

Wintec in Hamilton had a 100 percent pass rate in Enrolled Nursing last year, and advocates say these courses are helping with the country's acute nursing shortage.

Ndale, a 19 year-old male, died a day after being anaesthetised as part of a health check-up.

The Aged Care Commissioner has found a retirement home and two nurses failed to properly look after an elderly woman after a fall and her care records were falsified.

A senior Mongrel Mob member who was leading a meth manufacturing and supply ring was busted trying to bring 1.1kg of the class A drug into New Zealand inside a set of golf clubs.

They were the first cubs born at Hamilton Zoo since the birth of Kirana and her brother Kembali in 2014.

A new piano festival in Hamilton, which brings Chinese and New Zealand students together with famous pianists, has attracted major international stars to the city.

"This all occurred in broad daylight," police say as they probe the death of 53-year-old John Wirihana Isaac.

Police investigating the homicide are asking for sitings and information on unusual activity around the Waikato River.

Two years on from when he first disappeared, police believe Tom Phillips is with his children somewhere around Marokopa.

Analysis - RNZ contributor Mihingarangi Forbes reflects on the highlights and historic discussions from the weekend's 12,000-strong hui in Ngaaruawaahia.

Parts of the central North Island are also under a severe thunderstorm watch, with downpours expected in Hastings and Rangitikei.

Kiingi Tuuheitia has thanked the estimated 10,000 people who answered his call to come together to participate in a national hui at Tuurangawaewae Marae.

Police said that a missing Tokoroa 15-year-old has been found safe after being reported missing Friday night.

Jamie Pink is handing over less than one-fifth of the amount police believe he has netted from crime.

A 24-year-old woman has appeared in court charged with murder, after the death of a man in Hamilton last last year.

Final preparations are underway for Waikato Tainui as they get ready to host the masses for a hui prompted by concerns over coalition government policy. Audio

Police in the Waipa District have arrested a 33-year-old, charged with indecently assaulting and intimidating a girl under the age of 12.