Transport

There's a Buddha in the cockpit, watching as the pilot takes a dramatic last-minute turn.

In hours before the crash that killed Caleb Baker, Sarah Schmidt spent one-third of her time behind the wheel with her phone in her hand.

Sounds Air says all regional airlines are "increasingly desperate" and need backing from the government - and Shane Jones has floated the idea of a dedicated fund. Audio

A passenger on board the plane at the centre of the bomb threat says they found out what was happening from a news report.

The government wants Auckland to adopt the scheme first, but lack of funds may get in the way.

The investigation is looking at whether contamination occurred on the vessel or in the supply chain.

"Auckland's the problem child" when it comes to a blowout in wait times to sit licence tests, NZTA says. Audio

The airline was operating the service at a loss which was not uncommon for regional services, its boss says. Audio

Analysis - External events can severely disrupt the flow of goods, delay deliveries or damage critical infrastructure.

The fuel damaged the ship's fuel injectors, leaving it drifting more than two hours, Bluebridge owner StraitNZ says.

The airport has accused the Regional Development Minister of spreading misinformation that casts it in a negative light.

The Buller District Council has reached an agreement with Nelson-based Originair, which will start services from 3 January.

In a memo to all staff, the transport operator said the move was part of an attempt to reshape its business.

An Otago principal says it "doesn't feel like common sense prevails" when it comes to cuts to rural school bus services. Audio