Anusha Bradley

Apple growers in Hawke's Bay are preparing to work around the clock to cope with what's being described as an extreme shortage of seasonal workers.

Planning rules that allowed a controversial track to be built up the side of Te Mata Peak will be scrutinised by Hastings District Council's Māori committee this week.

A popular swimming family spot in Napier has been closed after high levels of faecal matter were detected.

High-sulphur petrol that can cause faulty fuel gauge readings was sold more widely and affects more vehicles types than initially thought, Z Energy says.

Hundreds of car owners left with empty tanks after being given low-quality petrol will be in line for compensation.

The fund is among a group of powerful investors at the Paris climate summit putting pressure on large companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Huge valuation increases to many Auckland properties may already be overestimates, as the city's housing market finally cools.

The cost of fixing a massive sinkhole in the Auckland suburb of New Lynn has more than tripled to $15 million. Audio

Leigh residents conducting their own searches for an elderly woman missing for five days are being discouraged from doing do for safety reasons.

More than 52,000 people were overpaid superannuation or veteran pensions in the last financial year.

Polling staff can take the boxes containing early votes home if they can't be safely secured at venues overnight, the Electoral Commission says.

There are "serious questions" over why the government did not act when it was first made aware of the risks to jet fuel supply, Labour's leader says.

Farmers are turning up the pressure on Labour's water tax proposal as debate heats up over how much it might cost the sector. Audio

A bigger HomeStart grant won't help many first time buyers in Auckland because there aren't enough affordable homes in the city, a mortgage broker says.

The party is blaming a volunteer for sending the virtual money, worth about a cent, to potential supporters, but is adamant its candidate is not at fault.

New Zealanders who are living or travelling overseas can cast their vote in the general election from today.

Labour leader Jacinda Ardern and National leader Bill English have gone head to head in the first TV leaders debate.

With polling day fast approaching, nearly a third of people under 30 are yet to enrol, and political parties are keen to reach them. Audio

New Zealand First's Winston Peters is accusing National of leaking his superannuation overpayment, but says that won't affect potential coalition talks.

Up to 5000 people a day are enrolling to vote, with enrolments tracking slightly ahead of the 2014 election, the Electoral Commission says.

The Green Party has restated its commitment to implementing a capital gains tax if it gets into government, saying it is "time to just get in with it".

Banks and environmental groups are keeping close eye on an Australian landmark climate change case which they say could have repercussions on this side of the Tasman.

Charging royalties to commercial water bottlers and irrigation scheme users will "open a can of worms" and put many farmers out of business, Federated Farmers says.

The subsidiary paid $304,860 in tax last year as online advertising - in which it dominates the market - hit record levels, but has reported another $600,000 loss.

The head of the Ministry of Health has apologised to the government for a $38 million funding allocation blunder.