Full video: Waitaki Mayor gives weather update

'Minor crashes' after sub-zero temperatures freeze Hawke's Bay highway

A ridge of high pressure sitting over the North Island caused temperatures to plunge well below freezing overnight.

Advocates horrified by report of human rights abuse at Wakari Hospital

It comes after inspectors for the chief ombudsman said they found treatment amounting to torture at the inpatient unit for adults with intellectual disabilities.

NZ experiences 'warmest June on record' – one city hit 26C

Earth Science New Zealand's monthly climate summary said the average temperature was the highest since records began in 1909.

Wakari Hospital ward closed after Ombudsman 'disturbed' by findings

Chief Ombudsman John Allen said inspectors found "some of the worst practices we have observed anywhere" at the ward.