National

Police say a driver who allegedly caused the deaths of two of his passengers was under the influence of drugs at the time.

Police investigating an assault on the side of State Highway 1 in Canterbury on Sunday are calling for witnesses to come forward.

Imam Gamal Fouda, who led Al Noor Mosque through NZ's darkest hours after the Christchurch terror attacks, is leaving his role as Imam to move to Australia.

Four out of five health workers reported cuts and restructuring had damaged the services they deliver, which the PSA said refutes the government's claims the cuts won't affect the front-line.

Principals from schools in the country's poorest communities have united to call for an end to new NCEA reading, writing and maths tests.

A prisoner has died and another has been injured in separate events at Auckland Prison over the weekend.