A young girl obtained serious injuries after falling from a hotel balcony in Queenstown

The five-year-old fell about 4-metres from a second floor balcony of the Novotel Lakeside Hotel, on Marine Parade yesterday afternoon.

One witness says the girl was lucky she didn't suffer more severe injuries - as she landed on a grass patch next to some concrete.

In a statement, Accor and Novotel Queenstown says they are saddened by the incident, saying "Our thoughts are with the child and their family at this difficult time, and with those who witnessed the incident," .

It went on to say they appreciate all the efforts made by the hotel team and the emergency services who responded.



Health tracking company Fitbit has announced it's being bought out by Google for around three billion dollars.

Fitbit says Google will use the sale to expand its own fitness tracking platform.



A push to create a marine park off the coast of eastern Antarctica has failed again, as environmental groups warn efforts to protect the continent are going backwards.

Representatives from 25 countries, as well as the European Union, have failed to reach an agreement at a meeting in Hobart on the sanctuary, which has been debated since 2012.

The Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition's Claire Christian says the science is settled, it is only political will preventing the creation of new marine protections in the world's last great wilderness.

The marine park can only be established if it has the backing of all 26 member states of the Commission for Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources.



Kiwis are being warned to keep off fruit teas and lemon water if they want to prevent tooth damage.

Latest research from toothpaste company Sensodyne shows fruit drinks have the same acidity as Coca-Cola.

NZ (en zed) Dental Hygienist's Association president Anna Holyoake says this is dangerous because food acid erodes our tooth enamel.





An ensemble worn by Hollywood screen siren Marilyn Monroe in one of her most famous roles has been sold at auction for more than 435-thousand NZ dollars.

The star wore the black silk bandeau top, floral print floor-length skirt and over-sized straw hat in 1954 comedy There's No Business Like Show Business.

It was one of a number of items once belonging to Monroe that went under the hammer at an auction in Beverly Hills.

A brown and olive green striped couch used in the office of Monroe's psychiatrist, Dr Ralph Greenson, during the time he treated her sold for 17-and-a-half grand.



In Sport

South Africa have won the Rugby World Cup.

The Springboks have dominated England to win the final 32-12 in Yokohama.

Set piece dominance and physicality helped South Africa control the first half and go to the break with a 12-6 lead.

The sides then exchanged penalties after the break, before the Springboks broke the shackles with a try in the 67th minute to Makazole Mapimpi.

World Rugby nominated player of the year Cheslin Kolbe iced the game in the 74th minute with a try of his own.



It's believed to be a badly kept secret, but Steve Hansen is still holding off on confirming his next move.

The All Blacks coach has fronted media for the final time in the role, ending a 15-year association with the team.

It's understood Hansen will take up a role coaching Japanese club Toyota.

He's been asked what he can say about the job.





The men's Black Sticks are just one win away from a place in next year's Olympics.

They've beaten South Korea 3-2 in the first hockey test in Stratford, with Simon Child scoring the winning goal with eight minutes left.

The second match is today, with the winner of the series advancing to the Tokyo Games.