Three rescue dogs in New Zealand are learning how to drive a car, thanks to the joint efforts by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Mini Cooper and Ikon Engineering. According to the head driving coach Mark Vette, the dogs spent a few weeks to learn the basics of operating a vehicle, such as starting a car, accelerating and facing forward with their paws on the steering wheels, which will be showcased during an upcoming episode of the New Zealand current affairs program Campbell Live on December 10. For more footage, check out the video!

The Wellington airport just got a lot more precious. What's next, New Zealand? Peter Jackson for Prime Minister?

Starting November 1, New Zealand will be putting The Hobbit on its stamps and money. Ian McKellen is delighted by the concept: "To put Gandalf on these splendiferous coins is a wizard idea."

We see what you did there, Sir Ian. The coins are not only highly collectible, they're also legal tender. It's all about the Bagginses, baby.

The Conchords are back, and as if that isn't good enough, they're on a mission to help sick children. Bret and Jemaine interview some adorable New Zealand kids, enlisting their aid to write a new song.

Go to 5:05 to see the resulting tune, Feel Inside (And Stuff Like That). Buy the single on iTunes, and support a good cause.

[hypervocal]

A New Zealand man was sentenced to three years and seven months in jail for multitude of convictions stemming from spying on his ex-partner. The man, whose name has not been released, built a fully-stocked hideout in his ex-lover's home, complete with peep holes and trap doors. He was caught after attacking a visiting male with a spade on April 1st.

In the understatement of the year, the sentencing judge admitted the offending man wasn't the first person to become "unhinged and obsessed" over a breakup, but declared his actions "completely inappropriate."

[arbroath]

Flying Shark of the Day: A loose "Air Swimmer" in the shape of a shark was spotted by a pilot flying over Christchurch International Airport in New Zealand.

The pilot reported seeing the "flying shark" at an altitude of 7,000 feet. New Zealand Air Line Pilots' Association president Gl

Follow Up of the Day: Happy Feet, the wayward penguin that ended up on New Zealand's North Island, was recently released back into the wild after spending two months at Wellington Zoo getting, well, well.

Veterinarians sent the juvenile Emperor Penguin sliding into Southern Ocean waters just north of Campbell Island along with a GPS device to track his journey home.

Sadly,