Emergency services were scrambled after an Air New Zealand flight from Sydney carrying 99 passengers and eight crew was diverted to land at Auckland late last night.

Privacy concerns over a new airport passenger scanning system have been heightened after airport staff copied x-rays of an international film star.

A security breach at Newark Liberty International Airport last month was caused by a lovesick man who got confused and wandered into the wrong area.

A new A$200m security programme at Australian airports will include body scanners, cargo x-ray screening and beefed-up intelligence co-operation.

There were more international flights at Auckland International Airport last year, but fewer visitors.

Shares of Auckland International Airport have gained ground after the company completed its $126 million equity raising.

Auckland City and Manukau ratepayers will foot a $28 million bill as their councils move to secure their stakes in Auckland Airport.

Auckland City and Manukau City Councils say they will take part in the new equity raising by Auckland International Airport. They will spend $28 million on new shares.