Latest from Auckland Central

Parading about with Santa Claus
Bronwyn Sell goes behind the scenes of the biggest public event on Auckland's calendar, the Farmers' Santa Parade.

Stars shine on Viaduct lunch date
Jay-Z and Beyonce made the most of a beautiful day in Auckland yesterday.

Touched by a stranger's kindness
The other night at Starship Hospital a total stranger didn't quite give me the shirt off his back - but it was close.

<i>Stk Bar and Grill</i>, Auckland CBD
Choosing a hotel restaurant as a dining venue can pay off.

Gareth Thomas <i>Lady Alien</i> album release party
Gareth Thomas (ex Goodshirt) cobbled together a local supergroup for the release of Lady Alien at the Kings Arms on Thursday night.
Supporting him was Andrew Keoghan and Katie Scott & The Miss T's

Yoke Helwes Martens' favourite things
The love of creating textile magic was instilled in Yoke Helwes Martens by her mother and now she is putting on an exhibition filled with the influences of her past and present.

U2 and Jay-Z concert photos
Photos from the first of two concerts at Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium, Thursday November 25th 2010.

Concert Review: U2 <i>Mt Smart Stadium</i>
U2 last night paid tribute to the victims of the Pike River mine disaster. Scott Kara was there

U2 pays tribute to Pike River miners
Even the biggest concert of the year acknowledged the sombre mood of the nation. U2's Bono said the band felt privileged to be

<i>Cafe on Kohi</i>, Auckland City
We came here because it was a beautiful day for relaxing in the sun, contemplating Rangitoto from afar.

Beyonce touches down in Auckland
New Zealand's a-list quota is reaching extreme levels, with the arrival of R&B/Pop superstar Beyonce.

Final Big Day Out artists released
The second and final list of bands playing at the 2011 Big Day Out has been released.

Vow shambles' at Eden Park won't be repeated
Police and Eden Park officials have vowed to enforce liquor bans better following the "shambles" at the back-to-back rugby league tests.

Glowing case for Akl rail tunnel gets cool response
Consultants have produced a glowing business case for a $2 billion-plus inner Auckland rail tunnel.

The art of optimism
In 2009, a recession-generated ‘perfect storm’ saw poor ticket sales and losses for the biennial Auckland Arts Festival. Yet, as Alan Perrott finds, its director David Malacari is upbeat for 2011.