Swimmer Daniel Bell, sent home from the Commonwealth Games for having two beers, has been defended by his father.

A delicious Indian feast awaits you in a pretty Parnell setting.

A heritage architecture award for the remnants of Auckland's Jean Batten Building has offended preservationists.

Mecca Cosmetica has become the New Zealand stockists of Diptyque, the cult French candlemaker.

The Laneway festival has a lineup that will ensure a dreamy, then magical, then devastatingly angular musical experience.

She belies the conceit that readers only want primary characters who are likeable.

Alistair Bailey of Whitianga enjoyed some well-prepared bread from Mr Burns at Glastonbury in the UK.

Lots of people start new businesses. Not so many sell them for more than $10 million. Two sisters tell Christine Nikiel how they did it - and why lunch matters.

The French are the experts when it comes to all aspects of culture. Julie Harries explores Auckland's Gallic connections in a quest to gain some quintessential French style and attitude.

Why is there is no seriously upscale Spanish restaurant in this city?

The wild weather bomb that hit the 10th New Zealand Fashion Week made everyone feel a bit drippy. At times the front row resembled a row of sodden crows on a wire, as fabulous baubles and sexy shoes were abandoned in favour of warm clothes.

The courses run by Tree Adventures at Woodhill Forest can prove just as much of a fun challenge for adults as for kids. Kirsten Warner gave it a try.