The weather isn't always a headline maker but it certainly affects us more than many of the news stories that we read about each day.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Actress turned director Sophie Roberts lets Viva in on her style secrets.

The first Auckland Council has been decided, and it has a centre-left look about it, which will make life easier for Super Mayor Len Brown.

The teenager who supplied alcohol to James Webster, who died after a night of binge drinking, is refusing to say where he got the alcohol.

Alcohol-poisoning victim James Webster's father says his son's death would have been avoided if he'd known the risk he was taking.

Get ready to be entertained by some Japanese culinary theatrics.

After his son admitted encouraging James Webster to drink, a tearful John Banks accepted responsibility for the boy's actions 'because that's what a father should do'.

A gastro bar's good looks and ambience can’t quite hide its food flaws, writes Phoebe Falconer.

Auckland Zoo has been given the go-ahead to a $13m proposal to bring in a herd of up to 10 Asian elephants, and expand into Western Springs park.

Chris Kahui has changed his mind about why he thinks his former partner Macsyna King caused the deaths of their twin boys, a coroner's inquest heard today.

Mayor John Banks has broken down in tears as he apologised for the actions of his son Alex, who encouraged alcohol-poisoning victim James Webster to drink.

James Webster wanted vodka and Jagermeister 'to get really drunk' and because his 'alcohol supply was low', a court has heard.