Police have blocked off an inner-city Auckland street after a suspicious substance was found in the carpark of a building that houses the US Consular General and other diplomatic offices.

The mother of a murdered Bay of Plenty teenager said today she was unable to describe how she felt about her son's "brutal, absolutely senseless death". A Mongrel Mob member ran down Jordan Herewini in Murupara last year.

The Government is being asked to step in and make sure ANZAC Day poppies stay New Zealand-made.

Up to 95 homes in Auckland's Franklin Rd now have their Xmas lights on at night, says the founder of the annual spectacle.

Former National Rugby League player Jacin Sinclair has been found dead in his house on Thursday.

New Zealand Rugby Union chairman Jock Hobbs has resigned effective immediately to focus on his health.

New Zealand sailors Peter Burling and Blair Tuke claimed a notable scalp when beating 49er world champions Nathan Outteridge and Iain Jensen at the Sail Sydney regatta yesterday.

Phil Goff has made it clear that it is not up to MP George Hawkins to decide who will replace him in his Manurewa seat.

MP George Hawkins is threatening to force a byelection if the party selects a replacement Manurewa candidate he dislikes.