Latest fromBirkenhead

24 days in hell: Blowtorch-wielding kidnappers wanted cryptocurrency password
The victim was forced to dig what was supposedly her grave at a remote Far North property.

Auckland pensioner left homeless by floods trapped in 'bureaucratic stalemate'
A year ago, Sheryl Clarke was rescued from her flooded home. Now she just wants it fixed.

Two liquor store staffers injured in robbery
Three men have been arrested and will appear in court on December 26.

Fires started at North Shore church twice in one night
Arson is suspected to be behind at least one of the fires.

Auckland opshop find helps reconnect friends after 20 years apart
It did not take long for the boys in the photo to be identified.

'Under siege': Abandoned home a cannabis grow house after no action on complaints
Residents of Zion Road say they have been going through "hell".

'Short term pain for long term gain': What the Women's World Cup meant to Kiwi football clubs
Clubs say what it means to host world-class teams and have mega upgrades in the process.

Pedestrian in critical condition after being hit by car in Auckland
A police spokesperson said police were called to Hinemoa Street in Birkenhead at 5.50pm.

'Horrific' kidnapping ordeal: Man appears in court
A man handed himself in to police overnight.

14-year-old arrested after ram-raid on North Shore jewellery store
The store was raided on Sunday morning, a week after fog cannons were installed.

Unresponsive five-year-old boy plucked from Auckland swimming pool
The boy's uncle said another 30 seconds and it could have been different.

Police responding to unexplained sudden death on Auckland's North Shore
Police were called to the incident on Onewa Rd, Birkenhead at 3.40pm

Heritage groups rally to save the loss of villas and bungalows
Jacinda Ardern, Chris Luxon and their Auckland MPs are behind the loss of heritage.

8 of Auckland's most pooch-friendly pubs
Good news dog owners, these eight Auckland bars serve canines as well as humans.

Revealed: When officials expect Omicron in community; DHBs prepare
Management of Covid cases isolating at home is changing as the threat of Omicron looms.

Cue the in memoriam music: Every Auckland institution we lost in 2021
Gone, but not forgotten: a tribute to the things and places that left Tāmaki Makaurau.

Auckland salon ransacked by thieves during lockdown
Thieves targeted Black on White salon in Birkenhead in an extensive burglary.

After an Auckland adventure? Ferry to the shore and cycle back
Discover parts of the North Shore that you've never ventured to before with a bike ride.

Native trees poisoned in Auckland harbourside suburb
"Selfish, entitled" people are poisoning and cutting down trees, says one volunteer.

Man found dead in disorder incident owned popular restaurant chain
Police said man's death treated as unexplained even after post-mortem.

Police name dead man in Birkenhead disorder incident
Qiang Xin was the owner of a popular Auckland Chinese hot pot restaurant chain.