Vibha Soni moved to Auckland from a computer career in Mumbai, India. Now she and husband Sanjay run an Asian spice store in Birkenhead, North Shore and sell their Indian spice mixes online and to more than 300 shops around the country.

One of New Zealand's wealthiest families is on the verge of signing a special deal with North Shore City Council.

Facials these days are fit for all fancies, with many different experiences on offer.

A new chef and an ever-evolving menu ensure a Shore favourite rivals the best our neighbours across the Tasman have to offer.

We had just finished our desserts (two helpings of poached quince with ice-cream; four spoons) when they arrived. There were probably a dozen but they had the impact of 100.

A North Shore couple had coveted a site just three doors down their street for years, so when it became theirs they built a house that fulfilled all expectations.

The parore, or black snapper, is common in many fish-and-chip shops - although customers would never know.

A primary school's chocolate fundraiser turned into a debt-collection exercise after parents failed to cough up around $3000.