With the annual summer exodus to the beach about to begin, motorists are being warned to take care while driving this festive season.

Last-minute Christmas shoppers spent more than $370 million at the weekend - the last before the big day, according to Paymark figures.

Barnardos has always led the charge in putting children first. The Garden Project is their newest initiative to promote gardening among South Auckland children and families...

Kiwis have already spent more than $3 billion in the lead-up to Christmas. Paymark yesterday revealed it had processed more than 59 million electronic transactions...

Matt Heath writes: Last Christmas my two boys got so many presents they became bored opening them - if your kids get too much, why not take them to see the people who don't?

Two good Samaritans buzzed into the Auckland Zoo carpark on a Vespa at the weekend, randomly handing out Christmas cards containing $100 apiece.

For most of us, Christmas is a time of unrelieved joy - crackers, carols and cake - but a significant number of people fear the festive season

A primary school relief teacher is on the naughty list with parents this Christmas after apparently casting doubt about Santa's authenticity...

A sense of goodwill is around, extending even to those we find irritating and avoid at other times. Christmas is particularly suited to the Southern Hemisphere.

Santa Claus has admitted being in a bit too much of a rush after being caught speeding on his way to an old folks' home.

An alert from Google helped solve the case of a cache of Christmas presents and electronic equipment stolen from an Auckland home.

Seeking a warm and sunny Christmas Day? Head south. WeatherWatch forecaster Philip Duncan says 80 per cent of New Zealand will wake up to dry weather on Thursday...

A city chief executive is being accused of kissing female staff at a company Christmas party - and joking he was acting "a bit like Roger Sutton".

If you’re still wondering what to get the father-in-law for Christmas or intend reclining under a shady tree for the holidays, the Herald on Sunday looks at some of the best sports books on the shelves this year

Jetstar has pumped $25,000 into the Christmas Day lunch annually for three years. Airline staff also help by serving the festive meals.

The much-loved Christmas song by Willow Macky is not only distinctive to New Zealand but also remarkably good history.

Christmas is traditionally a time for families to come together and for friends to catch up. But for many others, particularly the elderly, it can be a very isolating and sad time.

Hear from the men and women from the New Zealand Defence forces serving around the world as they 'shout out' to their families and friends back home.

'Twas the end of the day before Christmas, when all through the house, Not a creature was txting, not even a mouse.

The queues start about 3am each day, but the Auckland City Mission says just a third of the donations it needs this Christmas have been raised.

A Canadian woman has fulfilled her Christmas wish after reconnecting with her long-lost childhood friend who moved to New Zealand.

Wriggling toddlers will meet their match when Kidz First Clendon Community Clinic nurses get the best seat in the house.

iPhones, barbecues, outdoor furniture and costumes from Disney's Frozen movie will be filling stockings next week if Trade Me search patterns are anything to go by.

The first Christmas Day weather forecast has been released - and it's not looking so good.

If you've decided you'd really like to relax this year and let someone else do the cooking and cleaning, here are some great options for Christmas Day in Auckland.