A man watched in horror as his brother drowned in stormy surf at Whiritoa beach on the Coromandel Peninsula on Christmas Eve.

A gifted academic who grew up in Karori has died suddenly in London, devastating her family.

A surprise delivery of presents from generous children arrived for those in need this Christmas.

A Secret Santa exchange programme amongst Twitter users has brought gifts to people who may not have got any.

A Christmas story from an associate, who was in a Salvation Army op shop when a family - mum, dad, and three children - stopped by to drop off a new bike.

New Zealanders spent 2.6 per cent more in the week leading up to Christmas this year than they did a year ago, due mainly to a resurgent Canterbury region.

The thick fog that cancelled more than 100 flights at Wellington airport yesterday has lifted, with blue skies now above the capital.

Theists, and perhaps some atheists too, might thank God for Dr Zain Ali's gracious and insightful comments about God and religion.

And so this is Christmas, and what have you done, New Zealand business?

Relatives can easily get on each other's nerves. Suzanne Masefield offers ways to head off any aggro.

People around the world are preparing to celebrate Christmas. Check out some of our favourite shots of the festivities.

A travel company has given 100 of its staff affected by the Christchurch earth-quakes a special Christmas bonus.

Shopkeepers are bracing themselves as last-minute Christmas shoppers head to the stores on one of the biggest shopping days of the year.

New Zealand's overseas defence force personnel will be turning to heavy doses of Skype tomorrow for a link with home on Christmas Day.

I never believed the world would suddenly end, but I liked the idea that it was possible.

The Mana Recovery Trust has spent the past 16 years helping people with mental health disabilities to develop the skills to work and live in the community.

Jockeys Opie Bosson and Danielle Johnson are partners at home - but not at work, where they regularly compete for victory.

A Christmas card from the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran wishes us a Merry Christmas. There is nothing unusual about that.

We're just a handful of sleeps away from one of the most exciting mornings to wake up on - Christmas Day!

If you've ever found yourself on the receiving end of a thoughtless gift you'll know it hurts. Here's some advice on dealing with a bad present.

The ten gifts you'd rather not find under your Christmas tree this year.