Slow your life down and get back to basics during your summer break.

For the grieving families of 29 men lost in the Pike River mine, the financial burden is being eased by the generous Kiwi spirit.

Aucklanders will be needing parasols instead of rain umbrellas on Christmas and Boxing Day because long fine spells are forecast.

One of NZ's most experienced road policing officers has resigned, saying the job is taking too great a toll on his health.

Donna Fleming agonises over the morality of perpetuating the myth of the jolly fat guy in red.

Santa Claus is coming to town - and the weather is looking fantastic for his long ride down from the North Pole.

What do some of our friends in fashion, design and food have planned for their Christmas break?

Two Air New Zealand flights have taken off from London's Heathrow Airport this morning.

A field hospital has been set up in the heart of London's financial district to treat blind-drunk corporate revellers.

The festive season is a time of excess. But as the country’s top traffic officer Paula Rose tells Alan Perrott, there is little cheer in counting its cost.

Left your Christmas shopping to the very last moment? Want to do the whole lot speedily, all in one shop and with the minimum of fuss? Books are the answer to all your gift needs. Here's our pick of what's on the shelves.

Stumped for school-holiday ideas? Nine-year-old Grace Jack counts down her top five faves.

Let your garden add zest to the silly season, writes Janice Marriott.

Hundreds of stranded New Zealanders might be able to make it home for the holidays after all with the news that London's Heathrow Airport is due to reopen on a limited basis this evening, New Zealand time.