It's the most steadfast of Kiwi Christmas traditions. But the pavlova can also be a little tricky to master. Here are some tips from a newly crowned expert.

Holidaymakers joining the Christmas exodus from Auckland are being encouraged to check road and traffic conditions before leaving home, to improve chances of safe and relatively hassle-free trips.

Dr Marc Shaw, serving in Afghanistan, writes about his experience of a Christmas far from home.

A selection of Christmas church services in the main centres.

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.

Kiwi kids have spread a little Christmas cheer to those stranded at Heathrow Airport in London.

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

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

An Auckland woman was illegally refused by six drivers because her journey from the Viaduct was too short.

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.