200 years after NZ's first service, some churches are riding a resurgence in which theology and pastoral care merge with pragmatic acceptance of sex, booze and rock’n’roll.

Wild weather couldn't dampen the spirit of Kiwi kindness over Easter weekend.

Eleanor Fraser, 3, had a whirl of a time on the merry-go-round at her first Auckland Easter Show.

Christians throughout the world are paying tribute to Jesus Christ in Holy Week traditions that go back centuries and range from religious processions to self-flagellation.

Roman Catholic devotees in northern Philippines nailed themselves to crosses as hundreds gathered to watch the annual crucifixion re-enactment.

Blue skies and sunshine greeted the thousands of happy visitors who streamed into the Coca-Cola Easter Show yesterday.

After a destructive storm dampening the opening on Thursday, blue skies and sunshine greeted the thousands of happy visitors who streamed into the Coca-Cola Easter Show.

Shattered, gutted and shocked beyond words, the despondent group of men and women clung to each other for comfort and reassurance.

Cassandra Mason looks at the hidden costs of Easter and how to avoid them.

Only fifty percent of Kiwis reported themselves as 'Christian' in the 2013 census, writes Paul Morris. But what does Easter really mean to most NZers?

Easter is coming with eggs and other trivia; Christ will be ignored, writes Bruce Logan.

This year, Anzac Day closely follows Easter, the most sacredly held period for Christians. One of these narratives is deeply embedded in fact, the other, myth, writes Sam Clements.

Mahatma Gandhi was once asked what was the greatest obstacle to the extension of Christianity. He answered: "Christianity."

I spotted my first hot cross bun on Jan 6 this year, three full months before Good Friday, writes Peter Bromhead. Clearly, a long run-up to Easter is considered profitable for modern-day bakeries.

As many Kiwis prepare to head away for an Easter break, research shows motorists support the lower speed tolerance during holiday weekends - but are less accepting of it at other times.

Carlos Angell of Titirangi took this photo on Sunday and even though he's 18 years old, he now believes in the Easter bunny again.

One hundred giant eggs were hidden in secret locations throughout Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch overnight to kickstart an Easter egg hunt.

Do you feel you're getting a bit old to take part in Easter-egg hunts? Well, this may change your mind.

While some Kiwis are yet to wind up their Christmas breaks - and get through their Christmas ham - hot cross buns have already hit the shelves.

A horticulturist sacked by an Auckland garden centre for referring a customer to a competitor has been awarded almost $9000, thanks to an email sent by her former boss.

Check out the Easter parades, hunts, rituals, gatherings and celebrations from across the globe in 2013.

Thrill-seekers at the long-running Auckland Easter Show have been left disappointed after its main ride provider set up a rival event, breaking a 60-year tradition.

Anna Subritzky hatches a material plan to keep chickens in the burbs.

Easter egg manufacturers are likely making more of a profit this year than in Easters past, an analyst says.

Our letterboxes are flooded with flyers before a holiday weekend and newspapers do a good trade in retail adverts.