All Black No 8 and new captain Kieran Read is one of those imposing components in an emerging group of special talent. He demands the ball for those menacing runs off the ruck where hesitation is a curse.

Rain and wind for the weekend: A bit of a rough weekend for some regions as a deepening low crosses the country bringing rain and wind on Saturday, a colder southerly for some on Sunday, but improving quickly on Monday.

New skipper, new players and a new style of play. It is all change for the All Blacks on Sunday as, for the first time, Kieran Read leads them into combat against Italy. There was natural acclaim for Read from his teammates and coaches with midfield back Ma'a Nonu weighing in with his approval. For the last three years Read had been a world class No 8, he was a leader in the forwards and had captained teams when his good buddy Richie McCaw was absent.

Remembering Graham Brazier, who passed away today, and Hello Sailor in the Gluepot Reunion concert filmed in 2011. The Gluepot Reunion Concert was headlined by Dragon and Hello Sailor, who performed at the famous Ponsonby venue during its late 70s and 80s heyday. Joined by Citizen Band and Herbs for a 'Sunday session'; Steven Orsbourn asked them what made the Gluepot so special and loved by the 'punters'.

Mark Hadlow who plays 'Dori' the dwarf in the upcoming 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' movie series, had a quick chat in costume at the Weta Workshop studios before he was to meet HRH The Prince of Wales.

It's not every day you get to share your birthday with a prince, let alone over 60 other people who share the same birth date as you. A Kiwiana-themed birthday was held this afternoon at Government House for Prince Charles and 64 Kiwis who were born today. Prime Minister John Key's wife Bronagh and Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae also celebrated their birthday today. Prince Charles turned 64 today and was thrilled to hear the Beatles classic When I'm 64, played by the Royal New Zealand Air Force Band and sung by Australian opera singer Margaret Medlyn.

The lads at Vitamin Gum filmed this fantastic vision of the Solar Eclipse as viewed from Auckland, and have shared it with the nzherald.co.nz readers.

Changeable weather ahead: Another couple of weak fronts will cross parts of New Zealand over the next few days - ahead of a big low that will cross New Zealand on Saturday and Sunday bringing a period of wind and rain.

HRH Prince Charles visited the Cloud for the Sheer Brilliance Wool Campaign to observe some of the countries innovative ideas & designs. He also tried his hand at making a wool rug & later gave a speech on his thoughts of the values & benefits of using the natural fibre.

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall arrived at Auckland Museum to a crowd of hundreds to commemorate the 94th Armistice Day.

All Black skipper Richie McCaw says the key to beating Scotland at home is to start well and that will 'earn them the right' to play an expansive game.

The Prince of Wales & the Duchess of Cornwall arrived at the RNZAF Base in Auckland, met by Rt. Hon. John Key, Minister of Maori Affairs Dr. Pita Sharples & Auckland's Mayor Len Brown. His Royal Highness also inspected both rows of the RNZAF Guard of Honour. This is the start of their 6-day Diamond Jubilee Visit to New Zealand having just arrived from Australia.

A truck that plunged into a central North Island stream this morning was not carrying any radioactive substances, according to the Fire Service, but its driver is still missing. Radiation fears were sparked after the fully-laden B-train truck, marked with a radioactive materials sign, was found in the Waihohonu Stream on State Highway 1 between Waiouru and Turangi. Emergency services were called to the scene outside the Tongariro National Park boundary at 4.22am.

Reaction to the Royal Commission on the Pike River explosions from former UK mines inspector Bob Stevenson and family spokesman Bernie Monk has described NZ mining practices as 'third world' and an 'embarrassment to you'. They say that if this had happened overseas 'your men would be out'.

There was plenty of excitement among the All Blacks as they assembled in Auckland and prepared for their long flight to Edinburgh today.

Head weather analyst Philip Duncan talks with Steven Orsbourn of nzherald.co.nz via Skype from Atlanta, U.S. on the current situation of Hurricane'Sandy which is set to hit the Northeast coast of the U.S. covering a massive 1600km.

Dane Coles and Tawera Kerr-Barlow are the newcomers to a predictable All Blacks European touring squad named this morning. All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has predictably kept faith in veteran lock Ali Williams and halfback Piri Weepu, despite the duo's ordinary form this year.

In a moving ceremony, Sir Wilson was described as a loving father, inspirational sportsman and successful businessman. Rugby legends are among the crowds farewelling All Blacks great Sir Wilson Whineray at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell this afternoon.Former players Sir Colin Meads, Sir Brian Lochore, Waka Nathan and John Graham are among them. Dean of Auckland, the Reverend Jo Kelly-Moore, said the hundreds filling the cathedral were "a tribute" to the significant life led by Sir Wilson and a symbol of the "immense respect" for him. Sir Wilson, considered one of the greatest All Blacks, is survived by his wife Lady Elisabeth and children James, Kristen and Susan. He died at Auckland City Hospital on Monday, aged 77.

Some models are indicating a Tasman Sea low could trigger more rain for NZ this weekend. We take a look at the weather for the remainder of the short week and last weekend of October. We also look a 'weather bomb' that is about to hit a large portion of Russia - and that says something about its size!

A tropical low is set to miss us, a southerly gets stopped in its tracks - for a change NZ isn't in the middle of the severe weather, although some rough weather may still impact the lower half of the South Island.

One year on from the All Blacks winning the Rugby World Cup at Eden Park, Gregor Paul and nzherald.co.nz remember the drama and emotion to end 24 years of pain, the All Blacks themselves candidly recall 'that moment' and the year that has passed.

We take a look at close look at weather conditions from Friday through to Tuesday around New Zealand.

We rate the travel conditions for road, air and sea for those heading away for the long weekend on either Friday afternoon/evening or Saturday morning. We also take a look at the weather in Australia and the tropics for the long weekend.

About 40 firefighters have managed to contain a large bush fire beneath the summit of Roy's Peak, Wanaka, overnight after a farmer's burn-off got out of control and threatened conservation land. The fire burned about 100ha of farmland and came within 400m of The Stack conservation area near the Roy's Peak walking track.

Bollywood dance hit the streets of Auckland with an Indiance 'flash mob' that attracted hundreds of bystanders and helped promote the Diwali festival.

Mana party MP Hone Harawira says police broke the window of his car before arresting him at a housing protest in east Auckland suburb of Glen Innes last night. Seven others were arrested after a group of protesters occupied a state house which was to be removed in preparation for redevelopment of the area.

Adam Lambert talks to Newstalk ZB's Susan Wood about his new album, his fans, American Idol, fame and marriage equality.

A potential weather bomb (when the air pressure falls more than 24hPa in 24 hours) is still expected to rapidly form in the Tasman Sea on Friday. While we expect the storm to peak out at sea, it will still be a rough Saturday for some areas - especially central New Zealand. By Sunday, however, it will be clearing already. Short and sharp.

Usain Bolt was officially welcomed today as beverage company Frucor began it's launch for New Zealand's production & sale of the sports drink Gatorade. The world's fastest man made a special appearance while on his short visit, he also took time out to give some of the countries elite sprint athletes their own private coaching clinic.

Foundation of the Blind member Rhonda Comins has a very little sight but a great vision. Experience how she sees the world around her through the degenerative eye condition, Retinitus Pigmentosa in this short video. This condition has slowly robbed her of her sight but this has not prevented her from lacing up and training for the Adidas Auckland Quarter Marathon. Her goal is to raise $10,000 for Blind Week. Visit http://www.runRhonda.org.nz to sponsor Rhonda today.