World Cup fever has officially kicked off as the first game of the competition got under way this morning.

Tax breaks for Apple, Starbucks and Fiat are under investigation in a clampdown on special treatment for companies.

A friend of a New Zealander killed by a falling tree branch at the world-famous Kew Gardens in England has recounted the horrifying ordeal at an inquest.

The Irish government is launching a full-scale investigation into controversial Catholic homes for unmarried mothers, following revelations that up to 800 infants died in one such institution over a 35-year period.

"Sea," said King Canute, the 11th-century Danish King of England, "I command you to come no further!"

A spectacular fail by the Environmental Protection Authority raises serious questions about its reliability as a guardian of the environment, writes Simon Terry.

The European Central Bank is all but certain to cut interest rates today to try to boost ultra-low inflation and strengthen the wobbly recovery in the 18 countries that use the euro

Nearly 800 young children are believed to be buried in a mass grave beside a former home for unwed mothers in Ireland.

Bruce Holmes traces the gruesome footsteps of London's most notorious serial killer, Jack the Ripper.

Phoebe Falconer is intrigued to find one of the world's most recognisable statues sitting in the middle of a roundabout in northeastern France.

The original French Alpine retreat has much appeal for the modern snowboard and ski traveller, writes Adam Ruck.

Sometimes there's nothing like a chilly holiday to leave you feeling invigorated.

Prince Charles has compared Vladimir Putin to Adolf Hitler over Russia's actions in Ukraine.

The Welsh poet and playwright Dylan Thomas is being celebrated in a year-long series of events leading to the 100th anniversary of his birth on October 27, 1914, writes William Hageman.

Young New Zealanders have been urged by Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae to visit the battlefields and cemeteries of Europe, not just Gallipoli.

Paul Abercrombie gets to grips with Venice's watery warrens during a once-in-a-lifetime rowing lesson.

Circles in the sky have become a hip way to view a city, so prepare your cabin for 'flight', says Peter Hamling.

Gerry Adams hit out at the “old guard” in the Northern Ireland police force after four days in custody for questioning about a notorious IRA murder in 1972.

A prehistoric land mass once connecting Britain to mainland Europe may have been wiped out by a 5m-high tsunami, according to new research.

Jane Luscombe reacquaints herself with some old haunts.

Herald editorial cartoonist Rod Emmerson travels the Greek Isles and Turkish coast on a seven-night cruise aboard the luxurious Azamara Journey.

A surf boat crew will stage a symbolic row down Auckland's North Shore tomorrow, as they prepare for a commemorative international race in Turkey next year.

Chris Wiltshire feasts until he can feast no more in the region known as the bread basket of Italy.

A new book claims Nicolas Sarkozy unsuccessfully tried to seduce President Francois Hollande's ex-girlfriend, Valerie Trierweiler.