A big-cat handler fatally mauled to death by a tiger did not see a need to lock the animal away while cleaning its enclosure, a coronial inquest has heard.

The man once known as the "the baddest man on the planet'' is looking forward to meeting Maori on his first visit to New Zealand next month.

A tradesman was flown to Australia by his new employer two months ago for a job that is paying $12 an hour more than he earned in New Zealand.

If the departees feel Australia offers a better life then they certainly should go, writes Bob Jones. "Their duty is to themselves to fulfil their potential as they see it."

The face of the exodus to Australia is changing as skilled trade workers in their 20s replace young, well-educated Kiwis flocking to Australia.

The brother of Dalu Mncube, who was fatally mauled by a tiger, hopes a coroner's inquest recommends better prevention and protection measures for zookeepers.

The Herald continues a week-long inquiry into our changing national identity. Today: The 40- to 59-year-olds who forged links with other nations.

Nearly 500 people were turned away by immigration officers in the last year after claiming to be in a long-term relationship with New Zealanders.

A group of Romanians have been prevented from entering New Zealand amid suspicions they were planning a crime spree down Auckland's Queen St.