"Special Constable" is among dozens of Kiwi names rejected last year because they were too bizarre or offensive for newborns.

Sir Ian Athfield, whose whimsical and eclectic designs played a major part in shaping modern New Zealand architecture, has died aged 74.

The former student from Hamilton, won Miss Waikato in 1996 and was runner-up in Miss New Zealand the following year.

Police urge public to stop giving money to beggars in Auckland's Queen St after warnings issued to two men dressed as Buddhist monks.

Contestants are given an hour to attempt the challenge, signing a waiver before starting. Rules include no sharing, must be 18 or over and you must stop if you are sick.

New Zealand's average internet connection speed is faster than Australia's, according to an international report, but we are still only ranked 42 in the world.

It has long been claimed that names can influence your chances of doing well in life and now it seems that monikers can impact on behaviour at school as well.

Stumbling reporters, sexual innuendo, incredibly lengthy awkward pauses and a "shag on the rocks" have all made it into a video compiling the best news bloopers of the year.

The Year 2038 problem could cause a large number of the world's computers to stop working at 3.14am on Tuesday January 18, 2038.

Watch back nzherald.co.nz's full live stream of the Rialto Channel NZ Film Awards, which took place December 12 at Auckland's Shed 10.

It's ten years today since smoking was banned in bars, but Maori are still more likely to smoke than Europeans. We map where the ethnic smoking gap lies.

Disney sing-alongs, mutant spider-dogs and bikini-clad women presenting air-safety videos feature in the top 10 most popular YouTube videos in New Zealand this year.

More than 125 gifts for him and for her, for girls, boys and difficult teens, for foodies and home-improvers, and for those who are hard to buy for.

Who knew that olives didn't come in rainbow colours? Well ... me, actually. I naively thought that olives grew in all colours, like tomatoes, carrots or capsicums.

David Bain has become a father for the first time. His wife Liz Bain gave birth to a baby boy in Christchurch on Wednesday.

New Zealand might claim a place in the record books of extreme weather, thanks to a recently rediscovered, 111-year-old -25.6C reading from Central Otago.

It looked as if it was raining money at Auckland's Destiny Church on Sunday, in photos tweeted by church leader Bishop Brian Tamaki.

INTERACTIVE: Our annual guide to the best books to give and receive this Christmas. Guess which ones made the list.

Eddie has struggled with his sexual fascination for children but has now spoken out as radical new theories on how to prevent child abuse are aired.

It's a week of big achievements for Richie McCaw, who celebrated his 100th cap as All Black skipper with a flight in a Eurofighter Typhoon jet yesterday.

Lorde has delivered a showstopping, lipstick-smearing performance at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles - but the Kiwi teen has gone home empty-handed.

Next month Sio Talakai-Alatini is due to give birth to her fourth daughter - and thanks to a brave decision she will also graduate with a masters degree.

Our Healthy Food columnist Wendyl Nissen on what's in the much sought after Lewis Road Creamery Chocolate Milk - if you can find it.

For a long time the Lucky Country drew Kiwis to its shores, but as its economy changes we look at some of the risks of relocating to Australia.

Ahead of his third visit to New Zealand tonight, China's President Xi Jinping has penned this letter to New Zealanders.

The Prime Minister says the resignation of CERA boss Roger Sutton over sexual harassment complaints will be a 'blow' to the organisation and Christchurch.

A budding visual effects artist who faked two videos of giant eels in a NZ river has duped a US TV show, his local council, and thousands who have viewed the clips.