Josie Dale contemplates the dark green silence of the Matukituki Valley.

It's unlikely that an individual review could make or break a business. But it's important to be prompt and take it seriously.

Roger Hall steps back in time on Great Barrier Island - a place where strangers still stop and offer you a lift.

A Whangarei man who filmed himself nailing possums to trees and chopping off their limbs has topped the SPCA's annual list of animal abuse shame.

Deep within the Hokianga is a quiet settlement adrift from the rat race, writes Hannah Sperber.

Stella Rimmington Rebecca Kitteridge doesn't have a favourite Bond movie but she does have a favourite Bond: "Sean Connery, classic, he's the one and only Bond for me."

It's time that we grew up as a nation when it comes to diplomatic courtesy. It's time the Greens revoked their "unofficial ban" on visiting political leaders addressing the New Zealand Parliament.

So without enough to do, the elected body ponders long-term planning objectives and reads a great deal of paper on subjects such as environmental sustainability.

For many, the moment of deepest despair comes as they turn their backs on the swanky seaside suburb of St Heliers.

An engagement photo shoot is now among the list of must-haves by couples tying the knot - an emerging trend fuelled by social media and what's hot in the United States.

Be sure to check out these terrific spots next time you're up north.

Shandelle Battersby enjoys a luxurious stay at the Millbrook Resort, Arrowtown.

Greg Harford is general manager of public affairs for Retail NZ, the New Zealand retailers’ association.

The Co-operative Bank has lost a High Court bid to stop a financial services group using the word co-op in its name.

Natural beauty, action-packed adventure and heritage are here, says Elisabeth Easther.

A new incarnation of Shrek the Sheep goes on public display today. The male merino gained global fame after evading capture for six years and acquiring a phenomenal 27kg fleece.

Bank of New Zealand is watching dairy prices closely but has faith in farmers' ability to manage finances through dips in the commodities cycle, says chief executive Anthony Healy.

Delia Gill is the owner of Wellington-based business IT specialist IT Engine, which currently has 12 staff.

A resurgent US dollar and more bearish talk from the Reserve Bank combined to drive the kiwi dollar 2pc lower in active trading this morning.