DESC More than 300 NZ cheeses will be judged on texture, smell, taste and look for the NZ Champions of Cheese Awards.

And BBQ champ Tuffy Stone has shared the secrets to his award winning barbecued brisket.

Anyone seeking a polo fix this weekend need not head into Auckland's countryside.

Suspicious white powder was found in 'racist' letter sent to Kensington Palace.

Cost of living, jobs, poverty and homelessness, planning for growth, other main concerns.

Five time world BBQ champion Tuffy Stone gives his tips on how to cook the perfect BBQ brisket.

A subscription model for premium content will be in the market this year.

The Rumpus Room is calling at Splore. A wonderful time for whanau to come together.

NZME's chief executive explains how the company beat market expectations and opens the way for an online paywall for some premium content.

The Spinoff managing editor Duncan Grieve says Fairfax’s decision to sell or close 28 of its print titles is inevitable and shows why the Commerce Commission got it wrong on the NZME-Fairfax merger.

Stuff was closing or selling 28 print mastheads

Aerial footage shows the extent of damage.

Earlier: Business wrap on today's capital gains tax recommendations

One Greymouth resident predicts insurance claim will be in the thousands

Greymouth man Kevin Nash battled Cyclone Gita to check on tipped over caravan.

Extra crews have been brought in to restore power in hard-hit Taranaki in Gita's wake.

Tourists are trapped and residents have been evacuated as bad weather leads to states of emergency in Taranaki, across South Island. Massive slips have closed Takaka Hill Road in the Tasman region with huge damage done to the state highway. State Highway between Pukerua Bay and Paekakariki in Wellington is partially closed this morning after seas washed over the road.

It was a hectic night for emergency services, especially those in Taranaki, the Tasman region and the west coast of the south island.

COMMENT: Finally a minister wants to improve public transport instead of building roads.

David Walker and neighbours Dennis and Bev Walker are staying in their homes at Rapahoe despite the threat from ex-tropical cyclone Gita. Video Jason Oxenham

Aucklanders are being asked about a petrol tax before knowing where it will be spent.

Rapahoe Bay Holiday Park owner Jan Fletcher says she's "worried sick" about Gita

Locals are stocking up at supermarket before 150km/h winds arrive.

Authorities in Greymouth are making preparations for those who may be left without shelter as Cyclone Gita hits.

Earlier: Tropical Cyclone Oma will likely crash into Australia's Queensland coast over the weekend but it doesn't mean New Zealand is safe from a barrage of wet and wild weather.

Cyclone Gita is expected to hit the South Island's west coast today.

Powerful swells, rain and winds are pounding NZ - and there are seven states of emergency.

PM asks questions of intelligence agencies over burglary linked to China research.

Marlborough, Nelson and Tasman are bracing for the arrival of Cyclone Gita.

Two wheels, two motors, no emissions, no noise – the Ubco 2x2 electric bike promises to redefine how you ride, work and play.