Ditching the high heels for gumboots, Rachel Hunter spent a night creeping through the bush to bring a kiwi egg to Kiwi Encounter.

The Melbourne Cup was once again about the fashion - as well as the races - as thousands turned out to celebrate in Auckland and across the Ditch.

Comedian Mike King has been ordered to complete 200 hours of community work after pleading guilty to a driving charge.

Broadcaster Paul Holmes says he is missing work but hopes to be discharged from Hawke's Bay Hospital soon.

Broadcaster Paul Holmes remains in hospital today battling the latest of a series of infections following open-heart surgery in June.