Thousands of children turn out to farewell Kashin the elephant, with the zoo keen to replace Kashin within the next 12 months.

The Auckland Regional Health Service warns poisoning is still possible at Auckland beaches, but lifts its warning on people going to the beach.

Much-loved Kashin buried on hillside where she and Burma used to forage.

Auckland Zoo closes for the day as staff grieve the loss of 40-year-old Kashin the Elephant, who died yesterday.

Photos: The life of Kashin, Auckland Zoo's most famous resident

International storm erupts over Herald columnist Brian Rudman's call to "throw another pit bull on the barbie".

A 2-year-old girl became ill five minutes after drinking seawater at Narrow Neck Beach.

Authorities have taken samples from the dog to find out if it is a victim of the toxin found in puffer fish that killed at least one dog on Narrow Neck Beach.

The public are being told to keep children and dogs away from beaches in Auckland's Hauraki Gulf while the source of a mystery toxic poison is investigated.