At Rio's Carnival, collecting as many pecking partners as possible at one of the 650 massive street parties is truly a competitive sport.

A TV news helicopter pilot steered his crippled, out-of-control aircraft away from a busy highway before crashing.

NZ has for the first time designated four international terrorist groups which are not listed by the United Nations, John Key says.

She is the Shirley Temple of samba, a seven-year-old named to a coveted Carnival role normally reserved for barely clad models.

Columnist and TV regular Leigh Hart tackles conspiracy theorists in a new mockumentary series.

Santiago is what Auckland should be, writes Jim Eagles.

Touring jazz guitar master Al Di Meola talks to Graham Reid about the music in his soul.

Western food manufacturers are buying so little sustainable palm oil that the system set up to limit damage to tropical forests caused by the world's cheapest vegetable oil is in danger of collapse.

An extreme sports enthusiast from Austria looks set to break the speed of sound as he attempts the world's highest ever parachute jump.

Queen (mother) of pop Madonna and her Brazilian boy toy lover Jesus Luz are planning to try for a baby, writes Myrddin Gwynedd.

The All Blacks' demolition of France last weekend has set the benchmark for their rivals to follow, says England coach Martin Johnson.