Latest fromSouth America
Preteen as Carnival queen stirs Rio controversy
She is the Shirley Temple of samba, a seven-year-old named to a coveted Carnival role normally reserved for barely clad models.
Local man of mystery
Columnist and TV regular Leigh Hart tackles conspiracy theorists in a new mockumentary series.
Chile: Strolling through a city of colour
Santiago is what Auckland should be, writes Jim Eagles.
Latin can't die - it's the language of love
Touring jazz guitar master Al Di Meola talks to Graham Reid about the music in his soul.
Campaign to save tropical forests failed by food giants
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.
Extreme sports jump set to break the speed of sound
An extreme sports enthusiast from Austria looks set to break the speed of sound as he attempts the world's highest ever parachute jump.
Madonna 'desperate for a baby Jesus'
Queen (mother) of pop Madonna and her Brazilian boy toy lover Jesus Luz are planning to try for a baby, writes Myrddin Gwynedd.
Michael Buble gets engaged
Michael Buble is getting married to his girlfriend Luisiana Loreley Lopilato de la Torre, it has been revealed.
All Blacks: France crushing raises bar, says Johnson
The All Blacks' demolition of France last weekend has set the benchmark for their rivals to follow, says England coach Martin Johnson.
Galapagos Islands: Where the wild things are
Jim Eagles gets up close and personal with the incredible array of fauna on the isolated Galapagos Islands.
Galapagos Islands: Showing no fear
In the Galapagos you can walk as close as you like to the local sea lions and they simply don't react.