The family of young mother Jackie Allister is dumbfounded at her murder.

Authorities say a string of brazen and violent bank robberies in Auckland are probably linked, after a shotgun-wielding bank robber wished a terrified customer a Merry Christmas before taking off with about $100,000 cash.

Police were this afternoon continuing inquiries into events leading to the deaths of a man and a woman overnight after a reported domestic incident.

A 55-year-old woman had just beaten the cancer she had battled for 10 years when a teen, nearly five times over the youth drink driving limit, crossed the centre line and smashed into her car. He was jailed today.

The 13-year-old killed when he drove into a fence had been hidden by his family after running away from a caregiver.

Driver error may have resulted in the death of a 13-year-old driver in south Auckland this morning, say police.

Phil Goff has made it clear that it is not up to MP George Hawkins to decide who will replace him in his Manurewa seat.

MP George Hawkins is threatening to force a byelection if the party selects a replacement Manurewa candidate he dislikes.

Teenagers in South Auckland are being sent to work as prostitutes by their parents to pay for drugs, says a councillor.