A line of congestion 10km long north of Auckland and delays of up to 90 minutes elsewhere have hit NZ highways as traffic continues to build.

The Prime Minister believes most New Zealanders would support mining on conservation land if the Government can prove it will benefit the country.

John Roughan writes that the Coromandel peninsula's beauty is not exceptional and doesn't warrant particular protection.

Environmental concerns versus a shrinking job market have left Thames locals split on the Govt's plan to open more Coromandel land to mining.

Some Great Barrier locals say mining will destroy the island's "fragile" environment, while others say the jobs created will be a blessing.

John Key says the public will have to wait for a discussion paper to be released to find out what conservation land may be mined and how.

In the end it was the bronze whaler that came off worse during a terrifying man-versus-shark encounter near Whitianga this week.

Rain eased in Gisborne overnight and surrounding roads reopened after flooding and slips caused evacuations.

Cliff Robinson has invested a lifetime raising his disabled son and daughter and is fighting the Government to lighten his load.

Helen van Berkel tackles the Pinnacles walk and discovers astounding scenery - when she works up the courage to open her eyes.

Anne Gibson looks at the homes of some of NZ's richest people.