The number of people arriving permanently or long term in this country exceeded the number of departures by 2500 in January, the highest gain for a January month since 2004.

Air NZ reported its first-half profit almost doubled as fuel costs tumbled and the airline reined in labour costs.

Auckland City Mayor John Banks is telling rugby fans to steer clear of Prime Minister John Key's "party central" on Queens Wharf and party elsewhere in the city.

The idea of building a $300 million toll road through the pristine Hollyford Valley to pave the way for further tourism dollars has resurfaced.

SkyCity Entertainment has announced a 29.6 per cent or $16.2 million rise in its first half after-tax profit to $71.02m.

When you drive through the Awakino Gorge, you notice the sparkling stream down in the bed of the valley.