Auckland people are being warned to allow extra travel time around the city today because of big sporting events.

Nine sets of traffic lights in 1km - it's enough to drive motorists around the bend.

The Waioeka Gorge between Opotiki and Gisborne has been officially reopened to traffic.

The blood-alcohol limit for drivers should be lowered to prevent more unnecessary road deaths, says one of New Zealand's most experienced police officers.

The mystery Jeep at the centre of the murder of George Taiaroa was seen partly parked off a rural road moments before the road worker was gunned down nearby.

Kiwi motorists have adjusted to higher fuel prices and are getting back behind the wheel, statistics show.

Aucklanders are being warned to expect all-day traffic congestion - even if enough money can be raised for pressure-relieving transport schemes.

Kiwis like their cars. That's why no amount of investment in bikes, buses and trains will fix Auckland's congestion - gridlock that costs the economy $1.25 billion a year.

Snarled-up Auckland roads are costing the country $1.25 billion a year, new Government-commissioned research reveals.

The Government really must be strapped for money, Brian Rudman. It's so short that to scrape in an extra $17 million or so of petty cash it's willing to break an election pledge and upset a group of core supporters.

After last week's chaos, it's clear we need dedicated and vigilantly policed bus lanes to keep city moving.

There is more traffic chaos on Auckland's roads as thousands flock to today's Pasifika Festival and the Kumeu Show.

Auckland's worst traffic gridlock for years was caused by an extra squeeze of pressure on a stretched transport network - and it is not over yet.

Frustrated commuters are calling for a change in retail working hours after a motorway crash caused gridlock across Auckland.

Motorists heading out of the city are being urged to be patient following a four-car crash on Auckland's northern motorway.

Massive earthworks sprawling across parkland through two Auckland suburbs are a prelude to the country's largest transport project - the 4.8km Waterview connection.

Holidaymakers driving home have been urged by police to "take it easy'' on the roads and plan the return journey to ensure they get home in one piece.