An Auckland taxi driver who allegedly refused to pick up a wheelchair patient from a hospital rank has been condemned by an industry leader for "appalling behaviour." The Transport Agency has also threatened action.

The prospect of routine imprisonment for drivers who flee from police patrols looms after 16 people died in police pursuits in 2010.

A contractor who used his digger to lift a bus off its trapped driver, and an off-duty nurse may have saved the man's life yesterday.

A young man speeding at 174 km/h because he was 'late for lunch' is one example of some appalling driving in the holiday break.

Drivers appear to be taking more care on the roads over the Christmas period, with police noting a reduction in road crashes this year.

Police have urged motorists travelling north from Wellington to exercise patience in 'extremely heavy' traffic today. Two people have so far been killed on NZ's roads since the official start of the holiday road toll period.

Holidaymakers joining the Christmas exodus from Auckland are being encouraged to check road and traffic conditions before leaving home, to improve chances of safe and relatively hassle-free trips.

Electronic ticket for seamless travel due to debut in March.

Auckland Airport handled 3.8 per cent more passengers in November than a year ago, and airports it has invested in experienced even stronger growth.

The EU criticised airport operators yesterday for failing to deal adequately with the heavy snow and freezing weather.

The handover of Air NZ's first 777-300 aircraft is the biggest development in commercial air travel in 30 years, the airline says.