Auckland bus drivers turned their backs on a $500 sweetener from the region's public transport agency when they rejected a new pay offer.

An 11.5pc pay rise over three years, which was rejected by NZ Bus drivers and cleaners today, was recommended by its unions as "the best deal we could get".

Disappointed bus drivers and cleaners stormed out of a meeting after being presented with NZ Bus's revised pay offer today.

Air New Zealand says the decision to opt for Airbus A320s to replace its domestic jet fleet came down to the wire.

Drivers and cleaners will decide between 9.30am and 2pm tomorrow whether to accept NZ Bus's pay offer.

Police reported high compliance with the new hand-held cellphone ban after its introduction yesterday.

Delivery delays for the 787 Dreamliner have stretched at least another six months for Air New Zealand.

Holding your cellphone while driving is now banned - but debate is still raging over whether the new law will reduce the accident rate.

Labour MP Trevor Mallard has given police a statement about an altercation with a car passenger who allegedly swung a bag at him while he was riding his bike.

The unions will recommend that bus drivers and cleaners accept a pay-rise offer when they meet next Wednesday.

Auckland International Airport, the country's major gateway to the world, has kept its earnings guidance amid small gains in total passenger volumes in the last quarter.

Cellphone use may not affect drivers' insurance claims in the case of an accident, but employers are taking a hard line.

New Zealanders are choosing hands-free options to keep talking while driving as a ban on cellphone use nears.

Police will be using their discretion as motorists adjust to the pending law that bans use of handheld cellphones while driving.

Jetstar warns it could have to push up fares if it is hit with New Zealand safety levies it says it already pays in Australia.