Middle-earth mania, strong marketing campaigns and economic growth are reasons for an increase in tourists from Asia and the Americas, says a new survey.

Middle-aged men appear to be the group most at risk of being killed cycling, and wearing high-visibility clothing is no guarantee of survival.

People wanting to pay less interest and shave years off their mortgages are being advised to buy homes in "hidden-gem" suburbs.

Secret details of the United States-Pacific trade agreement have been leaked showing New Zealand in serious dispute with US negotiators on many issues.

A retired policeman and a chartered accountant are among 55 New Zealanders fleeced for $1.7 million by a Malaysia-based scam.

A new privately-funded search for the missing yacht Nina is taking off this morning - more than five months since the historic yacht left Opua in the Bay of Islands.

In the second part of a Herald investigation, we look at the MPs' property rich list. The top ten MPs, what they own and why a Labour MP didn't declare her trusteeship.

Labour MP Carol Beaumont has been forced to declare her role in administering $900,000 worth of property.

Skiing down the treacherous, avalanche-swept Caroline Face of Aoraki-Mt Cook has become a goal for some of the world's most highly-skilled extreme skiers.

A coroner will hold a series of inquests into forestry workers' deaths with the aim of identifying systemic issues within the country's deadliest industry.

Inspired by "the most famous tabloid photo of the decade", Herald photographer Alan Sayers slipped into a chorister's robes with his camera concealed beneath.

Prime Minister John Key says two of his top ministers would make fine future leaders but he hopes a decision on his successor would be "a long way into the future".

It wasn't until after he had taken the photo for his new book featuring people from 35 tribes from the Siberian Arctic to New Zealand that British photographer Jimmy Nelson realised who Pita Sharples was.

"Do you know why we're called the Moon Travellers?" asks Jude Mackie, handing over a business card which proclaims, "Moon Travellers".

A lack of protein in the modern diet is a cause of overeating and is a big factor in causing obesity, an Australian university study has found.

Peter "Fats" Fatialofa was known for his big smile and happy nature. But you never wanted to get on his wrong side, recalls All Black great and old friend Michael Jones.

Mayor Len Brown will propose a "living wage" of $18.40 for all Auckland Council staff at a council meeting today.

Apart from the occasional verbal inconsistency in declaring where they stand on issues - and English talking too loudly about selling Kiwibank - there have been no visible schisms in the Key-English combination.

Watch the 2013 Critics' Choice Prize Showcase back in full, thanks to Spotify and Vodafone.

Featuring performances and interviews with Paquin, Janine and the Mixtape and Sheep, Dog and Wolf.

Originally streamed live from Auckland's Kings Arms Tavern on November 6th 2013.

The Hallenstein Brothers Critics' Choice Prize is part of the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards.

Embalmer Marissa Deadman admits she is sometimes embarrassed when handing out her business card.

It's three months since Melissa Ray and Tash Vitali got married - and the same-sex couple say gay marriage opponents' predicted social chaos came to nothing.

Panguru pub owner Charlie Dunns recalls life as a boxing champ.

In the latest of our Meet the CEOs series, Adrian Orr, NZ Superannuation Fund chief executive talks to Herald markets reporter Tamsyn Parker.

It would be natural to expect the French to be a tougher side to beat in Paris than they were in New Zealand. They rarely lose Six Nations games in Paris and even if they occasionally lack accuracy at home, they live off emotion and passion and deliver greater intensity.

The All Whites team for the World Cup playoff with Mexico will be named this morning - but getting many of the squad to North America remains a challenge.