A swine flu outbreak has struck in Hawke's Bay. Eight patients have been infected, including three who are in intensive care and one who is in a coma.

Schools in poorer communities are shrinking as local families abandon them for those in wealthier suburbs.

What started as a joke between two university mates became a reality when Luke Sinclair and Kendall Bristow spent 100 days walking the length of the country.

Allegations of abusive text messages and bullying behaviour by New Zealand First MP Andrew Williams are part of a campaign by political rivals as the party gains in the polls, Mr Williams' parliamentary colleague Richard Prosser says.

Police expect a supposed Buddhist monk who has been aggressively soliciting donations to leave the country within a week.

It's great news for sun lovers but not so good for farmers - the upper North Island's Indian summer is expected to continue well into next month.

Ribs, burgers and the sound of rock 'n' roll will replace big eye tuna and whole east coast crayfish when a Hard Rock Cafe moves into the Viaduct Harbour location.

TV3's gamble in swapping its traditional late-night news show with Paul Henry has resulted in virtually the same audience numbers.

It's football, but not as you know it. There's grass, there's a ball, but there are also large inflatable bubbles encasing every player.

The owner of the Mr Whippy master franchise says Auckland's frozen dessert market is close to reaching "saturation point".

His farm-registered SUV and makeshift lean-to with rudimentary kitchen shelves has occupied a prime corner of Auckland's waterfront for more than a year.

Our vacuum cleaner is clogged with long orange hair. When you clean it, you get a little orange mat. This is life living with Samantha Hayes, my colleague and friend of almost a decade.

The Internet Party hopes to team up with Hone Harawira and other electorate MPs to spend more than $1 million fighting this year's election - but as they go live this week, few people have heard of them, and nobody knows what they stand for.

One of New Zealand's most expensive homes is at the centre of a million dollar dispute over a construction botch-up.

A wealthy Auckland businessman, granted citizenship against official advice, has yet to start a proposed $70 million property development.

There's nothing romantic or magical these days about buying your first home. In fact, it's difficult not to come away from the process feeling bloodied, cynical, bitter and poorer.

New Zealand aviators searching for the missing Malaysian airliner are expected to be "pumped up ready to go" again this morning after earlier disappointments.

It is World Down Syndrome Day today, so we have taken a look at 10 common myths about Down Syndrome and the facts behind them.

Big-hearted Kiwis have dug deep today and donated more than $16,000 in just a few hours to support a terminally ill breast cancer sufferer battling for more time with her family.

A Hawke's Bay winegrower is picking this year's Chardonnay crop to be the region's best ever vintage.

TED began 30 years ago as a conference about Technology, Entertainment and Design. To celebrate its birthday, we've collected 10 TED Talks you need to see.

Chinese dairy companies are dining out on Prime Minister John Key's visit, with many quickly posting promotional photos of their meeting on websites.

Justin Marshall breaks down the issues with scrums and how the new rules are blunting the attacking capabilities of backlines.

The resting place of legendary All Blacks coach Sir Fred Allen has been defended by the Environment Court, which has cancelled plans for factories next to a cemetery.

There is no doubt that inventive speculations bloom in such conditions, writes Toby Manhire. They might be wild on old-fashioned talkback radio, wilder still in the online forums, but mainstream news platforms have not exactly been immune.

Kelleigh Burkett knows her time with her three gorgeous girls and husband Craig is running out, and she's trying to cram in a lifetime of memories.

A dated kitchen and bathroom, small living areas and a total floor space of just 94sq m - this is what $1.4 million-plus will get you in Ponsonby.