A boisterous front that hammered Wellington with damaging gales today will push up the country but should weaken overnight.

Motorists in lower North Island are being warned to take care as heavy rain and strong wind lash the area this afternoon.

Jetstar is ditching services from Wellington to Queenstown as it focuses on peak-time services between Auckland and Christchurch.

Kiwi travellers are being ripped off by three of the country's major airports due to inflated landing fees charged to airlines, a consumer watchdog says.

Airlines say travellers would enjoy cheaper air fares if Wellington International Airport lowered its landing fees.

Ambulance officers and Fire Service personnel have been criticised for the delay in properly treating a man as he lay dying of a heart attack at Wellington airport.

A huge Weta Workshop sculpture of Hobbit character Gollum has been unveiled at Wellington Airport ahead of the world premiere of the film next month.

Opinions may be divided, but Wellington Airport's so-called Rock terminal continues to rake in accolades.

Air New Zealand has been named the leading airline in Australasia for the third year running.