Nearly 2000 new homes - hundreds priced in the affordable range for first-home buyers - are set to be built in Auckland's western fringe.

A Fire Service spokeswoman said when crews arrived at the scene at 7.10pm there was no evidence of fire.

Auckland community upset at lack of details about a convicted child sex offender they have been told is to be released into their neighbourhood.

A Herald poll has found readers are overwhelmingly in support of a West Auckland Nando's restaurant for not letting people bring their own food to eat there.

A mother says she will no longer go to a West Auckland restaurant after claiming she was told off by staff for bringing in food from a different takeaway outlet.

The West Auckland woman could face as long as 20 years in jail.

An 8-year-old boy kicked and screamed as he fought off a stranger's tight grip on his wrist in an attempted daylight abduction.

The 13 year-old girl suffered scratches to her face and arm and a sore neck during the incident in West Auckland yesterday.

The North Western Motorway will be closed from 10pm tonight while NZTA carry out highway improvement work.

Two people were taken to hospital in a critical condition after a crash on Swanson Road in West Auckland early this morning.

The school under fire for bribing its kids with takeaways says it never served fried chicken - only pizza.

Trial for the man accused of murdering Connor Morris will begin a year to the day 26-year-old died.

Auckland Transport is warning passengers of potential bedding-in glitches after it replaces diesel trains this morning with electrics.

A nutritionist has dubbed a 3km stretch of road featuring more than 30 fast-food options "Heart Attack Alley".

A woman whose house was smashed by a suspected stolen vehicle is thankful her baby daughter wasn't hurt.

Police say the incident escalated rapidly with a variety of weapons - including bats, a machete and a rifle - being used.

The house was listed on Trade Me last week at a fee of about $500 - but despite rampant demand for Auckland real estate, the property had just two inquiries.

A boy accused of murder was retreating and trying to defend himself when he stabbed a West Auckland shopkeeper to death, his lawyer says.

Police will not lay charges over an incident in which terrified West Auckland school kids jumped from a moving bus whose driver allegedly refused to let them off.

Campaigners want Auckland Transport to grant rail services from Swanson to Waitakere a stay of execution.

The agent says the price demonstrates the fierce competition among investors and developers for properties with subdividable sections.

A spokeswoman said yesterday police had taken a statement from the driver, and would speak to him again before making a decision.

Bus company chief defends driver and blames "stupid bloody kids" for opening back door while bus was moving.

A former West Auckland principal found to be storing thousands of pornographic images has been sentenced to 16 months in jail.

"Love Hendo" is the theme of two murals being unveiled today on the walls of the Waitakere Community Resource Centre in Henderson.

Police say a pupil believed snatched from outside an Auckland school last week was not at the centre of an abduction but travelling home with his father.

A West Auckland school community has been put on alert after a child was taken in a stranger's car this week.

Police are at the scene of a crash in West Auckland where a person has been thrown from their vehicle.