Latest fromWest Auckland

Christchurch earthquake: The search for life in The Void
Specialised search teams tunnel through the darkness to find survivors of the quake.

<i>The Refreshment Room</i>, Titirangi
Gorgeous views and simply delicious Italian fare are getting tongues wagging in the Waitakeres.

Ex-Labour MP Carter gives vote to Greens
Te Atatu MP Chris Carter has struck a deal with the Greens that will see them cast his proxy vote when he is not at Parliament.

Swinging into action on Auckland's fairways
For a day of fresh air and fun, golf can't be beat. Graham Hepburn visits Auckland's courses.

Streamlined waste disposal for Super City
Aucklanders could be penalised for not recycling as part of a move to streamline how the city's waste is collected.

Natural Dairy pressing ahead with milk export plans
The Chinese company that sparked a fierce national debate last year about foreign investment in farming is ploughing ahead with plans to export millions of cartons of UHT milk from New Zealand to China.

<i>Gill South</i>: Keeping on top of skin cancer
Gill South gets her moles checked by an Auckland expert dedicated to the cause.

Setting the wheels in motion
Exercise, fresh air and new perspectives await those who venture on to Auckland's off-road cycleways, writes Kirsten Warner.

Harvey hits back at 'party central' criticism
The Rugby World Cup "party central" will be "a destination second to none" and will be ready in time for the event, Auckland Waterfront Development Agency chairman Bob Harvey says.

Five of the best: Day trips and activities for kids
Awhitu Lighthouse, on a beautiful peninsula on the south-western shores of the Manukau Harbour, has remarkable views of the coast.

Govt questioned over abuse case
A primary teachers' union hopes an inquiry into a serious case of child abuse will reveal the Govt's role in its handling. The Govt received two letters about the girl, including one months before the girl was discovered by police with huge

Abused girl's mother sought help from PM
The mother who has been accused of "horrific" abuse against her 9-year-old daughter wrote to the Prime Minister last year seeking help, it has been revealed.

Govt launches serious abuse inquiry
A CYF report into the care received by a girl who suffered "horrific" abuse at the hands of her parents has found no single glaring failure by any of the 12 state agencies involved. An independent inquiry has now been launched.