Aucklanders turned out in their thousands today to catch a glimpse of glamour royal couple the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. As the royal couple arrived at the Viaduct Basin, a few heavy showers of rain poured down on the thousands of people lining the dockside. Some were resplendent in Union Jack coloured clothing and others wore Williams and Catherine face masks.
Vodafone first sent 70-year-old Ria on the roller coaster ride for the first time and filmed her reaction. Courtesy Vodafone Firsts/YouTube.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were guests of Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae and his wife Lady Janine at the reception for 200, Prince William got a laugh or two with his speech and gave a few insights into his young son's sleeping habits at the state reception at Government House. Courtesy GovernorGeneralNZ/YouTube.
The royal couple were greeted with a rockstar reception as the small town of Blenheim turned red, white, and blue to welcome the famous regal visitors today. Up to 5000 people queued five-deep, waved Union Jacks and raised smartphones and tablets to get a glimpse of the famous pair. There was a real sense of community, like an upbeat version of Anzac Day. Some royal commentators remarked it was the biggest turnout for a royal visit by a provincial centre since Charles and Diana.
The royal couple arrived at Seymour Square, Blenheim and met 10 veterans and paid their respects to the fallen World War one soldiers. Children hoping to see the glamorous pair sat on top of their parents' shoulders, while other people chose to take a perch in some of the larger trees around the square.The royal couple have been given a personal tour of the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre's collection of vintage planes by Sir Peter Jackson.
A little girl does a twirl for the Duchess in Blenheim. Courtesy of YouTube/GovernorGeneralNZ
A snapshot of Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George at the Plunket play group at Government House. Courtesy GovernorGeneralNZ/YouTube
Prime Minister John Key answers questions about the royal visit and his planned engagements with the royals throughout their New Zealand tour.
Crowds hoping to catch a glimpse of the Prince William and his family gathered on Wellington's Oriental parade. Following the passing of the Royal motorcade, they were surprised by how quickly they passed. Foul weather didn't put off the royal-watchers, many of whom were waving Union Jack flags.
A snapshot of the official welcoming ceremony at Government House for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Courtesy GovernorGeneralNZ/YouTube.
This crazy team-building walk aims to raise $1 million by June (it's about two-thirds of the way there). It's billed as a life-changing, team-building, foot-slogging, friendship-forming, group-hugging experience as sponsored teams of four are challenged to walk 100km together in less than 36 hours to help save and improve lives. Donate to a team or follow their progress.
New Zealand officials organising next week's royal visit have rejected reports by British media that publicity for events during the tour gives a "manual for terrorists, nutters and fixated people hoping to harm them". The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their 8-month-old son Prince George will spend 10 days in New Zealand from Monday.
The birth rate in Denmark is at a 27-year low. This advert from Danish Travel agency Spies wants the Danish People to solve their population crisis... in the old fashioned way. And it's also a competition for the locals to win. Courtesy Spies Rejser
British broadcaster Emma Freud made the off-colour joke on a recent podcast with Giovanna Fletcher. Video/Giovanna Fletcher
Vivienne Westwood makes a splash in a new PETA campaign video.
What do Beyoncé, Condoleezza Rice & Jane Lynch have in common? They've committed to ban the word bossy. Watch this Lifetime PSA to hear why.
Pasifika producer Stan Wolfgramm has helped in continuing the festivals success, with the inclusion of a Hawaiian contingent as a highlight this year. Also making a new appearance was the presence of a twin hulled vaka accompanied by historic stories of the seafaring people.
Josh Emett has revealed a new menu at his downtown Auckland eatery, City Terrace, on the Tyler Street side of Ostro. Learn more about it here from the handsome chef himself.
Research conducted with State Insurance revealed two out of 25 popular dog harnesses safely restrain pets in collisions; but only one is available to pre-order in New Zealand. State tested a range of dog harnesses at its Research Centre and found 23 out of 25 failed to adequately restrain life-sized and correctly-weighted dog dummies in simulated impacts.
Pride's 40 floats took to their natural home - Ponsonby Road - on Saturday night. The street closed for partying from 4pm until 10pm and parade kicked off at 7pm. The theme this year is Time - the magic hour of twilight, when things change, time to remember, time to shine brightly.
Naked, sweating, crying, legs in stirrups, going through the most physically demanding experience of a woman's life - would you want that captured on film? Photographer and mother-of-three, Keri-Anne Dilworth thinks so, and says there's an emerging number of New Zealanders who agree.
A wonderful timelapse video that was produced from the Auckland Lantern Festival by artist Joe Michael.
Adorable goats having fun with a sheet of flexible metal. Courtesy: YouTube/Max Murs
More than 800 lanterns have lit up Auckland's Albert Park for the annual Lantern Festival this weekend. Video / Bradley Ambrose
Splore Festival Director tells Hugh Sundae that in the competitive festival market, they're considering making the biannual festival annual.
Splore coverage thanks to Tiger Beer.
Emma Allen creates an “animated self-portrait” exploring some pretty amazing ideas. She painted it using stop frame animation over the course of 5 days using make-up and face paint. Credit: Emma Allen, emmaallen.org Twitter: @imakefings Vimeo: vimeo.com/72670988
Look closely at this Canadian advertisement for the Peoples Jewellers, this "Balloons Proposal" looks a lot like Auckland in New Zealand, Albert and Victoria parks are covered in 'snow' and the Sky Tower seems to have disappeared.
They came by the thousands in body paint, drag costumes and even rainbow-coloured onesies to celebrate their sexuality at New Zealand's largest gay pride event.
This 2012 BERNAS commercial will move you to tears; the year of the horse begins with a Lunar New Year’s Eve dinner, which is often regarded as the most important dinner for Chinese families, it's customary for children to travel home to kick off the Lunar New Year with family.
Fans of local double Grammy-winning artist Lorde give their opinion on her concert at Auckland's Silo Park.
Originally on the lineup for the Laneway Festival last Monday, a make-up show was arranged after the singer was booked to perform at the Grammys.
Louise Thompson share her top digital detox challenges.
Watch the moment as an actress accepts real-life marriage proposal from Peter Pan during the performance. Sandor Sturbl stunned the audience and his girlfriend as he popped the question to Scots co-star Lilly-Jane Young as they performed at the Hydro in Glasgow. Video supplied by Music Hall Productions.
How do you prepare for your very first Vogue cover shoot? In this short flick directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman, Lena Dunham gets a lesson from Hamish Bowles, with a special assist from supermodels past and present. Vogue / YouTube