Submissions from the Tamaki Community Board and Tamaki residents, ratepayers and community groups have successfully persuaded the Local Government Commission to form two separate, single-member, Auckland Council wards from the originally proposed two-member Orakei-Maungakiekie ward.

Wellington, March 13 NZPA - A gusting southerly which destroyed property, left commuters stranded and cut power to Wellington residents last night has moved north but fresh gales are expected in the lower South Island from today.

A planned review of the free off-peak public transport component of the SuperGold Card has moved into its second phase with targeted consultation getting underway.

Wellington, March 12 NZPA - Updated Super 14 rugby teams for fifth round matches this weekend (NZ times):-

FRIDAY

Chiefs v Crusaders, Hamilton, 7.35pm

Wellington, March 13 NZPA - Hells Angels gang members who arrived in Nelson yesterday amidst threats from local skinheads had a quiet night but police will keep an eye on them during a bike rally today.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Wellington, March 13 NZPA - New Zealand cricket wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum will eventually give up the gloves to focus on batting -- it's just a matter of when.

Igor Galas wins Life Pharmacy first place and Mittelmoda prize

Te Puru Stream Bridge on State Highway 25, approximately 11 km north of Thames, is temporarily restricted to vehicles less than 3.5 metres wide.

Vehicles 3.5 metres wide or larger will need to take an alternative route.

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Limited (NZSX:FPH, ASX:FPH) announced today that it has introduced into Australia and New Zealand its new ICON continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Each year the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas is the center of electronics world as the latest electronic toys are rolled out. For years the Adult Entertainment Expo (AEE) has been held at the same time and with the introduction the world’s first sex robot doll - the two events overlapped more than ever.

A $9.3 million facility will be officially opened this morning (Saturday 13 March) by His Worship the Mayor of North Shore City Andrew Williams.

Wellington, March 13 NZPA - An animal rights group is offering a reward for information on two dogs that were slaughtered and dumped in a Canterbury sewage water reservoir.

Auckland, March 13 NZPA - Trans-Tasman rower Shaun Quincey is expected to complete his epic journey tomorrow, after fears that he might be swept past the top of the North Island abated overnight.

Wellington, March 12 NZPA - High winds blew over trees and power lines, and swamped emergency services in Wellington and Kaikoura as atrocious weather shunted up the east coast this afternoon.

Harry Connick, Jr. one of the today's most versatile and accomplished entertainers - pianist, singer, composer and bandleader - brings his many musical talents to New Zealand this weekend

Connick will play Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch with his exceptional touring band.

It appears that the days of open entry to university and tertiary study in New Zealand are numbered.

Birkenhead residents Chris and Tina Broadbent, and their two small children, have been caught up in a Moroccan religious crack-down which has seen them interrogated and now forced to leave the country. 

Lady Gaga returns to New Zealand in March 2010 for a much-demanded headline tour.

The New Zealand tour will feature a spectacular new arena production and full band, and follows her high-octane performance with The Pussycat Dolls in Auckland earlier this year,

Wellington, March 12 - Police are treating a report of an attempted rape at a Lower Hutt railway station this morning as a false complaint.

France will take a step closer to a first RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam since 2004 with victory over Italy at the Stade de France on Sunday and would consolidate their fourth place position in the IRB World Rankings.