1 day away from springs arrival. Already the signs of spring are showing everywhere.

Influenza H1N1 activity is continuing across the country, with variable rates of infection according to geographic region. Hawke’s Bay has been experiencing the highest rates of influenza-like illness, with many people visiting their GP. Recent information suggests that some regions may be starting to see a decline in influenza activity, especially in the North Island [...]

Three people are being questioned by police after the armed offenders squad surrounded a house on Auckland’s North Shore following reports of a gunshot being fired this morning. The AOS cordoned off the property in Glenfield Road in suburban Glenfield after neighbours heard a shot around 11.15am. Police advised residents to remain in doors while [...]

North Harbour scored 26 unanswered second-half points to claim a remarkable 35-23 victory over Otago in Albany on Thursday. Ahead 23-9 at the break, Otago were kept scoreless in the second forty as they self-destructed. Poor discipline saw them end up on the wrong side of a 15-5 penalty count from referee Bryce Lawrence. Both [...]

One of Auckland’s oldest hotels is about to take a hike up a hill as engineers excavate the new Victoria Park tunnel as part of motorway extensions through the city. The Birdcage, built in 1885 as The Rob Roy Hotel, will be jacked up, put on concrete beams at the end of the month and [...]

As at 8am this morning, there have been 454 hospitalisations of lab-confirmed pandemic influenza H1N1 this year to date in New Zealand, including 14 people currently in intensive care with confirmed H1N1. There have been a total of 67 admissions of confirmed H1N1 to intensive care so far this year. These figures do not include [...]

The country’s largest independent research organisation, Cawthron Institute, has called scientists and researchers from all over New Zealand together to develop strategies for on-going research into the discovery of the deadly tetrodotoxin in Auckland. Three dogs died after eating slugs infected with the puffer fish toxin at Narrow Neck and Cheltenham beaches, this time last [...]

Auckland fans will get a chance to watch the All Whites in one of their international soccer matches in October. New Zealand Football chief executive Michael Glading confirmed the All Whites will play Honduras on October 9 at North Harbour Stadium, three days before they play Paraguay at Wellington Stadium. Glading said it was tough [...]

Yes it is market time again! This months market is on Saturday the 21st and it looks set to be a real cracker. We have two fund raisers, firstly the Beach Haven and Birkdale Anglican Church will be there as per usual with their yummy samosas and secondly, young Emma will be selling cupcakes on [...]

Toxic sea slugs which killed two dogs on North Shore beaches last winter have been spotted on a beach on the south side of Waitemata Harbour for the first time. The sea slugs, which are known to contain the tetrodotoxin poison, were found yesterday at Kohimarama Beach, about 8km east of downtown Auckland. The slugs [...]