Aucklander's most popular stories 2012

We take a look at the most popular stories on our website for 2012.

Back in January we ran a story about the team at Ardmore's AvSpecs who had been working on the all-wood World War II de Havilland Mosquito FB 26 KA114 for almost eight years. It quickly became our most viewed story.

The second most-viewed story of 2012 was about an Auckland council proposal to raise dog registration fees by as much as one hundred percent. There was a public backlash and the council backed down - fat least for another year.

August saw the third biggest story as we caught up with the guys restoring the de Havilland Mosquito at Ardmore.

The Aucklander published Daniel Baxter's story in November 2011 - Daniel was a young man with terminal cancer. Before he died his best mate Callum wanted to help him fulfill his wish of travelling around New Zealand and eating great food.

Thanks to the generosity of New Zealanders, and even people overseas who followed his story on Facebook, along with CanTeen and Make-a-Wish, Daniel got his wish.

Sadly in March this year, Daniel passed away. Our tribute to him was our fourth most viewed story.

In September thousands of people flocked to Ardmore to see the de Havillard bomber take to the skies.

Reader sent in lots of photos too.

In the number six slot was the live update of wild weather hitting Auckland in December. Three people were killed when the storm, which included a tornado, hit West Auckland.

At number seven was the story of dog owners breaking rules at Kakamatua beach by letting their pets off the leash.

An inside peek into the amazing network of caves running beneath Auckland was our eighth biggest story of the year.

In ninth spot was the story which revealed that Nissans were the model of car most often targeted by thieves.

Finally, rounding out our top ten was the news that up and coming athletics stars from Auckland would get the opportunity to meet athletics legend Usain Bolt.