Getting the piquancy just right in an Asian restaurant can be a challenge.

Singer songwriter Caitlin Smith has lived in Grafton for 10 years. She appears on Sunday nights at DeBretts in the city, and is performing in the Waiheke Jazz Festival over Easter. She tells Catherine Smith why she loves her suburb.

A 14-month-old girl has died at the hands of her mother, who was seeking help for substance abuse.

Climbing the walls this school holidays? Get them out climbing real ones instead at supervised walls around the region.

The open-plan interior of this European-style home lends a flow to family life, while smart technology and eco-friendly touches make for efficient living.

An award-winning pizzeria in One Tree Hill is worth travelling to, writes Nici Wickes.

Look closely and be afraid, very afraid, about hair health. That's what trichologist David Salinger does for a living.

An Irish pub ups the ante in Mt Eden with a gastro menu, writes Phoebe Falconer.

Winter is all very exciting really, isn't it? Time to buy new boots, watch excessive amounts of TV and frequent cosy bars.

Local record shops are cranking up the volume this weekend for a day celebrating their continued existence - helped by a new young generation of vinyl junkies. Jacqueline Smith reports.

Auckland's historic Birdcage Tavern has made it back home without incident this afternoon after a two-day trip.

Sara Hughes, who is taking part in The Living Room project in central Auckland, shares some of her favourite things.

Funny man Greg Proops is heading our way soon to "poison everyone with my opinions". He talks to Barney McDonald about the importance of laughter in bad times.

People who are cool will doubtless smile indulgently when I say that Tyler St Garage is almost apocalyptically noisy.

We came here because sometimes you don't want to risk an average brunch somewhere untried. So we decided on a sure thing.