More than 42,000 people were shot dead in Brazil in one year, according to figures that show the highest level of gun killings in 35 years.

The man who allegedly fled the country on a false passport, sparking an international manhunt, will try to move the case to the High Court next month.

During a trip up the Amazon, John Borthwick discovers people and wildlife largely untouched by civilisation.

Dealing with Brazilian real estate companies and literally testing the waters are among steps being taken by Rowing New Zealand to achieve their Olympic ambitions next year in Rio de Janeiro.

In the very heartland of football, Premiership Rugby and the British Council are introducing the oval-ball game.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully said Brazil had had a "very measured response" to news reports that New Zealand spied on its campaign to get Brazilian diplomat Roberto Azevedo elected.

Tens of thousands took advantage of the sun during another event-filled Auckland weekend.

A Brazilian woman who helped identify escaped murderer Phillip John Smith will visit New Zealand after a local man offered to pay for her holiday.

The Department of Corrections underestimated Phillip Smith when they planned his temporary release from prison, an inquiry has found.

The Government has confirmed the terms of reference for an independent inquiry into the escape of convicted killer Phillip Smith.

A week after Phillip John Smith's arrest in Rio de Janeiro, there's still no firm indication of when he will be back in New Zealand.

Captured killer Phillip John Smith has confirmed he received help in renewing the passport he used to flee the country.

Phillip John Smith will voluntarily return to NZ to escape harsh conditions in the Brazilian jail system, says his lawyer.

A Nelson lawyer wants to gift a New Zealand holiday to the person who tipped off Brazilian authorities to escaped murderer Phillip John Smith's whereabouts.

Phillip Smith tried to extort $25,000 from a man who later killed himself, court documents reveal.

Phillip Smith's half-sister Joanne is focused on looking after her children after the "bombshell" news of the convicted killer's escape and recapture.

Phillip Smith has moved jails in Brazil, as IRD confirmed he'd managed to defraud the taxpayer of $50k while behind bars.

The prison where Phillip Smith is being held was two years ago condemned by the UN as it packed in 30 inmates to a cell, was infested with roaches and was leaking.

The man who was molested by Phillip Smith as a child, and who watched Smith murder his father, says he can now carry on with his life "without having that fear over my shoulders".

Brazil has been trying to combat the country's image as a haven for fugitives seeking anonymity and refuge from the law for a number of years.

The man who was abused by escaped fugitive Phillip John Smith says he is disappointed with Corrections at not having done their job properly.

The sister of Phillip Smith's murder victim says the escaped prisoner's plan to make a public statement this week stems from wanting a "day of glory".

Snowmen in Brazil? Diana Clement checks it out.