LifestyleCoping with the countdownOkay, woohoo! We're into the last shopping week before Christmas, but I'm not panicking, I've been pretty well organised this year. Online shopping is a marvellous thing.16 Dec 11:30 PM
New ZealandBook store, NZ Post in blame gameKiwis have been waiting more than a month for overseas parcels containing Christmas presents, as mail authorities here question who is to blame.16 Dec 04:30 PM
RetailTraders busy and shoppers happyKiwis are flocking to the shops to stock up for Christmas, with eftpos spending up on last year. Westfield spokeswoman Deb McGhie said it appeared shopping centres were busier this year than last - though they wouldn't know for sure until next year16 Dec 04:30 PM
New ZealandSanta brings bags of sunshineKiwis will be able to fire up the barbecues and set up the cricket sets this Christmas, with sunny weather forecast for much of the country. WeatherWatch.co.nz has today released its Chrismas Day forecast, which predicts high temperatures and sunshine16 Dec 04:30 PM
New Zealand$10,000 grant will help women dress for successWomen heading back into the workforce after a long break and worried they have nothing to wear to a job interview are getting a boost of confidence from the team at Dress for Success.16 Dec 04:30 PM
OpinionRhys Darby: Poetry and thoughts for the end of the worldThis will be my last column before the end of the world. With that in mind, I've decided to divide this one up into three sections.16 Dec 04:30 PM
New ZealandFamily reunite for Christmas, milestoneSheila Hussona's family set up foil balloons to welcome family flying in from Qatar at the weekend.16 Dec 04:30 PM
LifestyleRecipe: Trifle (but not as we know it)Serves 12. 1 ripe pomegranate. 2 fresh papaya (paw paw), nice and ripe. 9 kiwifruit peeled and thickly sliced. 1 pineapple, cut into 1cm chunks. Trifle sponge, bought or made.15 Dec 04:30 PM
LifestyleRecipe: Strawberries on toastToast slices of day old bread, one side only. The bread needs to be reasonably rustic, eg, a country style loaf. Slice strawberries and pile these on to the untoasted side of the bread. Sift a good amount of icing sugar over the fruit.15 Dec 04:30 PM
LifestyleFresh and fruity Xmas (+recipes)I’m a big fan of Christmas pudding with custard and cream followed by a dish of trifle after Christmas dinner. However, the stomach has its limits! I can almost feel mine groaning at the thought of it.15 Dec 04:30 PM
Interest ratesLoans at 500pc interestChristmas shoppers are being tempted with offers of "interest-free" cash loans before an interest rate in excess of 500 per cent kicks in.15 Dec 04:30 PM
New ZealandA doggy lifesaverMan's best friend has long been a solid companion for many people around the world. But one Kiwi charity is working hard to raise special pups that will act not only as a companion but, in some cases, a lifesaver for dozens of Kiwis with disabilities.14 Dec 04:30 PM
New ZealandGrant gives allergy kits wings to helpIt can be stressful sending your child to school and not knowing if they will be able to avoid the food they are allergic to or if staff know what to do in an emergency.13 Dec 04:30 PM
OpinionTheatre review: Kim Dotcom in MegaChristmasMost of the gags work and Dotcom is great, but MegaChristmas could have done with some editing, writes Paul Simei-Barton.12 Dec 10:25 PM
LifestyleHow to ease the Xmas chaosIt's that time of year again. So much to do. Here's how to keep your cool during the silly season.12 Dec 03:25 AM
LifestyleChristmas is in the airIsaac Sinclair, Ecoya's New Zealand-raised, French-trained, Brazilian-resident perfumer, answers Viva's questions about home fragrance.11 Dec 07:00 PM
LifestyleSmells like ChristmasThe interplay between fragrance and memory prompts powerful emotions. Every season leaves a scent trail, but perhaps none more so than at Christmas.11 Dec 07:00 PM
LifestyleThree of the best Christmas dinnersEating may be cheating a lot of the time during the year, but not at Christmas when it's open season on treats. And let's pretend New Year's Day, with its pesky resolutions, isn't just around the corner.09 Dec 04:30 PM