Latest from Christmas

<i>Inside Money:</i> Stop and shop not

The blurring border between commercial and social has its dangers.

Last minute shopping keeps tills busy

'Unprecedented' need this Christmas

Staff at the Auckland City Mission have been rushed off their feet and will be cooking Christmas dinner for more than 2000 people tomorrow.

Meerkats an early Christmas present

Hamilton Zoo have had an early Christmas present this year - four meerkats from Auckland Zoo.

Bad weather in Europe won't hinder Santa's journey

Pav lovers

It's the most steadfast of Kiwi Christmas traditions. But the pavlova can also be a little tricky to master. Here are some tips from a newly crowned expert.

Plan holiday route, drivers told

Holidaymakers joining the Christmas exodus from Auckland are being encouraged to check road and traffic conditions before leaving home, to improve chances of safe and relatively hassle-free trips.

Generosity of spirit in a rugged land

Dr Marc Shaw, serving in Afghanistan, writes about his experience of a Christmas far from home.

Shoppers go for the baubles

Frustrated shoppers have resorted to fighting over carparks at shopping centres as the deadline for Christmas shopping draws near.

Anybody having fun yet?

Slow your life down and get back to basics during your summer break.

12 days of Christmas: Families of the Pike River 29

For the grieving families of 29 men lost in the Pike River mine, the financial burden is being eased by the generous Kiwi spirit.

1000 fatal crashes, 1 warning

One of NZ's most experienced road policing officers has resigned, saying the job is taking too great a toll on his health.

The great Christmas con

Donna Fleming agonises over the morality of perpetuating the myth of the jolly fat guy in red.

Silly season slowdown 'bad news for firms'

Shoppers keep their wallets zipped

Fine weather for a Kiwi Christmas

Aucklanders will be needing parasols instead of rain umbrellas on Christmas and Boxing Day because long fine spells are forecast.

NZ choir spreads cheer at snowed-in Heathrow

Kiwi kids have spread a little Christmas cheer to those stranded at Heathrow Airport in London.

Spare a thought for Pike River families at Xmas - Mayor