The carefully refurbished features of this historic villa only add to its appeal, writes Robyn Welsh

Two men will appear in court today charged in connection with trying to rip off Auckland residents.

Police have confirmed that a man attacked at an Auckland motel died of head injuries.

Family of man who died in hospital after attack Auckland motel say they are shocked as post-mortem examination to uncover exact cause of fatal injuries.

Police have named the victim who died in hospital after suffering injuries at a motel in Epsom yesterday, but are still hunting two men over the death.

A homicide investigation has been launched after a man died at Auckland City Hospital this afternoon.

A woman having trouble getting pregnant discovered a surgeon had inserted a contraceptive device in her without her consent.

An organisation that houses Maori and Pasifika students so they are in zone for Auckland Grammar School will run a similar scheme for a nearby girls' school.

Luxurious holidays in the south of France or Rarotonga and an internship in New York are among the prizes on offer at an extravagant school fundraiser.

United Future leader Peter Dunne is confident his "flexi-super" proposal would be advanced in any third term National Government without compromising John Key's promises on superannuation.

Act leader Jamie Whyte says Christine Rankin's entry into the Epsom election contest will have no impact because her Conservative party appeals to simple-minded voters, not educated Epsom voters.

Epsom election candidates faced off at a public debate last night, with one promising to name a convicted sex offender with name suppression under parliamentary privilege.

Epsom once again could be the electorate that decides the election.

What goes through the minds of educational professionals when they see the lengths that property owners will go to remain in a prestigious school zone?

Prime Minister John Key continues to back John Banks as "an honest man" and says he still has "options" despite being found guilty of knowingly filing a false electoral return.

Snobbery and a false rumour that a boundary change would take some homes out of the Auckland Grammar zone and affect property values are believed to be factors in the strong opposition.

Business people are more accustomed to putting sentiment aside for important decisions, writes John Roughan.

Painstakingly and passionately recreated to pay a grand homage to its original 1940s state this Epsom house is a mix of classical tradition and modern living.

John Key's right-hand man made a secret visit to former Act leader Rodney Hide in a desperate search to shore up a coalition partner for the National Party at this year's election.

The tussle to replace John Banks as Act's Epsom candidate is heating up ahead of the party's decision early next month.

Former Act on Campus leader and John Banks staffer David Seymour has changed his mind and will now seek the party's nomination for the key Epsom seat, he has confirmed.

Epsom Girls Grammar is considering a fresh complaint to Auckland Council after a Herald report that brothels are operating in its immediate area.

A group of Epsom and Royal Oak residents have been working themselves into a right old lather over low-flying aircraft, writes Brian Rudman.

One look at the crowd at the Food Show yesterday and it's obvious that cooking is attracting more and more men.