A message in a bottle discovered floating on a beach 76 years after it was thrown into the ocean has led to more discoveries.

As we head for the beach this summer, thousands of us will visit historic areas, regional parks, islands, the coastlines and reserves of our "winterless north".

Historians are rubbishing claims by a Maori leader of an academic conspiracy around who the first people were to populate New Zealand.

The world's only flying De Havilland Mosquito proved to be a huge drawcard yesterday for hundreds of aviation enthusiasts who crowded the tarmac outside Classic Flyers to welcome an aircraft making its first and last visit to Tauranga.

It's the end of the world tomorrow, according to the Mayan calendar. Vicky Hyde, spokeswoman for the NZ Skeptics Society ponders what it all means and what she'd take to the bunker.

A colonial scrapbook and journal assembled by an officer who was at critical battles in New Zealand's early history go under the hammer next week.

Sol Te Whata, 95 today, reckons his uncle's blessing before he left for World War II was one of the things that brought him home safely.

Sir Peter Snell says he is honoured by the high esteem in which he is held despite comments which led to suggestions he is resentful over his treatment by some in this country.

Russian women carry supplies to Stalingard defenders after a German air raid on the city.

A 150-year-old mansion hidden on a remote island and linked to Governor Sir George Grey is all yours for a little under $2 million.

Health and safety officials encourage us to enjoy Guy Fawkes Night at professionally run public fireworks extravaganzas - but back in 1968 the streets crackled with dangerous fun.

Fear that expansion of three of city's oldest mosques will also destroy key historic sites.

Aucklanders could be forgiven for not understanding why so many Glen Innes residents are hotly opposed to the promised "redevelopment" of their suburb, writes John Minto.