There is still 18 months to go - but sharp homeowners are already queuing up to rent out their properties during the Rugby World Cup.

The parore, or black snapper, is common in many fish-and-chip shops - although customers would never know.

A man who lived in a state house while he rented out two properties of his own has been sentenced for defrauding the taxpayer.

Ngati Whatua has given up part of its land at Bastion Point for homeless people to grow vegetables for the City Mission's foodbank.

Mounting debts of more than $2.7 million have forced hospitality heavyweight David Williams and his wife and business partner Harbans to put five of their companies into liquidation.

A man is facing allegations he lived off the taxpayer in state housing while he was a landlord owning two properties.