Latest from South America

Under the foreign knife

Expensive dental and cosmetic surgery here is creating a burgeoning industry overseas. While a nip and tuck is cheaper offshore, experts say it might also be riskier.

Crackland: a nation's journey to hell

Thousand of young Brazilians are living a bleak and dangerous life as the number of crack addicts soars.

Sideswipe: July 22: Just the bare facts

The climate dissenter holds his ground

Despite weather extremes, an Auckland climate scientist is unconvinced about the role of human-induced global warming.

Brazil's Noar Airlines air crash kills 16

'It takes nine to tango' in Pacific free trade plan

Soccer: Drama may hold silver lining

There might be another silver lining for some members of the Football Ferns after yesterday's dramatic 2-2 draw with Mexico.

Ash cloud cancels more Jetstar, Qantas flights

Volcanic ash cloud could disrupt flights all week

Flights over New Zealand could be disrupted for days as ash from the Chilean volcanic eruption...

Ash cloud strands 7000 passengers

Paul Thomas: Scandal a hotter topic than boring drugs war

Misbehaving politician part of trivia captivating Washington at expense of more important issues.

Christina Patterson: Sex and feminists' new clothes

Sex is here to stay but sometimes the signals can be baffling, writes Christina Patterson.

Machu Picchu: Breath-taking ascent to wonder

Pamela Wade finds the Inca Trail climb to Machu Picchu adds to the excitement.

The Inca Trail, Peru

A rocky climb to Machu Picchu adds excitement to the exploration of this world wonder, which was discovered in 1911.

Jewel thief suspect arrested

Five in court over jewel heists as hunt for fugitives continues