When a mutual friend introduced Lucian Freud to Francis Bacon it seeded a competitive friendship between the two titans of 20th century figurative art, who made each other a favoured subject.

Today's special edition honours Kiwi greats and celebrates memories good and bad since Herald first published in 1863.

It has only been four months but I have fallen hard for Auckland.

The menacing silhouette of this armed strike-breaker is hardly an image that exudes warmth or attracts support, writes Brian Rudman. Put him back by all means, but in the interests of historical balance, why not an equally menacing wharfie?

He became the first New Zealander to be convicted for art forgery, but Carl Goldie's family don't think he minded too much.

British street art superstar Banksy says police have prevented him from creating a new piece of art in New York as promised on each day of the month.

Take a look at some of the acts that will be performing at the 2014 NZ Festival.

The Esplanade, a new free circular park-like landscaped walk in the grounds of Auckland International Airport, will be officially opened at midday today.

A young amateur Kiwi photographer's holiday project has produced haunting images of Los Angeles street people.