Thousands of young New Zealanders face serious challenges in their lives. Ten per cent of them are obese, and nearly a quarter overweight.

Clearly, those who enjoy what Auckland has to offer in the arts - and 91 per cent of Aucklanders say they attend at least one event a year - are spoiled for choice.

Today, nobody is greatly surprised 10,000 offer to pay personally for a public beach all thanks to the new internet phenomenon of "Crowdfunding."

The Salvation Army's annual stocktake on New Zealand's social health has earned high credibility. It owes this to its recognition of progress as well as problems.

When Ryan Turney's mother, Gerardine, learned her son had been told he could not stay at a Blenheim backpackers she hit the roof.

To demand "savings" from the country's district health boards is good economics but brave politics.

It is too easy to panic politicians in election year, particularly in local body elections where the turnouts are usually low.

Threats to tear up Trans-Pacific Partnership have damaging implications for our trade.

Herald on Sunday has found primary school children do only 15 minutes a night on average and the experts seem happy with that.

By happy coincidence, today is not only the "Mondayised" holiday for Waitangi Day, but also New Year's Day on the Chinese calendar.

Worksafe will need to show its approach to farm safety is reducing workplace casualties or farmers could find themselves being held to account in the courts.

The fallout from the Iowa contest in the United States presidential race was swift.

Looking back, it is hard to recall a greater diplomatic achievement than the comprehensive trade and investment agreement that will be signed by representatives of 12 countries in Auckland today.

Free tertiary education is a daring reversal of the thrust of educational and economic policy of the past 30 years.

Last year Labour unified itself. This year, it will be rolling out its headline-grabbing policies, writes Rachel Smalley.

Auckland reaches its 176th anniversary. The city has to fit many more people in and the plan needs to ensure it is done well.

The Prime Minister's reading of the politics of the issue is an implicit tribute to the effort of the departing mayor, Len Brown, as it was three years ago.

New Zealanders often appear unable or even unwilling to repay their debts, especially those owed to the state or city hall.

If we want an inclusive city that can accommodate the next generation of New Zealanders, tough calls will need to be made.

New Zealanders have just a week left to voice their opinions on voluntary euthanasia and whether it should be considered under law.

For almost two decades, the Sky Tower has dominated the Auckland skyline.

Paying state tenants to leave Auckland is first sign Govt is thinking outside the square.

Bringing Iran back from the cold has implications for New Zealand. With restrictions lifted, exporters should expect demand to rebound.

Not for the first time in her political career, Corrections Minister Judith Collins finds herself in hot water.

When the weather is kind, the Hauraki Gulf teems with runabouts filled with fishers hoping for a catch.

One of the joys of sport is the unpredictable nature of competition - the underdog beating the odds to record a famous win, or the favourite inexplicably falling short with victory in sight.

As far as scoops go, Sean Penn's interview with the fugitive Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman was sensational.

Critics worry Auckland Council's shortlist of designs do not reflect brief for quiet, passive and contemplative area in the Domain.