A young huntaway that was seized from its owner after becoming badly malnourished has bounced back in the care of a loving Bay of Plenty family.

A Tauranga man working as a cleaner at a local church stole cash and cheques donated by the congregation - cashing at least one cheque after forging the vicar's signature.

He's young, single, cares about the planet ... and he's $27 million richer than he was last week.

Rumours are spreading like wildfire around Tauranga today about the supposed winner of last night's $27 million Big Wednesday jackpot.

The steady life in sales and prices started in the central Auckland suburbs over a year ago and has now spread across the new supercity. But as Bruce Morris reports, it's still tough going out in the provinces.

The provincial towns and cities are well below their 2007 peaks, but there are signs of life south of the Bombays, reports Bruce Morris.