Central Leader

Fire crew's gear gone

Laptops, mobile phones and cash are among items missing after the Avondale fire station was hit by thieves on Sunday.

Simon says have a go in global music contest

A talented Avondale man is doing his part to change the world through music.

Referendum to fight sales

Those keen to halt asset sales will be given a voice if Mt Roskill MP Phil Goff succeeds in petitioning for a citizens-initiated referendum on the issue.

Bank on help from budgeting expert

Back to school costs and the myriad of other bills due in February can make it a tough time for many families but planning ahead will help ease the burden, money coach Doug White says.

Family tree search made easier

Tracing family history in Puketapapa will become a lot easier thanks to an ambitious project being undertaken by the areas's fledgling historical society.

Strangers harass family

Suspicious people lurking around their property and frequent attempted home invasions over five months have left a young Indian couple afraid to answer their door.

Ukulele band funfest at Q

The sell-out Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra will kick off its New Zealand summer tour with two concerts at the newly opened Q Theatre next week.

Runners are heroes for kids like Hannah

It's hard to believe little Hannah Lacey can still raise a smile when you consider all she's gone through in her short life.

Fed up with brothels

Youth leaders sick of prostitution and the problems it brings to their community are saying enough is enough.

Clampdown on sex in park

It's likely trees will be thinned and a walkway re-routed in an effort to deter sexual activity reported in Gribblehirst Park.

Cyclists overcome diabetes

A unique team of cyclists is proving diabetes doesn't have to hold you back from sport.

One step at a time for new playground

The Ports of Auckland Round the Bays event is more than just a fun day out for Pam Tregonning.

Knife pointed at retailer

The operator of a Blockhouse Bay dairy has spoken of a knife being thrust at him during an aggravated robbery on Auckland Anniversary Day.

Gardening heroes

Pruners of all kinds will open their garden patches to the public during the Heroic Gardens Festival this month.

Revved up for car show

When Mark Thompson decided to buy a sports car he went for something as individual as possible.

Music scene farewells Yandall sister

A who's who of the entertainment scene will gather in Auckland on Friday to farewell one of its own.

On the Run

Reporter Lisa Honeybone thinks the impending Round the Bays run is the perfect excuse to get in shape and step out for a great cause. Follow her progress here...

Want to meet Jersey Boys?

Jersey Boys, one of the world's biggest theatre sensations, is coming to Auckland in April and we're giving you the chance to see it for free.

Fired up for a cause

A firefighter who overcame cancer and was voted one of New Zealand's sexiest men is putting his talents to good use to raise awareness about the disease.

Young explorer sets off

The chance to travel to the Amazon with a Swiss explorer was too good to pass up for Kiwi George Legget.

Make a wish come true

Kiwi kids are encouraged to Try for a Wish at this year's Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids Tryathlon and raise money for children living with life-threatening medical conditions.

Factory will be rebuilt

The owner of a textiles factory partially destroyed by an accidental blaze says no jobs will be lost in the wake of the disaster.

Neighbourhood teen faces multiple charges after attack

A 17-year-old Mt Roskill boy has been arrested over the attack on a 27-year-old woman in the grounds of Mt Roskill Intermediate.

Latin sounds liven up park

Onehunga's Jellicoe Park will be transformed into a Latin fiesta this Sunday as part of a free Music in Parks event.

Young dancers take to festival stage

They've spent their summer holidays leaping and pirouetting around the school gym, church halls, tennis clubs – anywhere they could find a free rehearsal space.

Appeal for witnesses

A young woman is recovering at home after a vicious attack in Mt Roskill on January 17.

Last hurrah for a smaller Big Day Out

Sunburn. The sure sign of an amateur at Big Day Out.

Sam RB wants to Stand Tall at Games

An inspirational song of Olympic proportions has been entered into a contest by singer-songwriter Sam RB in the hope it will represent New Zealand at this year's games in London.

Are you ready?

Suburban Newspapers, publisher of the Central Leader, has a long history with the Ports of Auckland Round the Bays fun run.

Seafood... and eat it!

Mayor Len Brown has made an early start getting his hands on some of the great cuisine being showcased this weekend on the waterfront.

Auction is a lifesaver

A beautifully framed and signed world cup All Blacks jersey is among items going under the hammer for charity online at TradeMe.

Anger at tree felling

The felling of a majestic pohutukawa tree thought to be around 100 years old has led to frustration surrounding Auckland Council's tree protection methods.

Has appeal week fatigue set in?

If you're walking down Queen St and see a group of charity collectors, what do you do?

Project K drums up Mere's confidence

Mere Elliott's smile beams with newly-found confidence for the world to see.

Bye bye Big Day Out

She was there when Limp Bizkit first released hit song My Way and has had her hand trampled by the lead singer of Silverchair.

Stars shine at Sione's 2 premiere

The stars walked the red carpet in Auckland for the world premiere of Sione's 2: Unfinished Business.

Delightful dumplings

50,000 dumplings have been prepared by one restaurant for the hungry crowds at this year's New Year Festival in Greenlane on Saturday.

Snoopy is safe after scare

Helen Wium had no idea if she'd see her beloved pet Snoopy again after she went missing for more than a week.

Onehunga factory ablaze

Fire safety staff and insurance investigators are piecing together the events which led to a factory fire in Onehunga this week.

Following trends in antiques

Growing up around antiques and collectibles may have started a lifelong fascination in trading treasures for The Vintage Shop owner Haley Doreen.

Kids' play gear gone

A shocking theft has left staff at Te Manawanui Emergency Housing Trust aghast after burglars stole their children's play equipment.

Bollywood in Auckland

Auckland streets and cityscapes feature in a new movie called Players – a Bollywood remake of The Italian Job.

Jazzy CD has French flavour

A three-foot tall French piano prodigy is the muse for a Kiwi musician who is nominated for one of the country's top jazz music awards.

Burglars clean out boutique

The owners of a Mount Eden clothing boutique are determined to get back on their feet after more than 200 garments were stolen in a pre-Christmas raid.

Scare for shop owner

When a car crashed through the front window of the Parklands Lotto and $1, $2, $3 Store it felt like a scene out of a movie for owner John Han.

Scholarships a first for NZ

Winning a prestigious scholarship is taking the financial pressure off as James Ruddell begins his final year of university.

Honours a double delight

A husband and wife duo work to help integrate refugees into Kiwi society and have excelled in their respective fields since escaping Sri Lanka in 1998.

Mission needs help to refurbish boys' hostel

An organisation which enables disadvantaged Maori and Pacific Island boys to go to a top Auckland school is asking for help to gets its accommodation facility up to scratch so it can accept another intake.