Franklin/Manukau rural rents rose the fastest last year, up 5% in the year to December, with an average $691 a week for a three-bedroom place. This area had been one of the more affordable previously.

A group of Auckland pupils on a school camp came to the rescue of a boat stuck on rocks in the Hauraki Gulf, using brute strength to refloat the stricken vessel, then stopping it from drifting back ...