This year's Weet-Bix Tryathlon series kicks off on February 6 in Hamilton. Diana Clement, whose own children took part last year, offers advice aimed at both young and older readers on how to get the best out of the event.

When rhododendron and world music festivals are the main drawcards to Taranaki, you could be forgiven for thinking the region has traded its wild west coast image for an altogether more hippy vibe.

A pensioner has been blackmailed out of most of his life savings by a serial conman who threatened to spread rumours the two men were sexually involved.

Taking New Zealand's rich and diverse music scene to the world is the aim of Womad's Emere Wano, who has launched the music expo Sounds Aotearoa to provide an opportunity for NZ artists to be heard overseas.

Redback spiders could thrive in some areas of NZ, posing a real threat to native wildlife, a scientist says.

Looking after long-standing clients has paid off for a west coast seafood supplier.

If you really want to appreciate a garden, you need to stay in it, writes Chris Samsara.

A blind couple from Mali will be the stars of what is one of the strongest Womad line-ups in years when the three-day world music festival returns in March.