13 August 2008 - Massey University research shows the Waitakere Family Violence Court has been largely successful in achieving its aims.

13 AUGUST 2008 - With the inclusion of the Banks Peninsula, Christchurch Neighbourhood Week this year is truly going city-wide.

13 August 2008 - Found at a recent burglary scene, the offender has decided to write the complainant a note.

"Put your cat out and turn your alarm on dumb arse"

For once police agree.

Acting Manukau Mayor Arthur Anae says news of another tragedy in Manurewa must not discourage community efforts to combat violence and crime.

"Recent events in Manurewa have seen the community pull together to find solutions to a range of social issues.

"That wonderful operatic actress Anne Sophie Duprels is utterly heartrending... and her singing was ravishingly musical." (Rusalka Grange Park Opera, 2008, Telegraph)

The recent decision of PHARMAC not to fund 12 months of adjuvant Herceptin for women with Her 2 positive breast cancer calls into question our carefully crafted approach to ethical clinical trials research in cancer.

Charms and curses have been flooding into the office of Dr Gina Salapata, but the senior classics lecturer is happy to have them, along with the odd "voodoo" doll.

A man caught on camera urinating into a Napier parking pay and display machine gave himself up to police last night.

Following widespread publicity about the incident yesterday an 18-year-old Napier man came into the Napier police station at 9pm last night and gave himself up.

12 August 2008 - Serving Rotary International has become a real family affair for the Joseph family of Rotorua, New Zealand.

12 August 2008 - A male held up the Briggs Road Superette about 1.45pm today. The male maori, about 20 years old, confronted the sole female shop assistant demanding cash. He was given a small sum of money and some tobacco. He then left down Briggs Road towards Marshland Road.