The Auckland-based company Sealegs Corp has posted a greater first-half loss as lesser prices for its amphibious boats cut into margins.

The company made a loss of $604,000 in the six months which ended September 30, as compared to a loss of $134,000 in the same period of the previous year. Sales rose 10 per cent to $8.4 million.

Protesters gathered in thousands at one of Auckland's famous west coast beaches waving and carrying banners, to demonstrate their support against the deep sea oil drilling.  The crowd supported the Oil Free Seas flotilla, which is protesting at the site where oil giant Anadarko plans to begin drilling off the coast of Raglan.

Two major crashes on the Southern and Northern Motorways resulted in slowing down of the traffic in Auckland during rush hour.

A three vehicle collision near Mt Wellington closed two out of the three southbound lanes on the Southern Motorway, and a crash which happened later near the Northcote Road interchange closed two of the three southbound lanes on the Northern Motorway.

According to a latest study, babies who are born at a premature stage are more likely to get overweight.

This study by the researchers also reveals that these overweight premature children will further bear children who are also likely to suffer from obesity.

Following major crashes on the Southern and Northern Motorways the traffic in Auckland came to a halt during the rush hour.

All lanes of Auckland's Southern and Northern motorways though have now re-opened after different accidents brought traffic to a standstill at a time said the Transport Agency.

Kingsland is Auckland's fastest-selling suburb even though houses in nearby Mt Albert are 17 per cent cheaper.

People who want to pay less interest and shear years off their mortgages are now being advised to buy homes in "hidden-gem" suburbs.