Wairarapa

Four New Zealand gardens have earned the title of ‘Garden of International Significance’ in a new quality ranking aimed at overseas visitors.

International comedy stars 'Flight of the Conchords' are to relive some Kiwi childhood memories after agreeing to support a charity tennis tournament and a school fundraiser while they’re back in New Zealand on holiday.

Move over Mel, the New Zealand town of Masterton has shown the Flight of the Conchords fan base is far more extensive than is portrayed on the comedy duo’s award winning television series.

On the heels of a hot sporting date on a Wellington tennis court, Kiwi comics Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement, of Flight of the Conchords fame, are now limbering up for a trip down memory lane.

A rare home town performance by Kiwi comedy duo Flight of the Conchords has raised $70,000 for Jemaine Clement’s old high school in the small Wairarapa town of Masterton.

Good food and wine are the stars of New Zealand’s latest winter fest ‘Wellington on a Plate’ – a celebration of the capital city’s lively culinary scene.

Wellington restaurant Logan Brown has been named Supreme Winner in the 2009 Cuisine New Zealand ‘Restaurant of the Year’ awards.

Times may be challenging but many New Zealanders are still ready to show their big hearts, and next week they will have an official opportunity to do that as the country celebrates a unique goodwill fest.

New Zealand has taken line honours in a three-way national wine challenge with Australia and South Africa.

Kiwi pop star Ladyhawke was the leading light at the 2009 New Zealand Music Awards in Auckland swooping home with six Tuis including album and single of the year.