Auckland Airport welcomes world’s longest flight

Auckland Airport has welcomed Qatar Airways this morning as the airline launches the world’s longest commercial passenger flight on the Auckland-Doha route. Scott Tasker, Auckland Airport’s acting general manager – aeronautical commercial, says, “We welcome Qatar Airways to Auckland and New Zealand.

Charmian Hughes- Soixante Mirth at Dunedin Fringe

What would happen if you met your younger self? Have you turned out to be the person the old you wanted you to be? From the London comedy circuit, 60 year old British comedian Charmian Hughes has come all the way to New Zealand to help you find the answers in a hilarious and touching comedy trip where stand-up meets time travel, as she encounters earlier versions of herself and faces those awkward questions- ‘What happened to my dreams?’ and ‘What the heck are you wearing? Do you ever wonder what would happen if you could meet your younger selves? How you’d give them advice, warn them, encourage them, comfort them, put them on the right path, but more than anything, impress them with how you’ve turned out… so cool.

Seven fascinating facts about Robert Burns

Over the course of over a couple of centuries the commemoration of his birthday has developed into a formal occasion full of arcane and deeply traditional whimsy . It’s laced with the sort of humour which worked well in the early 19th century, and is intensely “blokeish” some would say outright sexist and much fuss is made about the haggis, and of course whisky.

Australia pushes for TPP without US after Trump exits deal

Australia is leading a push to salvage a Pacific trade deal after President Donald Trump formally withdrew as a signatory to the 12-nation accord. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said he discussed the deal on Monday night with Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe, and held talks with the leaders of New Zealand and Singapore.

MSP hits out at Angus and Mearns Clydesdale Bank closures

A local politician believes Clydesdale Bank has “abandoned” its rural customers with the news of the closure of three of its branches in the Angus and Mearns area. Mairi Evans, Angus North and Mearns MSP, has hit out at the bank’s announcement that its Brechin, Forfar and Stonehaven branches are to close as three of 40 offices that are being axed across Scotland.

Pacific Islands: Why it’s Island Time

Okay, so it’s wet season for most Pacific Islands from November to March/April, so you’re not guaranteed a 100 per cent sunny holiday. But this means it’s also low season at the moment, so you can get some really amazing deals.