Two a penny

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An elderly man has been dragged to his death after his foot became trapped as he attempted to get off a train in the Auckland suburb of Newmarket.

The man, who was believed to be in his 70s, slipped as he was getting off the train at the Newmarket station.

His foot became stuck and he was dragged for several metres by the train until it stopped just under the Newmarket Broadway overbridge, police said.15pm.

Emergency services and Ontrack workers arrived at the scene shortly after 1.

Newmarket Business Association chief executive Cameron Brewer said he had never had any complaints about the safety of the temporary platform on Kingdon Street at Newmarket station.

Police and rail workers were removing the body this afternoon.

“It has been operating for over 18 months, since the old station was decommissioned. . In fact people have been calling for the platform to be made permanent because it has been working well,” he said.

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‘Powder keg’ prisoner recaptured

Friday, 13 February 2009

An escaped prisoner has been caught in central Hamilton after three weeks on the run.
Arai Hema, 30, was caught last night. He disappeared from a work party at Auckland Prison on January 22.
Hema was a long-term inmate who had reached the point where he was under consideration for parole and his motivation for escaping baffled police. Police dogs tracked his scent to a nearby road where they believe he was picked up by a waiting vehicle.
Hema is serving an 11 year sentence for the attempted rape of a 16-year-old Napier girl and the attempted murder of 76-year-old Bruce Butler, who attempted to intervene.
He was due to be eligible for parole in September next year. .
However, he was regarded as a minimum security prisoner prior to his escape.
He was also serving a further six years for attacking prison guards in 2004.

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Holly Victoria born in a tunnel

Saturday, 31 January 2009

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WORTH A TOOT: Dan and Liv Johnston with their daughter Holly, who was born in Wellington’s Mt Victoria Tunnel.

Liv and Dan Johnston did not have a middle name for their unborn daughter Holly – but the decision was made for them when she was born in Wellington's Mt Victoria Tunnel.
Holly Victoria Johnston was born about 1.
"We were completely freaked out," Mr Johnston said.50pm yesterday as her parents raced through the tunnel from their Roseneath home to Wellington Hospital. I'm screaming at her to not push. . I couldn't go too fast because the guy in front of me was doing 40 kmh, so I'm flashing my lights and frantically waving at him to speed up."
But not Holly, who was born on the back seat of the car, where Mrs Johnston was lying, as her dad pulled into a side road at the end of the tunnel. I think he slowed down more.
The Johnstons returned home last night, and if anything, the drama solved a naming problem.
There were initial concerns that she was not breathing, but an ambulance arrived within minutes and took the family to hospital, where she was found to be in perfect health.
Other babies named for the circumstances of their birth include one born at a Shell station, named Michelle, and a woman who gave birth in her car and named her son Micah (my car). "We didn't have a middle name so it's going to be Victoria it will make a good story when she grows up," Mrs Johnston said.

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New Zealand marvels make wonders shortlist

The Thursday, 08 January 2009

FranzJosefGlacier,Milford Sound and the Ross Ice Shelf will vie with some of the world's most spectacular scenery in a search to find seven new natural wonders of the world.
The three New Zealand sites are among 261 nominees from across the globe to make it through to the quarterfinal phase of the NewSeven Wonders of Nature competition, run by a Swiss-based non-profit foundation.
New Zealand's scenery is up against some tough competition – the Grand Canyon, the Dead Sea and Mt Everest are all on the list, while across the Tasman, nominations include Great Barrier Reef and Uluru. .
The public can help to whittle down the list to 77 semifinalists through online voting, open till July 7.
The competition follows a search to find seven manmade wonders, which were announced 18 months ago.
The seven winners will then be chosen in another round of public voting lasting till 2011, this time by Internet, telephone and text messages.
The winners were the Colosseum, Italy; the Great Wall of China; the Taj Mahal, India; Petra, Jordan; Christ the Redeemer Statue, Brazil; Machu Picchu, Peru; and Chichen Itza, Mexico.

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Firefighters battle big blaze in Auckland

Saturday, 20 December 2008

Up to 80 firefighters are battling a large blaze at an abandoned cool store building in Auckland.
The fire, at the Southdown Freezing Works building on Hugo Johnston Drive in Penrose, began just before 6pm.
The three storey building was engulfed in flames and the firefighters and support crew were working to control the fire from outside as it was not safe to enter the building, northern fire communications shift manager Mau Barbara told .
Fire service assistant regional manager Peter Wilding said the building was a "large complex comprising many old buildings".
It was reported nearby factories were being threatened by the blaze.
The old structure was unsound and firefighters were "firing water into the building" and using aerial trucks with ladders to get higher.
The fire was gradually spreading along the complex, he said.
An aerial truck arrived from Hamilton to help and other engines had been "shuffled around" to provide cover throughout Auckland.
They asked the public to stay away from the area.
Police said the area was blocked off from the intersections of Great South Rd and Vestey Drive and Great South Rd and Sylvia Park Rd.
No one was believed to be injured. .

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Teen crashes truck then squabbles with police

By JARED MORGAN – Friday, 19 December 2008

A 17-year-old who police said stole his grandfather's rural mail truck and crashed it through a bridge barrier into a river was then caught on camera in altercations with bystanders and police.
Dylan Joshua Harvey appeared in the Invercargill District Court yesterday charged with theft of the truck, reckless driving, threatening to injure, resisting and assault on police. .35pm on Wednesday.
Constable Steve Winsloe, of Tuatapere, said the teen lost control of the new vehicle on a moderate bend, crashing through a wooden barrier at one end of the Orawia Stream bridge on the Ohai-Clifden highway about 9.
Harvey was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash but escaped unscathed and began hassling a truck driver who had stopped to help and was calling emergency services, police said.
"He became airborne, hitting the opposite bank before ending up partially submerged," Mr Winsloe said.
That squabble and his friends' efforts to restrain him and dry him off were caught on camera by Rural Media art director Joe Fountain, who lives near the bridge. He was pretty lucky.
"I heard the car coming round a corner when it started to fishtail before going through the barrier between the concrete side of the bridge and a power pole.
"He (the driver) was obviously pretty distressed and confused."
Mr Fountain said his first instinct was to grab his digital video camera.
"His mates arrived a fair while before the cops. You can hear him hurling a fair bit of abuse on the tape," he said."
A struggle that developed between the man and Mr Winsloe as he tried to arrest him was also captured by Mr Fountain."
A struggle that developed between the man and Mr Winsloe as he tried to arrest him was also captured by Mr Fountain.
Harvey made a brief appearance in the Invercargill Distict Court yesterday.
Police were still awaiting the results of a blood-alcohol test and more charges against the teen were likely, Mr Winsloe said.
Harvey will reappear in court on January 20. Judge Kevin Phillips remanded him on bail with strict conditions, including a 24-hour curfew.

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Hutt crash ‘terrible waste of young lives’

Tuesday, 16 December 2008

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FAMILY’S LOSS: Sharon Shore with a photo of her son, Brendon-Lee Mehlhopt, and his girlfriend, Jenna Mangin. Leaning on the car are, from left, William Higgins who survived the crash, Stacey Boyle (sister) and Dylan Albert (Brendon’s best friend).

Ayoung man who had just learned to walk again and a father-to-be were the victims of a high-speed Hutt Valley car crash.
Kyle John Gregor, 22, died when the Subaru WRX he was driving hit a power pole close to the Stokes Valley roundabout on Eastern Hutt Rd about 7pm last Thursday.
The family of one of the men say they hope the tragedy serves as a lesson to drivers this holiday season. An 18-year-old passenger received minor injuries.
His front-seat passenger, Brendon-Lee Roy Mehlhopt, 20, died 24 hours later in Wellington Hospital's intensive care unit. Police say the crash was a "terrible waste of young lives" that could easily have been prevented. "He had a great outlook, he'd do anything for everybody .
Mr Mehlhopt's aunt, Selina Davis, said more than 30 people were at her nephew's bedside at Wellington Hospital as he died on Friday night after suffering two strokes…"
A bulldozer driver, Mr Mehlhopt spent time working in Australia before he was hit by a machine and close toly died a year ago, Ms Davis said. I don't think words could describe what an amazing person he was.
After losing seven litres of blood and spending hours on the operating table, he survived and spent six months learning to walk again.
After losing seven litres of blood and spending hours on the operating table, he survived and spent six months learning to walk again." Mr Mehlhopt loved cars and drinking herb liqueur Jagermeister.
"That's actually what Brendon would have wanted – one last lap around town.
However, there was no animosity toward the driver because "they were all friends, they were all responsible".
Ms Davis said the family understood the young men had been drinking and decided to go out for a "tiki tour" of the area when the crash happened, she said.
Mr Gregor, a father of one, was due to become a parent again in two weeks' time, according to his death notice. .
Sergeant Bruce Farley said the crash had the hallmarks of many similar tragedies: young men, high speed and a high-performance car.
Family described him as an "out-there" personality who loved life and demanded attention when he walked into a room.

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The car had "under-passed" another vehicle before the driver lost control, slid off the road, through a fence and into a power pole

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‘I didn’t want to do reality show’ – Lion Man

REALITY BITES

By TAMMY BUCKLEY – Sunday, 23 November 2008

Hit TV show The Lion Man has made its charismatic frontman Craig Busch a much-loved hero in more than 100 countries.
But with fur flying between Craig and mum Patricia over the running of Zion Wildlife Gardens home of 42 lions, tigers and other big cats he has told he never wanted to do the reality series which catapulted him to fame.
"I've been doing things for a long time that I don't even want to do.
"I never wanted to do that (TV show). One of them is the TV show," Craig said in an exclusive interview outside the Whangarei High Court where the latest episode in a legal catfight between him and his mother was being played out on Friday.. I did it .."
Limping with a broken foot his latest misfortune Craig said he was "over everything" and would "love to go to Africa right now". and who gets stomped over all the time? Me. I shouldn't be in a courtroom," he said.
"I should be there doing things for conservation.
"I want to see those (Zion big cats) right and I want, after I'm gone .
"I've sacrificed a lot and that's all I'm going to do for the rest of my life…"
Craig has regularly hit the headlines since The Lion Man began in 2004 but not always for the right reasons. to see them right, in the right hands.
This year it was revealed Zion in Kamo, outside Whangarei has been investigated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
In May last year he was convicted of assaulting his former partner and TV show co-star, Karen Greybrook, in 2005.
MAF has spent three months examining at animal conditions at Zion, after big cats were allegedly found in unsanitary conditions and some in crowded enclosures.
And the civil clash between Craig and Patricia, who both live in the lion park, hit the courts and the TV news. But things have since improved and by the end of September MAF was satisfied the park's immediate animal welfare problems were resolved.
Inspectors were reportedly at one stage considering having 40 of the animals put down.
"Why would you want to do that if they're extinct in the wild?
"If anyone from MAF has said that, they need to be investigated," he said.
Craig said whoever made the suggestion to euthanise the big cats needed their "head read". .
The legal feud between Craig and his mother is ongoing.
Patricia has worked at the park since July 2006, when she moved to support her son while he was going through a difficult period in his life and invested in the park to keep it afloat.
But earlier this month, it was revealed she had suspended her son from running Zion taking the operation over and employing former Auckland Zoo chief Glen Holland as the park's operator.
Last weekend revealed how Craig has to phone his mum every time he, his partner and their visitors want to come and go from the lion park.
On Friday, Craig sought to regain control of Zion. At Whangarei High Court, his lawyer Wayne Peters sought an interim injunction against Patricia and associated companies listed as Country Developments Ltd, Wildlife Pictures Ltd and Primal Productions Ltd for allegedly breaking agreements.
The court was told Patricia raised a loan to repay Craig's company and personal debt, and in exchange she was given power of attorney and sole directorship until he could repay the loan.
As part of the hearing, the judge Justice Paul Heath, court staff, Peters and Patricia's lawyer, Campbell Walker, visited Zion on Friday morning.
Justice Heath reserved his decision when the legal argument wrapped up about 5pm.
Craig declined to comment on the court case with his mother.
"The best thing I can say, even though I'd like to say things, is no comment."
But he did say he had incurred debt as a result of running Zion.
He said he was dedicated to the preservation of the endangered big cats.
"I've been busting my gut all my life for this and sure you incur debt," he said.
"It's a big thing, you've got a lot to support.
"You cannot go through a business like this and not incur debt."

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Key triumphant as Clark era ends

New Zealand will have a National Government

Sunday, 09 November 2008

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DEPARTING PM: Helen Clark dropped a bombshell on mourning Labour supporters, announcing she was standing down as party leader.

MICHAEL BRADLEY
WINNER: In a hoarse voice, John Key delivered a triumphant victory speech to assembled National supporters.

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TENSE TIMES: Labour supporters Dennis Galvin, 73, and Donald Readerlear, 62, at the party’s base in Mt Eden.

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John Key’s victory speech

Helen Clark stands down

Clark talks to media

Full results

Electorate results

Blog: Election Night Live

Greens Go Goofy

Vege salads at Greens’ bash

Labour supporters on the polls

Helen Clark's fifth Labour Government has been consigned to the history books by a swing to the right that installed John Key's National Party in power and ended the political career of the mercurial Winston Peters.

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CASTING THEIR BALLOTS: Helen Clark was accompanied by husband Peter Davis and John Key by his wife Bronagh when they voted today.
"I will lead a government that serves the interest of all New Zealanders.
"Let me say this, whether you voted for National or not, tonight you have my pledge," a triumphant Mr Key said in his victory address. And it will be a government that values individual achievement. And it will be a government we can all be part of. And it will be a government that supports those who cannot support themselves.1 million votes were counted, delivering National 59 seats in a 122-seat Parliament."
More than 2.
She then shocked pundits by immediately tendering her resignation.
Labour finished with 43 seats, a result Miss Clark told anguished Labour supporters she took responsibility for.
"My job as leader of the Labour party is complete.
"My job as leader of the Labour party is complete.
With its right-wing allies ACT and United Future, a National-led administration will command 65 seats – though Mr Key has signalled he will still talk to the Maori Party, which ended with 5 seats after taking Te Tai Tonga from Labour."
She said Labour now faced a period of rebuilding.7 per cent of the party vote, giving it five seats and returning former finance minister Sir Roger Douglas to the House.
ACT leader Rodney Hide retained his Epsom electorate and the party won 3.
Even NZ First leader Winston Peters, who was trounced by National's Simon Bridges in Tauranga, was notably gracious in his concession speech, saying it would be good to have a "bright, young guy" in the seat.
The theme of the evening among all party leaders, winners or losers, was been graciousness and inclusiveness.
He hinted at a comeback attempt, telling NZ First supporters their cause was "not over at all.
Mr Peters has been the great survivor of New Zealand politics, but tonight his golden run came to an end, with NZ First failing to reach the 5 per cent threshold.
"This is not the end."
"The things we sought to present to New Zealanders as the great issues are still the great issues, as you will see in the next three years," he said. The party increased its caucus to 8 MPs but is facing a term on the cross benches. The party increased its caucus to 8 MPs but is facing a term on the cross benches.
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12.14am: An exhilarated John Key has thanked New Zealanders for electing a National Government.
National ended election night with 59 seats to Labour's 43. A swing to the right gave ACT five seats but knocked out NZ First and Winston Peters. The Greens ended with eight seats, the Maori Party with five and Untied Future and the Progressives with one each.
"I can't tell you how good it is to be here," Mr Key bellowed over loud cheers from supporters in Auckland.
"Ladies and gentlemen, today New Zealand has spoken. In their hundreds of thousands across the country, they have voted for change
"I can tell you there will be a new National-led government in New Zealand.
"So let me start by thanking every New Zealander who has cast their vote for National today.
"Thank you for your support and thank you for your trust. Some of you have stuck with National through nine long years and tonight your patience has been rewarded.
"For others, you have heard National's message that New Zealand can do better and you have come to share our beliefs.
"So to all of you, I simply say thank you."
He said New Zealanders had voted for a better life.
"They voted for hope, they voted for action, and they voted for results."
The theme of the evening among all party leaders, winners or losers, has been graciousness and inclusiveness and Key was no exception.
"Let me say this, whether you voted for National or not, tonight you have my pledge. I will lead a government that serves the interest of all New Zealanders. And it will be a government that values individual achievement. And it will be a government that supports those who cannot support themselves. And it will be a government we can all be part of."
He spoke at length of his regard for Helen Clark and his admiration for her ferocious work ethic and desire to make New Zealand a better country.

11.41pm: Helen Clark has shocked supporters by standing down as leader of Labour after congratulating Mr Key and National on their resounding election victory.
"My job as leader of the Labour party is complete," she said, announcing her resignation as leader.
"I’ll be standing down and expecting Labour Party colleagues to elect a new leader by Christmas."
To anguished cries from the crowd, she said she took responsibility for Labour's loss.
Surrounded by her family, including her parents and nieces, as she spoke to a rowdy crowd of supporters at the Dalmatian Cultural Centre in Auckland, a relaxed-looking Ms Clark spoke of her enormous pride in leading Labour and said that everyone in politics experienced highs and lows.
"Tonight is a night for the winners to savour but we won't be going away."
"As is obvious to all, tonight has not been our night."
Miss Clark talked of her pride in leading Labour back to "electoral respectability", and winning three elections.
"I'll be looking back on these last nine years with an incredible amount of pride."
She said Labour faced a period of rebuilding, with diminished ranks in Parliament, but that the party would not be fading into oblivion.
"I believe we have achieved some incredible things with and for New Zealanders," she said..
She also said she believed that New Zealand's reputation in the world had been enhanced over the last nine years "because we stood for peace and justice in our world".
Despite the generally positive mood of her speech, she couldn't resist a few digs at her old foes.
"I hope that all we worked to put in place doesn't go up in flames in a bonfire created by the right wing of politics."
She went on to thank her deputy, Finance Minister Michael Cullen, and other supporters.
"With that, it is over and out for me."
Speaking to media after her speech, a serene-looking Miss Clark said she would stay on as the MP for Mt Albert.
11.22pm: Labour leader Helen Clark has arrived at the Labour Party function in Auckland to speak to assembled supporters.
11.21pm: Act Party leader Rodney Hide has just informed supporters John Key has rung to discuss forming a new government.
"He said he looked forward to forming a government with the Act Party," he said.
Mr Hide said that he would meet with Mr Key at Parliament on Monday to start talking about the details of the new government.
11.18pm: Helen Clark has left her house, heading for the Labour Party function where she will deliver her official concession speech, having already rung her opponent, National's John Key.
11.03pm: Labour leader Helen Clark has reportedly called her National counterpart to concede the election.
New Zealanders have voted for sweeping change, with National gaining 59 seats to Labour's 43 and John Key almost certain to become the next prime minister.
In a night that claimed many scalps – including that of NZ First leader Winston Peters – Mr Key has emerged with not only the ability to form the next Government, but options on who he does it with.
With 98.7 per cent of the vote counted, National and ACT, which increased its seats from two to five, could form a Government alone but Mr Key could also decide to talk to United Future and the Maori Party.
10.57pm: John Key is now waiting for a phone call from Helen Clark before leaving his Parnell home to declare victory.
With more than 98 per cent of the vote counted, National has a commanding lead – 45.4 per cent of the party vote compared to Labour's 33.8 per cent.
The result would give National and ACT a combined 64 seats.
10.31pm: National's campaign chair, Steven Joyce, has just said he is calling the election for National.
He made the call to The shortly after NZ First leader Winston Peters conceded in Tauranga.
With 91 per cent of the vote counted, it would now take a major upset to turn the tide back Labour's way.
Excitement is mounting at National Party campaign head quarters as the expectant crowd waits for leader John Key to arrive.
By 10.30pm, with 90 per cent of the vote counted, National is on track for the biggest MMP win yet.
10.13pm: A mixed mood prevails at the Green Party function in Auckland, with the party proud to be polling well but looking at a term in opposition because of Labour's poor result.
"We're happy to be polling so well ourselves but we realise we'll very likely be in opposition," sitting Green list MP Sue Bfradford said.
Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons is expected to arrive at the function around 10.30pm.
10.05pm: A substantial swing to the right has put National is in the box seat with 59 seats to Labour's 43 after 80.2 per cent of the vote has been counted.
As things stand now, seven parties will be in Parliament – but NZ First won't be one of them.
The Greens have eight seats, ACT and the Maori Party have five each, Progressive and United Future have one apiece.
Labour will be hoping the late counting of the large South Auckland electorates will swing in its favour.
9.46pm: Sir Roger Douglas looks likely to be the political Lazarus of the night with ACT's strong showing in the polls set to sweep the former Labour Finance Minister back into Parliament – and possibly back into Government as part of a right-wing bloc.
With 74.6 per cent of the vote counted, ACT has five seats, up from its current two.
9.38pm: Embattled Mangere MP Taito Phillip Field, who is facing a raft of criminal charges including bribery and corruption, is struggling to hold onto his seat.
The former Labour MP, now standing under the Pacific Party banner, is lagging behind Labour candidate Su'a Sio with 1611 votes to Sio's 3366 after 30 per cent of votes have been tallied.
9.23pm: A tight race is taking place in Christchurch CentralNational's Nicky Wagner leading Labour candidate Brendon Burns by just 91 votes with with 21 per cent of the vote counted.
The Christchurch Central electorate has been held by Labour since 1969.
In Maungakiekie National's Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiago leads Labour's Carol Beaumont by just 9 votes with 16.7 per cent of the vote calculated.
9.17pm: National is stomping all over Labour in electorates around the country butHelen Clark can at least take heart that she is keeping the upper hand in her own electorate of Mt Albert.
Miss Clark leads National's Ravi Musuku 3681 to 1935 with 12.2 per cent of the vote counted.
Meanwhile National leader John Key has a dominant lead over Darien Fenton in his electorate of Helensville, leading the Labour candidate by 6610 to 1392 with 29.5 per cent of the vote in.
9.16pm: With more than 44 per cent of the vote counted it seems unlikely any new political parties will charm their way into Parliament.
Of the parties not currently represented in Parliament, the Kiwi Party and the Bill and Ben Party are polling highest – but with 0.6 and 0.5 per cent of the party vote respectively they are a long way from breaking the magic 5 pre cent threshold.
9.04pm: National is shaping up to take 50 per cent of the seats in Parliament, according to results so far.
Based on the 28.4 per cent of the vote tallied, National has 61 of 122 seats while Labour has 41.
Five other parties are also into Parliament. The Greens have eight seats, ACT and the Maori Party have five, Progressive and United Future have one apiece. NZ First has no seats.
Early results are based disproportionately on rural booths, meaning the gap could close as big city booths are counted.
8.48pm: National's Louise Upston is streaking ahead of former Cabinet minister Mark Burton in the hitherto safe Labour seat of Taupo.
Ms Upston leads Mr Burton 3511 to 2079 with 17.5 per cent of votes tallied.
8.36pm: With nearly 15 per cent of the vote counted, seven parties are on track to be represented in Parliament.
National would have 63 seats, Labour 40, the Greens 8, the Maori Party 5, ACT 4, and UnitedFuture and the Progressives1 each.
Labour incumbent Steve Chadwick will have a battle to retain her Rotoruaseat. After narrowly clinging on in 2005, she has now slipped well behind National challenger Todd McClay. With 9.2 per cent of the vote counted, Mr McClay leads Ms Chadwick by 2603 to 1663.
8.22pm: Bad news for Labour in its traditional stronghold of West Coast-Tasman.
Tourism Minister Damien O'Connor is being edged out by National's Chris Auchinvole. With 11.9 per cent of votes counted, Mr O’Connor is trailing Auchinvole by 1972 to 2271.
8.16pm: ACT's Rodney Hide looks like maintaining his iron grip on the blue-ribbon seat of Epsom, leading National's Richard Worth by 2253 to 1020 with 5.4 per cent of votes tallied.
The Orakei RSA is playing host to the ACT party this evening.
"It's a bit of a rollercoaster tonight, its going to be quite a long night", ACT leader Rodney Hide told TV3.
Mr Hide said he was proud of the campaign the party had run this year, but would be not drawn when asked for his predictions for how ACT would do this evening.
"I'll pass. I've seen too many commentators make a fool of themselves on election night.
"We'll just see how it goes."
An optimistic Sue Bradford and Keith Locke were waiting at the Green Party headquarters in Auckland this evening.
Ms Bradford said the Green Party had had some pretty dismal election nights in the past.
"I think tonight’s going to be different though", said Ms Bradford.
Mr Locke said he thought the Greens' campaign theme of looking to the future had struck a chord with the voters.
"There was a real buzz around Auckland today."
8.12pm: Could it be farewell to the Tizard political dynasty?
Labour's incumbent Judith Tizard is under fierce attack from National's Nikki Kaye in the formerly safe seat of Auckland Central.
Ms Kaye holds a slim lead of 1454 over Ms Tizard's 1188 with 4.9 per centof the vote counted. .08pm: With 6.4 per cent of the party vote counted, National has a comfortable lead over Labour, 48.7 per cent to 31.4 per cent.
However, the left bloc will be bolstered by a strong performance from the Greens, with 6.2 per cent.
NZ First is also threatening to cross the 5 per cent threshold, currently sitting on 4.6 per cent.
8.03pm: National's Stephen Franks is on track for an upset in Wellington Central, leading Labour's Grant Robertson by 1581 to 1482 with 4.4 per cent of the vote counted.
A National win would break Labour's nine-year grip on the seat.
7.59pm: National's Nathan Guy has taken a whisper-thin lead over Labour's incumbent, Darren Hughes, in the bellwether seat of Otaki.
But with Mr Guyon 2534 and Hughes at 2513 with 7.3 per centof the vote counted, it is anybody's race.
7.49pm: With Winston Peters looking decidedly shaky in Tauranga, NZ First's hopes are pinned on Ron Mark winning the Rimutaka electorate.
But Mr Mark trails Labour's Christopher Hipkins by 565 votes to 1461 with 3.85 per cent of the vote counted.
7.44pm: It isn't looking good for Winston Peters in the Tauranga electorate.
The NZ First leader trails National's Simon Bridges by 1112 votes to 2953 with 5.3 per centof the vote counted.
7.40pm: National Party President Judy Kirk says she is cautious but confident about the result.
"We've worked very hard, and have a superb leader whose campaigned well," she told TV3.
"I don't think John Key has made a mistake", she said.
When questioned about National's poor performance in the traditionally Labour stronghold of South Auckland in the 2005 election, she said she believed National would do very well there this year.
"Elections are always won in the middle."
7.35pm: Labour appears to be holding the key South Auckland electorate of Mangere, despite a spirited challenge from Pacific Party leader Taito Phillip Field.
With 6.7 per cent of the vote counted in the electorate, Labour's Su'a William Sio is 816 votes ahead.
With 4.1 per cent of the total vote counted, National has 49.3 per cent of the party vote while Labour has 31.2 per cent.
7.28pm: With 3.6 per cent of the vote counted, National has 49 per cent of the party vote while Labour has 31.6 per cent.
The Green Party has 6.1 per cent of the vote.
In an echo of how CNN covered the US election, TV3 featured holograms of Jamie "Bill" Lineham and Ben "Ben" Boyce from the Bill and Ben Party, being interviewed by anchor John Campbell.
The pair said they planned to spend the evening at the party headquarters, which feature a bouncy castle and arcade games, across the car park from TV3.
"We are sticking true to our aim, to put the party back into political party," said Lineham.
7.20pm: With 2.9 per cent of the vote counted, National has 48.6 per cent of the party vote while Labour has 32 per cent.
That would give National 62 seats and Labour 40.
The Green Party has 6.3 per cent of the vote – equivalent to 8 seats – making it the only other party to cross the 5 per cent threshold.
7.15pm: With 2.1 per cent of the vote counted, National has 49.1 per cent of the party vote while Labour has 31.8 per cent.
The Greens are the only other party to have crossed the 5 per cent threshold, with 6.2 per cent.
7pm: The polls have closed and the votes are being tallied.
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Just under three million people were enrolled to vote today and around 210,000 advance votes had already been cast by yesterday afternoon – indicating a record turnout could be on the cards.
Polls opened at 9am and closed at 7pm.
Labour leader Helen Clark, accompanied by her husband Peter Davis, voted at Kowhai Intermedia School in Mt Albert.
National Party leader John Key and his wife Bronagh voted at Parnell District School in the Auckland electorate of Epsom.
Though Mr Key is standing in Helensville, he is registered to vote in Epsom – where National's Richard Worth is challenging ACT leader Rodney Hide.
Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons voted in Kauaeranga Hall in the Coromandel.
Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia voted at a school near Wanganui, while fellow co-leader Pita Sharples voted at a school in Manurewa, South Auckland.
He welcomed the fine weather, saying too many voters were deterred when the weather was inclement.
Counting of the first advance votes started at 3pm and those results should be known by 8.30pm – but it could be a late night for people wanting the final result.
We will have running coverage throughout the night.
Chief electoral officer Robert Peden said the aim was to have results of at least half of the votes known by 10pm, with the full count known before midnight. "We have put a lot of work into our preparation and things are in place."
By 4pm yesterday, 2,979,366 people had enrolled to vote, almost 95 per cent of those eligible.
In 2005, 2,286,190 people voted.

Mr Key said he had spoken to ACT leader Rodney Hide and UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne.
He said that while the details of any formal agreement betweent National Act and United Future were yet to be resolved, he could confirm their willingness to lend support to a National-led Government.
Key said he would also engage in discussions with the Maori Party next week.

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Roll up for chance to skate in show

The Monday, 27 October 2008

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ELECTRIC PERFORMANCE: Mykal Rand plays the part of a toy train as well as being Starlight Express director. Producers were in Wellington at the weekend seeking stunt skaters for the show.

Bit of a daredevil with the skateboard or on in-line skates and can carry a tune? Then roll up for the chance to show your extreme side in a spectacular musical.
The production will roll its way around the TSB Arena before heading to Christchurch and Auckland for seasons of the musical composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, which made its London debut in 1984.
Director Mykal Rand and producers of Starlight Express, simply known to thousands of fans as the musical on roller skates, were in Wellington at the weekend seeking stunt skaters for the show, which has its New Zealand premiere in Wellington next July.
Promoter Stewart Macpherson said cast auditions would be held in Wellington tomorrow, before moving to Christchurch.
The story follows a child's dream in which a train set comes to life, sending the show off on a different trajectory in which all 28 performers take to the stage on skates. Performers must already know how to sing and dance, but if selected would then have up to six weeks' skate training as part of the overall 10-week rehearsal period."
Rand, who also plays Electra the electric train, was part of a small production contingent patrolling Waitangi Park yesterday in the hope of spotting two extreme skaters to fill special daredevil roles in the show.
"They say that if you're a good capable dancer then physiologically you've got the ability to be a skater even if you didn't know you could.
Macpherson said they needed an "extra edge" with the ability to pull off a "trick repertoire" for a show that was not merely a musical but a "theatrical event".
Auckland and Christchurch would also be cased for suitable in-line skaters.