[Oregonkiwi]

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=304&objectid=10451560&pnum=0

The owners of dozens of dirty and unlicensed food outlets are facing prosecution after a crackdown by public health officials in Auckland.
Of the 70 outlets netted in a recent clampdown one was so badly infested with cockroaches that inspectors described it as "revolting", while 68 were operating without licences.[continues]

The articles includes a list of places in Auckland to avoid.

[Caroline and Dave]

I'm glad we don't live in Otara.
On the whole all the restaurants we have visited have been excellent.

[jubjub]

I remember watching the Filth Files (about environmental health) ages ago, set in Auckland, but being shown on UK telly at the time. I vowed then never to eat anywhere that had not got an A or a B certificate badge.

The E graded places they showed were truly horrible!

[Myrkk]

euwwwww, euwwwww and I did mention EUWWWWWWW

I hardly eat out as it is after watching one too many of these expose TV progs. that has just made matters even worse. Don't they have to display the hygiene certificates in a prominant place?

[Oregonkiwi]

Don't they have to display the hygiene certificates in a prominant place?

Yes. The article says:
To comply with food regulations, outlets must register with local authorities and display a hygiene grading certificate in a prominent place.
but:
Inspectors there found several lower-graded outlets either not displaying certificates or displaying expired, higher-grade certificates. In one case a certificate was displayed but the grading had been deliberately covered up.

[xanctus]

Mamamia, the one in Central Auckland, Coral Reef Rest. They always have a big wedding over there. Any other weekends I see that. They are needs to be avoided. That's very interesting fact indeed.

[jubjub]

Don't they have to display the hygiene certificates in a prominant place?

Yup, and they look like this, usually behind the counter or cash desk.
http://www.manukau.govt.nz/uploadedimages/manukaugovtnz/Environment/Food_Premises/food_grading_certificate.gif

[zxof]

you can search the grade of your fav eating place :)

http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/council/services/foodsearch/default.asp

[Nick88]

Try www.dineout.co.nz for good recommendations. The critics are all members of the paying public like you and me, so you tend to get a very honest opinion.