Rugby: McCaw to miss opening rounds of Super 14
All Blacks captain Richie McCaw will sit out the opening rounds of the Super 14, rather than exercising the "sabbatical clause" in his NZRU contract that could have seen him miss a whole series.Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder...

Soccer: FIFA knocks back 'Hand of Frog' rematch
LONDON - FIFA rejected Ireland's request to replay its World Cup qualifier against France, but Thierry Henry said a rematch would be "the fairest solution" to resolve the furore over his extra-time hand ball that set up the deciding...

Golf: Ochoa leads on 66
Lorena Ochoa shot a 66 and has a one-shot lead over Reilley Rankin after the first round of the US LPGA's season-ending Tour Championship yesterday. Michelle Wie, fresh off her first US LPGA victory last week, shot a 72. She limped...

Basketball: Breakers beat Townsville
The New Zealand Breakers beat the Townsville Crocodiles by 85-73 at the Townsville Entertainment Centre last night.With one quarter remaining they led the Crocs 63-57.The teams were tied at 37-37 at halftime, before the Breakers...

All Blacks: Carter seeks perfect game
As he sits one point off Andrew Mehrtens' All Blacks test rugby point-scoring record, Dan Carter still seeks the perfect game.Westpac Stadium against the Lions in 2005 still stands as a benchmark, the last time he and his English...

Soccer: Match-fixing arrests made in Europe
FRANKFURT - German prosecutors investigating match fixing in football say 15 people in Germany and two in Switzerland have been arrested and that about 200 games in Europe - including Champions League ties - are affected in what an...

Jetsprint: Australian jetsprint challenge
Defending champion Peter Caughey heads a strong New Zealand contingent at the two-round world jetsprint superboat championships in Australia beginning today. Caughey, with seven New Zealand titles and five world titles to his credit,...

Speed skating: Vancouver starts for NZ
Canterbury speed skater Blake Skjellerup has secured two starts for New Zealand at next year's Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Skjellerup has just contested the Olympics' short track speed skating world qualification series in Michigan,...

Squash: King makes shortlist
New Zealander Joelle King is on a shortlist of four for the most improved player on the women's international squash circuit. King, who has risen to No 32 in the world rankings, is on the list alongside Australian Donna Urquhart,...

Soccer: It's all now up to the luck of the draw
Let the games begin, and they will, even before a ball is kicked in South Africa.Controversy is always at hand, so to speak, in the wake of the Thierry Henry scandal, when talk turns to World Cup football.Even the just-completed...

Cricket: Martin's wise head running on young legs
New Zealand's new ball duties in Dunedin next week will almost certainly be handled by a couple of 34-year-olds out to show advancing years don't go hand in hand with a dwindling of ability.Indeed Chris Martin and Shane Bond,...

Tennis: Hulking ace on track for big time
As he took in the less than awe-inspiring surrounds of the North Harbour Tennis Park in January this year, John Isner could have been forgiven for wondering how it had all come to this, not to mention just where the hell he was.Surely...

Motorsport: Supercross showcases Aussie star
Not content with hosting the only New Zealand round of the Australian V8 Supercar championship, Hamilton has now stolen another march on the rest of the country and will host the biggest supercross meeting ever held in New Zealand.Australia's...

All Blacks: Muliaina regains his mojo
It's going to be a landmark day for Mils Muliaina at Twickenham. He'll draw level with Justin Marshall on the list of most capped All Blacks.Only Sean Fitzpatrick has played more, but the significance will resonate little with...

Kiwi funding strikes right chord
A government funding bias towards "elitist" Olympic sports; sports administration models that are outdated and lack accountability; faulty logic espoused that winning medals equates to increased participation in sport.Do these...

Cricket: Elliott and Fulton get recalls for Pakistan
Grant Elliott and Peter Fulton have won recalls to the New Zealand test squad, and given a preference for six specialist batsmen seem certain to be in the starting XI in Dunedin on Tuesday.The squad of 13 named yesterday for the...

David Leggat: Give a big hand to slick Henry
Sporting chicanery is all around us, always has been, always will be.Who'd want to be a referee, or umpire for that matter, when you know that you are surrounded by cheats, out to garner any edge by whatever means. Purity of sport?...

Rugby: TV3 offers to screen part of Air NZ Cup
TV3 has offered to pick up any Air New Zealand Cup matches that Sky does not wish to screen - but only if it remains a 14-team competition.In a further indication that a six-team, second-tier competition is a potential broadcasting...

Cricket: Patel leads final-day demolition of Auckland
Patience had its rewards for Wellington, who completed a 99-run Plunket Shield cricket win over Auckland yesterday.The hosts set the scene for a last-day run-chase by declaring their second innings closed at 280 for five just...

All Blacks: Thomson wants to make home at No 6
Tough school, this All Blacks rugby tour.Adam Thomson has forced his way into the No 6 jersey but knows even a strong game against England might not be enough to retain his spot against France.The Highlanders flanker headed...

University defends handling of Ihimaera plagiarism
The University of Auckland is defending its handling of a plagiarism case involving writer and employee Witi Ihimaera, saying he has not been treated leniently.

Swine flu mutation found in Norway
Health authorities in Norway have discovered a potentially significant mutation in swine flu they say could be responsible for causing the severest symptoms among those infected.

Icebergs could reach NZ waters
There is more than a 50% chance that a collection of icebergs will make it to New Zealand, according to the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research.

Case dropped against man who strangled wife in sleep
A British man who strangled his wife in his sleep because he dreamt she was an intruder has been freed after prosecutors withdrew the case against him.

Hundreds rescued after record rainfall in Britain
Lifeboats and military helicopters have rescued hundreds of people in northern England and a policeman was killed as torrential rain flooded homes, washed away bridges and closed roads.

Needle exchange programme in prisons urged
Operators of the national needle exchange programme are calling for it to be expanded into New Zealand's prisons.

Family speaks of sergeant killed in Waiouru explosion
The family of the flight sergeant killed in an explosion at Waiouru military camp say he will be remembered as a well-respected man who was passionate about his career and work in the Air Force.

Tongan ferry captain testifies
The captain of the Tongan ferry Princess Ashika says he sailed the ship the night it sank despite believing it was unseaworthy, because no-one had instructed him not to.

Iwi push for ETS deal to plant trees on Crown land
Papers leaked to Radio New Zealand News show iwi leaders are pushing for the right of first refusal to plant trees on Crown-owned land, as negotiations over the Emissions Trading Scheme continue.

Members of DHBs review named
The Government has named the members of a new board that's being set up to reduce duplication of back-office jobs among district health boards.

Debt, dollar could hamper NZ recovery - OECD
A report from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development warns New Zealand's economic recovery could yet be hampered by private debt, the high dollar and rising unemployment.

Match-fixing inquiry focuses on 200 European games
German prosecutors are investigating the fixing of about 200 European football matches in connection with a series of arrests made this week.

Forestry concessions to Maori tipped to be worth $2b
Government concessions to Maori on forestry could be worth up to $2 billion, according to the Kyoto Forest Association.

Council concerned at safety of Wanganui port
The Wanganui District Council has asked the Department of Labour for an urgent inspection of the Wanganui port amid fears for public safety.

Community feedback sought on super-city boundaries
Rodney District Mayor Penny Webster says it is up to the community to tell leaders what they think of new ward and board boundaries proposed for Auckland's super-city.

PGG Wrightson plans rights issue to repay debt
Rural services firm PGG Wrightson is seeking to raise $181 million from shareholders to help repay debt.

AOL to cut a third of workforce
Internet company AOL plans to lay off about a third of its staff, once it is spun off from media giant and owner Time Warner.

FIFA turns down Irish request to replay match
Football's world ruling body FIFA has officially turned down a request from Ireland's Football Association to stage a replay of their controversial World Cup playoff defeat to France.

Warning of 'catastrophic' fire danger in NSW
Temperatures are set to soar in New South Wales on Saturday with a catastrophic fire danger and total fire bans across the state.

Pair killed in microlight crash drunk
Two men killed in a microlight crash in Hawke's Bay last year had each drunk 20 cans of beer before deciding to take the plane out in the early hours of the morning, a Civil Aviation Authority report has found.

Driver sentenced over cyclist policeman's death
A truck driver has escaped a jail term for the death of Wellington police officer Superintendent Steve Fitzgerald.

Commission reduces local boards in super-city
The chair of the Local Government Commission says the proposal to establish fewer local boards for Auckland's super-city is driven by the desire to give local communities a bigger voice.

Oprah Winfrey to end show in 2010
The Oprah Winfrey Show is to close in 2011 after more than two decades on air.

Gunman kills 4, then himself, in Northern Marianas
Five people have died in a shooting in the Northern Mariana Islands in the northwest Pacific.

Chemical spill delays hospital lab tests and surgery
A chemical spill at Wellington Hospital has disrupted lab tests and postponed surgery for about 10 patients.

Police interview man after attacks on two women
Auckland police are interviewing a man after an attack on a sex worker followed by a hit and run incident involving a second woman in the early hours of Friday morning.

Bronze whaler sharks a 'plague' near White Island
One of New Zealand's best areas for catching kingfish has fallen victim to a plague of bronze whaler sharks, a fishing charter boat owner says.

New association for Maori social workers
Maori social workers have formed a new association.

NZ Refinery production down, for work
The New Zealand Refinery produced 5.4 million million barrels of oil in September and October, below full capacity as it shut for a month to do planned maintenance work and complete its expansion project.The New Zealand Refinery produced 5.4 million million barrels of oil in September and October, below full capacity as it shut for a month to do planned maintenance work and complete its expansion project.

ANZ sells Custodian Services
ANZ has agreed to sell its Custodian Services business in Australia and New Zealand to J P Morgan.

Ryder fined for abuse
Cricketer Jesse Ryder has been fined and censured for verbally abusing Black Caps manager Dave Currie during the Champions Trophy tournament in South Africa.

Clerical workers strike in SI hospitals
Clerical staff in South Island hospitals have staged a one-hour strike to protest at being paid less than workers doing the same jobs in North Island hospitals.

Man in court after Queenstown death
A 34-year-old man has appeared in Queenstown District Court charged with assault after the death of a man following an altercation in the town on Thursday night.

3 die in seventh attack in Peshawar this month
Three policemen have been killed and six wounded when their vehicle hit a roadside bomb in Pakistan's volatile city of Peshawar.

NZ sharemarket stays down
The benchmark NZX 50 index fell 28 points to 31.14 on turnover of $59 million on Friday.

Wool prices rise despite strong currency
Prices at Thursday's wool sales rose across the board, despite a stronger New Zealand currency.

Earthquake in Canterbury
A magnitude 4.2 earthquake shook Canterbury on Friday morning.

Wool auctions to move to Christchurch
The country's largest wool handler will stop its North Island wool auctions in March next year, and move all sales to its base in Christchurch.

30 workers laid off from Yarrows factory
Some of the 28 workers laid off from the Yarrows breadmaking factory in south Taranaki have been offered jobs in the company's Australian plants.

Hudson alibi witness charged with perjury, court told
One of the alibi witnesses for a man accused of killing a young Palmerston North drug dealer has been charged with perjury over evidence he has given in the case, a police officer has confirmed.

Federated Farmers u-turn on carbon tax
In a reversal of its earlier stance, Federated Farmers is now suggesting that a carbon tax might be the lesser of two evils, as a mechanism for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

NZ to call global meeting on agriculture emissions
A New Zealand initiative to get international co-operation on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture is set to take off. New Zealand will convening an international meeting next year.

Research farm to tackle greenhouse gas emissions
Minimising and mitigating greenhouse gases from dairy farming will be one of the key roles of AgResearch's new Tokanui dairy research farm, near Te Awamutu, which was officially opened on Friday.

Salaries continue to rise
A new survey shows the world financial crisis hasn't dampened salary rises in New Zealand yet, but it may begin to have an effect soon.

Hanover trustees to scrutinise Allied offer information
The major trustee in Hanover Finance says it's continuing to monitor the struggling firm's performance and to check it's complying with the conditions set out in the moratorium.

Look to Australia for monetary policy system - Goff
Labour Party leader Phil Goff has singled out Australia when pressed for examples of how monetary policy might be changed.

Body of missing kayaker found
The body of a missing kayaker from Lake Wakatipu was recovered on Thursday.

Turia urges diabetes screening for predisposed groups
Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia wants to see nationwide screening of Maori, Pacific Islanders and other ethnic groups that are genetically predisposed to diabetes.

Australian museum defends Maori artefact purchase
The National Maritime Museum of Australia is defending its purchase of a Maori whalebone patu picked up during Captain Cook's second expedition to the Pacific.

Boston Finance in receivership
Boston Finance has been placed in receivership after its moratorium came to an end.

Friday's newspaper headlines
Teen attacker had earlier crime spree; motorcycle protesters threaten to block shopping mall; students paid to protest at bus lanes in Wellington mall.

Three arrests after Hamilton killing
Police investigating the killing of a man outside his Hamilton home have arrested three people but are yet to charge anyone with the man's death.

Increase in fraud by managers - survey
There's been a sharp increase in fraud by middle and senior managers, according to a PricewaterhouseCoopers survey. Of 54 countries, New Zealand had the eighth highest rate of fraud.

Belgian PM wins European Union presidency
Belgian Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy has been chosen as the European Union's first president.

Driver charged after police chase
A police pursuit through Waikato has ended with a driver facing a raft of charges.

Arson linked to later crime
Research has found a strong link between children lighting fires and adult criminal behaviour.

Ireland demands replay of World Cup qualifier
Ireland is demanding that FIFA order a rematch of its World Cup qualifier against France, whose striker Thierry Henry handled the ball in the build-up to a crucial goal.

Teen who beat up war veteran 'high risk since age 14'
The lawyer for a teenager sentenced to nearly nine years' jail for badly beating an elderly war veteran says an agency is needed to manage youth who are at high risk of becoming offenders.

Call for stronger marine protection legislation
Conservationists and marine law academics are calling for reforms to the Fisheries Act to further protect endangered species from falling victim to bycatch.

Wellington waterfront caravan park approved
A temporary caravan park will be built on the Wellington waterfront to provide extra accommodation for the Rugby World Cup in 2011.

Charges laid over forged tertiary qualifications
Three Chinese nationals have been charged with forgery following a police investigation into forged tertiary documents in Auckland.

Oyster Bay on the lookout for new vineyards
Listed grape grower Oyster Bay Marlborough Vineyards is considering buying more vineyards, even as an oversupply of grapes continues to plague New Zealand's wine industry.

Mainfreight optimistic despite profit fall
Mainfreight's half year profit has fallen by almost a third but the company says trading conditions are showing signs of recovering from the recession. There were one-off costs from restructuring of $1.3 million.

More opportunities exist for halal exports - Key
Prime Minister John Key has highlighted opportunities for New Zealand to boost its trade in halal-certified food products going to markets such as Malaysia.

Bill proposes greater charity fundraising disclosure
A bill which would make it compulsory for professional charity collectors to disclose how much money is actually going to a cause has been drawn from the ballot at Parliament.

Union opposes change to Easter trading laws
The union representing retail workers says it will strongly oppose any efforts to change the Easter trading rules.

Teenager gets nearly 9 years for beating war veteran
A teenager has been sentenced to almost nine years' jail for badly beating an elderly man and attempting to steal his car outside a South Auckland RSA. The judge described it as a gratuitously violent and cowardly crime.

Karzai sworn in, promises to fight corruption
Afghan President Hamid Karzai has been sworn into office for a second term, promising to fight corruption and saying he wants Afghan forces in charge of the nation within five years.

Summary of 1500 road safety submissions out
A summary of the more than 1500 submissions received as part of a review of road safety has been released.

Another suicide bombing in Peshawar
A suicide bomber has killed at least 16 people outside a court building in the Pakistani city of Peshawar.

Joint NZ, Australian blitz on fallout from drink binges
New Zealand and Australian police are to launch a joint blitz on drunken violence and anti-social behaviour.

Tasman not keen on funding Nelson arts centre
Tasman District Council has signalled it will reject the idea of financial support for a $28 million performing arts centre to be built in neighbouring Nelson.

Marineland manager resigns over seal saga
The manager of Napier's Marineland has resigned following an investigation into the marine zoo breaching its permit under the Marine Mammals Protection Act.

Survey indicates economic activity up in most regions
The National Bank's latest Regional Trends survey indicates a bounce in consumer and business confidence has underpinned economic activity.

Ngati Apa settlement bill 'emotionial' for Turia
Maori party co-leader Tariana Turia says the reading of the Ngati Apa (North Island) Claims Settlement Bill has been an emotional event for her.

Scholarship set in up in Sir Howard Morrison's name
A scholarship in the name of the late entertainer Sir Howard Morrison has been set up to build future generations of Maori business leaders.

Auckland's Tepid Baths to close for repairs
An Auckland landmark is to close for several years for a multi-million dollar emergency makeover.

Exploding artillery shell kills sergeant at Waiouru
The death of an air force flight sergeant when an old artillery shell exploded at Waiouru military camp in the central North Island is being described as a freak accident.

Crown begins rebuttal in Pike murder case
The Crown has begun calling rebuttal evidence in a bid to refute an alibi provided for a man accused of killing a young Palmerston North drug dealer.

First separated twin awakes
Surgeons in Melbourne say Trishna, one of the Bangladeshi conjoined twins separated this week, has woken and enjoyed a cuddle.

Mohaka death caused by fall from bridge
Napier police say the man found dead underneath a bridge on State Highway 5 between Napier and Taupo died after falling from the bridge.

Tramper's remains in Dart River identified
Human remains found in an Otago river have been identified as those of a tramper who went missing 11 months ago.

Death sentences upheld in Bangladesh
Bangladesh's Supreme Court has upheld the death sentences on five men convicted of killing the country's independence leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in an army revolt 34 years ago.

Homicide investigation into Hamilton death
Hamilton police are investigating the killing of a man who was beaten up during a drinking session at a garage in the suburb of Chartwell.

Japanese whaling fleet departs for Antarctic
Environmental group Greenpeace says Japanese whaling ships have left for the annual hunt in Antarctic waters.

Police say food on stove probably caused fatal fire
Manawatu police say a fire that claimed the lives of a preschooler and a woman in Foxton early on Wednesday morning is not suspicious.

Family Court judge wants major changes
The principal Family Court Judge is calling for a radical re-think in the prevention of and intervention in domestic violence.

Dunedin man sentenced for kickbacks to fraudster
A Dunedin businessman has been sentenced to home detention, after making corrupt payments of more than $750,000 to a fraudster who was a former health board IT manager.

Tau Henare admits speeding on motorway
National MP Tau Henare has admitted to MPs and submitters during a parliamentary select committee that he's "broken the law heaps of times".

NZ sharemarket gains
The New Zealand sharemarket has edged up, with the benchmark NZX 50 index up 13 points to 31.41 on low turnover of $43 million at closing on Thursday.

ACC bill 'risks reintroducing right to sue'
MPs have heard that some proposed changes to accident compensation cover may result in the reintroduction of the right to sue.

Youth charged with murder of Kaitaia grandmother
A teenager arrested after the killing of a Kaitaia grandmother has now been charged with her murder.

Skull found in Northland dunes
Northland police say they are investigating the discovery of a human skull in sand dunes near Dargaville.

PM accused of ignoring legal opinion to do ETS deal
Labour is accusing the Prime Minister of ignoring a legal opinion on the impact of the Emissions Trading Scheme in order to do a deal that cannot be justified.

Alternative plan 'may undermine climate talks'
The Government is being accused of supporting a 'plan B' which will undermine upcoming talks on climate change.

Water entered Tonga ferry several times, inquiry told
A crew member on the Tongan ferry which sank in August has told an inquiry water had entered the ferry on previous voyages.

Guantanamo closure will be delayed - Obama
United States President Barack Obama has admitted for the first time that his administration will miss the January 2010 deadline he set for closing the Guantanamo Bay prison in Cuba.

Election law wrangle halts Iraq poll preparations
Iraqi electoral officials say they've suspended preparations for elections in January until a new election law is approved. Iraq's vice-president has vetoed part of the legislation.

Did cosmic radiation cause airliner's plunge?
Australian investigators are considering the possibility that cosmic radiation caused a mid-air emergency aboard a Qantas jet last year.

US rebukes Israel for planning more settlement
The United States has sharply rebuked Israel for approving plans to build 900 new houses on disputed land in East Jerusalem. Washington says it will hamper efforts to get peace talks restarted.

Afghans see poverty, no jobs as main causes of conflict
A new survey on Afghanistan says poverty and unemployment are overwhelmingly seen by Afghans themselves as the major causes of the conflict there.

Thursday's newspaper headlines
Government moves to encourage more foreign oil explorers to invest in New Zealand; hospital bosses brace for big cuts in Government spending; Author Elizabeth Knox cried "for several days" after seeing the movie adaptation of 'The Vintner's Luck'.

Far North jam maker back on the boil
A Far North woman banned from making jam for charity has been given the all-clear to get back on the job.

South Island council may outlaw 'booze cruises'
Waitaki District Council could be the first in the country to outlaw so-called booze cruises, in which groups of people ride around in cars drinking alcohol.

Fluoridation of Waipukurau water supply to continue
Waipukurau's water supply will continue to be fluoridated despite a local survey showing a majority wanted it stopped.

Man charged over Blenheim nightclub death
Police have made an arrest over the death of a man injured outside a Blenheim nightclub in August.

50 arrests in Wellington drugs operation
More than 50 people have been arrested following a major drugs operation in the Wellington area, and $200,000 in bank accounts has been frozen.

Miners to return to work
Striking miners at Solid Energy's four main mines have voted to return to work at 6am on Saturday.

Quake felt throughout North Island
An earthquake measuring magnitude 5.1 struck near Palmerston North about 7am on Thursday. A second, smaller quake hit in the same place an hour later.

Police consider evidence on baby's death
Evidence given at an inquest into the death of a seven-month-old baby will now be considered by the police.

Strategy on Fonterra profit needed - Fed Farmers
The next challenge for Fonterra will be developing a very clear strategy for how it will use money held back from its profits to grow the business, says Federated Farmers chairman Lachlan McKenzie.

Publisher offers to buy back Ihimaera's novel
Witi Ihimaera's publisher is offering to buy back copies of the writer's latest novel, which has been the subject of a plagiarism controversy.

Tuhoe healer, musician remembered
Tuhoe kaumatua Tawhao Tioke is being remembered as man of religion, a healer, a gifted musician and a man steeped in his tribe's language and culture.

Iwi honoured for achieving unity in CNI settlement
The eight Central North Island iwi have been acknowledged for their strategic planning in the wake of their giant forestry settlement.

Author cries over Vintner's Luck film adaptation
Author Elizabeth Knox says she was so upset by the film adaptation of her book The Vintner's Luck that she cried for three days.

Tweeting All Blacks let off by coach
All Blacks Neemia Tialata and Corey Jane will not face punishment for revealing on a social networking site that they had been rested for Sunday morning's All Blacks test against England at Twickenham.

New umpire system on track for Pakistan series
The new referral system for cricket umpiring decisions will be used in the test series between New Zealand and Pakistan, which starts next week.

Campaign to keep NZ beef on Taiwan's menu
Meat marketers are launching a campaign in Taiwan to remind consumers of the merits of eating New Zealand meat, to help fend off the threat of increased US imports.

Air France-KLM plans more job cuts
Europe's biggest airline is planning to cut 1700 jobs next year. Air France-KLM made made a $US220 million loss in the September quarter.

Standard and Poor's objects to Australian regulations
The credit rating agency Standard and Poor's has criticised Australia's Securities and Investment Commission's new licensing rules. It has withdrawn its application for a retail financial services license.

UK legislation to crack down on bank bonuses
The British government has outlined two new bills to overhaul financial regulation and halve the nation's debt levels.

DNZ Property Fund to list next month
Commercial landlord DNZ Property Fund plans to list on the sharemarket next month.

Fisher and Paykel Healthcare profit up
Fisher and Paykel Healthcare has posted a record half year profit of $37 million as strong growth in its sleep apnea products offset a higher New Zealand dollar.

Defence Force 'can save up to $100m a year'
Defence Force Chief Jerry Mateparae has told MPs the force can make savings of between $50 million and $100 million a year.

Wind turbine company receives payment
Windflow Technology has received a $1.8 million payment from New Zealand Windfarms and says High Court proceedings between both sides has ceased.

Rod Drury appointed to NZX board
The founder and chief executive of online accountancy software firm Xero, Rod Drury, has become a director of the stock exchange.

BioVittoria delays stockmarket float
Natural sweetener maker BioVittoria is delaying its float on the sharemarket.

Some Hanover investors surprised at Allied deal
Allied Farmers' plan to buy the loan books of troubled Hanover Finance and its subsidiary United Finance has caught some Hanover investors by surprise.

NZ oil and gas fields 'open for business' - Energy Minister
New Zealand is declaring itself "open for business" regarding petroleum exploration. Energy and Resources Minister Gerry Brownlee says potential oil and gas reserves could be worth $30 billion a year by 2025.

Annual rental mooted for power-line affected farms
Federated Farmers says annual rent payments for rural land affected by transmission line projects could result from an agreement with the national grid operator Transpower.

NZers urged to be good sports
An Auckland businessman is launching a crusade to see New Zealanders brush up on their manners in preparation for hosting the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Financial adviser commission 'should be banned'
Proposed standards for financial advisers don't go far enough, according to Consumer New Zealand, which wants a ban on commissions.

First rocket launch from NZ soil nears
The first rocket launch into space from New Zealand soil is scheduled to happen in the next three weeks.

Bovine TB rears head again in Northland
Bovine tuberculosis has been detected in cattle in Northland, a region that's supposed to be free of the disease, for the second time in four months.

Welsh keen to attract NZ tech business
Kiwi technology firms looking to expand into the UK are being offered free office space and expert advice through an initiative backed by the Welsh Assembly.

Energy efficiency the way to go - NZ expert
An expert says energy efficiency is top of mind among the leading developed and emerging nations.

More Sri Lanka asylum-seekers leave ship
More than half the 56 Sri Lankans in a standoff with Australian authorities off Indonesia have disembarked from the ship that rescued them.

Treasury eases retail deposit scheme rules
The Treasury is making a number of changes to its retail deposit guarantee scheme.

Electricity prices fall in October, says Contact
Electricity generator and retailer Contact Energy says generation and prices fell in October.

Ancient Egyptians at risk of heart disease too
Researchers say hardening of the arteries has been found in Egyptian mummies - suggesting the risk factors for heart disease may be ancient.

Top science prize to biomedical engineer
An internationally renowned biomedical engineer has won New Zealand's top science prize.

Farmers give Fonterra the go-ahead for restructuring
Fonterra farmer shareholders have voted to change the co-operative's capital structure. At Fonterra's annual meeting in Ashburton the vote was 89% in favour of the proposal - well over the 75% required.

Were problems missed in rest home audit? Ministry checking
The Ministry of Health is reviewing its audit procedures following the closure of a Palmerston North rest home. It also intends to crack down on rest homes generally by introducing spot audits.

Key decides against meeting with Dalai Lama
The Prime Minister has decided that he won't meet the Dalai Lama when the Tibetan religious leader visits New Zealand in December.

24 seized in major drug bust
Twenty-four people have been arrested after a major drugs operation in the Taupo area.

Plastic rubbish bins seen as easy target for arsonists
The Fire Service is pointing to badly placed plastic rubbish bins as making it easier for arsonists to target schools.

Inghams let off too lightly, says GM-free campaigner
A group campaigning for GM-free food production says poultry producer Inghams should have been punished more severely for misleading the public.

Beenie Man apologises for causing offence
Controversial Jamaican reggae performer Beenie Man, whose appearance at the Big Day Out music festival has been cancelled, has apologised for causing offense with his lyrics.

Conjoined girls' guardian overjoyed at surgical separation
The guardian of newly separated conjoined twin girls has spoken of her "relief and joy" at seeing the girls in different cots for the first time.

Arrested for series of bank robberies
The police in Hamilton have arrested a man for a series of robberies in Hamilton and Auckland in the past few weeks.

Renewed bid to cultivate old kumara varieties
There's a renewed effort to grow varieties of kumara that pre-date the Treaty of Waitangi.

Only one smoke detector working: woman, child die in fire
A woman saved from a fatal house fire was woken by a smoke detector, but other detectors weren't working because they didn't have batteries.

Urologist continued to practise illegally
The Medical Council and the Ministry of Health are investigating an Invercargill-based urologist found to have been practising illegally.

Public in dark on infill housing plans, say residents
Wellington City Council is being accused of secrecy and obstructive behaviour by some residents over its plans for intensive infill housing. The council says the plan change has been made as public as possible.

Market closes three points down
The New Zealand sharemarket was down 3 points at close on Wednesday, with the benchmark NZX 50 index 0.09% lower at 3128.

Infratil reports loss, Shell talks 'advanced'
Infratil has reported a loss of $31.4 million in the six months to September, after writing down the value of assets. The company says talks to buy Shell's refining stake and petrol stations are at an advanced stage.

Firm convicted of property scheme deception
An Invercargill property company has been found guilty of misleading people into believing they were buying their own homes.

Health watchdog applauds idea of DHB 'league tables'
The public's health watchdog says a move to publish so-called "league tables" on how hospitals are doing is a step in the right direction.

PM defends minister's handling of leaky homes issue
The Prime Minister says he utterly rejects the North Shore City mayor's assertion that that the Building Minister is not up to the job of negotiating a leaky homes payment proposal.

More motorbike protests planned
Motorbike protesters against proposed hikes in ACC levies will be out in force again this weekend. Thousands rallied at Parliament on Tuesday.

Union faults initial firefighter turnout to major blaze
The Professional Firefighters Union has criticised the fire service after only eight firefighters initially responded to a major blaze in the Auckland suburb of Mt Wellington.

Rights bid turned into a 'Rubik's cube' - Maori TV head
The Maori Television Service says it's disappointed that its bid for the free-to-air Rugby World Cup broadcasting rights turned into a "Rubik's cube" of different expectations and requirements.

TVNZ accepts it should not have run English promo
Television New Zealand has admitted that in hindsight it should not have run a promo featuring Finance Minister Bill English talking about the economy.

Body under bridge that of Hastings man
The police in Napier have identified the body of a man found under a bridge on State Highway 5 between Napier and Taupo.

'Mindless' toilet vandalism costing city dearly
The mayor of Napier says serious damage to the council's toilets by mindless, senseless vandalism is costing the city dearly.

Former Nazi, now 90, charged with murdering Jews
A 90-year-old German man has been charged with the murder of 58 Jewish labourers during World War II.

Don't make promises we can't keep - new ceo
The new chief executive of the Hawke's Bay District Health Board says it shouldn't be making promises it doesn't intend to deliver on, or developing new services and initiatives it can't afford.

Federated Farmers wants emissions scheme ditched
Federated Farmers has called for the full repeal of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). The organisation's president, Don Nicolson, says the scheme is a shambles.

Regulators may have overpaid banks in AIG rescue
US regulators involved in the $US180 billion rescue of AIG may have overpaid other banks when cutting a deal, a report says.

MP allowances 'need to be cleared up'
The general manager of the Parliamentary Service says the rules on MPs' allowances need to be cleared up.

The Lovely Bones to have Wellington premiere
The premiere of New Zealand film-maker Peter Jackson's latest movie 'The Lovely Bones' will be held next month at Wellington's Embassy Theatre.

NZ least corrupt country, report finds
New Zealand has maintained its ranking as the least corrupt country in a report from an international anti-corruption group.

More disclosure by financial advisers proposed
Financial advisors could soon be required to declare whether that they receive commissions if customers act on their advice.

Parents foil teenager's school shooting plot
The parents of a teenage French schoolboy have foiled his plans to kill teachers and himself with a rifle after discovering the plot on his blog.

AMP defends Axa SA bid
Australasian insurer and fund manager AMP is defending its $A11 billion joint bid with French insurer AXA SA for AXA Asia Pacific Holdings, saying the offer price has to be responsible.

Wednesday's newspaper headlines
Former police officer found guilty of using his position to get free sex with a prostitute; dozens hand over fake drivers' licences; tunnel linking Queenstown with Milford Sound a step closer.

Kaikoura council considers scrapping 1080 drops
The Kaikoura District Council is discussing the possibility of scrapping the use of 1080 poison in its region, in order to maintain a clean, green image.

SIS puts universities on WMD alert
The Security Intelligence Service has been criticised for putting universities on alert about technology associated with weapons of mass destruction.

Charlies looks to profit again
Beverage operator Charlie's Group says it hopes to return to profitability in the current financial year.

Lamb shortage hits processing companies
Meat and Wool New Zealand says it's not aware of specific plans to source foreign lamb to make up a shortfall in meat for export, but backs any such move.

Greens support permanent planting on DoC land
The Green Party does not object to Maori foresters planting native trees on marginal conservation land, provided the trees will not be cut down.

English rules out economic shock treatment
Finance Minister Bill English has ruled out a Treasury suggestion that the Government should cut its spending by up to $3 billion, saying the Government will not apply shock treatment to the economy.

Ngati Apa bill passes first reading
A lower North Island tribe is one step closer to resolving its grievances with the Crown, after the Ngati Apa Claims Settlement Bill passed its first reading in Parliament on Tuesday.

Increase in online job adverts
One of the country's largest online job advertisers believes there are signs of a slow recovery in the labour market, reporting an increase of 12% in advertised jobs in the four months to October.

One guilty verdict in Christchurch police sex trial
A former police officer has been found guilty of coercing a prostitute to have sex with him but not guilty on two other serious charges in Christchurch.

New Green MP vows continued social justice emphasis
The Green Party's newest MP has used his maiden speech in Parliament to reaffirm the party's commitment to social justice.

Paul Dally parole hearing postponed
The man convicted of the murder Lower Hutt schoolgirl Karla Cardno has had his parole hearing adjourned so he can get a lawyer. Paul Joseph Dally was convicted of murder in 1990 and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Hanover posts $100m loss
Struggling finance firm Hanover Finance lost $102 million in the year to June, saying the challenging economic conditions have hurt its bottom line.

Swift medical treatment may have cut fatalities - study
A study of post-mortem reports of people who died after sustaining trauma injuries in Otago and Southland has found that just under half may have survived with swift medical treatment.

Foster care review needs Maori perspective
A veteran Maori social worker says a review of foster care needs to take a Maori way of seeing the world.

Trial begins over Opotiki killing
The jury in the trial of two teenage girls accused of beating to death a retired teacher in Opotiki has been shown graphic photographs of the scene.

Five new Arts Laureates
The Arts Foundation has announced its five Laureates for 2009 - writer Witi Ihimaera, carver Lyonel Grant, photographer Anne Noble and musicians Richard Nunns and Chris Knox.

Thousands of bikers protest at Parliament
Thousands of motorcyclists gathered at Parliament on Tuesday in a protest against proposed increases to ACC levies. ACC Minister Nick Smith was heckled as he addressed the rally.

Any benefits from ETS must be for all - forestry industry
The forestry industry says benefits resulting from Emissions Trading Scheme negotiations with the Maori Party for iwi to plant trees on conservation land, must be made available to all.

DoC won't prosecute over seal breach
The Department of Conservation says it won't prosecute Marineland of New Zealand for breaching its permit under the Marine Mammals Protection Act.

Family support vital in diabetes - Turia
Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia has spoken about the support her family has given her in managing her diabetes.

Chocolate frog charge dropped against Aboriginal boy
Police in Western Australia have dropped charges against a 12-year-old boy accused of receiving a stolen chocolate frog, in a case that caused outrage among Aborigines.

Home detention for man who forged passport
A Lower Hutt man who admitted forging a passport has escaped a jail sentence. Mark Davidson, 36, was sentenced to four month's home detention.

Ashika falling apart - marine officer
A marine officer for Tonga's Marine Imports Division says the ferry Princess Ashika was falling apart several weeks before the disaster in August.

Natural population increase declining
The rate of population increase through natural fertility in the year to September is lower than the same period last year, and likely to continue to decline over the next 50 years.

Bernanke mindful of drop, but signals rates to stay low
US Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke says policymakers are mindful of the sliding US dollar.

Chinese, US leaders in accord against protectionism
Chinese President Hu Jintao, speaking at a joint news conference with US President Barack Obama, said their two countries must shun protectionism.

Bystanders save toddler under taxi
A toddler hit by a taxi in central Hamilton was saved by a group of bystanders.

Witness sought over missing kayaker
Queenstown police are calling for a witness to come forward who may know what happened to a Hungarian kayaker who has apparently vanished on Lake Wakatipu.

Two babies die in unrelated deaths in Waikato
Two babies have died in Waikato in unrelated events.

Minties get moisture makeover
Confectionery maker Cadbury has changed the formula of another New Zealand favourite.

New appointments to 4 DHBs
The Government has announced new appointments to four district health boards in a move to ensure greater collaboration amongst them.

PM rubbishes Treasury estimates of ETS cost
Prime Minister John Key has dismissed as "nonsense" Treasury estimates that the Government's emissions trading scheme could cost taxpayers $110 billion by 2050.

More asylum seekers found in Australian waters
Another boat with 41 asylum seekers has been intercepted in Australian waters.

Plan to move Hillary house 'in jeopardy'
Mountaineer Graeme Dingle says his plans to move and preserve the late Sir Edmund Hillary's house are in jeopardy because he hasn't been able to reach the new owner.

Heavy rain for central North Is
A heavy rain warning is out for parts of the central North Island.

Harawira's going wouldn't affect relationship - Key
Prime Minister John Key says if Hone Harawira was to become an independent MP, it would not affect the support deal between the Maori Party and National.

Biochar role in cutting emissions studied
A newly-established research centre at Massey University will spend the next three to four years exploring the feasibility of using biochar technology to help reduce New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions.

Internet-based livestock trading expands
Rural servicing companies are expanding their on-line trading activities for livestock, though they don't see it as a replacement for stockyards and private sales.

Women's Refuge creates safe house for violent men
Women's Refuge is setting up a safe house in Gisborne to give violent men a place to stay in while they address their problems.

NZ excluded from Google book settlement
New Zealand authors and publishers have been excluded from a revised version of an agreement covering the free provision of books online.

Greenpeace activists arrested in mine protest
Four environmental activists been arrested in Southland, after attempting to shut down a coal mine.

Alliance Bernstein to relocate
The $4 billion Wellington-based Alliance Bernstein is moving its operations out of New Zealand.

New real estate legislation in force
Legislation designed to raise real estate industry standards has come into force on Tuesday. A new Real Estate Agents Authority will act as the disciplinary body.

Largest NCEA exam session held
The largest exam session of this year's NCEA, Level One English, was held on Tuesday morning. More than 47,000 candidates took the exam.

Skate park extension delayed
A proposed extension to one of New Zealand's largest skate parks has been delayed as Christchurch city leaders try to stop repeated vandalism affecting nearby businesses.

Children exiled to NZ not ill-treated - Bennett
The Government says child migrants who came to New Zealand from Britain were treated far better than those who went to Australia.

GM posts loss, but vows to repay government aid
The American car company, General Motors, has reported a loss of $US1.2 billion since emerging from bankruptcy, but says improving market conditions will allow it to repay state aid ahead of schedule.

Bars to use high-tech ID scanner
The chief executive of the Hospitality Association says bar owners are adopting high-tech equipment to stop underage drinkers using fake drivers licenses.

Tauranga man dies after being struck by train
A 30-year-old man was killed when hit by a train near Te Puke on Monday night.

Tia Barrett's contribution remembered
The country's most senior Maori diplomat, Tia Barrett, is lying in state at Turangawaewae Marae in Ngaruawahi, where his Ngati Maniapoto and Tainui people are remembering his contributions to Maori and New Zealand.

Climate deal key to fighting hunger - UN
The United Nations says agreeing an international climate change deal next month is crucial to fighting global hunger.

New Fonterra board member elected
Fonterra dairy co-operative has its first woman on the board in six years. Nicola Shadbolt was one of three candidates challenging three sitting directors who were up for re-election.

Dairy farm sales revival 'up to banks'
The Real Estate Institute expects the lift in Fonterra's milk price forecast to stimulate renewed interest in dairy farms. However it says the extent to which dairy farm sales pick up will depend on the banks' willingness to lend.

NZ potato damage hits chip processors
Processors are considering importing potatoes to make into french fries, because much of the local crop has been damaged by a tiny insect pest, making it less suitable to be made into chips.

UN has more questions for Iran on nuclear site
The United Nations nuclear agency says it needs more clarification about Iran's previously undeclared uranium enrichment site near the city of Qom.

Report released into woman's hypoglycaemia death
Auckland District Health Board says it appears a variety of missed opportunities was involved in the death of a woman with insulin-dependent diabetes. The 68-year-old died in September of hypoglycaemia.

Firms want to see more Asian studies in schools
Leading businesses say Asian languages and culture should be given greater priority at school because the region's economies will become increasingly important to New Zealand's success.

Call for end to Ross Sea toothfish operations
An ecological lobby group is calling for New Zealand to withdraw from deep sea Antarctic toothfish operations in the Ross Sea.

PHOs defend cash reserves
The country's biggest network of Primary Health Organisations is defending the way the PHOs spend public money.

Cynotech owner signals takeover
Shares in Cynotech Holdings have risen by a third after its major owner, Alan Hawkins signalled he intends making a full takeover offer for the finance company.

Technology company quits AX market
Transport technology firm Connexionz is delisting from the stock exchange's alternative market because it says it is too expensive and the compliance burden too high.

Inflation pressures remain low
Inflation pressures remain subdued in the September quarter, official figures show. Weaker dairy and electricity prices led to lower input and output costs for firms and farmers.

Sentence cut for prostitute who stole from elderly man
The Court of Appeal has cut the sentence given to a Bay of Plenty prostitute who stole an elderly man's life savings.

ACC sensitive claims process criticised
Critics of the Accident Compensation Corporation's new sensitive claims process are disputing that its introduction has been smooth.

Actor Edward Woodward dies
British actor Edward Woodward has died in hospital at the age of 79.

Pre-trial media coverage 'out of control'
A Law Commission report has been criticised for failing to address serious problems with media coverage before trials take place. Lawyer Marie Dyhrberg says the report should have looked at limiting this coverage.

Police monitored text messages in Pike murder trial
A Wellington jury has heard that the police monitored text messages sent by the mother of a man accused of killing a Palmerston North drug dealer.

Govt negotiating with iwi over ETS deal
The Government is negotiating a forestry deal with iwi and the Maori Party to win support for legislation amending the Emissions Trading Scheme.

Meetings to discuss plan to cut agricultural emissions
Agriculture Minister David Carter says there has been strong support for the Global Alliance New Zealand is advancing for research on reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.

Java police intercept Australian asylum seekers
The authorities in West Timor have shot and wounded two Afghan asylum seekers who they say resisted arrest. The incident comes as the Indonesian police intercept another 40 Sri Lankan asylum seekers in western Java.

Law changes would stop name suppression for famous
The Law Commission says its proposed changes to suppression laws would stop people getting their name suppressed on the grounds that identifying them would ruin their career.

US urges Afghan president to fight corruption
The American Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, says the Afghan president Hamid Karzai must set up a major crime tribunal and anti-corruption commission.

China and the US not adversaries - Obama
United States president Barack Obama has told an audience in Shanghai that China and the US need not be adversaries.

Real estate firm disputes mini-housing boom claim
A leading real estate company is dismissing claims of a mini-boom in the New Zealand housing market.

Warning fair trade deal with US could be derailed
A free trade deal including the United States and New Zealand could yet be derailed, an American business lobby group warns.

Movember funds prostate cancer research
The Cancer Society says a charitable donation from the Movember Foundation will fund further research for prostate cancer treatments.

Call for tighter whitebaiting rules
The West Coast Whitebaiters' Association wants the Government to tighten the rules on selling whitebait after an average season forced some to flout the law.

Lower Hutt fire was arson - police
The police say a fire that engulfed four houses in Lower Hutt, north of Wellington, on Sunday was deliberately lit.

Family First wants three referendums honoured
The National Director of the lobby group Family First is calling on the Prime Minister to revisit and honour referendums held in 1999, as well as this year's smacking referendum.

Court staff may stop work again - PSA
The Public Service Association says industrial action will continue if the Ministry of Justice does not change its position on stalled wage talks for court staff.

"Knife" thrown at horses may have been pen
The object thrown at horses racing in last week's New Zealand Trotting Cup at Addington Raceway may have been a pen, not a knife as earlier reported.

NZ sharemarket up slightly as goods prices fall
The prices paid at the farm and factory gate for goods and services have fallen, with producers' input costs down 1.1% in the September quarter.

Rudd says sorry to Forgotten Australians
The Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has given an emotional apology to the country's "forgotten Australians", many of whom gathered at Parliament House in Canberra on Monday.

Woman injured when hit by bus
A woman hit by a bus in central Wellington on Monday has suffered moderate injuries. It's the third accident involving buses and pedestrians in the capital in the past month.

Auckland City won't dominate super city - Slater
The party dominating Auckland City politics has confirmed it wants to extend its reach around the region for the super city elections. The Citizens and Ratepayers group is responding to Dick Hubbard's fear the Auckland City culture would take over.

Five remanded over fatal Nelson shooting
There was heavy security at Nelson District Court on Monday for the appearance of five men charged over the death of a young man on Saturday afternoon. Three Armed Offenders Squad members were among 12 police on guard.

Police bust driver's licence forgery ring
The Auckland Police have busted a driver's licence forgery ring involving hundreds of students.

Police name pilot who died in Taranaki crash
The pilot who died in a light plane crash in Taranaki on Sunday has been named. He was Colin Greatrex, 52, of Auckland.

Brewing giant unhappy with NZ profit result
The owner of DB Breweries has experienced a substantial drop in profit in its New Zealand operations.

Outgoing Nuplex managing director looks at new roles
Nuplex managing director John Hirst says he will be looking at taking up directorships when he steps down from the listed resins maker in June next year.

Wholesale of telecos good development - commissioner
The Telecommunications Commissioner has dismissed concerns that the wholesale of Telecom and Vodafone's mobile networks is unlikely to lead to a more competitive market for consumers.

Elite business women to hold open conference
An elite group of New Zealand business women are holding their first public event in Auckland on Tuesday.

Asia-Pacific shipping loses $US3b in downturn
A major shipping company says the industry has lost $US3 billion in the Asia-Pacific region alone during the downturn, but New Zealand is holding up well.

Antarctic expedition to drill for Shackleton's whisky
A New Zealand expedition to Antarctica plans to drill for whisky left behind on the continent 100 years ago.

Activity slows in service sector
Activity is flat in the services sector following three months of expansion, according to new figures.

Organic agriculture 'vital' in long term
A soil specialist from Washington says governments and policy makers can address longer term food security issues by using organic agriculture to reduce erosion and improve soil health.

APEC fails to commit to emissions reduction target
World leaders at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Singapore have failed to agree on a target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

NZ Football won't repeat past mistakes
New Zealand Football is confident it will not repeat past mistakes and is determined to make the most of the All Whites qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.

Quota costs threaten commercial fishers
Inshore commercial fishermen say the high price they are paying to quota owners will eventually squeeze many out of business.

Review to determine if athlete can compete as woman
Caster Semenya, the athlete at the centre of a gender controversy, will find out this week if she is eligible to compete as a woman.

NZ High Commissioner to Cook Islands dies
New Zealand's High Commissioner to the Cook Islands Te Rongotoa Barrett, known as Tia Barrett, has died at the age of 62.

Obama urges Myanmar ruler to release Suu Kyi
US President Barack Obama has urged Myanmar's military ruler to free pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

No funding windfall after qualifying for World Cup
The government sports funding agency, SPARC, says New Zealand's qualification for the 2010 World Cup finals won't lead to any sudden funding windfall. The All Whites qualified after beating Bahrain 1-nil on Saturday night.

APEC won't set carbon reduction target, says Key
Prime Minister John Key says APEC countries won't set a target for reductions in carbon emissions ahead of crucial climate change discussions in December.

Fraud accused had Chinese political connections - Crown
The Crown says a Chinese businessman charged with passport fraud in New Zealand was able to get the false documents because of his political connections in China.

SH1 reopens after fatal crash near Wellsford
State Highway One has reopened near Wellsford, north of Auckland, following a fatal two-car collision.

Westport cement works forced to close for three weeks
The Buller Mayor says one of the district's biggest employers, Holcim, will close its Westport cement works for three weeks during the Christmas - New Year period due to mounting stocks of cement around the country.

Winds buffer Toast Martinborough
High winds have caused problems for festival goers at the Toast Martinborough event in the Wairarapa.

Body found near Port Chalmers
Police say there are no suspicious circumstances in the death of a man found near Port Chalmers on Sunday morning.

Call to protect coastal areas against global warming
New Zealand should consider building dykes and seawalls to help protect coastal areas from the effects of global warming, a climate scientist believes.

Church service held to remember wartime effort
A church service to remember New Zealand's war dead has been held in Wellington.

Australia to exclude farms from emissions scheme
Australia's government has agreed to exclude agriculture from its emissions trading scheme in a bid to get the scheme through parliament.

Brazil and France in climate deal
Brazil and France have agreed a common position on fighting global warming before next month's UN climate change conference in Copenhagen.

Free trade deal may be in place in two years, says PM
Prime Minister John Key says the new Trans-Pacific Trade Treaty, which effectively gives New Zealand a free trade agreement with the United States, could be in place in two years.

Strong quake hits northern Argentina
A strong 6.1-magnitude earthquake has struck far northern Argentina near its border with Chile and Bolivia.

Magnificent Seven director dies
Director Paul Wendkos, whose career spanned 50 years and covered 100 films and television shows, including the 1959 surf movie Gidget, has died in California. He was 84.

Jews protest US firm operating on day of rest
Ultra Orthodox Jews in Jerusalem have protested outside the offices of an American company over the plant operating on the Sabbath, a day of rest.

Plant closure prompts call to stabilise dollar
The planned closure of a saw blade plant north of Auckland has prompted calls for new moves by the Reserve Bank to lower and stabilise the value of the New Zealand dollar.

Britain probes new Iraq torture allegations
An investigation has been launched into new allegations that British soldiers tortured Iraqi civilians.

Key hopeful on Trans Pacific partnership
Prime Minister John Key says a Pacific free trade deal that included the United States would be worth billions of dollars to New Zealand.

Bikers gear up for ACC protest at Parliament
The Bikers Rights Organisation of New Zealand says motorcyclists from across the country will start riding towards Wellington on Monday to protest against ACC levy changes.

Police checkpoint target of fatal bomb attack
A suicide bomber has attacked a police checkpoint in the Pakistani city of Peshawar killing at least 10 people, including two officers.

Elderly man dies in Blenheim house fire
An elderly man has died after a house fire in Blenheim.

Power cuts hit lower North Island
The power is out north of Wellington near the Kapiti Coast town of Waikanae on Sunday morning.

All Blacks beat spirited Italians
The All Blacks remain unbeaten on their end-of-year tour after beating Italy 20-6 in Milan.

Black sticks to play Malaysia in hockey qualifier
Two goals in 60 seconds helped secure a place for Malaysia in the final of the World Cup hockey qualifying tournament in Invercargill on Saturday.

University students warned of internet scam
The Union of Students Associations is warning students about an internet scam which has seen money fleeced from University of Otago students.

South Pacific fisheries treaty adopted
A new organisation has been established to manage South Pacific fisheries. Negotiators at a meeting in Auckland formally adopted a deep sea treaty on Saturday.

Memorial service for Howard Morrison in Auckland
Entertainer Sir Howard Morrison has been remembered by family and friends at a memorial service in St Matthews in the City in Auckland on Saturday.

NZ clean green image lambasted
A British journalist says New Zealand should be embarrassed by its environmental performance.

Second attack by masked men in Wellington region
Three Lower Hutt residents are upset but unharmed after a group of masked men forced their way into their home.

Surveys say NZ housing market picking up
The housing market in New Zealand is picking up, according to new bank surveys.

Building industry warns of leaky home 'cowboys'
Unscrupulous operators could be exaggerating the scale of problems in some buildings affected by leaks, the building industry warns.

Maori ancestral remains to come home
The Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa, is to undertake the second biggest repatriation ever of Maori ancestral remains.

Police seize major methamphetamine haul
New Zealand authorities say they believe they've disrupted a major international drug syndicate, after seizing up to $6m worth of methamphetamine at Auckland Airport.

Shadbolt dispute with deputy to be debated
The conflict between the Mayor of Invercargill and his deputy will be debated at a special council meeting in December.

Jogger fatally injured by Wellington bus
Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman jogger was fatally injured by a bus in the Wellington suburb of Brooklyn on Friday.

Another suspicious fire at Nelson house
Nelson police are investigating a second suspicious fire in a week at a Housing New Zealand home a family has been trying to move into.

Synlait plans float
The milk company Synlait is planning to float its production arm on the stock market.

Tough first quarter - Steel and Tube
Steel and Tube says trading has been difficult in the first four months of the new trading year, with a continuation of soft volumes and even greater pressure on margins.

Southern Travel predicts loss
Southern Travel Holdings says it may make a loss this year, because the high New Zealand dollar is wiping out most of its profits.

Fonterra holds consultation on restructuring
Fonterra has held a further round of consultation with its suppliers this week as it prepares for a ground-breaking vote on capital restructuring.

Picton goods train derails
KiwiRail says it will thoroughly investigate the cause of a goods train derailment in the Picton railyards on Saturday morning.

Gloomy outlook for Auckland economy
The short-term prospects for New Zealand's biggest regional economy have been described as unstable in a new report.

Government may raise driving age
Raising the driving age in New Zealand is one of several road safety initiatives to be discussed by the Government next year.

Poultry industry takes credit for campylobacter drop
The Poultry Industry Association says a farm-to-plate review of processing practices explains why a sharp drop in cases of the bug campylobacter has been sustained.

NZ concludes free trade deal with Hong Kong
New Zealand has concluded negotiations on a free trade deal with Hong Kong.

MMP system favoured by 48% - poll
Almost half those questioned in a UMR Research poll favour retaining the current voting system. Of those surveyed, 48% were in favour of MMP and 40% wanted a change.

NZ assisting dolphin mine clearance
Naval specialists from New Zealand are taking part in an operation that uses dolphins to clear war mines from waters around New Caledonia.

NASA discovers 'significant' water on Moon
US space agency NASA says a "significant amount" of frozen water has been found on the Moon, boosting hopes there could one day be a permanent lunar base.

PM meets US Treasury boss ahead of summit
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has met with a top member of the United States cabinet ahead of the APEC summit in Singapore at the weekend.

Support for child discipline law change fragile - PM
Prime Minister John Key says he recognises there is still a need to build public confidence in the child discipline laws, despite a review finding parents are not being subjected to "unnecessary state intervention".

Emissions units for farmers 'could cost $100bn'
Allocations being offered to farmers and industry under the amended Emissions Trading Scheme could be worth $100 billion.

Money troubles for capital 'wet house' for alcoholics
Funding negotiations have fallen over between three organisations trying to establish New Zealand's first long-term shelter for homeless alcoholics in Wellington.

Sept 11 accused to be tried in New York
The alleged mastermind of the September 11 terrorist attacks, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, is to be sent to New York for trial in a civilian court, the United States has confirmed.

Marlborough winemaker switches to plastic bottles
A New Zealand winemaker is switching to using plastic bottles, saying it will make the wine more environmentally friendly.

Maori Party co-leaders say Harawira should go
Maori Party co-leaders Tariana Turia and Pita Sharples have signalled there is no future for controversial MP Hone Harawira in the party, saying they want to move on.

Auto-immune disease organisations merge
Support groups for people with auto-immune diseases have merged to form a national organisation.

Major quake strikes off New Zealand
A major earthquake struck off the coast of New Zealand's South Island Wednesday night, rattling residents and prompting a tsunami warning that was later canceled.

Olympic hopeful opens brothel to pay for training
A cash-strapped Olympic hopeful in New Zealand says he has been forced to open a brothel to fund his bid for taekwondo glory in 2012, but officials say his entry into the sex trade could mean his exit from international sport.

Strong quake rattles New Zealand region
A 6.7-magnitude earthquake rocked New Zealand's remote Kermadec Islands region Saturday afternoon, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Killer gunman found dead inside New Zealand home
A killer gunman at the center of a two-day standoff with police has been found dead inside his home, New Zealand police said Saturday.

Dollar gains on swine flu concerns
The dollar and yen strengthened broadly Monday on rising risk aversion as concern grew that an outbreak of swine flu in Mexico could become a global pandemic, while the Mexican peso fell sharply.

Woman gives birth on airliner, leaves baby in trash
Fate, police say, saved baby Grace from being tossed out with the trash.

Recent history of cricket and terrorism
The ambush by up to a dozen gunmen of a bus carrying members of the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore is the realization of fears long held by the sport's leading players.

NZ PM's mishap is lucky break for charity
An Internet auction to sell off the plaster cast that New Zealand Prime Minister John Key wore when he broke his right arm has raised close to NZ$ 20,000 for charity.

Prehistoric-Age Reptile Found in New Zealand
A rare reptile with lineage dating back to the dinosaur age has been found nesting on the New Zealand mainland for the first time in about 200 years

Wacky new airline stunts
If your November travel plans include a flight out of Los Angeles, don't be surprised to find yourself standing behind a bald, tattooed human billboard.

7.3 Quake Strikes Outer New Zealand Islands
A 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck near New Zealand's remote and largely uninhabited Kermadec Islands early Tuesday, New Zealand's GNS Science geological agency said

Tainted Milk Fears Spread to Britain, New Zealand
The British supermarket chain Tesco pulled a Chinese candy from its shelves and New Zealand said Wednesday it found dangerously high levels of the industrial chemical melamine in the same brand, as fears over tainted milk spread beyond Asia

NZ judge backs girl over 'embarrassing' name
A New Zealand judge has made a 9-year-old girl a ward of the court so that her name can be changed from Talula Does the Hula From Hawaii, the country's national news agency reported Thursday.

Earpiece girl, 8, ejected from tennis tournament
An eight-year-old girl was ejected from a junior tennis tournament in New Zealand when officials discovered she was wearing a hidden radio earpiece to receive instructions from her father.

Scientists Discover Volcano Starfish
Marine scientists surveying a large undersea mountain chain were amazed to find millions of tiny starfish swirling their arms to capture food in the undersea current

Canyoning Tragedy in New Zealand
Six college students and a teacher are killed by a "rain bomb" while on a school-sponsored outdoor adventure

U.S. deports wife killer suspect
A man accused of killing his wife in New Zealand and then abandoning the couple's 3-year-old daughter at an Australian train station has been deported to New Zealand to face murder charges, U.S. immigration officials announced Sunday.

'Pumpkin's' dad to be extradited
A man arrested in the U.S. after a months-long, intercontinental manhunt will be deported to New Zealand to face murder charges in the death of his wife, authorities told CNN Friday.

'Pumpkin's' fugitive father caught in U.S.
A man accused of killing his wife in New Zealand and then abandoning the couple's 3-year-old daughter at an Australian train station has been captured in suburban Atlanta, authorities said.

New Zealand rocked by huge quake
Buildings collapsed, power lines were knocked out and gas pipes ruptured when a powerful earthquake hit the northeastern coast of New Zealand late Thursday.

New Zealand warns on Chinese toothpaste
New Zealand on Wednesday asked retailers and consumers to dispose of 11 brands of Chinese-made toothpaste after tests confirmed they contained toxic chemicals.

Walking -- but not roughing it -- in New Zealand
Something keeps drawing me back to New Zealand. I suspect something always will.

Volcano erupts in NZ, one missing
One person was missing Friday after a volcano erupted on a largely uninhabited New Zealand island, according to television reports.

Eating with food miles in mind
Next time you are out for dinner on a business trip, you may find that the food on your plate has traveled further than you have.

Spy blunder?
It started with two Israelis convicted of trying illegally to obtain a New Zealand passport -- a valuable commodity in the world of international spy craft that can open up doors often closed to Israeli passport holders.

New Zealand's Neil Finn: 'I'm a lifer'
The musical dynasty of the Finns represents rock royalty in New Zealand.

Vacations For The Soul Forget fruity rum drinks. Here are six ways to have fun and still do some good.
Count Dolphins EARTHWATCH INSTITUTE www.earthwatch.org; 800-776-0188

HOW TO FIND IT ON THE INTERNET THERE'S A VAST AND GROWING TROVE OF ONLINE INFORMATION YOU CAN USE TO TRACK THE
Ever get a sneaking suspicion that the only difference between you and an economic pundit is that the pundit has all the facts and figures, and you don't? Like maybe the world economy could be your...

YIELD OF THE MONTH FOR SAVERS WILLING TO TAKE A LITTLE RISK A LONG-DISTANCE TELEPHONE CALL
Based in one of the smallest industrial nations, Telecom Corp. of New Zealand (recently traded as an American Depositary Receipt on the New York Stock Exchange at $48; symbol: nzt) is no small comp...

UP FROM DOWN UNDER Can Australia and New Zealand run with Asia's sprinters? They're both trying, but the Kiwis
AUSTRALIA and New Zealand, two daughters of Mother England perched on the Pacific's southern rim, are desperately seeking answers to two tough questions. First, who are they? Says Nobby Clark, mana...

A Bond Voyage to High Yields For a shot at double digits, try one of the new foreign fixed-income funds.
How does a 25% yield on 30-day New Zealand bank bills grab you? Or 14.3% on a three-year Australian government bond? To be sure, those are extreme examples of risky recent returns in foreign bonds ...

New Zealand Qualifies for Cup; Cameroon and Nigeria Advance
New Zealand reached the World Cup for the first time since 1982, and Cameroon and Nigeria also qualified Saturday for next year’s showcase in South Africa.

Australians Stay No. 1 in the Limited Overs Format
By winning the Champions Trophy over New Zealand, Australian cricket showed that it remains supreme at the one-day international played over 50 six-ball overs apiece.

From Deep Pacific, Ugly and Tasty, With a Catch
A deepwater Pacific fish used in fast-food sandwiches and sushi has touched off arguments over the sustainability of the catch.

Bemis in Deal With Rio Tinto to Buy Its U.S. Packaging Unit
Bemis, a Midwestern packaging maker, said late Sunday that it had agreed to buy the American operations of Alcan Packaging, a unit of Rio Tinto, for $1.2 billion in cash and stock.

Airline Has Nothing to Hide. Really.
The in-flight safety instructional video and a companion ad series show employees of Air New Zealand unclothed, concealed only by body-painted uniforms and strategically placed props.

U.S. Declares Public Health Emergency Over Swine Flu
U.S. health officials said that they had confirmed 20 cases of swine flu in the country and expected to see more as investigators track the path of the outbreak.

Dynamic Duo
The comedy team talks about how to make it in Manhattan, why New Zealanders don’t like their own accents and why the government should do its own TV show.

Company at Core of China’s Milk Scandal Is Declared Bankrupt
The dairy company is being sued by parents hoping to be paid compensation for the illnesses or deaths of their children.

New Zealand Cuts Interest Rates
New Zealand’s central bank cut its interest rates on Thursday, joining policy makers around the world seeking to lower the cost of borrowing to bolster their slowing economies.

Obama’s Election Inspires an Indigenous Party in New Zealand
The Maori minority approached New Zealand’s elections on Saturday with a chance to secure the balance of power, inspired by Barack Obama’s victory.

Nikkei Index Falls in Early Trading
Japan's Nikkei 225 stock index falls almost 5 percent in first hour of trading to 11,185.62 in response to US House of Representatives rejection of $700 billion financial bailout package and plunge in United States markets; Bank of Japan tries to calm investors by pumping $19 billion into credit markets, adding to roughly $170 billion it has already provided in recent weeks; benchmark indexes in South Korea, Australia and New Zealand all fall more than 4 percent

Friendly Invaders
New research suggests that exotic species, instead of causing extinctions, may actually aid diversity.

For U.S., a Triumphant Return to Cuba
Clint Dempsy scored in the 40th minute to lift the United States national team to a 1-0 win over Cuba. It was the national team’s first visit to Cuba since 1947.

Good Showing by Britain Is Ahead of Schedule
Even as British athletes move up the medal count in Beijing they are looking forward to 2012.

An American Again Misfires With Gold in Sights
For the second straight Olympics, Matt Emmons had forfeited a gold medal with a shocking mistake on the final shot of the three-position rifle.

Capital: Wellington

Largest City: Auckland

New Zealand is a country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two large islands (the North Island and the South Island) and numerous smaller islands, most notably Stewart Island / Rakiura and the Chatham Islands. The indigenous Ma-ori named New Zealand Aotearoa, which is usually translated into English as The Land of the Long White Cloud. The Realm of New Zealand also includes the Cook Islands and Niue, which are self-governing but in free association; Tokelau; and the Ross Dependency (New Zealand's territorial claim in Antarctica).

New Zealand is notable for its geographic isolation, being separated from Australia to the northwest by the Tasman Sea, approximately 2000 kilometres (1250 miles) across. Its closest neighbours to the north are New Caledonia, Fiji and Tonga.

The population is mostly of European descent, with the indigenous Ma-ori being the largest minority. Asians and non-Maori Polynesians are also significant minorities, especially in the cities. Elizabeth II, as the Queen of New Zealand, is the Head of State and, in her absence, is represented by a non-partisan Governor-General. The Queen 'reigns but does not rule.' She has no real political influence, and her position is largely symbolic. Political power is held by the democratically-elected Parliament of New Zealand under the leadership of the Prime Minister, who is the Head of Government.

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NewZealand