1A fingerprint expert has told the High Court in Christchurch that he discovered the fingerprints of David Bain on the rifle used to kill five members of his family, and his partial palm print on the washing machine. Kim Jones has given evidence this afternoon at the trial where 37-year-old David Bain stands accused of the 1994 murders.

2In South Africa the ruling African National Congress has taken a commanding early lead, with only a fraction of the votes counted, the party could still face a dent in its support having held power since the end of apartheid in 1994.

3The Government's has confirmed its nine-day working fortnight scheme to save jobs is being extended and will now be available to another 2000 businesses employing 120,000 people.

4Airport operators are against increased screening of passengers on domestic flights saying cost and inconvienience far outweigh any risk of terriorism.

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6Some of Christchurch's lowest earners face a 14 per cent rent hike this year. The Christchurch City Council voted for the change today, saying that the increase is necessary to maintain close to 3000 units it owns.

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8A covert operation by a group of mothers worried about the safety of a child has led to the arrest of school teacher, Nicholas Baldwin, who is now accused of being a pedeofile.

9The United Nations Security Council has called on the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka to lay down their arms and allow the evacuation of remaining civilians from the combat zone.

10New Zealand's Tamil community is calling on the Government to help bring about an immediate cease-fire to the war in Sri Lanka, around 200 people have gathered in Aotea Square to protest at what they're calling a humanitarian catastrophe.

11Lawyers for Taito Phillip Field say the former Labour MP has been at the centre of a public witch hunt. His defence team has briefly addressed a jury at the High Court in Auckland. Mr. Field faces 12 charges of bribery and corruption and 23 of wilfully perverting the course of justice.

12Waatea News

13Fiji could have judges sworn in and back operating in the Supreme and High Courts next week. The Pacific nation will remain under emergency rule for the next two weeks with no indication of what's required for it to be lifted.

14Auckland City ratepayers have been left with million dollar bill, after the failure of three shows underwritten by the council. The Council will make up the losses suffered by The Edge for the production 'My Fair Lady' and two smaller productions.

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16A fingerprint expert has told the High Court in Christchurch that he discovered the fingerprints of David Bain on the rifle used to kill five members of his family, and his partial palm print on the washing machine. Kim Jones has given evidence this afternoon at the trial where 37-year-old David Bain stands accused of the 1994 murders.

17New Zealand's major banks will continue to be profitable but the consultancy firm KPMG says growth will slow as the prolonged recession results in further bad loans.

18The Chief Censor has criticised movie labels for not releasing enough G-rated films during the school holidays.

19Television production companies are hopeful a new 15 million dollar fund will mean more quality local programming will make it in to prime-time viewing.

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21News from China, including: China's nuclear-powered submarines; 180 hidden miles of the Great Wall has been found after a two-year government mapping study; ancestor of the Tyrannosaurus rex found in China;

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23Around two million computers around the world have been taken over by malicious hackers. Reports say that around 10 thousand New Zealand computers have been infected.

24Members of Parliament have been told parts of a bill designed to streamline the Resource Management Act may in further complicate the process. Parliament's Local Government and Environment select committee has been hearing submissions today.

25Waatea News