1At least 25 people are now dead in Fiji and Vanuatu in the worst hurricane disaster in the South pacific for over a decade. Cyclone Eric has left nineteen people dead in Fiji and thousands homeless, and Cyclone Nigel is now approaching, expected to follow Eric's path.

2One of the worst winter freezes in decades is causing havoc across Europe, affecting the lives of millions of people.

3British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher has arrived in West Germany for talks with the German Chancellor.

4Anti-independence settlers have abused French President Francois Mitterrand on his visit to New Caledonia.

5Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone began his second day in new Zealand with a welcome onto Turangawaewae Marae.

6Major disruption to North Island rail traffic continued today as staff worked to restore the main trunk line after ten goods wagons derailed and damaged the line near Linton.

7New Zealand cherry exports to Japan - which are likely to begin later this year - could be worth about $7 million by the end of the decade.