1Quality New Zealand winemakers Delegat's Vineyard went into voluntary receivership today.

2A thief stole more than $50,000 from a Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) branch in Auckland City this afternoon.

3An American judge today authorised the largest damages award ever handed down in a civil lawsuit - more than $10 billion. It is to be paid out by the giant Texaco Oil Company, for enticing another company to break an agreement to merge with a rival.

4New Zealanders may soon have access to cheap, no frills flights overseas. The Government has opened the way for New Zealand owned airlines to put on cheap fares. Air New Zealand has thus far declined to comment on the Government's more liberal aviation policy.

5During the past week, the question of Maori Parliamentary representation has dominated hearings at the Royal Commission into the Electoral System. In its submissions, the Justice Department asserted that only the Maori people themselves should determine whether the Maori seats should be abolished or retained. However, the Commission has already held a series of hearings on marae throughout New Zealand, and says there is a mood for change.

6The Government's long-awaited package of farm and other measures will be released tomorrow afternoon. The pressures facing farmers this year have been recognised by the Mental Health Foundation, with the Foundation's Director Dr Max Abbott appealing to Finance Minister Roger Douglas to slow down his economic reform because he believes the pain is, in some cases, too great. Hi cites research from Iowa, where around 40% of farmers have lost their farms in similar circumstances to those currently affecting the rural sector in New Zealand. Today, one farmer in Iowa took his own life because the pressure had become too much.

7During the past week, the question of Maori Parliamentary representation has dominated hearings at the Royal Commission into the Electoral System. In its submissions, the Justice Department asserted that only the Maori people themselves should determine whether the Maori seats should be abolished or retained. However, the Commission has already held a series of hearings on marae throughout New Zealand, and says there is a mood for change.