1The Government's latest economic package has been slammed by farmers, who say it does not address the specific problems they are experiencing now. It has also caused chaos and confusion in the retail industry.

2Interest rates are falling. Westpac has cut its rates by 1% today, and it is expected that other banks will follow suit.

3It is not yet known why a DC-8, taking 250 United States Army personnel from the 101st Airborne home for Christmas, crashed in newfoundland today, killing all aboard.

4South Auckland detectives are to launch a homicide investigation following the discovery of a young man's body in a roadside ditch near Takanini this evening.

5The planned nurses strike for nest Thursday has been called off following a report to the Government today by the industrial negotiator.

6There is no end in sight for the five-city bus strike. However, the drivers are facing mounting opposition from commuters, retailers, Christmas shoppers and even from within their own families.

7Part of Timaru's wharves will be closed off next week while eighteen thousand live sheep are loaded on board a ship bound for Mexico.

8The Christchurch Press newspaper has lost its appeal against a High Court decision awarding more than $100,000 in damages to five members of the Exclusive Brethren.

9French police are attempting to question a Russian man, who has spent the past three weeks in a British hospital pretending to be in a coma.

10A confidential police report, which shows that the Mongrel Mob are involved in organized crime, has been leaked to Eyewitness News.It paints a picture of a well-armed organisation, heavily involved in serious criminal activity.

11Finance Minister Roger Douglas and Agriculture MInister Colin Moyle tonight met face to face with farmers from Canterbury.