1The United States has asked New Zealand to join in a worldwide response to Libya's support of international terrorism. Prime Minister David Lange says he is considering the request seriously. The United States has stepped up economic action against Libya and is threatening a hardline response to the deaths of any more Americans by Libyan-linked terrorists. However, so far no European countries are supporting the United States' move, and Arab League countries are openly backing Libya.

2After a brief surge in value earlier this week, the New Zealand dollar has fallen back to trade at pre-Christmas levels.

3The use of intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) has come under fire by women's health groups and the Department of Health. AH Robbins, the makers of the Dalkon Shield, held a news conference today to advise affected women how to make a damages claim against the company.

4A Christchurch cleaner who has been exempted from joining a union because of its affiliation to the Labour Party, is puzzled at the decision.

5The Maori voyaging canoe Hawaiiki Nui has been dismantled in preparation for its return to Tahiti.

6The tiny fishing village of Ullapool, in the Scottish Highlands, offers a welcome to hundreds of Russians and other Eastern Europeans who work aboard dozens of Communist Bloc factory ships, which anchor for months at a time in Ullapool Harbour.

7Increasing numbers of New Zealanders are hiring limousines to go out in style these days. In the United States, however the limo business is on an even bigger and brighter scale.