1The S Mikhail Lermontov, the Russian cruise liner which floundered in the Marlborough Sounds, was one of the few, but increasingly frequent, Russian liners to visit New Zealand. How will the sinking affect the tourist trade?

2Police are moving to quell violent crime with a special new squad.

3Last November 16-year old Kawerau girl, Amanda Faulkner had her skull shattered brutally. Police have still not found the offender and have no motive for the attack.

4A second person has died after a three car crash near Te Kauwhata last night. A number are relations of former All Black, Sid Going. And there was another death after an accident near Maramarua on the Thames highway.

5A high rise apartment block is being built in Remuera, but the High Court has ruled that it contravenes Auckland City Council ordinances. Locals are concerned that building continues.

6Auckland chief Mark Gregory has won a top international prize in London in a competition featuring 500 chiefs from all over the world.

7Ronnie Scott, a top British jazz musician and tenor saxophonist, has been in New Zealand for a series of concerts.