1A state of civil emergency has been declared in South Canterbury and North Otago following 24-hours of torrential rain. Rivers have overflowed, bridges have been swept away, and one elderly man is missing, presumed drowned.

2The growing revolt over the Government's farming policies came to a head in several centres today. There have been vociferous calls for the end of Rogernomics and the sacking of Finance Minister Roger Douglas.

3Sir Robert Muldoon is challenging today's sworn denial by the Executive Officer of the Higher Salaries Commission (HSC) who himself challenged a newspaper report of what Sir Robert Muldoon said about the Commission's salary review.

4British solo Round the World sailor James Hatfield has been rescued from his stricken yacht in heavy seas 1500 miles east of the Chatham Islands.

5Defence Minister Frank O'Flynn has confirmed that he will retire from Parliament at the next election.

6The closest pictures ever taken of Halley's Comet will be seen live on television around the world tomorrow.

7The growing revolt over the Government's farming policies came to a head in several centres today. There have been vociferous calls for the end of Rogernomics and the sacking of Finance Minister Roger Douglas. However, the meetings have also been organised to pressure Federated Farmers to take a more aggressive stance against the Government on behalf of the organisation's members.

8There appears to be a growing mood of rebellion within the National Party caucus over free market economics. Over the past few days, four National Party MPs have made public statements rejecting hardline free market policies. How much support do they have within the party?