1The New Zealand Party has announced that it will merge with the National Party. Jim Bolger has replaced Jim McLay as leader of the National Party, following a snap vote at today's National Party caucus. A look back at Jim Bolger's sixteen-month leadership of the National Party. A profile of Jim Bolger - who is he and where does he come from? Studio interview with Jim Bolger. What are his plans for the National Party's future under his leadership? Studio interview with dumped National Party leader Jim McLay. Studio interview with Sir Robert Muldoon, who has been a long-time advocate for a leadership change. Plus, reaction from Prime Minister David Lange and former New Zealand Party leader Bob Jones.

2Many items will be cheaper next week, as the Government prepares for the introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) with a reduction of wholesale tax on most consumer goods.

3American war planes have now sunk four Libyan patrol boats in the Gulf of Sidra and have launched another missile attack against a radar station on the Libyan mainland. Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi has threatened to attack American military bases across the Mediterranean and has is inciting Arab hatred towards Americans.

4The United States has come to the aid of its ally Honduras, after Nicaraguan troops invaded Honduras in search of Contra rebels.

5At least thirteen people have died during a night of bloody rioting in South Africa's Black townships.

6There are indications tonight that the shipment of live sheep tom Mexico on board the Merino Express will be suspended. Minister of Agriculture Colin Moyle says the death toll on the second shipment was too high.

7The Government is working to establish a party to study the financial crisis affecting farmers and find a solution to debt-servicing problems in the rural sector. Thousands of Waikato farmers marched through central Hamilton today, demanding lower interest rates and a Government show of confidence in the rural economy.