1A massive power cut blacked out the top half of the North Island for almost two hours last night after a circuit breaker exploded at the Whakamaru sub-station.

2Maori Affairs Minister Koro Wetere refused to discuss his future today after meeting with Prime Minister David Lange last night to explain his role in the Maori loans affair.

3The giant Maori war canoe (waka taua) Ngā Toki Matawhaorua arrived in Whangaroa today, after travelling by sea from Waitangi.

4Three survivors have been rescued after a commercial aircraft with 19 people aboard crashed into the sea off the coast of Papua New Guinea.

5The huge dispute in the United Kingdom between two print unions and media mogul Rupert Murdoch has finally ended.

6The funeral of flamboyant musician Liberace has been delayed by the Palm Springs County Coroner, who wants to know for certain whether of not Liberace had acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), or any other contagious disease.

7Around 7000 United States Government offices have imposed tough new anti-smoking measures, prohibiting smoking except in designated smoking areas. Many private employers are considering following suit.

8A United States Air Force Hercules may soon be flown back to Christchurch, after having been buried in snow in Antarctica for the last fifteen years.

9The Henare Trust says the Government's axing of the Contract Work Scheme is an extreme reaction to allegations of abuse.