1Coal miners walked off the job today in protest at the Government's decision to tamper with the voluntary severance pay agreement for the industry.

2Fire fighters south of Taupo have begun limited industrial action today over their pay claim.

3Watersiders at every port in New Zealand walked off the job this morning, and do not intend to return for five days, following a break down in pay talks.

4Police have established a confidential telephone line, in an effort to solve the Ruatoria arson mystery. It is hoped locals will feel more confident to assist the police without fear of retribution from the arsonist.

5Dairy farmers on the Rangitaiki Plains are worried about the future production capacity of their land, following damage to the plains' drainage system in the Bay of Plenty earthquake.

6The Government has become a subscriber to the national news service New Zealand Press Association (NZPA), allowing it to find out what New Zealand newspapers will publish hours before they go to press. Have they scored an unfair advantage that they can use manipulatively?

7Auckland remains the most expensive place in New Zealand to buy a house, while Oamaru and Greymouth are the cheapest.

8The Government is considering a combination of incentives and penalties to make the fishing industry sell more of its catch locally, rather than overseas. However, although this may ease current fish shortages, it is likely to lead to a reduction in cost for consumers.

9Following the announcement of this year's United Kingdom Budget, speculation is mounting that British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher may call an early election.

10Kiribati is currently in the midst of an election to form a new Government to rule for the next four years.