1Inflation has fallen sharply, with the latest cost of living figures lower than many experts predicted. The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) figure is 2.3%. However it is unclear what effect this will have on mortgages and overdrafts.

2There was a full scale emergency at Palmerston North Airport this afternoon when a commuter plane with thirteen people on board made a crash landing after losing a wheel. The pilot made a copybook landing and no one was hurt.

3United States reaction to the Fijian election result has been contained to a short, diplomatically worded statement expressing hope that its relationship with the new Government will be "constructive and friendly".

4United States Secretary of State George Shultz has ended his first day of meetings with Soviet Foreign Minister Eduard Shevardnadze on a positive note.

5The German Environment Ministry says monitoring equipment recorded a sharp rise in airborne radioactivity last month. Similar readings were recorded in Finland, Sweden, Switzerland and Austria, leading scientists to believe that there may have been another nuclear accident inside the Soviet Union.

6People moving to the north in search of employment are causing a massive housing crisis in Auckland. There are now around 15,000 people in South Auckland with nowhere to live. In response, an Invercargill housing developer is promising Aucklanders cheap homes and the hope of better job prospects in the south. However, critics say that will just shift some of Auckland's unemployment burden down south.

7Former Colorado Senator Gary Hart has formally entered the race for the Democratic Party's 1988 Presidential nomination.

8Oil companies are rushing to boost sales before the industry is deregulated. In their efforts to woo customers, some claim their petrol will improve a car's performance, while other are offering competitions and free giveaways.

9The Auckland Electric Power Board (AEPB) hopes to provide the first major competition for the new Electricity Corporation (Electricorp).

10South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu says Christians can not obey new Government regulations restricting protests, as they would be dishonouring God.

11John HInckley, the man who shot and wounded United States President Ronald Reagan, was in court again today, this time requesting a 12-hour pass from a mental hospital so he can visit his parents at Easter. However, some of his letters disprove his lawyers' arguments that he is a changed man.

12New Zealand's first passenger airship was prepared for its maiden voyage today. It will be seen at sports events around the country. However, today's launch was somewhat disappointing.

13There was a full scale emergency at Palmerston North Airport this afternoon when a commuter plane with thirteen people on board made a crash landing after losing a wheel. The pilot made a copybook landing and no one was hurt.