1Former Police MInister Ben Couch has succeeded in his first bid to make a political comeback, having been selected as the National Party candidate for West Auckland for the upcoming general election.

2Brierley Investments Limited (BIL) have just announced that they have gained a 30% holding in their rival Rainbow Corporation. They are now Rainbow Corporation's biggest shareholder.

3The stricken ferry Herald of Free Enterprise has been refloated and returned to the Belgian port of Zeebrugge, 52 days after the sinking that cost the lives of nearly 200 people. The ferry's owners, Townsend Torresen, have come under attack as the British Government opened its inquiry into the disaster.

4Northern Ireland Secretary Tom King is considering new security changes in the wake of a new wave of Irish Republican Army (IRA) violence.

5South African police turned out in force today to quell rioting students at the University of Cape Town.

6The New Zealand Dairy Board is moving quickly to find out whether its trade with Britain will be affected by the Government's anti nuclear policy, following comments made by British Foreign Secretary Sir Geoffrey Howe.

7Health Minister Dr Michael Bassett has told the Department of Health to investigate claims that inadequate medical treatment at Whakatane Hospital caused a man's death, following allegations on Eyewitness last night.

8Brierley Investments Limited (BIL) have just announced that they have gained a 30% holding in their rival Rainbow Corporation. They are now Rainbow Corporation's biggest shareholder. Interview with BIL Chairman Ron Brierley.

9Interview with Maori activist Titewhai Harawira, who says aid from Libya would be accepted by activist groups if it helps the standing and cause of Maori in New Zealand.

10The new Labour-led Coalition Government in Fiji is heading for more difficulties once Parliament opens as any new legislation is likely to be blocked by the Fijian Senate. Could this eventually bring the new Government down?

11The New Zealand Railways Corporation (NZRC) has slashed some long-standing passenger services in an attempt to be competitive. Overnight services between Auckland and Wellington will no longer offer sleeping or buffet cars. The Northerner will also cut out several stations along the North Island main trunk line. Consequently, a growing list of jobs are being lost in the railway industry.

12Worldwatch For the first time, a head of State has been placed on the United States Immigration Watchlist. Austria's President Kurt Waldheim will be turned away from American borders if he tries to enter the country privately, because of his past as a World War Two German army officer.

13Worldwatch The British Government plans to take legal action against three newspapers, which today published a number of serious allegations about the British Secret Service organisation MI5.

14Worldwatch Australian trade officials are concerned that a satirical television sketch might have damaging effects on the country's $185 million wheat exports to Iran.

15Worldwatch Five sailing ships have left London to re-enact the early voyages of convicts to Australia, for the Australian bicentenary. The ships are carrying tourists.

16Worldwatch The long-awaited trial of New York's so-called subway vigilante, Bernard Goetz began in a crowded Manhattan courtroom today. In 1984, Goetz shot and wounded four young men who were allegedly trying to mug him on a train.

17Worldwatch Television evangelist Jim Baker is trying to make a comeback to his Praise the Lord (PTL) Ministry, despite facing numerous charges of sexual misconduct. He is threatening a 'holy war' if he is not allowed back.

18Worldwatch Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov has given a rare interview, in which he spoke out about the new, more liberal leadership in the Soviet Union.