1Auckland Hospital Board (AHB) Chairman Sir Frank Rutter denied today that he has been driven from office by scandals or politics. Today he announced his resignation as Chairman after five terms.

2The collapse of a power pylon north-west of Christchurch caused power failure for much of the North Island this morning.

3Yesterday's riot in Addington Prison has backfired on the inmates who started it. Prison authorities have responded by tightening up access procedures for visitors to the prison.

4Two British passengers on board the Greek cruise liner which sank near the port of Piraeus remain unaccounted for and are presumed dead.

5A North Canterbury man was airlifted from the sea by a Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) helicopter today after he spent more than an hour drifting on a surf ski.

6Around fifty peace demonstrators have converged on Christchurch Airport to protest about the United States military base there. Seven people were arrested for trespassing.

7Traffic officials say they are impressed at the reduced number of drink driving offences this Labour Weekend, however the holiday weekend road toll stands at seven.

8A Heylen poll prepared for tonight's edition of Frontline has revealed that nearly 75% of people oppose the Government's plan to buy four new frigates for the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) and would prefer the $2 billion to be spent elsewhere.

9Around 250 pilots who fought in the Pacific War during World War Two reunited in Auckland today, and members of the New Zealand Army's 31B Battery entered their 125th birthday celebrations today.