1Prime Minister David Lange has sent out confusing signals on the frigate issue. Having earlier made it clear that New Zealand will be buying frigates from Australia, he later appeared less adamant that the deal would go ahead. Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke has denied using economic relations as a lever to force New Zealand into the frigate deal.

2The Closer Economic Relations Agreement (CER) between New Zealand and Australia may take longer than expected to be fully implemented.

3A group of Democratic Party members have barricaded themselves into a Select Committee room at Parliament this evening, calling for a referendum on proportional representation.

4The jury in the Otara machete murder trial are still deliberating.

5The murder trial of sixteen year old Simon Christopher Webb has heard how he allegedly plotted to kill his mother and brother in order to get his hands on his inheritance.

6A day of frenzied political negotiations in Israel has resulted in the right wing Likud Party striking a deal with religious groups holding the balance of power. However, many Israelis are concerned at the power the conservative religious groups will have in the Israeli Government.

7Although Republican candidate George Bush leads Democratic candidate Michael Dukakis in the United States Presidential election, Dukakis is campaigning with increased urgency and passion.

8Unions, employers and politicians are all praising the Rubber Workers' wage agreement, which has them involved in a profit-sharing deal at the Firestone tyre factory.

9Pay talks between the Dairy Workers' Union and dairy employers have broken down, despite three days of lengthy negotiations.

10The hold up of a security van outside a North Shore hotel last weekend was New Zealand's largest cash robbery.

11Rock musician Mick Jagger has slipped quietly into Auckland today ahead of his one New Zealand concert.

12Marriage guidance centres around New Zealand have reported a 40% rise in couples needing counselling.

13A breakaway group of Maori broadcasters has revealed plans for a new commercial radio venture as they do not believe the Government-backed Aotearoa Radio to be viable.

14Nepalese Gurkhas are waiting to find out what the future will hold for them once they are no longer required to police Hong Kong when it is returned to China in 1997.

15Pure Alpine water from the Mount Cook region is being hailed as a natural elixir.