1International credit rating agency Standard and Poors has launched a stinging attack on the Government in the wake of the collapse of the Development Finance Company (DFC).

2The Seamen's Union is being punished for disobeying a Labour Court injunction to return to work on the Interislander ferries., with a fine of $50,000.

3The skinhead who murdered a street cleaner in Cathedral Square last week before killing himself, has been laid to rest amid controversy and anger. Neo-Nazi swastikas flew, and permission to grant prison leave to two of his friends was revoked after protests from the victim's family and Opposition MP John Banks.

4The latest gambling craze, Instant Kiwi has been a huge instant success despite high unemployment and pockets of doom and gloom across society. However, there are now calls for the Government to protect the vulnerable against problem gambling.

5With the increasing popularity of Lotto and Instant Kiwi, betting revenue has dropped significantly and many racing clubs have been forced to tighten their belts.

6East Germany is cracking down on dissidents and toughening its stance on the mass exodus to the West, issuing a veiled warning to its opponents by referencing the Tiananmen Square Massacre in China.

7There is outrage in China over the decision to award the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize to the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.

8Two days after a failed coup attempt against him, Panama's dictator General Noriega is cracking down on his enemies in the military as well as his civilian political opponents.

9Disgraced American preacher Jim Bakker is facing a life sentence plus a massive fine after being convicted of defrauding his flock.

10Rumours of secret payments to rugby players have come under the spotlight, with Northern Hemisphere rugby officials investigating the issue.

11A battle is under way to save the life of an orphaned baby Pilot Whale in Western Australia.