1A devastating earthquake has struck San Francisco. Latest reports estimate the death toll is around 60, with many killed when the top span of a double-decker highway collapsed during rush hour. The tremors were felt in New Zealand, but experts say there was never any significant danger to New Zealand. However, today serves as a timely reminder that New Zealanders should not be complacent about future earthquake danger.

2After three weeks of stalemate, employers and watersiders have reached an agreement to get freight moving through New Zealand's ports again, but they still need the approval of harbour workers.

3National MP Winston Peters warns that the National Party's MPs need to demonstrate better political leadership if they want to prove to voters they could be an effective government after the next election. However, he denies the criticism is an attack on Opposition leader Jim Bolger.

4Although they have yet to finalise their law and order policy, the National Party is advocating giving young offenders a choice between prison and a short sharp stint in military training.

5The discovery of poisonous Black Widow spiders in a shipment of California grapes has demonstrated a loophole in New Zealand's biosecurity practices.

6The Guildford Four are to be set free after 15 years in a British prison. A special Appeals Court will order their convictions quashed after new evidence concerning their alibis and the way confessions were obtained by the police. Charges may be brought against officers involved in the case, and a claim will be initiated for compensation.

7New Zealand appears set to abandon plans to impose more sanctions against South Africa, following the Commonwealth 's lead.

8After frenetic trading on the sharemarket in the past two days, the New Zealand market settled down again today.

9Television New Zealand (TVNZ) announced today that the local drama Gloss will end in January.