1A devastating earthquake has struck San Francisco. Latest reports estimate the death toll is around 250, with many killed when the top span of a double-decker highway collapsed during rush hour. The latest news and images from the region, where the magnitude of the disaster is only beginning to be realised.

2National 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. Excerpts from his speech and a studio interview with Peters.

3After 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. Although the ports look set to reopen, the three weeks of inaction has caused financial and emotional stress to a huge number of businesses and individuals.

4New Zealand appears set to abandon plans to impose more sanctions against South Africa, following the Commonwealth 's lead.

5After frenetic trading on the sharemarket in the past two days, the New Zealand market settled down again today.

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.