1Opposition leader Jim Bolger has today sacked his rebel Tauranga MP Winston Peters from his front bench, following Peters' criticisms of the Party leadership yesterday. However, Peters remains unrepentant.

2San Francisco continues to clean-up after the earthquake. The death toll is now 273. Attention is now shifting to how the damage was minimised and fatalities fewer than expected, because of the city's disaster-preparedness and strict building codes.

3Reports are coming in of three earthquakes in northern China. Authorities say 14 people are confirmed dead, and 6000 homes have been flattened.

4Experts warn that a New Zealand is not prepared for a major earthquake. Teams are flying out to San Francisco tonight to get some first-hand experience and advice.

5All of New Zealand's container ports are expected to be back in action by the weekend. Workers in Wellington returned to work this afternoon.

6Hardline East German leader Erich Honecker has resigned after 18 years in power, in the face of mounting pressure for reform. He has been replaced by Egon Krenz.

7Seven former directors of the collapsed Rada Corporation have appeared in the Auckland District Court charged with offences under the Companies and Securities Act.