1A state of emergency is in force throughout Taranaki tonight as torrential rain causes havoc across the region. Rivers have burst their banks, roadways and farmland has been flooded and telecommunications disrupted. New Plymouth suffered flooding but the town of Oakura was worst hit with families having to be evacuated.

2British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's leadership is under mounting pressure as public outrage grows over her poll tax. Rumours of a challenge from within the Conservative Party sent the British pound tumbling and pushed the Party's popularity to new lows.

3South African police have arrested dozens of Blacks in a crackdown against widespread political violence in the townships. In the past month, hundreds of people have been killed in clashes between rival Black groups.

4Leaders from East and West Germany have met for the first formal talks on uniting Germany as one country.

5Internationally renowned botanist David Bellamy is currently visiting Otago, and has been met by local Maori concerned at the pollution of the Otago Peninsular and harbour.

6A state of emergency is in force throughout Taranaki tonight as torrential rain causes havoc across the region. Rivers have burst their banks, roadways and farmland has been flooded and telecommunications disrupted. New Plymouth suffered flooding but the town of Oakura was worst hit with families having to be evacuated.

7When a three year old Christchurch boy spent his pocket money on a painting in a secondhand shop, he had no idea it was a Cedric Savage water colour worth $3000.

8The 26th National Music Awards are being held tonight amid claims that apathetic radio stations and the public have failed New Zealand's musicians.