1A large region of Auckland is facing quarantine after three male Pacific Fruit Flies were found in a garden in Otahuhu. A desperate search is now underway by the Ministry of Agriculture (MAF) for more flies, especially any females. If any are found, a full-scale emergency will be declared.

2Meteorologists have admitted they failed to recognise in advance the seriousness of the storm that hit Taranaki this week causing widespread flooding and damage. Federated Farmers says such an admission makes a powerful argument for Government flood relief in Taranaki.

3Independent Newspapers Limited (INL) has given striking workers an ultimatum. If all journalists do not return to work tomorrow, the company will close the Auckland Star. However support for the striking workers is growing throughout the country as more and more journalists walk off the job in solidarity.

4Britain has responded angrily to the hanging of Farzad Bazoft, a British-based Iranian-born journalist, in Baghdad after being convicted on charges of having spied for Israel and Britain.

5Libya has accused West Germany of the fire at its controversial Rabta chemicals factory.

6Former Philippines First Lady Imelda Marcos has arrived in New York to face charges of fraud and embezzlement.

7Exceptions have been made in the World Frog Jumping Contest to allow larger meat-eating species to participate under special conditions.

8Baby Jessica, who was abandoned in an Otara park seven weeks ago as a newborn, may soon have a permanent home.

9The Greenpeace ship Gondwana arrived back in New Zealand today from the Antarctic, where it has chased whaling boats and raiding fishing vessels.

10A message has been found in a bottle on Foxton Beach, pleading for help. However it was dated 26 years ago. Police do not know whether it was genuine or a hoax.

11Author Alex Haley is inspiring young New Zealanders through a series of public talks.